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Tesco

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FY2014 Annual Report · Tesco
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Tesco PLC 
Annual Report and  
Financial Statements 2014

Contents

Strategic report

IFC  Tesco at a glance
IFC  Highlights 
01  Chairman’s statement
03  Report from the Chief Executive
08  Market overview
10  Business model
12  Financial review
16  Key performance indicators
19  Other statutory disclosures
20  Principal risks and uncertainties

Corporate governance

26  Board of Directors
28  Executive Committee
30  Corporate governance report
41  Directors’ remuneration report
62  Directors’ report

Financial statements

64  Statement of Directors’ responsibilities
65 

 Independent auditors’ report to the members  
of Tesco PLC

69  Group income statement
70  Group statement of comprehensive income
71  Group balance sheet
72  Group statement of changes in equity
73  Group cash flow statement
73 

 Reconciliation of net cash flow to movement  
in net debt note

74  Notes to the Group financial statements
122  Tesco PLC – Parent Company balance sheet
123   Notes to the Parent Company financial statements
131   Independent auditors’ report to the members of 
Tesco PLC (Parent Company financial statements)

Other information

132  Supplementary information (unaudited)
143  Financial calendar
143  Glossary
144  Five-year record

There’s a lot more content online

Go online to find out more about 
our performance, hear from our 
leadership team and explore our 
business in more detail. 

You’ll find PDF and Excel downloads 
of our financial statements too. 
Visit www.tescoplc.com/ar2014

Tesco PLC 
Tesco House 
Delamare Road 
Cheshunt 
Hertfordshire EN8 9SL

www.tescoplc.com/ar2014 

BACK COVERFRONT COVEROUTSIDE FLAP 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Contents

Strategic report

IFC  Tesco at a glance
IFC  Highlights 
01  Chairman’s statement
03  Report from the Chief Executive
08  Market overview
10  Business model
12  Financial review
16  Key performance indicators
19  Other statutory disclosures
20  Principal risks and uncertainties

Corporate governance

26  Board of Directors
28  Executive Committee
30  Corporate governance report
41  Directors’ remuneration report
62  Directors’ report

Financial statements

64  Statement of Directors’ responsibilities
65 

 Independent auditors’ report to the members  
of Tesco PLC

69  Group income statement
70  Group statement of comprehensive income
71  Group balance sheet
72  Group statement of changes in equity
73  Group cash flow statement
73 

 Reconciliation of net cash flow to movement  
in net debt note

74  Notes to the Group financial statements
122  Tesco PLC – Parent Company balance sheet
123   Notes to the Parent Company financial statements
131   Independent auditors’ report to the members of 
Tesco PLC (Parent Company financial statements)

Other information

132  Supplementary information (unaudited)
143  Financial calendar
143  Glossary
144  Five-year record

There’s a lot more content online

Go online to find out more about 
our performance, hear from our 
leadership team and explore our 
business in more detail. 

You’ll find PDF and Excel downloads 
of our financial statements too. 
Visit www.tescoplc.com/ar2014

INSIDE FLAP

INSIDE FRONT COVER

Tesco at a glance*

Chairman’s statement

UK

Asia

£43.6bn

Revenue±

£2,191m

Trading profit

£10.3bn

Revenue±

£692m

Trading profit

Europe

£9.3bn

Revenue±

£238m

Trading profit

Tesco Bank

£1.0bn

Revenue±

£194m

Trading profit

0.0%

Revenue growth±

(3.6)%

Trading profit growth

+2.6%

Revenue growth±

(5.6)%

Trading profit growth

(0.6)%

Revenue growth±

(27.7)%

Trading profit growth

(1.8)%

Revenue growth±

+1.6%

Trading profit growth

68%

66%

16%

21%

14%

7%

2%

6%

313,923

colleagues◊

1st
 market position

96,085

colleagues◊

1st or 2nd

in three markets

91,788

colleagues◊

1st or 2nd

 in five markets

3,748

colleagues◊

3,378

stores

16m
  loyalty scheme 
members

2,417

stores

14m
  loyalty scheme 
members

1,510

 stores

8m

loyalty scheme 
members

7m

customer accounts

£6bn

savings deposits

86%

of product sales  
are online

•	 Strengthened the foundations of the  

•	Regulatory restrictions on opening 

business, in a weakening grocery market

•	Launched Price Promise, relaunched 
finest* range and completed around  
300 store refreshes

•	 Tailored the ranges in our Express stores 

to local catchments and trialled the 
ingredients to make our destination 
stores worth the trip

•	 Large stores and general merchandise 
transformation weighed on top-line 
performance

•	 Extended Click & Collect to 1,750 general 
merchandise and 260 grocery locations, 
helping to build our multichannel offer
•	 Now accelerating plans to deliver the 

most compelling offer for customers with 
sharper prices, improved quality, stronger 
ranges and better service, in addition to 
accelerating growth in new channels

hours in South Korea, combined with 
political disruption in Thailand, held 
back overall performance in Asia

•	Continued with refresh programme and 
store opening programme focused on 
Thailand and South Korea. Plan to open 
1.2 million square feet in Asia in 
2014/15, whilst continuing to grow our 
convenience and grocery home 
shopping operations

•	Forming a partnership with China 

Resources Enterprise Ltd. giving Tesco  
a 20% ownership stake in the largest 
food retail business in China

•	Entered into an agreement with Trent 

Limited, part of the Tata Group, to form 
a 50:50 joint venture with Trent 
Hypermarket Limited which operates 
the Star Bazaar retail business in India

•	Trading profit reflects challenging 
conditions, particularly for large  
stores, and decision to invest in a more 
compelling offer for customers across 
the region

•	Significantly reduced new store 

openings and any future investment will 
be focused on convenience and grocery 
home shopping

•	Completed roll-out of grocery home 

shopping to all international operations, 
with the exception of India

•	Invested in the customer offer across 
the region, with improved trading 
through the second half of the year

•	 In Ireland launched Price Promise, helping 
to drive improved customer trust in prices. 
Worked to emphasise the breadth of our 
offer and points of differentiation

•	Trading profit grew by 19% excluding 
income from the legacy insurance 
distribution agreement and fair  
value release

•	Good growth in core banking products 
with customer accounts for credit cards, 
loans, mortgages and savings up 14%
•	Despite challenging market conditions 

for our insurance business, strong 
growth in Home Insurance following  
its relaunch

•	In its first full year, our mortgage 

product has made good progress with 
balances reaching £0.7 billion

•	On track to launch current accounts in 
the first half of 2014/15, designed to 
strengthen loyalty and engagement as 
part of our multichannel offer

Highlights

We are a team of over  
500,000 people in 12 markets 
dedicated to providing the  
most compelling offer to  
our customers. With retail 
operations in the UK, Asia and 
Europe, we strive to bring the 
best value, choice and service to 
millions of customers each week.

Group sales

£70.9bn

Group sales growth

+0.3%

Group profit before tax

£2.3bn

Underlying profit before tax**

(6.9)%

Underlying diluted earnings per share**†

(7.3)%

Full-year dividend

14.76p

* 

 All figures reported on a continuing operations  
basis, excluding China and the United States  
which have been treated as discontinued.
±  Excludes the accounting impact of IFRIC 13.
◊  Based on the number of colleagues at year end.
**   These figures reflect a year-on-year movement.  
See glossary on page 143 for full accounting 
definitions.
 Calculated on a constant tax rate basis; (5.0)% at 
actual tax rates.

† 

Our strategic priorities

Our strategy has been developed to  
drive sustainable growth through  
three priorities:

1.  Continuing to invest in  
a strong UK business

2.  Establishing multichannel 

leadership in all of  
our markets

3.  Pursuing disciplined  
international growth

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The future: strategic 
developments in retail
The backdrop of technology-driven change 
in the retail sector becomes a more insistent 
drumbeat every day. Boundaries between 
the online and offline world are becoming 
blurred. The challenge, and opportunity,  
for retailers is not just to have (and be able 
to operate across) multiple channels. It is  
to meet the rapid changes in consumer 
behaviour that we are seeing as technology 
opens up new horizons for them. The capacity 
for consumers to communicate instantly with 
each other, with us and with other retailers  
is driving completely different expectations 
for service levels, choice, convenience, 
indeed the whole shopping experience.  
A level of customisation and personalisation, 
unthinkable a decade ago is becoming  
the norm. 

Consequently, being a leading retailer  
today is not a guarantee of value creation 
tomorrow. We need to ensure that we are 
tomorrow’s leading retailer. We had already 
set ourselves on the path to becoming a 
leading multichannel retailer to meet this 
challenge. The accelerating evolution of 
customer behaviours reinforces us in this 
choice of direction and has led us in the  
past year progressively to intensify our actions 
to deliver this end. This includes not only 
ensuring a more seamless service for 
customers but also a business which matches 
more closely what they want, for example by 
making our larger stores more compelling 
destinations in their own right as well as 
ensuring we offer more convenience stores.

Strategic change requires investment.  
Our task is to allocate resources to compete 
effectively in today’s market while giving 
priority to ensuring that we emerge as 
winners in the coming multichannel, 
customer-centric market. Your Board is 
extremely focused on the need to manage 
this balance between current and future 
returns with great care, optimising both 
without imperilling either. The business  
is taking decisive steps to free up capital 
and operational resources, but for the  
time being the imperative of securing the 
longer-term future means that our current 
financial performance remains constrained.

Other business priorities
In my foreword last year, I said:

“ Our strategic choices are defined by  
three parameters: the strength of the 
Designed and produced by 
Tesco brand; the internet and all the 
Addison Group
associated developments it is driving;  
and the potential to leverage our skill  
www.addison-group.net
and scale internationally…”

This Report is printed on Revive 100  
I have remarked on the fundamental 
Pure White Silk paper and has been 
re-orientation of the business to meet 
independently certified on behalf of  
the changes being driven by the internet. 
the Forest Stewardship Council® (FSC).  
Let me say a word about brand; and about 
The inks used are all vegetable oil based.
how we view our international businesses.

Sir Richard Broadbent
Chairman

“ Being a leading retailer 

today is not a guarantee of 
value creation tomorrow. 
We need to ensure that  
we are tomorrow’s  
leading retailer.”

Visit www.tescoplc.com/ar2014  
to hear more from Sir Richard Broadbent 
and other members of the leadership team

Continuity and change 
This has been an important year for Tesco. 
There has been a great deal to occupy us in 
relation to current trading as weak markets 
and intense competition persist. At the 
same time, we continue to reshape the 
business to address the fundamental 
changes taking place in the retail market. 

The challenging trading conditions of  
the past year have impacted profits and 
necessarily remain a focus of management 
attention. We continue to devote a lot of 
energy and creativity to creating products 
and services which customers want to  
buy at prices they find attractive, through 
whichever channel they choose and  
which leave them wanting to visit us again. 
We have continued to focus on improving 
the experience for customers with 
continued investment in colleagues,  
a big programme of store refurbishment, 
significant investment in quality and a 
renewal of product ranges, including  
the entire finest* range, and a continued 
emphasis on Building a Better Tesco in  
the widest sense of the term.

More broadly, however, it has been a  
year when your company has moved  
from addressing existing business issues  
to driving our strategy for future growth  
and value. There is never a year in which a 
business focuses solely on one or the other. 
But it is fair to say that at some point in the 
past year the balance of where our energies 
and resources are focused tipped from 
addressing past issues to investing in the 
future. We remain focused on the present 
but we are starting to quicken our pace into 
the future.

Tesco PLC Annual Report and Financial Statements 2014 

01

 
 
 
 
Chairman’s statement

The future: strategic 
developments in retail
The backdrop of technology-driven change 
in the retail sector becomes a more insistent 
drumbeat every day. Boundaries between 
the online and offline world are becoming 
blurred. The challenge, and opportunity,  
for retailers is not just to have (and be able 
to operate across) multiple channels. It is  
to meet the rapid changes in consumer 
behaviour that we are seeing as technology 
opens up new horizons for them. The capacity 
for consumers to communicate instantly with 
each other, with us and with other retailers  
is driving completely different expectations 
for service levels, choice, convenience, 
indeed the whole shopping experience.  
A level of customisation and personalisation, 
unthinkable a decade ago is becoming  
the norm. 

Consequently, being a leading retailer  
today is not a guarantee of value creation 
tomorrow. We need to ensure that we are 
tomorrow’s leading retailer. We had already 
set ourselves on the path to becoming a 
leading multichannel retailer to meet this 
challenge. The accelerating evolution of 
customer behaviours reinforces us in this 
choice of direction and has led us in the  
past year progressively to intensify our actions 
to deliver this end. This includes not only 
ensuring a more seamless service for 
customers but also a business which matches 
more closely what they want, for example by 
making our larger stores more compelling 
destinations in their own right as well as 
ensuring we offer more convenience stores.

Strategic change requires investment.  
Our task is to allocate resources to compete 
effectively in today’s market while giving 
priority to ensuring that we emerge as 
winners in the coming multichannel, 
customer-centric market. Your Board is 
extremely focused on the need to manage 
this balance between current and future 
returns with great care, optimising both 
without imperilling either. The business  
is taking decisive steps to free up capital 
and operational resources, but for the  
time being the imperative of securing the 
longer-term future means that our current 
financial performance remains constrained.

Other business priorities
In my foreword last year, I said:

“ Our strategic choices are defined by  
three parameters: the strength of the 
Tesco brand; the internet and all the 
associated developments it is driving;  
and the potential to leverage our skill  
and scale internationally…”

I have remarked on the fundamental 
re-orientation of the business to meet 
the changes being driven by the internet. 
Let me say a word about brand; and about 
how we view our international businesses.

Sir Richard Broadbent
Chairman

“ Being a leading retailer 

today is not a guarantee of 
value creation tomorrow. 
We need to ensure that  
we are tomorrow’s  
leading retailer.”

Visit www.tescoplc.com/ar2014  
to hear more from Sir Richard Broadbent 
and other members of the leadership team

Continuity and change 
This has been an important year for Tesco. 
There has been a great deal to occupy us in 
relation to current trading as weak markets 
and intense competition persist. At the 
same time, we continue to reshape the 
business to address the fundamental 
changes taking place in the retail market. 

The challenging trading conditions of  
the past year have impacted profits and 
necessarily remain a focus of management 
attention. We continue to devote a lot of 
energy and creativity to creating products 
and services which customers want to  
buy at prices they find attractive, through 
whichever channel they choose and  
which leave them wanting to visit us again. 
We have continued to focus on improving 
the experience for customers with 
continued investment in colleagues,  
a big programme of store refurbishment, 
significant investment in quality and a 
renewal of product ranges, including  
the entire finest* range, and a continued 
emphasis on Building a Better Tesco in  
the widest sense of the term.

More broadly, however, it has been a  
year when your company has moved  
from addressing existing business issues  
to driving our strategy for future growth  
and value. There is never a year in which a 
business focuses solely on one or the other. 
But it is fair to say that at some point in the 
past year the balance of where our energies 
and resources are focused tipped from 
addressing past issues to investing in the 
future. We remain focused on the present 
but we are starting to quicken our pace into 
the future.

Tesco PLC Annual Report and Financial Statements 2014 

01

Other informationGovernanceFinancial statementsStrategic report 
Chairman’s statement continued

“ The future is a retail world 
where retailers will need  
to operate across multiple 
channels while meeting 
wholly different customer 
expectations for service 
levels, choice, convenience 
and overall experience.”

The Tesco brand
Re-building the Tesco brand to become 
synonymous again with value, choice and 
quality, to be seen again as unerringly on 
the customers’ side, is central to our future. 
In the multichannel world we are moving 
into, what you are known for will be  
as important as the channels through  
which you sell. We have and will continue 
therefore the patient work to strengthen 
trust in our brand. This is not without its 
cost but we believe it is as important an 
investment as any other part of our strategy.

Values are central to any brand and last  
year we took the major step of introducing 
a new Value: we use our scale for good.  
This is evidently a long-term project but  
the year has seen the first steps taken to 
embed this sentiment as a touchstone  
of the business. These are reported in  
more detail in our separate update of 
“Tesco and Society” which is being 
published alongside this report.

International 
Our priority is to deliver value to our 
shareholders. The last two years or so have 
seen us address tough decisions in relation 
to the international business. That said, we 
continue to see opportunity to create value 
internationally by leveraging our skills and 
scale in relatively rapidly growing economies 
with less developed modern retail sectors 
where the rate of economic growth coupled 
with switching to modern retail outlets can 
generate attractive returns. 

Such opportunities need to be taken with 
focus, flexibility and care. The completion  
in the past year of our exit from the US 
underpins the importance of piloting new 
ventures; of being open to partnership 
especially in new markets; to selecting 
rigorously those markets that meet 
tightly-drawn criteria for investment; and  
to ensure close management and control 
of the investments. Many of our choices 
this year, to enter partnerships in China and 
India or to invest modestly in an internet 
start-up in South East Asia, reflect this 
philosophy of establishing a position of 
opportunity and testing returns against our 
criteria as a basis for building long-term, 
value-enhancing positions.

Governance
In common with other public companies, 
we are meeting this year new standards  
of disclosure. Our Remuneration Policy  
is set out on pages 41 to 61 for 
shareholders to consider. Our accounts  
as a whole have been considered by the 
Board in the light of the new test to be  
“fair, balanced and understandable.”  
We have taken seriously the spirit as  
well as the letter of the new Regulations,  
which are seeking to build trust between 
the corporate sector and society generally 

through levels of transparency and 
disclosure which are undoubtedly now 
world-leading.

We were pleased to welcome Mark Armour 
to the Board in September last year and the 
expertise, rooted in a long business career, 
that he brings to our discussions. 

We announced on 4 April that Laurie 
McIlwee had resigned from his position  
as Chief Financial Officer. I would like to 
thank Laurie for his contribution to Tesco 
over the last 14 years. Together with Philip 
and the wider team, Laurie has played an 
important role in our process to transform 
Tesco and position it to be a winner in the 
new era of retailing. I and the Board wish 
him every success for the future.

Financial results
Our task is to deliver value to our shareholders 
and we hold this goal in mind in all our 
deliberations. The trade-offs at the present 
time are not straightforward and we 
continually track the balance between future 
value and current return, seeking to ensure  
an optimum balance between the two in the 
context of the rapid changes which the retail 
sector is experiencing. This is reflected in a 
number of one-off write-offs associated with 
significant business or market developments 
and in our results generally which have  
again been held back by the factors I have 
described. Revenues from continuing 
operations were broadly flat and underlying 
profit fell by (6.9)%. We understand the 
importance of the dividend to our 
shareholders and our confidence in the 
strategic choices we are making is reflected  
in an unchanged dividend.

Conclusion 
In pursuing our goals, the most important 
resource we have is our colleagues who are 
the ones who work unfailingly to anticipate 
and meet the needs of customers, and I 
and the whole Board are grateful to each 
and every one of them for all that they do.

The future is a retail world where retailers 
will need to operate across multiple 
channels while meeting wholly different 
customer expectations for service levels, 
choice, convenience and overall experience. 
You may be assured that we will compete 
hard in the current market but the bigger 
prize we seek on your behalf is to utilise  
the unique assets and resources of Tesco  
to ensure we emerge as leaders in the 
future world of retailing.

Sir Richard Broadbent
Chairman

02 

Tesco PLC Annual Report and Financial Statements 2014 

Report from the Chief Executive

experiencing and we have focused our 
resources on building on these strengths.

Two years ago, I also outlined plans to  
deal with the more Tesco-specific issues  
by improving our offer for customers in the  
UK through a programme of investment in 
improved service, quality and price. It was 
important that we started when we did, and 
this programme of improvement continues 
and is being accelerated as competitive 
conditions intensify. With our strategy already 
in place, we know what we need to do, and we 
know that we have to do it even more quickly.

These issues do mean that our headline 
numbers are not where we want or planned 
for them to be. We have taken decisive 
action to improve performance, but the 
issues we face cannot all be fixed overnight. 
We need to do more, we need to go faster.  
I am, however, confident that we have the 
right strategies and the right team to 
compete effectively in the current market 
and to ensure that we emerge a leader  
in the multichannel world of retailing.

Progress in 2013/14
We laid out our three strategic priorities 
for the business in April 2013:

1.  Continuing to invest in a strong UK business
2.  Establishing multichannel leadership in all 

of our markets

3. Pursuing disciplined international growth

These priorities are even more relevant 
today than they were when I announced 
them and we have made progress on each 
of them.

1.  Continuing to invest in a strong 
UK business 
We launched the Building a Better Tesco 
plan in the UK two years ago and invested 
£1 billion in six key areas of the business: 
Service & Staff, Stores & Formats, Range & 
Quality, Price & Value, Brand & Marketing 
and Clicks & Bricks. As I made clear at the 
time, we had been running our stores ‘too 
hot’ for too long and this investment was 
long-overdue. I have described below some 
of the progress we have made under each  
of the areas of the plan.

(i) Service & Staff
Having taken on 8,000 more colleagues  
in our stores, this year we’ve focused on 
providing further customer service training.  
We have delivered training to more than 
250,000 colleagues in the UK, helping 
them to make every moment with 
customers matter. We have rescheduled 
300,000 hours in the last year with the aim of 
having the right number of colleagues in our 
stores, in the right departments and at times 
of the day that customers need them most.

We are seeing improvements in customer 
perceptions and the proportion of customers 

Philip Clarke
Chief Executive

Our strategic priorities

Our strategy has been developed  
to drive sustainable growth through 
three priorities:

1.  Continuing to invest in a strong  

UK business

2.  Establishing multichannel  

leadership in all of our markets

3.  Pursuing disciplined  
international growth

Further discussion around each of these 
priorities is provided within my report on 
the following pages. 

Visit www.tescoplc.com/ar2014  
to hear more from Philip Clarke and  
other members of the leadership team

Introduction
This year marks my 40th year at Tesco.  
I have found every single one of those  
years exciting and challenging, but I have 
never seen such a pace of change within  
the industry as I have over the past year, 
driven by both structural and cyclical forces. 

Consumer behaviours are changing more 
quickly than ever before and that means we 
have to accelerate our rate of change too. 
Customers are increasingly using technology in 
all aspects of their everyday lives and the pace 
of transition to online shopping has been even 
faster than we expected. Since taking over  
as Chief Executive of your business in 2011,  
I have been clear of the need to transform 
Tesco to be a leader in the multichannel 
retail environment. The way the market  
has developed since then has underlined 
the importance of this strategic choice.

At the same time, consumer behaviours 
continue to be strongly influenced by 
economic conditions which have continued 
to be tough in the markets in which we 
operate. Overall, consumers are spending 
more carefully. They are increasingly 
choosing to shop online or in smaller 
convenience stores rather than in large 
stores, which presents a particular challenge 
for Tesco given the number of large stores 
we have around the world.

So we face a mix of Tesco-specific issues  
and broader issues affecting the whole 
sector and it is important that we tackle 
both. This is a large agenda and has kept  
us fully occupied over the past year.

Thanks to the foresight of my predecessors, 
over the course of more than 17 years,  
we’ve already developed strong online  
and convenience businesses. This has 
ensured we are well-positioned to address 
the industry-wide changes we are 

Tesco PLC Annual Report and Financial Statements 2014 

03

Other informationGovernanceFinancial statementsStrategic report 
 
Report from the Chief Executive continued

This year, we completed the work to materially 
improve our 8,000 core Tesco products.

“ It is essential that 

customers can trust our 
prices. We want prices  
to be stable, we want 
them to be logical and,  
of course, we want them 
to be competitive.”

rating customer service and staff helpfulness  
as excellent has improved by 40% since 
2012. We know we need to do more in order 
to make service a point of difference for us 
and to deliver excellent customer service for 
every customer on every shopping trip. This 
will remain a key priority for the UK business 
in the coming year.

(ii) Stores & Formats
Over the last two years, we have refreshed 
over a third of our UK stores in some way. 
This work has involved improvements to 
store environments and has prioritised the 
departments that matter most to customers, 
primarily fresh food. We have applied the 
learnings from each phase of the refresh 
programme to the next, enhancing our 
approach as the programme has evolved.  
As a result, there are some newer initiatives 
that we will seek to introduce to some of  
the stores that formed the early part of the 
refresh programme.

Following the trial stores we completed in 
2012/13, our refresh programme to date has 
been more focused on our Express format 
and on our smaller Superstores. Given the 
change in shopping behaviours I mentioned 
above, our larger stores have been a drag  
on performance and this is one of the  
most important areas that we need to 
address. Therefore, the focus of our refresh 
programme will now be on reinventing our 
largest stores to ensure that they are worth 
the trip for customers.

This year we have tested a number  
of ingredients for our Extra refresh 
programme, and begun to roll out a  
range of components to help make these 
stores relevant destinations that customers 
actively choose to visit. In 2014/15 we will 
refresh 110 of our Extra stores, aiming to 
make them even stronger destinations.  
More of the ingredients will appear in these 
larger stores and typically they will feature 
strong clothing and general merchandise  
as well as tailored new food experiences, 
such as Giraffe, Euphorium, Harris+Hoole 
and Decks dependent upon the local 
customer. We will also be working hard to  
put ‘Food First’ and create the best ranges  
of fresh foods. We are looking forward to 
accelerating the appearance of these new 
features in our stores over the next three 
years. While this refresh work causes some 
short-term disruption, the resulting uplifts  
will be long-lasting.

(iii) Range & Quality
This year, we completed the work to materially 
improve our 8,000 core Tesco products. 
Following the relaunch of our finest* range  
in October, we relaunched our Healthy Living 
range in January. The customer response to 
the improvements we have made across our 
Tesco products has been pleasing, and our 
own-label sales account for around half of 
our total UK sales (excluding petrol). 

Whilst the direct impact of the meat 
contamination issue last year was limited  
to just four of our products, we have made 
marked improvements in the supply chain, 
shortening its length and focusing on 
provenance, greater control and traceability. 
Through our world-class testing programme, 
we have tested over 5,300 products and we 
are the first major retailer to offer two-year 
direct contracts for beef and lamb farmers 
right back to the farm gate. More than 300  
farmers have signed up already.

(iv) Price & Value
Customers are actively seeking the best 
value, and this is more important than  
ever in a market which has become even 
more competitive over recent months. It is 
essential that customers can trust our prices. 
We want prices to be stable, we want them 
to be logical and, of course, we want them 
to be competitive. Our Price Promise has 
now been in place for over a year and 
provides instant reassurance to customers 
that on fresh foods, on own-label and on 
branded products they will not lose out  
at Tesco. 

Every customer perception measure on  
price has improved over the last 12 months, 
but there is still more to do on pricing.  
We know how important it is to customers 
that they get the best possible prices on lines 
that matter most to them. That is why in 
February, we announced that we are 
accelerating the pace of change including  
an initial investment of £200 million in 
bringing down, and keeping down, prices of 
key lines, starting with milk, carrots, onions 
and eggs. You can be sure that we will continue 
to focus relentlessly on ensuring we are 
competitive in the marketplace and where  
we need to do more, we will do more. 

(v) Brand & Marketing
Clubcard is more important now than it has 
ever been before. It is at the core of providing 
a differentiated, personalised offer and it 
allows customers to choose how to unlock 
greater value for themselves. It is at the heart 
of our unique relationship with our customers 
and we need to use the power of Clubcard to 
personalise how we communicate with and 
serve our customers, providing them with 
offers and services which are relevant and 
tailored to how they live their lives. We are 
using Clubcard to deliver more value for 
customers and have delivered almost 60 
million personalised mailings this year for 
products that customers buy week in, week out.

A good example of the power of Clubcard 
and of the advocacy that it can drive is  
the launch of Clubcard Fuel Save. It is a 
completely new concept for the UK retail 
industry. Customers can earn money off 
their fuel, just by doing their normal 
shopping. It is inclusive – every penny 
counts towards the level of saving whether 
customers are shopping online for their 

04 

Tesco PLC Annual Report and Financial Statements 2014 

 
“ A good example of the 
power of Clubcard and  
of the advocacy that it 
can drive is the launch  
of Clubcard Fuel Save.”

“ The pace of the transition 
to online is rapid. This 
creates challenges for 
the industry but we  
have a market-leading, 
profitable grocery home 
shopping business.”

Establishing multichannel leadership 
is about putting the customer at the 
centre of our offer and building a 
seamless experience around them, 
whether they want to shop in a store, 
online, in our restaurants, at the Bank 
or across a combination of them all.

weekly shop or popping in store for a 
sandwich, and they are in control of when 
they redeem their saving too. In just the  
first few weeks, more than three million 
customers saved money on fuel.

Clubcard Fuel Save is one example of the 
things we are doing to improve loyalty. Loyalty 
has always been important to Tesco because 
greater loyalty delivers greater lifetime value.

(vi) Clicks & Bricks
As I have already referenced, the pace  
of the transition to online is rapid. This 
creates challenges for the industry but we 
have a market-leading, profitable grocery 
home shopping business that already 
generates £2.5 billion of sales in the UK.  
By any measure our service is industry-
leading, and it represents a world-class 
platform from which to build our position  
of leadership in the multichannel world.  
Our Delivery Saver subscription service, 
which only launched in May 2012, is used  
by over 200,000 customers. We offer 
one-hour delivery slots in over 98% of the 
UK and Grocery Click & Collect is available  
at 260 locations.

Tesco has always been about making 
products previously seen as unattainable 
more accessible. So we were especially proud 
of the launch of Hudl – our very own tablet 
– which made tablet devices much more 
accessible to more families across the UK.  
It proved extremely popular with customers, 
exceeding our own expectations, and earned 
outstanding reviews from the technology 
press. It was recently named ‘ReThink Retail 
Technology Initiative of the Year’ at the Retail 
Week Awards and we plan to launch a second 
device later this year.

Accelerating our plans for 
customers in the UK
I am clear that we have strengthened the 
foundations of the UK business, but I am  
also clear that we need to do more. Above all 
else, we are focused on delivering the most 
compelling offer for customers and we are 
accelerating our plans. Consequently, over  
the coming months you will see a continuing 
focus on every day low prices on the lines that 

matter most, more product innovation and 
quality improvements that delight, new and 
improved general merchandise ranges and 
more Extra stores becoming destinations 
worth a trip in their own right, while our 
convenience stores will be best in class. 

Our attention to service levels will intensify and 
we will deliver exceptional value for customers 
through Clubcard, just as we are doing through 
the recent launch of Clubcard Fuel Save.

It is this combination of accelerating growth in 
new channels while investing in sharper prices, 
improved quality, stronger ranges and better 
service that places a strain on short-term 
results. But it is also this combination of 
actions and strategic choice that will deliver 
sustainable long-term value. Where we have 
moved – for example in ending the UK 
space race, in focusing on cash and capital 
discipline, in developing grocery home 
shopping – others in the sector have followed. 
Our aim is to continue to lead, recognising 
that structural change on this scale is a long 
game and it is in our interest – and your 
interest – to be a long-term winner. 

2.  Establishing multichannel 
leadership in all of our markets
Against the backdrop of an accelerating  
shift to online shopping, our priority of 
establishing multichannel leadership in  
all of our markets has never been more 
relevant. Customers’ behaviours are 
changing, their expectations of retailers 
continue to rise and they want to be able  
to shop however, whenever and wherever 
they want. We are moving from the first 
curve of retailing – one of bricks and  
mortar – to the second curve built around  
a seamless blend of bricks and clicks.

Establishing multichannel leadership is about 
putting the customer at the centre of our offer 
and building a seamless experience around 
them, whether they want to shop in store, 
online, in our restaurants, at the Bank or across 
a combination of them all. Customer journeys 
are becoming more complex. Customers 
bounce between channels and devices in 
whichever way they choose and they expect a 
seamless experience. Our goal is to provide a 
zero-defect, end-to-end experience however 
our customers want to shop. While this presents 
challenges, it brings lots of opportunities 
too. Our scale, and our existing strengths from 
the first curve world, mean we are uniquely 
placed to lead in this new world.

It is clear to us that those customers who 
choose to shop across more channels with 
us spend more and are more loyal to Tesco. 
Identifying our most valuable customers  
and enabling them to shop with us  
however, whenever and wherever they  
want is our opportunity.

We have some ambitious goals and bold 
plans for our multichannel business in 

Tesco PLC Annual Report and Financial Statements 2014 

05

TOther informationGovernanceFinancial statementsStrategic report 
 
Report from the Chief Executive continued

2014/15: to provide market-leading delivery 
pricing, twice the number of Click & Collect 
locations, including alternative locations such 
as London tube stations, and added-value 
products and services, including Tesco Bank’s 
current account and digital wallet. 

Our work, however, to refresh seven of  
our largest stores, including our stores in 
Dongsuwon and Yuseong, has delivered 
encouraging results. We also continued to 
grow our convenience portfolio, with the 
opening of 71 ‘365 plus’ franchise stores.

In the medium term, we will offer one-hour 
delivery slots to the whole of the UK, for 
non-food as well as food, and for third-party 
sellers as well as our own products. By doing 
so, we will effectively create an e-commerce 
infrastructure not just for Tesco but for others 
as well. It is because we have the potential 
to innovate on this scale that we believe 
your company will emerge a winner in the 
coming multichannel world of retailing. 

3.  Pursuing disciplined international 
growth
Last year, I described our international 
markets in three cohorts:

•	 South Korea, Malaysia and Thailand – 

markets with significant future potential

•	 Ireland, Czech Republic, Hungary,  

Poland and Slovakia – markets where  
we are focused on holding our position 
and improving returns

•	 China, India and Turkey – markets where 
we know we must refocus on a more 
profitable approach to growth

Through our international businesses we 
have the opportunity to create value for 
customers and shareholders by leveraging 
the know-how that we have gained from 
nine decades of retailing in addition to using 
our scale to better effect across the Group. 
As well as doing even more to improve our 
customer offer across all our markets, we’ve 
taken action to ensure that this value is 
realised across each of these three cohorts. 

In line with our third strategic priority, we 
have applied an even greater level of capital 
discipline. While we continue to allocate 
capital to markets where we see greatest 
potential for growth, our investment is lower 
than previous years and will fall even further 
as part of our commitment that Group-wide 
capital expenditure will be no more than 
£2.5 billion for at least the next three 
financial years. We are spending more on 
our existing space due to our accelerated 
refresh programme, we are maintaining  
our level of spend on technology and we’re 
spending significantly less on new space.

Taking our Asian businesses first, we have  
a strong position in South Korea and it 
remains a high-returning business for us, 
but the sales trends have not been as we 
would have wanted them to be in the last 
two years. The regulatory restrictions on 
store opening hours have continued to 
impact our sales. 

We have had a challenging year in  
Thailand, reflecting the impact of the 
recessionary conditions on consumers  
and the political unrest. Thailand is one  
of our largest international markets and  
we have implemented a strong plan to 
improve our offer. We have continued to 
build a strong multichannel business, 
growing our grocery home shopping  
and convenience businesses to almost  
1,400 convenience stores. 

In Malaysia, our performance has been more 
resilient. We opened two new stores during the 
year and grew our grocery home shopping 
business in its first year of operation.

In Europe, we faced weak momentum 
running into the start of the year and the 
challenges were common across our 
markets with larger stores under-performing. 
Addressing these challenges we have 
tailored our plans in each market to provide 
a more compelling fresh offer, focusing on 
seasonal events and leveraging our sourcing 
scale and supply chain capability. We have 
also used our strengths in Clubcard and F&F 
to drive further improvements in our offer for 
customers. Turkey in particular has faced very 
challenging economic and competitive 
conditions and our focus is on finding a 
profitable model for a country with excellent 
long-term potential. We are in early stage 
discussions with potential partners and, 
should that not prove successful, we also 
have a range of realistic alternative options. 

An excellent example of our strategy in action 
is our partnership with China Resources 
Enterprise Ltd. Subject to the usual regulatory 
approvals, it will give Tesco a 20% ownership 
stake of the largest food retail business in 
China. The joint venture, which will be 
self-funding going forward, will secure 
significant cost and operational synergies,  
and will move us more quickly to profitability in 
what is one of the world’s most exciting retail 
markets alongside an expert local partner.

We have entered into an agreement with 
Trent Limited, part of the Tata Group, to 
form a 50:50 joint venture with Trent 
Hypermarket Limited, developing our 
presence in the Indian market. 

We firmly believe that our partnerships in 
both China and India will allow us to capitalise 
on these enormously exciting markets in a 
way which is disciplined in our use of capital 
and focused on profitable growth.

“ Through our international 
businesses we have the 
opportunity to create 
value for customers  
and shareholders by 
leveraging the know-how 
that we have gained from 
nine decades of retailing.”

06 

Tesco PLC Annual Report and Financial Statements 2014 

“ We firmly believe that  

our partnerships in both 
China and India will allow 
us to capitalise on these 
enormously exciting 
markets in a way which  
is disciplined in our use  
of capital and focused  
on profitable growth.”

For more information about our new key 
performance indicators and how we are 
measuring our progress, see pages 16 to 18.

Measuring our progress
The single most important theme running 
through all the developments I have 
discussed is that stores are no longer 
necessarily the central point of our 
relationship with customers. Consequently 
we are re-orientating the indicators we  
use to measure and judge our progress  
to centre them firmly on the customer.

Our customers are at the centre of all our 
strategic decisions. Quite simply, everything  
we are doing is designed to retain our loyal 
customers and attract more new ones who 
shop across our channels and brands. That  
is how companies build enduring like-for-like 
sales. We are prioritising five key performance 
indicators which will help us measure and 
communicate our progress against our 
strategy. These measures place customers,  
and how they want to shop today right at  
the heart of everything we do. Focusing on 
driving customer loyalty and improving sales 
will lead to sustainable profits, returns and 
growth over the medium term.

You can read more about our new key 
performance indicators and how we are 
measuring performance of the business  
on pages 16 to 18.

Tesco Bank
Our vision is to be the bank for Tesco 
customers and to offer simple, transparent 
and convenient products which reward our 
customers’ loyalty and strengthen their bond 
with our business.

throughout the business. One of the biggest 
changes we have made over the last year  
is in the scale of our engagement. We are 
joining the global conversation around each 
of the issues and are working hard to move 
to a more open, transparent conversation, 
sharing details of our activities, progress and 
challenges through our different channels.

We want to make significant, lasting 
changes, not launch short-term superficial 
initiatives, and that’s why the focus of this 
year has been gathering the best possible 
insights to set long-term direction. 

This insight-to-action approach holds the 
key to our success for the future. It’s the 
theme of this year’s Tesco and Society  
report, which is published alongside this 
report. I’m confident that if we continue 
down this path over the coming years,  
we can use our scale for good across society 
and make what matters better, together.

Management
I would like to thank Laurie McIlwee for his 
contribution as CFO over the last five years, 
in particular to the progress we have made  
on our strategic priorities in the last three 
years, and before that his very good work  
on UK distribution. I wish him all the best  
for the future.

Our Executive Committee has grown stronger 
this year, welcoming Steve Rigby and David 
Hobbs, and I am confident that we have the 
right team to deliver our strategy.

This year we have seen good growth in  
our core banking products with customer 
accounts for credit cards, loans, mortgages 
and savings up 14%. In its first full year of 
trading, our mortgage product has made 
good progress with balances reaching  
£0.7 billion. We remain on track to launch 
current accounts in the first half of 2014/15.

Conclusion
While we do face short-term challenges,  
I am excited about the future. We see many 
more opportunities for the medium term 
and beyond. As customers’ expectations of 
retailers evolve and we move into the new 
era of retail, we believe we are uniquely 
placed to lead.

Using our scale for good
Last year we embraced a new Value for the 
business, recognising that when you are  
a large company, there is a particular 
responsibility to be aware of how your actions 
affect others. This Value is: we use our scale for 
good. It is based on the recognition that if we 
harness the breadth of our skills and scale and 
work together with our partners in the supply 
chain, we can make a major contribution to 
some of the biggest challenges facing the 
communities in which we operate, across the 
world. As part of this, we chose to take a lead 
in addressing three challenges which are 
particularly relevant to us as a large global 
retailer and are important to our colleagues 
and customers: reducing food waste globally, 
improving health and providing opportunities 
for millions of young people.

Tesco has always innovated for its 
customers. We have the building blocks 
which will be essential for us to lead in the 
future: an industry-leading online offer, 
unrivalled customer insight through 
Clubcard, a first-class portfolio of stores,  
and an outstanding team of over 500,000 
colleagues around the world who are 
working harder every day to deliver for our 
customers. In a rapidly changing market, 
retaining flexibility is essential and we are 
confident that we have a business plan 
which is right for today’s market, and that  
we are making the strategic decisions to 
deliver leadership in tomorrow’s market.

We have started the journey of tackling these 
issues and we are embedding this new Value 

Philip Clarke
Chief Executive

Tesco PLC Annual Report and Financial Statements 2014 

07

Other informationGovernanceFinancial statementsStrategic report 
 
Market overview

As customers increasingly choose to shop across different store formats and 
online, they are looking to retailers to provide a truly seamless, multichannel 
offer. These changes to customer behaviour and shopping habits come in the 
context of continuing economic pressure on household budgets and competitive 
environments in all 12 of our markets.

Macro trends
 The economic environment has continued to be challenging in all of our 
markets. Although there are signs of improvement beginning to appear,  
we don’t yet see consumers spending more.

In the UK, we use our unique insight from dunnhumby to track  
how British consumers feel about the economy in general, as well 
as their own individual situations. Our latest quarterly Consumer 
Today report shows that although some consumers are starting  
to feel more upbeat about an improving economy, they are yet to 
feel the benefit in their own pockets. That is why we remain very 
focused on helping customers to manage their budgets by offering 
them great value for money across their shop.

In Central Europe, after a prolonged period of economic pressure, 
employment levels and consumer confidence are rising, albeit 
from historically low levels, and real incomes are starting to benefit 
from lower inflation. Nonetheless, household expenditure is yet to 
improve significantly.

Although some economies in Asia are rapidly expanding,  
Thailand fell into recession during the year and consumers 
struggled with higher levels of debt. Thai consumer confidence  
was further affected by the escalation of political unrest in the 
second half of the year. In South Korea consumer confidence has 
been on a marked upward trend through the year but household 
debt has reached record highs. Consumer confidence in Malaysia 
has fallen due to concerns over inflation, low wage growth and a 
proposed sales tax. 

comprise one or two people – a trend also seen in Thailand,  
in part due to rapid urbanisation. This changing household 
composition is one factor leading to an increasing preference  
for convenience shopping.

We believe that in the longer term rising populations, rapid 
urbanisation and a growing demand for agricultural products 
present a risk to global food security and highlight the  
importance of building sustainable supply chains.*

* 

 More information about our work to increase the sustainability of our  
supply chain is available in the Tesco and Society Report.

UK consumers: how do you expect the financial position of your 
household to change over the next few months? Will it...

Get better

Get worse

%

50

40

30

20

10

Populations are ageing and household sizes are declining across our 
markets. In Asia for example, 50% of South Korean households 

Jan
‘09

Jan
‘10

Jan
‘11

Jan
‘12

Jan
‘13

Jan
‘14

Source: ‘The Consumer Today’, dunnhumby, February 2014

Consumer trends

More frequent shopping

The rise of technology

Proportion of UK customers shopping three  
or more times a week for food and groceries

29% in 2009

49% in 2013

43%

£

of UK customers use a mobile phone 
to compare prices or look up customer 
reviews while in store

Technology is changing the way we consume. 
The role that it plays in customers’ lives has  
changed from being a practical tool to becoming a 
much more fundamental and essential part of life.

Technology is changing the way we consume. 
The role that it plays in customers’ lives has 
changed as it becomes a fundamental, 
essential part of everyday life – a way to 
stay connected, to manage banking and 
bills, a part of education and often essential 
for work. While the pace of adoption of 
online shopping, particularly for groceries, 
across our markets is unclear, the transition 
is certainly well underway. It is not just 
transactional – consumers are increasingly 
using the internet to research purchases.  
In the UK, for example, over half of purchases 
are influenced by digital channels, 63% of 
shoppers use their smartphone in store and 
43% of customers use a mobile phone to 
compare prices or look up customer reviews 
while shopping in store. The influence of 
the internet is rising across all our markets; 
two thirds of Malaysians have access to the 
internet, for example, while almost half of 
Czechs own a smartphone. 

08 

Tesco PLC Annual Report and Financial Statements 2014 

 
Multichannel

Multichannel cuts across the digital  
and the physical. It is transactional and 
non-transactional. It is not just about 
selling products but also about the way 
we interact with and engage customers. 
Being truly multichannel is not just about 
having a website – it is about putting the 
customer at the heart of our business and 
giving them one seamless, joined-up 
relationship, be that through media, 
social media or even a customer service 
desk in store. 

Customers value retailers who get it right

Average annual spend with Tesco

In-store only

In-store + online grocery

2.04x

2.98x

In-store + online grocery + 
general merchandise online

In-store

Online grocery 

General 
merchandise online

With this rise of technology and digital 
capabilities, consumers are changing the 
way they shop. Customers want to be able 
to shop however, whenever and wherever 
they want. They want to shop across store 
formats, on smartphones and on tablets. 
They are no longer choosing just a simple 
trip to a store, but are making much more 
dynamic and complex journeys to purchase. 
They are bouncing between channels, 
placing an order online and picking it up in 
store, for example. They are combining fewer  
big shopping trips with more frequent, 
top-up shops at convenience stores. As their 
behaviour is changing their expectations  

of retailers are changing too and they are 
looking to retailers to provide a truly 
multichannel offer – one that joins up  
all the different channels to give them a 
seamless experience.

Value continues to be a priority for consumers 
across our markets and they are changing the 
way they shop in order to find the best value 
for money. They are on the look-out for the 
best prices, promotions and deals. The sharp 
rises in fuel prices across the world coupled 
with pressure on disposable income has 
amplified a shift to smaller, more frequent, 
convenience shopping missions. In the UK, 

the proportion of customers shopping three 
or more times a week for food and groceries is 
up from 29% in 2009 to 49% in 2013. 

Health and wellbeing is also a growing trend.  
Over half of the UK population worry about 
their health and food is at the centre. Quality 
fresh food and provenance are priorities for 
customers across our regions. In Europe and 
the UK, interest in and awareness of 
provenance have intensified since the meat 
contamination issues last year. In Asia 
wet-markets continue to be a popular choice 
for fresh meat, fish and poultry. 

Industry trends

In the UK, food retail sales growth  
has remained subdued over the last 
year, reflecting the challenging 
economic environment and continuing 
pressure on consumers.

Net new space

UK largest four grocery retailers

‘000 sq ft

38%

less new space 
than in 2009

6,000

5,000

4,000

3,000

2,000

1,000

0

2009
Source: IGD Datacentre

2010

2011

2012

2013

In the UK, food retail sales growth has remained subdued over the 
last year, reflecting the challenging economic environment and 
continuing pressure on consumers. Although new space has been 
a key driver of top-line growth for many in the industry, we have 
seen a reduction in large store openings. In the UK net new space 
among the largest four grocery retailers in 2013 was 38% lower 
than in 2009. In many of our markets performance of larger stores 
has been more challenged. 

In response to a consumer desire to shop more frequently and closer 
to home, many retailers are focusing their opening programmes on 
the convenience market and smaller format stores. An acceleration 
in openings of small format stores is something we have also 
observed in our European and Asian markets. 

In the UK the online grocery market has continued to grow strongly, 
with all the major UK food retailers now operating a grocery home 
shopping service. We have also seen a rapid growth in Click & Collect 
over the last year, including trials of non-store collection locations. 
While online grocery is still in its infancy in Central Europe and Asia 
we expect it to continue to grow. In Poland, for example, the value  
of the online food market doubled in size from 2008 to 2011,  
and is expected to have more than doubled again by 2014. 

Across our markets the industry remains highly competitive. In the 
UK and Europe the discounters continue to grow market share and 
open new stores. Promotional intensity has remained elevated in 
the UK and couponing has been a feature in many of our markets.

We have seen continued development of own-brand products by 
retailers across the globe as they seek to appeal to broader groups 
of consumers and respond to demand for better value. 

Tesco PLC Annual Report and Financial Statements 2014 

09

Other informationGovernanceFinancial statementsStrategic report 
Business model

Our business model explains what we do and how we deliver our core purpose for 
customers. It is built up around four core retail activities, insight, buy, move and sell. 
Our key enablers make us unique and help us to continually do these things better.

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Visit www.tescoplc.com/businessmodel  
to watch a short animation explaining  
how our business model works

10 

Tesco PLC Annual Report and Financial Statements 2014 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
   
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
   
 
 
 
   
 
 
Our core activities

38 million

Clubcard customers shopping in our 7,300 stores across  
the Group give us unrivalled insight into consumer habits, 
trends and preferences.

The key enablers

59.7%

of our UK customers shop across two or more channels, 
including stores and online.

T

The virtuous circle

12 markets

with retail operations delivering 85 million customer  
shopping trips each week.

As a retailer, our business model is based on four core  
activities. Using our unrivalled insight to understand what 
customers want, we buy products and services from suppliers,  
move them through our distribution network and sell them  
to customers. Most importantly, our core purpose is at the 
heart of these activities. It is by improving these activities  
for customers each time they shop with us that we make  
what matters better, together.

Across the Group, our customers visit us in store, online, or through a 
combination of different formats and channels. They come to buy their 
groceries, clothing, general merchandise and services such as telecoms,  
digital entertainment and banking. We are focused on providing customers 
with the most compelling offer and the best shopping trip. We work with our 
suppliers to offer an excellent range of products and services. We move the 
products through our modern and efficient supply chain into our well-located, 
multi-format store network, ready for customers to shop with us 24 hours a day.

The core activities form a cycle. To keep customers coming back, we are 
constantly strengthening our operation. This starts with insight. We listen  
to customers in a number of ways, including through our monthly Customer 
Viewpoint surveys in UK stores, in-depth focus groups with our Tesco Families 
and dedicated Customer Question Time sessions. Combining this feedback 
with our data, including the unique insight we gain from Clubcard, and acting 
on it is crucial to our success.

Our seven key enablers are our business strengths. They help  
us to sustain and improve our core activities. These elements 
are what make us different and it’s because of these that we  
are uniquely placed to win. 

For example, establishing multichannel leadership and building a seamless 
offer will enable customers to shop however, whenever and wherever they 
want, which will mean that we stand out for customers.

Another example is leveraging our Group skill and scale, which is all about 
sharing our experiences across our operations. We trial in one area of the 
business and transfer the learnings to another, whether it’s sharing the  
loyalty scheme blueprint internationally or building capital-efficient grocery 
home shopping businesses in new markets. Being able to leverage our  
Group skill and scale makes us unique and helps us to perform the core 
activities even better. 

The momentum of our business model comes from the virtuous 
circle. By developing economies of scale and investing in an 
ever-improving customer offer, we drive loyalty and grow sales. 

Developing and using economies of scale across our business all over the 
world, enables us to improve the customer offer by investing in areas such  
as price, range, quality and service. This year, for example, we completed the 
roll-out of grocery home shopping to all of our markets (except India). It is a 
service we developed in the UK and have rolled out in a capital-efficient way  
to our international businesses, with a great customer response. 

Doing the right thing for customers is central to the business model. It’s why 
one of our Values is ‘no-one tries harder for customers’; we know that if we do 
the right thing for customers, they will reward us with their loyalty. The more 
pleased customers are with the shopping trip, the more loyal they will be and 
the more we will grow our sales. This combination of scale and growth is the 
driving force of the business model.

Tesco PLC Annual Report and Financial Statements 2014 

11

Other informationGovernanceFinancial statementsStrategic report 
Financial review

Laurie Mcllwee
Chief Financial Officer†

Group sales

Group trading profit

£70.9bn

£3,315m

Underlying diluted earnings  
per share

Full-year dividend per share 
maintained

32.05p

14.76p

†    After 14 years’ service at Tesco, Laurie resigned as Chief Financial Officer  
on 4 April 2014. He will continue to work with us until October 2014 while  
a successor is appointed.

1    See Note 1 on page 79 in the Annual Report and Financial Statements 2014  

for the definition of underlying profit before tax.

2   See Note 2 on page 81 in the Annual Report and Financial Statements 2014  

for the analysis of restructuring and other one-off items.

12 

Tesco PLC Annual Report and Financial Statements 2014 

Group results 2013/14 (on a continuing operations basis)

52 weeks ended 22 
February 2014

2013/14

Growth (actual 
exchange rates)

Growth (constant 
exchange rates)

Group sales (inc. VAT)*

£70,894m

 0.3% 

 (0.2)%

Sales growth excluding 
petrol

Group trading profit

– UK

– Asia

– Europe

– Tesco Bank

Underlying profit  
before tax

Underlying diluted 
earnings per share

ROCE  
(pro-forma inc. China)***

Capex

£3,315m

£2,191m

£692m

£238m

£194m

 0.9%

(6.0)%

(3.6)%

(5.6)%

(27.7)%

1.6%

0.4%

(6.7)%

(3.6)%

(6.8)%

(32.8)%

1.6%

£3,054m

(6.9)%

(7.7)%

32.05p

(7.3)%**

12.1%

£2.7bn

(64)bp

0.9%

n/a

n/a

0.6%

Statutory profit before tax includes: 

–   One-off items 

(inc. Europe asset 
impairment of £(734)m)

Statutory profit  
before tax

£(801)m 

£2,259m

9.8% 

n/a

China treated as discontinued, including a charge of £(540)m relating to the 
write-down of goodwill

*   Group sales (inc. VAT) exclude the accounting impact of IFRIC 13.
**   Underlying diluted EPS growth calculated on a constant tax rate basis;  

(5.0)% at actual tax rates.

***  From an accounting point of view, our existing business in China has to be treated 
as a discontinued operation, prior to the planned completion of our partnership 
with CRE. The pro-forma Group ROCE of 12.1% includes our Chinese business  
to provide a comparable figure to the previously disclosed 2012/13 figure.  
It is otherwise calculated on a continuing operations basis, excluding one-off  
charges. Excluding our Chinese business, Group ROCE for 2013/14 was 13.6%.

Group results and strategic update
Group sales for the year were £70.9 billion, an increase of 0.3%  
at actual exchange rates. Full-year trading profit for our continuing 
operations declined (6.0)% to £3.3 billion. This was driven  
by a decline in UK profits and challenges overseas; specifically,  
the regulatory impact in South Korea, political disruption in 
Thailand and continuing challenging conditions in Central Europe. 
Underlying profit before tax1, which excludes the contribution  
from property-related items, declined (6.9)% to £3.1 billion. 
Underlying diluted earnings per share was 32.05 pence.

During the year, we concluded our strategic review in the United  
States with the sale of the substantive part of Fresh & Easy’s operating 
business to Yucaipa. We also announced our partnership with China 
Resources Enterprise Ltd. (CRE), which when completed will give 
Tesco a 20% ownership stake in the largest food retail business in 
China. Both of those operations are therefore shown as discontinued.

Reflecting the challenging trading conditions and rapidly changing 
environments, we have also announced a number of one-off 
charges. £(801) million2 of these are in continuing operations.  
These include:

•	A non-cash impairment of £(734) million to the carrying values 

of some stores in the Europe segment. 

•	An additional £(63) million provision for payment protection 

insurance and other customer redress at the Bank.

Our statutory profit before tax for the year was £2.3 billion. Despite 
these charges and a lower contribution from profits and losses on 
property-related items, Group profit before tax increased by 9.8%, 
primarily reflecting higher one-off charges last year.

There is a £(540) million write-down of goodwill in our Chinese 
business included in discontinued operations. This prudently 
reflects the lower end of a range of independent valuations of  
the proposed combination carried out in the second half of the 
year for accounting purposes. These valuations were, as required 
by the relevant accounting standards, produced on a standalone 
existing basis for each business. As such, they do not take account 
of the strategic value and significant synergies available once the 
businesses are merged.

Segmental results

UK
Full-year sales in the UK declined by (0.1)% and grew by 0.8% 
excluding petrol. Like-for-like sales declined by (1.3)% including 
VAT and excluding petrol. This reflects the weaker grocery market, 
lower inflation across the industry, a continuing drag from our  
large stores and the work to transform our general merchandise. 

UK results 

UK sales

UK revenue (exc. VAT, exc. impact of IFRIC 13)

UK trading profit

Trading margin (trading profit/revenue)

£m

% growth

£48,177m

£43,570m

£2,191m

5.03%

(0.1)%

0.0%

(3.6)%

(18)bp

Total sales for the year included a 2.1% contribution from new 
space, lower than last year as we reduced our new store opening 
programme. We expect it to be lower again next year. 

Our full-year trading margin was 5.03%, a reduction of (18)  
basis points. Trading margin in the first half increased by 2  
basis points, but declined by (28) basis points in the second  
half. This is reflective of our trading performance and our 
determination to improve and strengthen the customer offer.

Asia
Although we have strong high-returning businesses in Asia  
with leading market positions, their performance this year reflects 
a number of challenges. Sales grew by 1.4% at constant rates, 
including a 5.9% contribution from new stores as we continue  
to invest in these growth markets. Like-for-like sales declined by 
(4.5)% and our trading margin declined by almost 60 basis points 
to 6.71%.

Asia results* 

Actual rates 
% growth

Constant rates 
% growth

£m

Asia sales

£10,947m 

Asia revenue (exc. VAT, exc. impact of IFRIC 13)

£10,309m 

Asia trading profit

Trading margin (trading profit/revenue)

£692m 

6.71%

2.7% 

2.6% 

(5.6)% 

(59)bp

1.4% 

1.4% 

(6.8)% 

(59)bp 

*   Exc. China, with our subsidiary there now treated as a discontinued operation 

following our agreement to partner with CRE. 

Although we have annualised the introduction of the DIDA opening 
hours regulations in South Korea, year-on-year changes in the days 
and hours of the closures have continued to impact sales. We have 
worked hard to mitigate the residual effects of the regulation by fully 
aligning our operations to the current pattern of trading. 

In Thailand, our performance has been held back by our own 
execution as well as external pressures. We implemented a strong  
plan, including steps to address some parts of our offer which 
underperformed in the first half. This included the remerchandising 
and remarketing of our ‘Clubpack’ range of bulk buy products,  

a particularly important category for small traders who shop with us. 
The Thai economy also fell into recession during the year and this 
has since been compounded by the recent political unrest. 

The full-year numbers for Asia benefited from currency, but in the 
fourth quarter we saw a negative impact, driven by the Thai Baht. 
Whilst it is difficult to predict currency movements going forward, 
this impact has continued into the new financial year. 

South Korea, Malaysia and Thailand remain markets in which  
we see significant future potential and opportunities to invest in 
high-returning stores. We have opened 2.1 million square feet of 
new space in these markets this year, a reduction compared to the  
2.3 million we opened last year. In the coming year we intend to  
be even more focused with plans to open 1.2 million square feet, 
with much of it in convenience.

Europe
Conditions in Europe have remained challenging this year, particularly 
for our large stores. Sales declined (2.0)% at constant rates. Like-for-
like sales declined by (3.5)% excluding petrol. Our trading profit for the 
region declined by (27.7)% at actual exchange rates to £238 million, 
resulting in a 2.57% trading margin. Our decision to invest in the 
shopping trip through price, quality, range and service resulted in a 
stronger second half performance. The region’s like-for-like sales have 
improved through the year, from (5.5)% in the first quarter to (0.6)% 
in the fourth quarter. 

Reflecting the year-on-year decline in the profits of our European 
businesses, we revised our long-term budgets. These revisions 
have resulted in the asset impairment of £(734) million to the 
carrying value of these businesses.

Europe results 

Actual rates 
% growth

Constant rates 
% growth

£m

Europe sales

£10,767m 

Europe revenue (exc. VAT, exc. impact of IFRIC 13)

£9,267m 

Europe trading profit

Trading margin (trading profit/revenue)

£238m 

2.57% 

(0.4)% 

(0.6)% 

(27.7)% 

(96)bp 

(2.0)% 

(2.2)% 

(32.8)% 

(111)bp 

Poland was a particular focus for us in the year and we are pleased 
with the customer response to our plans, with an improved  
like-for-like sales trend through the year. 

Ireland has continued to be a difficult market this year with severe 
pressure on consumer spending, strong competition from the 
discounters and aggressive couponing activity. Although the launch 
of Price Promise in the second half has helped improve customer 
trust in our prices, and we have been working hard to show customers 
the breadth and points of difference in our offer, our weaker trading 
performance in this market has impacted on the profitability of our 
European segment.

We have continued to focus on the heartland of our business in Turkey 
and the stores there have contributed to a gradual improvement in 
like-for-like sales over the year. Nevertheless, addressing our position  
in Turkey is very much a priority.

We continue to be very disciplined in our allocation of capital to 
Europe. We have reduced capital expenditure in the region by 
nearly 40% this year, and expect to maintain a similar or lower  
level of spend in 2014/15. Going forward, new investment will be 
scarce and focused only on targeted opportunities, primarily in 
convenience and online.

Tesco PLC Annual Report and Financial Statements 2014 

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Other informationGovernanceFinancial statementsStrategic report 
We are spending significantly less on new space. In the UK we have 
already reduced our investment from 2.5 million square feet at 
peak. In the coming year, we will open just 0.9 million square feet 
of net new space. This includes almost 200,000 square feet of 
franchise space in One Stop. In Europe, we will open just 275,000 
square feet of net new space and focus more of our investment  
on high-returning opportunities in Asia.

Property
The market value of our property across the Group currently exceeds 
£34 billion, with the most significant driver of the reduction since last 
year being the impact of foreign exchange rates.

Historically, by acquiring and developing high-quality stores we 
grew the value of our property significantly and unrealised property 
profits built up. We have had an active programme of releasing 
value from our property portfolio over many years. We continue  
to look at our property portfolio in order to maximise value in  
the most appropriate way for the business as a whole. Excluding 
one-off items, profits arising from property-related items declined 
to £180 million this year, in line with the reduction of our sale and 
leaseback programme outlined last year. This year we have focused 
on South Korea and we completed a sale-and-leaseback in January 
comprising four Homeplus stores and accompanying mall space. 

Pension
Our pension is an extremely valuable benefit for colleagues and 
one we are proud to offer. IFRS accounting gives a marked-to-
market measure of our pension liabilities, based on market 
conditions which of course can be volatile in the short term, 
whereas the liabilities are clearly long-term in nature. 

Our after-tax IAS 19 pension deficit this year has risen to  
£2.6 billion, mainly due to a reduction in real corporate bond  
yields with a subsequent fall in the discount rate used to measure 
our liabilities. A triennial actuarial valuation will be carried out to 
measure our liabilities as at 31 March 2014 and this will be 
completed in 2015.

Return on capital employed
When we complete our partnership with CRE, our Group return  
on capital employed will reflect our share of the partnership’s  
assets and profits or losses. Given that we expect to complete  
the partnership in the first half of 2014/15 we have given a 
pro-forma Group ROCE including our Chinese business. On this 
basis, our Group ROCE was 12.1%, which is a comparable figure  
to the 12.7% we reported last year. Excluding our Chinese  
business based on its current accounting treatment as a 
discontinued operation, our Group ROCE would be 13.6%. 

The UK continues to earn the highest returns in the Group and  
our businesses in Asia are high-returning. Europe’s returns remain 
below cost of capital. We will continue to limit capital expenditure 
in this region and focus our efforts on improving our offer for 
customers in existing stores.

Financial review continued

Tesco Bank
Tesco Bank generated £194 million trading profit this year. 
Excluding income from the legacy insurance distribution 
agreement which terminated in 2012/13 and fair value releases 
resulting from the unwind of an acquisition accounting 
adjustment, it grew by 19%. 

We have seen good growth in our core banking products with 
customer accounts for credit cards, loans, mortgages and savings 
up 14%. After the first full year of trading, mortgage balances have 
grown to £0.7 billion and we have helped over 4,000 customers to 
own their homes. Those customers have borrowed an average of 
just under £170,000 with a loan-to-value ratio of just over 50%. 
Reflecting the challenging market conditions, with increased 
competition driving a marked reduction in premiums across the 
industry, the profit contribution of our Insurance business was 
down (17)% this year (excluding legacy income). 

Tesco Bank results 

Tesco Bank revenue (exc. VAT, exc. impact of IFRIC 13)

Tesco Bank trading profit

Tesco Bank trading margin (trading profit/revenue)

£m

% growth

£1,003m 

£194m 

19.34% 

(1.8)%

1.6%

63bp 

The Bank will soon complete its suite of products with a current 
account launching in the first half. We expect the growth in 
underlying trading profit in 2014/15 to be broadly offset by  
the investment in current accounts.

Within one-off items, the Bank has made a further increase to  
the provision for payment protection insurance of £(20) million  
and a provision of £(43) million for other customer redress.

The Bank’s balance sheet remains strong with good levels of 
liquidity. Although customer deposits remain the primary source  
of funding, the funding base was diversified during the year with  
a credit card securitisation and participation in the Funding for 
Lending scheme.

Group balance sheet and cash flow
Net debt has remained stable year-on-year at £6.6 billion.  
In the context of declining underlying profit, lower property 
proceeds and a maintained dividend, this demonstrates our 
discipline and focus on cash. 

Two metrics that we use to guide our internal decisions and which 
support our discipline to maintain a strong investment grade credit 
rating are net indebtedness and fixed charge cover. This year net 
indebtedness rose slightly to 3.16 times and fixed charge cover 
remained stable at 3.4 times. 

This year we spent £2.7 billion of capex, or £3.0 billion including 
China. We are reducing our capital expenditure to no more than 
£2.5 billion for at least the next three years. A greater proportion  
of this reduced overall spend is devoted to our existing stores. 
We are accelerating our refresh programme in the UK and we are 
also maintaining our level of spend on technology to ensure that 
we have the necessary capabilities for a truly multichannel offer. 

14 

Tesco PLC Annual Report and Financial Statements 2014 

 
 
Our approach to growth and returns
We laid out this financial framework in April 2013 and it continues  
to inform our decisions. The framework helps ensure an appropriate 
balance of growth, returns and cash generation, and outlines what 
shareholders can expect from Tesco from a financial perspective in 
the medium term. 

Our approach to growth and returns

Financial disciplines

Guiderails

Generate positive  
free cash flow

Allocate capital within range  
of 4% down to 3.5% of sales

Maintain a strong investment  
grade credit rating

Trading profit growth

•	Mid-single	digit

Sustainable ROCE

•	12%	to	15%	range

Dividend growth

•	In	line	with	underlying	EPS
•	Target	cover	of	more	than	2	times

The changes we have announced to capital expenditure underpin 
our commitment to this framework. This moves capital expenditure 
to the bottom of our 4% down to 3.5% of sales guiderail.  
This even greater focus on capital discipline will help maintain  
the commitment to generate positive free cash flow, maintain a 
strong balance sheet, and continue to maintain a strong dividend.

I wish Philip and the team well and am absolutely confident that 
Tesco will emerge from this period of unprecedented change in  
the industry stronger than ever.

Laurie Mcllwee 
Chief Financial Officer*

*    After 14 years’ service at Tesco, Laurie resigned as Chief Financial Officer  
on 4 April 2014. He will continue to work with us until October 2014 while  
a successor is appointed.

Tesco PLC Annual Report and Financial Statements 2014 

15

Other informationGovernanceFinancial statementsStrategic report 
Key performance indicators

With our strategy now focused on delivering even greater loyalty from our customers,  
we place even greater emphasis across the business on improving five customer-focused key 
performance indicators. Whilst we continue to track a range of financial and non-financial 
measures, it is these five which each of our businesses now uses to gauge progress.

Key performance indicators of our strategic performance 
We have entered the new, multichannel world of retail and customers’ expectations 
have changed. Customers have increased access to more and more retailers simply at 
their search bar on their smartphone and our success will be a result of more customers 
choosing Tesco in preference to others. 

As a result of this fundamental change, we have prioritised our customer-focused 
measures to track and communicate our progress against the strategy. We believe  
these five KPIs are more relevant today, during this time of transition and 
transformation, than some of our historical and short-term measures.

Everything we are doing to create the most compelling offer is designed to retain our most 
loyal customers, attract new ones and allow them to shop however, whenever and wherever 
they want to. These measures both allow us to monitor our progress and to create value 
because they are entirely focused on customers and how they choose to shop. Greater loyalty 
delivers greater lifetime value so we are tracking the behaviours of our loyal Clubcard 
customers – those who are most engaged and typically spend more with us. Focusing on 
our loyal customers is how we are driving the transformation we are going through and is 
how we will build enduring like-for-like sales.

The measures contained in this section are for our core UK business where they are particularly 
relevant. They do however apply to every part of our business – whether it’s a store, a category, 
a country or a department – and we are using them across the Group to drive the behaviours 
that we believe will lead to long-term success. 

1. Our customers come back time and again

2. New customers choose us

70.0% 

retained loyal customers

Definition: Percentage of last year’s loyal 
customers* who are still loyal to Tesco
Commentary: Doing the right thing for 
our loyal customers and retaining their 
loyalty is our first priority. The more we get 
it right for them, the more all customers 
will benefit.

29.1% 

of new loyal customers

Definition: New loyal customers* as a 
percentage of last year’s loyal customer base 
Commentary: We want to build our loyal 
customer base so in addition to retaining 
our existing loyal customers, we want to 
attract new ones. Our investments in the 
customer offer are designed to create 
long-term value for new customers too.

3. Our customers can shop how they want

4. Our customers use us for more

59.7% 

customers shopping  
across channels

Definition: Percentage of loyal 
customers* who in the last 13 weeks  
have shopped two or more channels**
Commentary: This measure helps us to 
monitor whether we are providing the truly 
multichannel offer that customers want in 
the new era of retailing. We know that 
customers who shop across channels spend 
more with us and this measure tracks 
whether they are shopping between different 
sized stores, grocery online and services.

64.3% 

shop the family brands

Definition: Percentage of loyal 
customers* who in the last 13 weeks  
have bought / held products from Bank, 
Telecoms, Clothing***
Commentary: Our multichannel, 
multibrand strategy is founded in the 
belief that the whole is more than the  
sum of the parts. This measure tracks 
whether we are building loyalty and  
value across our brands and channels. 

5. Loved by customers

Our final measure is one of customer advocacy. Whilst the first 
four are functional measures, we know that for our brand to be 
loved, liked or actively chosen, our emotional connection with 
our customers must get stronger. Emotionally loyal customers, 
advocates and fans become brilliant ambassadors and drive 

word of mouth, as well as engaging more broadly and deeply 
with the business. There are many different ways of measuring 
advocacy, not least using a net promoter score, but they all 
add up to something similar – do customers like you enough 
to recommend you to others? 

*  Loyal customers are defined based on their frequency of spend and average weekly spend.
**  Channels include: large stores, convenience stores, grocery home shopping, Tesco Direct and Wine by the case.
***  Current results do not include Blinkbox, Clothing online, Nutricentre, Dobbies and our new coffee shops and restaurants. These will be tracked going forward.

16 

Tesco PLC Annual Report and Financial Statements 2014 

Measures of current financial performance

Group performance

Growth in underlying profit before tax

Return on capital employed (‘ROCE’)

(6.9)%

10/11
11/12
12.3% 2.1%

12/13
(14.9)%*

13/14
(6.9)%

Performance
Our underlying profit performance this year reflects 
weaker market conditions in the UK, difficult trading 
conditions in Europe, the impact of opening hours 
regulations in South Korea and a weak economy  
in Thailand.

*  The 2012/13 figure including China was (14.5)%.

Group financial ratios

12.1%

12.7%

12.1%

12/13

13/14

Performance
Group ROCE was 12.1% as a result of our profit 
performance. Given that we expect to complete  
the partnership with CRE this year, we have given  
a pro-forma ROCE including our Chinese business.  
This is directly comparable to last year’s published  
figure. Excluding China based on its current accounting 
treatment as a discontinued operation, our ROCE would 
be 13.6%.

Growth in underlying diluted earnings  
per share (at a constant tax rate)

(7.3)%

10/11
11/12
10.8% 2.6%

12/13
(14.4)%*

13/14
(7.3)%

Performance
The decline in our underlying diluted earnings per 
share, which is adjusted for the number of shares in 
issue, is in line with our underlying profit performance.

*  The 2012/13 figure including China was (14.0)%.

Total shareholder return (‘TSR’)

Net indebtedness

Gearing

(6.3)% 1 year
3.7% 5 year

10/11

11/12

12/13

13/14

1 year (0.2)% (18.7)% 22.5% (6.3)%
5 year 6.7% (3.0)% 2.1% 3.7%

Performance
TSR improved on an annualised, five-year basis, 
reflecting the impact of the economic crisis in  
2008/09 and our efforts to strengthen the business 
since. On a one-year basis the total shareholder return 
was (6.3)% which reflects a declining share price.

Capital expenditure (‘capex’) as % of sales

3.9%

Performance
Capex was £2.7 billion, a similar level to 2012/13  
on a continuing operations basis*. It fell significantly 
in Europe and the UK and increased in Asia, in line 
with our priority for disciplined international growth.

%

8

6

4

2

Times

4

3

2

1

08/09

09/10

10/11

11/12

12/13

13/14

44.8%

10/11
40.8% 38.4% 39.6% 44.8%

13/14

11/12

12/13

Performance
Despite flat net debt year-on-year, the increase in 
our gearing ratio is due to lower net assets. This is 
largely as a result of our actions to impair asset 
values in Europe and goodwill in China.

Performance
Our net indebtedness has remained broadly stable  
at 3.16 times, reflecting our focus on cash and  
capital discipline. 

Fixed charge cover

Times

6

4

2

08/09

09/10

10/11

11/12

12/13

13/14

Performance
Our stable fixed charge cover ratio reflects the 
strength of the Group’s underlying cash profits  
and our focus on managing both our debt profile 
and fixed charges.

*  The 2012/13 figure including China was 4.1%.

03/04

05/06

07/08

09/10

11/12

13/14

Definitions for the KPIs on pages 17 and 18 can be found in the glossary on page 143.

All KPIs on pages 17 and 18 (apart from return on capital employed, gearing, TSR, net indebtedness and fixed charge cover) exclude the results from our operations in the United 
States and China for 2012/13 and 2013/14, with the exception of reduction in CO2e emissions which includes China.

Tesco PLC Annual Report and Financial Statements 2014 

17

Other informationGovernanceFinancial statementsStrategic report 
Key performance indicators continued

We have previously reported a number of other performance indicators and on this page we 
continue to report against those measures under our strategic priorities and scale for good. 

Our strategic priorities

UK like-for-like (inc. VAT, exc. petrol)

10/11
1.0%

11/12
0.0%

12/13
(0.3)% (1.3)%

13/14

UK trading profit

£2,504m £2,478m
14.7%†

12.7%

£2,272m £2,191m

Performance
UK like-for-like (the growth in sales from stores that have been open for  
at least a year) was (0.5)% for the first half and (2.2)% in the second half. 
Further weakness in the grocery market, exacerbated by a lower level of  
inflation, impacted our sales performance towards the end of the year  
and this contributed to the overall sales performance for the year.

10/11

11/12

12/13

13/14

Performance
UK trading profit declined by (3.6)% with a lower trading margin of 5.0%, 
reflecting our continued determination to invest in our customer offer 
despite the weakening UK grocery market.

Bank profit

£225m
14.7%†

£191m

£194m

International trading profit

£189m

£946m

£1,266m
12.7%

£1,062m

£930m

£140m

£158m

11/12
Trading profit

12/13

13/14

12/13
11/12
Profit excluding legacy income
and fair value releases 

13/14

10/11

11/12

12/13*

13/14

Performance
Excluding income from the legacy insurance distribution agreement which 
terminated in 2012/13 and fair value releases resulting from the unwind of  
an acquisition accounting adjustment, profit grew by 19%.  

Performance
International trading profit fell reflecting the difficult trading conditions in 
Europe, the impact of opening hours regulations in South Korea and political 
unrest in Thailand, in addition to its weak economy.

*  The 2012/13 figure including China was £990m.

Using our scale for good

Reduction in CO2e emissions from  
existing stores and distribution centres

Partner viewpoint – percentage of positive 
responses to the question ‘I am treated with respect’

Donation of pre-tax profits to charities  
and good causes

10/11
n/a

11/12
n/a

12/13
32.5% 34.7%

13/14

67%

down 4% from 2013

£53m

down £13m* from 2013

Performance
As indicated in the 2012/13 Annual Report, we are 
now measuring the cumulative reduction in CO2e 
across our property against a 2006/7 baseline, 
consistent with our 2020 target to halve the emissions 
per square foot of our stores and DCs. The reduction 
continues to be driven by our strong focus on reducing 
refrigerant gas leakage and using less harmful 
alternatives, including natural refrigerants.

Performance
This year we fulfilled our commitment to improve our 
anonymous partner viewpoint survey by making it more 
comprehensive and ensuring it reaches more suppliers. 
The survey is helping us to understand more about how 
our supplier partners are feeling, and allows us to focus 
on the categories and countries where we need to work 
harder to ensure we always treat our partners with 
respect. We are committed to building longer-term 
strong strategic relationships, and our teams are very 
focused on improving this score.

Performance
We have donated almost £53 million to charities  
and good causes this year through direct donations, 
cause-related marketing, gifts in kind, colleague time  
and management costs. This represents 2.3% of our 
statutory profit before tax. The total that we have donated 
is lower this year, largely due to the transition from Tesco 
for Schools and Clubs to our Eat Happy initiative.  

* 

 The 2012/13 figure excluding the contribution from 
Fresh & Easy in the US was £66m.

Colleague retention

90%

in the UK
down 1% from 2013

Colleagues being trained for their next role

Performance
Colleague retention in the UK 
continues to be very strong. This 
reflects our determination to make 
Tesco a great place to work, with 
excellent benefits and career 
development opportunities.

6.2%

across the Group
+0.7% from 2013

Performance
Training and development is really important to us. 
This measure is the percentage of colleagues participating  
in our development programmes. As our learning and 
development programmes have matured we now include  
a broad portfolio in our measure: ‘Options’, Advanced 
Leadership and Group Leadership Programmes as well as  
our Apprenticeship, Graduate, Operations and Commercial 
Programmes. In 2012/13 this figure excluding China was 5.5%.

In addition to the discussion around employee, environmental, community and social issues embedded in this Strategic Report, you can find a great deal more information in our  
Tesco and Society Report (www.tescoplc.com/society) about how we are starting to tackle three urgent issues facing society – food waste, improving health and youth unemployment. 
It also shows how we are strengthening our work in the four essential areas – trading responsibly, reducing our impact on the environment, being a great employer and supporting  
local communities – which are fundamental to the way we do business.

18 

Tesco PLC Annual Report and Financial Statements 2014 

Other statutory disclosures

Respecting human rights
As a global multichannel retailer we buy, move and sell products 
through our stores and online and our business interacts with 
millions of people every day. We have a responsibility to respect the 
human rights of our colleagues, our customers, the communities we 
operate in and the people who work throughout our supply chain.

Our approach
We are committed to upholding basic human rights and support  
in full the UN Universal Declaration of Human Rights and the 
International Labour Organization Core Conventions. We were a 
founding member of the Ethical Trading Initiative and expect all 
our suppliers to work towards fully implementing the base code. 
We investigate allegations of human rights infringements and  
take appropriate action where necessary. To review our policy visit 
www.tescoplc.com/society/resources.

In addressing human rights we consider our potential impacts  
on the following groups as a priority:

•	Our colleagues: Our people policies are designed to make 
Tesco a great place to work where everyone is welcome

•	Our supply chain: Building strong partnerships with trusted 
suppliers will ensure that we deliver high-quality and safe 
products that are responsibly produced

•	Our customers and the communities in which we operate:  
Our customers want to buy high-quality products that are 
produced safely and responsibly. We want to be a good 
neighbour wherever we operate.

Through our scale for good strategy we are addressing some of the 
key challenges that societies are facing which are closely aligned to 
specific human rights as defined by the UN. For example:

•	Right to education – we are working to provide opportunities 

for millions of young people

•	Right to be free from hunger – we are building close 

relationships with food banks and food surplus charities 
who are helping to feed people in need

•	Right to the enjoyment of the highest attainable standards  

of physical and mental health – we are helping our colleagues 
and customers to lead healthier lives.

and so are committed to working in partnership with relevant 
stakeholders to make improvements.

Governance and monitoring
Our governance committees consider financial and non-financial 
risks to our business and the Compliance and Social Responsibility 
Committees in particular consider risks related to our Human Rights 
Policy, which are maintained on our company risk register. Key elements 
of our Human Rights Policy are incorporated into our Code of Business 
Conduct which is reviewed by our senior managers once a year.

Our established ‘protector line’ is primarily used by colleagues and 
contractors to report suspected breaches of our Code of Business 
Conduct or internal company policies. Next year we are launching an 
independent ‘protector line’ service for use by any of our suppliers. Their 
employees will be able to raise confidentially concerns of wrongdoing in 
the provision of either goods or services for or on behalf of Tesco. Issues 
will be recorded, investigated and where necessary action will be taken.

Improvement
In 2013, we commissioned PricewaterhouseCoopers to carry out  
an analysis of our Human Rights Policy. Based on these findings we 
are revising our policy. This includes putting more emphasis on our 
human rights responsibilities in a revised Code of Business Conduct.

Diversity
We approach diversity in its broadest sense, recognising that 
successful world-class businesses flourish through embracing 
intellectual, experiential, geographical and skills diversity as well  
as other factors such as age, disability, gender, race and sexual 
orientation. The ratio of male to female colleagues, based on  
the number of employees at year end, is outlined below:

Board of Directors
Senior managers – 
Directors
Senior managers – 
Directors and managers
All employees

Male
8
667

Female

73% 3
78% 193

27%
22%

3,994

70% 1,739

30%

216,763

43% 288,781

57%

The complexity of addressing human rights risks and concerns 
should not be underestimated. We believe that openness and 
responsiveness are essential in the identification and remedy of 
issues. We also understand we can not always address issues alone 

Senior roles are demanding for all – regardless of gender – and  
we are determined to develop a culture and environment where 
people can advance. We introduced a ‘Women in Leadership’ 
development programme in 2011 and so far a total of 440 female 
colleagues have completed or are currently on the programme.

Greenhouse gas emissions

Greenhouse gas (‘GHG’) emission reporting
This year our carbon footprint was 6.37 million 
tonnes of CO2e. Our overall carbon intensity has 
decreased by 35% since 2006/07. 

We have calculated our carbon footprint according to 
the WRI/WBCSD Greenhouse Gas (‘GHG’) Protocol.  
We follow the operational control approach and use 
emission factors from Defra/DECC’s GHG Conversion 
Factors for Company Reporting 2013. For more 
information on our carbon targets and how we 
calculate our carbon footprint, including reporting 
standards, the definition of Scope 1, 2 and 3 emissions, 
and ERM CVS’s Independent Assurance Statement, see 
www.tescoplc.com/society/resources.

GHG emissions data for period 24 February 2013 to 22 February 2014

Global tonnes of CO2e 

Scope 1
Scope 2
Scope 1 and 2 carbon intensity  
(kg CO2e/sq ft of stores and DCs)
Scope 3
Scope 3 T&D/WTT emissions
Total gross emissions
CO2e from renewable energy exported to grid
Total net emissions
Overall net carbon intensity (total net  
emissions kg CO2e/sq ft of stores and DCs)

Base year 2006/07 2012/13
1,346,077 
2,692,216 

1,434,788 1,370,726
3,489,248 3,409,319

2013/14

49.89
370,406
761,213
5,169,912
– 
5,169,912

30.89
32.38
497,422
581,701
1,094,852
817,657
6,323,394 6,372,319
829
6,322,565 6,372,155

163.63

63.88

41.58

41.17

Tesco PLC Annual Report and Financial Statements 2014 

19

Other informationGovernanceFinancial statementsStrategic report 
Principal risks and uncertainties

A key challenge for any business is to identify the principal risks it faces and to develop and monitor appropriate controls. A successful risk management 
process balances risks and rewards and relies on sound judgement of their likelihood and impact. The Group maintains a Key Risk Register of the 
principal risks faced by the Group, including the likelihood and impact of risks and the controls and procedures implemented to mitigate them.  
Our process for identifying and managing risks is set out in more detail on page 40 of the Annual Report and Financial Statements 2014.

The table below sets out the principal risks faced by the Group, and examples of relevant key controls and mitigating factors. The Board 
considers these to be the most significant risks faced by the Group. They do not comprise all the risks associated with the Group and they 
are not set out in any order of priority. Additional risks not presently known to management, or currently deemed to be less material,  
may also have an adverse effect on the business.

As customers’ disposable income remains stretched, the competitive intensity of the retail marketplace also continues to grow. It is against  
this backdrop that there has been a trend towards increasing net risk during the year.

Whilst the economic situation in our principal market, the UK, is beginning to show some improvement, there are increased levels of 
economic, political and regulatory volatility in the wider global marketplace which have increased the assessed level of net risk that the 
business faces in these areas. The ongoing austerity programmes in Asia and Europe and the fiscal and regulatory measures that apply to  
the retail sector, for example the DIDA Act in South Korea, have continued to challenge the business. An increase in the rating of 
economic, political and regulatory risks since last year is principally driven by a revised view of the likely impact of these risks on the 
business, particularly in the context of the global marketplace and the financial and trading position of the Group.

The ongoing delivery of our multichannel vision, combined with a growing focus on customer data, has also heightened our sensitivity  
to the impact of technology risks. The impact assessment of technology has therefore increased and this remains a key area of focus.

Significant efforts by management to mitigate risks and strengthen controls have reduced the assessment of the likelihood of certain  
risks occurring. Notable examples include: product safety and ethical trading, reputation and property. Changes to the Group’s property 
strategy in the year have also reduced the overall property net risk rating.

Principal risks

Business strategy

If our strategy follows the wrong direction or is  
not effectively communicated or implemented,  
the business may suffer

The retail industry is undergoing a transformational 
change in this digital age. The challenge is in balancing 
investment and the emphasis between traditional  
and new

Investor support may be impacted if it takes longer than  
expected to demonstrate that our strategy is the right 
one, or if we cannot make the investments required

An unclear or unsuccessful strategy against the growth 
of budget retailers could adversely impact our market 
share and profitability

Our ability to operate successfully in international 
markets may be restricted if we do not follow the  
right strategy in each market, which in turn could 
adversely impact the Group’s profitability

Financial strategy

Key controls and mitigating factors

•	 Strategic matters are regularly reviewed by the Board and Executive 
Committee; the Board dedicates two full days a year to testing and 
challenging Group strategy

•	 Our plan is clear and focused on our three priorities: a strong UK business; 

multichannel leadership; and disciplined international growth

•	 A disciplined approach is taken with underperforming assets and decisive 
action is taken on strategy as appropriate, including the recent decisions 
regarding operations in the US, China and India. See the Chairman’s 
statement and the Report from the Chief Executive on pages 1 to 7  
for more details

•	 We continue to invest in the customer offer through initiatives such as Price 

Promise, which aim to improve customer perception of our relative price position 

•	The structure of our executive sub-committees is designed to focus  
on key risks through the work of the Group Commercial, Compliance, 
Multichannel, Technology, People Matters Group, Property Strategy  
and Social Responsibility Committees

•	 Significant resource is invested to communicate strategy effectively to  

those delivering it

•	 Consistent operational plans are developed throughout the Group  

to ensure delivery

•	 A Steering Wheel balanced scorecard system helps to monitor delivery 
•	 Structured stakeholder engagement programmes are conducted; an  
investor and analyst seminar was hosted in February 2014 to reiterate  
our strategic priorities

Risks relate to an incorrect or unclear financial strategy 
and the failure to achieve financial plans

•	 Financial strategy risks and performance are regularly reviewed by the 

Board and Executive Committee, with external advice obtained as required 

There are risks that our financial guiderails will not  
be achieved, or if achieving them means that the 
business is stretched in the short-term at the expense  
of investment in our long-term strategy

Weak performance could put pressure on free cash flow 
and credit metrics and affect our credit rating

•	 We have set clear expectations for the market with our financial disciplines 
and guiderails: improving capital discipline; greater focus on balancing 
growth with returns; and being more focused on cash rather than 
margins. See the Financial review on pages 12 to 15 for more details

•	The Balance Sheet Committee regularly reviews gearing and net  

debt management

•	 Consistent operational plans and budgets are developed throughout the 

Group to help drive delivery

•	 A Steering Wheel balanced scorecard system helps to monitor delivery
•	 Structured stakeholder engagement programmes are conducted so that 

expectations are clear

20 

Tesco PLC Annual Report and Financial Statements 2014 

Principal risks

Key controls and mitigating factors

Competition and consolidation

Failure to compete on areas including price, product 
range, quality and multichannel service in increasingly 
competitive UK and overseas retail markets could 
impact our market share and adversely affect the 
Group’s financial results

New entrants to the market and the consolidation  
of competitors through mergers or trade agreements  
in key markets or geographical areas could adversely 
impact our market share

Reputational risk

Failure to protect the Group’s reputation and brand  
in the face of ethical, legal, moral or operational 
challenges could lead to a loss of trust and confidence 
and a decline in customer base, and also affect our 
ability to recruit and retain good people

If we do not make positive contributions to society  
and effectively communicate these, this may adversely 
impact our ability to win and retain customer trust  
and loyalty

Performance

If business units (including the UK) underperform 
against plan and against competitors, our business may 
fail to meet the stated strategy in full and impairment 
of asset values may result

The delivery of long-term goals and sustainable 
performance may be impaired if the business  
focuses too heavily on short-term targets

•	 Our strategy to have broad appeal on price, range and format and to  
take the lead as a multichannel business, allows us to compete in  
different markets

•	 A more diversified portfolio, such as our new food experience investments 
in Giraffe, Harris and Hoole and Euphorium, allows us to take advantage 
of new retailing opportunities

•	 Our Executive and Multichannel Committees and Trading Groups  

regularly review markets, trading opportunities and competitor activities, 
including discounter growth, convenience and online activities 

•	 We continue to innovate and invest in online and multichannel activities, 

including our grocery, clothing and general merchandise offerings in the UK 
and internationally

•	 Increased global marketing efforts aim to maximise the impact of our brand 

and intellectual property

•	 Performance is tracked against relevant KPIs and measures that customers 

tell us are critical to their shopping experience

•	 Customer perceptions of Tesco and competitors are constantly monitored to 

allow us to respond quickly and appropriately

•	Tesco Values are at the heart of how we do business to help us to 
consistently and transparently do the right thing for customers, 
colleagues and society as a whole

•	 Through our newest Value – ‘we use our scale for good’ – we are tackling 
some of the most important issues for society: creating opportunities for 
young people, improving health, and reducing food waste. These 
ambitions build on the essential work we do every day as a responsible 
business: trading responsibly, reducing our impact on the environment, 
being a great employer and supporting local communities 

•	We have established an external advisory panel of experts to challenge 
and help shape the strategic direction of this important work. See our 
Tesco and Society Report 2014 for more details

•	Communication and engagement programmes help us to understand 

stakeholder views and reflect them in our strategy and policies

•	 Building strong relationships with our trading partners (suppliers) allows  

us to recognise and anticipate changes in our industry so we can continue  
to provide quality, affordable products at a great price and which are  
sourced responsibly

•	 Our embedded Group Code of Business Conduct, Bribery Act and UK 
Groceries Supply Code of Practice guidelines guide our behaviour in 
dealing with customers, employees, suppliers and other stakeholders

•	Comprehensive and improved supplier auditing and product surveillance 
programmes are in place to minimise the risks associated with product 
integrity and labour standards

•	 Governance committees, including the Executive, Corporate Responsibility, 
Group Commercial, Social Responsibility, Compliance, Multichannel and 
Technology Committees, guide and monitor policies

•	 Our Board, Executive Committee and various operational committees, 

including the UK Operating Board, meet regularly to review performance risks

•	All business units have stretching targets based on a Steering Wheel 

balanced scorecard system; performance against budgets and KPIs are 
monitored continually and reported regularly to the Board

•	 Clear budgets, goals and objectives are set for subsidiary CEOs, with a 

high proportion of reward based on the achievement of stretching targets

•	 Our diversification strategy minimises the impact of changes in the 

economic climate

•	 The regional alignment of shared opportunities leverages skill and scale to 

maximise performance

•	 Clear and regular communications ensure that colleagues have confidence 

and belief in our long-term strategy and perform at their best without 
undue focus on short-term performance targets

Tesco PLC Annual Report and Financial Statements 2014 

21

Other informationGovernanceFinancial statementsStrategic report 
Principal risks and uncertainties continued

Principal risks

Property

The acquisition, development and management of 
property sites carry inherent risk. Challenges may arise 
in relation to obtaining planning or other consents; 
compliance with varying country safety, design and 
construction standards; tenant management; and 
maintaining a cost-effective estate with the right 
balance of freehold and leasehold sites

Economic

In each country where we operate, we are impacted by 
the underlying economic environment, the impact of 
austerity programmes on consumer spending and the 
fiscal measures that apply to the retail sector

Political and regulatory

In each country where we operate, we may be impacted 
by legal and regulatory changes, increased scrutiny by 
competition authorities and political developments 
relevant to domestic trade and the retail sector

The regulatory landscape is becoming more restrictive  
in many markets, which may impact how we trade. 
Examples include stricter rules regarding opening hours, 
customer, supplier and data protection, corporate crime 
and heightened banking regulation

Product safety and ethical trading

Failures could damage customer trust and  
confidence, impacting our customer base  
and therefore financial results

Key controls and mitigating factors

•	Calling an end to the ‘space race’ and our change of strategy in markets 
such as China has reduced property acquisition and development risk. 
There is now greater focus on repurposing space and managing our 
freehold and leasehold balance wisely and profitably 

•	Group Property Strategy, Property Acquisition and related committees 
regularly review, and closely control, property acquisition, planning, 
construction and repurposing processes to ensure standards are met  
and risks are minimised

•	Group Property Blueprints are adopted to ensure consistency of approach
•	Group and country Compliance Committees monitor legal and 

regulatory compliance in property activities

•	 Mall management systems are in place to assist site management

•	 The external economic outlook is carefully considered when developing 

strategy and is continuously monitored through the Executive Committee’s 
review of performance

•	Country developments are continuously monitored through local CEOs
•	 A central Euro Disaster Committee monitors developments in the Eurozone
•	We try to anticipate and contribute to important changes in public policy 

wherever we operate

•	Engagement with governmental and non-governmental organisations  
in a positive and supportive way allows us to represent the views of our 
customers and employees and to manage the impact of political and 
regulatory changes. We try to anticipate and contribute to important 
changes in public policy wherever we operate 

•	Country developments are continuously monitored through local CEOs
•	Group and country Compliance Committees, with support from our 

Regulatory Ethics and Compliance Team, monitor and guide legal and 
regulatory compliance 

•	The Tesco Bank Executive and Treating Customers Fairly Board oversee 

Tesco Bank’s compliance with regulatory requirements

•	Compliance with the UK Groceries Supply Code of Practice (‘Code’) is 

carefully monitored by our Code Compliance Officer

•	Our Group Product Policy is implemented and monitored across the 

business by Group technical teams

•	We have changed the way we work, following the horsemeat crisis,  
to be more vigilant and to improve our capabilities on anticipating  
and managing emerging issues; we have also appointed an Incident 
Management expert to build expertise across the business

•	 Appropriate controls are in place around key risks including product 

development; the approval and management of supplier sites; standards  
in distribution; the monitoring of labour standards in our supplier base;  
the competency of our people; and management of crises, emerging issues  
and changes in regulatory standards

•	Detailed, established procedures are operating globally to ensure  

product integrity

•	Product surveillance programmes are in place, including DNA  

traceability programmes

•	Group and country Compliance Committees monitor the management 

of risks associated with products, suppliers and operations

22 

Tesco PLC Annual Report and Financial Statements 2014 

Principal risks

Technology

Key controls and mitigating factors

Any significant failure in the IT processes of our retail 
operations, online and in stores, would impact our  
ability to trade

As the digital marketplace grows, a lack of investment 
in technology, or investment in the wrong areas,  
may constrain multichannel growth and impact  
our competitiveness

•	Our IT strategy is approved and reviewed by the Executive Committee to 
ensure that investments in IT systems and innovations improve business 
efficiency and customers’ shopping experience

•	We continue to invest in IT to respond to the growing range of IT-related 

threats and risks

•	 The Group Technology Committee monitors controls to maintain the 

integrity and efficiency of our IT infrastructure and data 

•	The Information Security Committee meets regularly to review the 

development and implementation of policies

Insufficient investment in, or ineffective implementation 
of, controls over our online presence could increase the 
likelihood of a successful cyber-attack 

•	Rigorous governance processes must be followed for new systems 
implementations and ongoing change management of existing IT
•	The reporting lines of our Group Information Security and IT Security 

Whilst investment is made in new technologies,  
there is a risk that investment is not made to maintain 
the controls over the existing technology, which may 
impact systems availability and security, including  
the security of personnel, supplier or customer data

As customers and colleagues become increasingly 
sensitive to matters of data usage, storage and security, 
the inherent reputational risks of the IT control 
environment have increased, in conjunction with  
the financial and regulatory risks

People

Failure to attract, retain, develop and motivate the  
best people with the right capabilities at all levels could 
limit our ability to succeed

The world of multichannel retail is increasingly 
people-focused and demands new technical and  
social skills. Our leaders must play a critical role in 
helping to model the organisation we want to be

Treasury

Effective cash and debt management is critical to the 
running of the business. Failure to ensure the availability 
of funds to meet the needs of the business or to manage 
interest or exchange rate fluctuations or credit risks could 
limit our ability to trade profitably

teams have been merged to allow for better integration and efficiencies 
in addressing IT security risks

•	Processes are in place to monitor and deal with significant IT  

security incidents

•	Improved Group Wide Area Network infrastructure and the 

standardisation and centralisation of systems across international 
operations will help to improve the availability and consistency  
of technology

•	Our People Matters Group (‘PMG’) regularly meets to review and  

monitor people policies, procedures and risks

•	Clear processes are in place to ensure we understand and respond to 

employees’ needs through our PMG, colleague surveys, regular 
performance reviews, the involvement of trade unions in relevant 
markets and the regular communication of business developments
•	Talent planning and people development is a key objective for each 

member of the Executive Committee

•	Significant investment is made in training, development and incentives, 
including through our Executive Committee Talent Cycle, talent planning, 
leadership development and succession planning for the future needs of 
the business

•	The Employment Policy Committee is responsible for the development 
of our Employment Policy Blueprint to ensure we have appropriate pay, 
pension and share plan arrangements to attract and retain good people 
across the business

•	An annual Finance Plan and General Board Authority set out the controls 

and authority limits for Treasury matters

•	We expect our financial disciplines and guiderails to have a positive 

impact on cash and debt management

•	The Balance Sheet Committee meets regularly to monitor Treasury risks 

and manage the liquidity needs of the business

•	An annual Treasury Review is carried out by the Executive Committee
•	Comprehensive Treasury policies set out processes and controls around 

the use of financial instruments, hedging, liquidity, bank account 
management and the segregation of duties required between our back 
and front offices

•	Further detail on the management of financial risks can be found in the 
‘Financial risks review’ table on page 25 and in Note 22 on page 104 of 
the Annual Report and Financial Statements 2014

Tesco PLC Annual Report and Financial Statements 2014 

23

Other informationGovernanceFinancial statementsStrategic report 
Principal risks and uncertainties continued

Principal risks

Tesco Bank

Financial risks taken by Tesco Bank (the ‘Bank’) could 
adversely impact the Group. The key financial risks 
relating to the Bank include interest rate, liquidity, 
credit and insurance risks which are detailed in Note 22 
on page 107 of the Annual Report and Financial 
Statements 2014 

Changes to financial regulations, including in relation  
to credit card interchange fees, could impact  
banking profitability

A vote in favour of Scottish independence from the UK 
in September 2014 could impact the fiscal, monetary 
and regulatory environment within which the Bank, 
which is headquartered in Edinburgh, operates

Pensions

Key controls and mitigating factors

•	The Bank has a defined ‘Risk Appetite’, approved and regularly reviewed  
by both the Bank’s Board and the Tesco PLC Board, which sets out the  
key risks, their optimum ranges, alert limits and the controls required to 
manage them within their approved tolerance limits

•	 The Bank has formed good working relationships with the Prudential 

Regulation Authority and Financial Conduct Authority 

•	 There is a comprehensive structure of governance and oversight in place, 
including through the Bank’s Governance and Conduct Committees,  
to help ensure the Bank’s compliance with applicable laws and regulations
•	 The Group remains politically neutral and carefully monitors developments 

to enable it to respond to whatever decision is reached on Scottish 
independence

The IAS 19 deficit could increase if there is a fall in 
corporate bond yields which is not offset by an increase 
in the pension scheme’s assets 

•	 We have a diversified investment strategy with internal controls and visibility 

through our in-house investment team at Tesco Pension Investments

•	 We regularly review our pension risks and changes were introduced in 2012 

Other risks affecting the deficit are detailed in Note 26 
on page 112 of the Annual Report and Financial 
Statements 2014 and include investment, inflation  
and life expectancy risks 

There are also increasing risks of legal and regulatory 
changes introducing more burdensome requirements

Fraud, compliance and control

to reduce the scheme’s life expectancy and inflation risks

•	 The dedicated Pensions Audit and Risk Committee continues to monitor 

and scrutinise the internal controls around pension and investment risks

•	 Pensions and Treasury Directors review pension risks on a monthly basis
•	 External expert advisors and Pension Fund Trustees are fully engaged to 

consider the funding position and fund performance as well as the impact  
of legislative and regulatory changes

As the business develops new platforms and grows in 
size, geographical scope and complexity, the potential 
for fraud and dishonest activity by our suppliers, 
customers and employees increases

•	 Procedures and controls are set out across the business to reduce fraud 

and compliance risks, including our Group Accounting Policy, key financial 
controls, IT access controls and segregation of duties

•	 Compliance Committees monitor the implementation of, and compliance 

with, relevant laws, policies and procedures

•	 Training is provided to help colleagues comply with policies and procedures
•	 Clear behavioural guidance is given to employees through training on Tesco 
Values, the Group Code of Business Conduct, the UK Bribery Act and our 
Whistleblowing service – Protector Line

•	Internal Audit undertakes a risk-based programme with detailed 
investigations into all business areas and reports its findings to 
management and the Audit Committee

•	 Group Loss Prevention & Security monitors fraud, bribery and business 

continuity risks across the Group and reports its findings to the  
Audit Committee

•	 Store and distribution compliance and technical law and trading reviews  

are conducted regularly to reinforce compliance across the Group

•	 A comprehensive compliance programme is in place to promote, monitor 
and review compliance with the UK Groceries Supply Code of Practice 
•	The Information Security Committee regularly reviews IT incidents
•	External Audit rotates its coverage of areas and assessment of controls

•	 Appropriate business continuity plans and crisis management plans are  
in place for each business area and we continue to create and test them  
for eventualities

•	Disaster recovery plans are in place for key IT systems and data centres
•	 We have security systems and processes that reflect best practice to review 
the risks of incidents or activism across the Group, including liaison with 
the UK National Co-ordinator for Counterterrorism

Business continuity and crisis management

A major incident, from a natural disaster to a system 
failure, could impact colleague safety or the Group’s 
ability to trade

24 

Tesco PLC Annual Report and Financial Statements 2014 

 
Financial risks review
The main financial risks faced by the Group relate to the availability of funds to meet business needs, fluctuations in interest and foreign 
exchange rates and credit risks relating to the risk of default by parties to financial transactions. Further explanation of these risks is set out in 
Note 22 on page 104 of the Annual Report and Financial Statements 2014. An overview of the management of these risks is set out below for 
ease of reference and to support a further understanding of the principal treasury risks described in the table above. Details of the main financial 
risks relating to Tesco Bank and the management of those risks can be found in Note 22 on page 107 of the Annual Report and Financial 
Statements 2014.

Financial risks

Key controls and mitigating factors

Funding and liquidity risk

The risk of being unable to continue to fund our 
operations on an ongoing basis

Interest rate risk

The risk to our profit and loss account resulting from 
rising interest rates

Foreign exchange risk

The risk that exchange rate volatility may have an 
adverse impact on our balance sheet or profit and  
loss account

•	 The Group finances its operations by a combination of retained profits, 

disposals of property assets, debt capital market issues, commercial paper, 
bank borrowings and leases 

•	 New funding of £1.4 billion was raised during the year, including £0.8 billion 
from long term debt and £0.6 billion from property disposals. At the year 
end, net debt was £6.6 billion (2013: £6.6 billion)

•	 The policy is to smooth the debt maturity profile, to arrange funding 

ahead of requirements and to maintain sufficient undrawn committed 
bank facilities and a strong credit rating so that maturing debt may be 
refinanced as it falls due. At the year end, the Group had a long-term 
credit rating of BBB+ (negative) from Fitch, Baa1 (negative) from Moody’s 
and BBB+ (stable) from Standard & Poor’s 

•	 Forward rate agreements, interest rate swaps, caps and floors may be used 

to achieve the desired mix of fixed and floating rate debt 

•	 Our policy is to fix interest rates for the year on a minimum of 40% of 
actual and projected debt interest costs of the Group excluding Tesco 
Bank. At the year end, the percentage of interest-bearing debt at fixed 
rates was 84% (2013: 75%). The remaining balance of our debt is in 
floating rate form. The average rate of interest paid on an historic cost basis 
this year, excluding joint ventures and associates, was 4.5% (2013: 4.8%)

•	 Transactional currency exposures that could significantly impact the Group 

Income Statement are managed, typically using forward purchases or sales of 
foreign currencies and purchased currency options. At the year end, forward 
foreign currency transactions, designated as cash flow hedges, equivalent  
to £2,862 million were outstanding (2013: £1,835 million) as detailed in  
Note 21 on page 99 of the Annual Report and Financial Statements 2014.  
We translate overseas profits at average foreign exchange rates 
•	 We only hedge a proportion of the investment in our international 

subsidiaries as well as ensuring that each subsidiary is appropriately hedged 
in respect of its non-functional currency assets. During the year, currency 
movements decreased the net value, after the effects of hedging, of the 
Group’s overseas assets by £1,102 million (last year increase of £420 million)

Credit risk

The risk of loss arising from default by parties to 
financial transactions

•	The Group holds positions with an approved list of counter parties  
of good credit quality and these counterparties and their credit  
ratings are routinely monitored

Insurance risk

The risk of being inadequately protected from liabilities  
arising from unforeseen events

•	 We purchased assets, earnings and combined liability protection from the 

open insurance market for higher value losses only

•	The risk not transferred to the insurance market is retained within the 
business with some cover being provided by our captive insurance 
companies, ELH Insurance Limited in Guernsey and Valiant Insurance 
Company Limited in the Republic of Ireland. ELH Insurance Limited 
covers Assets, Earnings and Combined Liability, while Valiant Insurance 
Company Limited covers Combined Liability only

This Strategic report, which has been prepared in accordance with the requirements of the Companies Act 2006, has been approved and 
signed on behalf of the Board

Jonathan Lloyd 
Company Secretary
2 May 2014

Tesco PLC Annual Report and Financial Statements 2014 

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Board of Directors

Sir Richard Broadbent 01 
Non-executive Chairman
Sir Richard Broadbent joined the Board of Tesco PLC 
on 2 July 2011 and was appointed Chairman on  
30 November 2011. He started his career at HM 
Treasury before joining Schroders in 1986. In 2000, 
Sir Richard was appointed Executive Chairman of 
HM Custom and Excise and joined the Management 
Board of the UK Civil Service, serving in both roles 
until 2003. Subsequently Sir Richard was Chairman 
of Arriva plc and Deputy Chairman of Barclays plc 
until 2011.

Philip Clarke 02
Group Chief Executive
Philip Clarke was appointed to the Board on  
16 November 1998. Prior to his appointment as 
CEO in March 2011 he was Asia, Europe & IT 
Director. Philip began his career with Tesco in store 
and worked part-time through school and university. 
After graduating with a degree in Economic History, 
Philip held several positions in Store Management 
before holding a number of roles in commercial and 
marketing. He joined the Tesco PLC Board as Supply 
Chain Director and a year later added Information 
Technology to his responsibilities.

Laurie McIlwee 03
Chief Financial Officer
Laurie McIlwee was appointed to the Board  
on 27 January 2009 as Chief Financial Officer.  
He began his career at Tesco in 2000 as UK Finance 
Director and after four years, became Distribution 
Director. Prior to Tesco, Laurie worked for PepsiCo  
in a variety of Finance and General Management 
roles including Vice President of Business Planning  
at Frito-Lay International, CFO and Business  
Change Director at Frito-Lay Europe, CFO of  
Walkers Snack Foods and Finance Director of 
PepsiCo Eastern Europe. Laurie resigned from  
the Board on 4 April 2014.

Patrick Cescau 04 
Senior Independent Director
Patrick Cescau was appointed a Non-executive 
Director on 1 February 2009 and became Senior 
Independent Director in July 2010. Patrick was 
Group Chief Executive of Unilever from 2005 to 
January 2009, and prior to this he was Chairman  
of Unilever plc and Vice Chairman of Unilever NV 
and Foods Director. He was also a Non-executive 
Director of Pearson plc from 2002 until 2012 and 
became Senior Independent Director in April 2010. 
He was a Director of INSEAD from 2009 to 2013. 
Patrick was appointed Non-executive Chairman of 
InterContinental Hotels Group in January 2013 and 
is also a Non-executive Director of International 
Airlines Group.

Mark Armour 05 
Non-executive Director
Mark Armour was appointed a Non-executive 
Director on 2 September 2013 and joined the Audit 
Committee on 2 October 2013. Mark was Chief 
Financial Officer of Reed Elsevier Group plc from 
1996 until 2012 and of its two parent companies, 
Reed Elsevier PLC and Reed Elsevier NV. Prior to 
joining Reed Elsevier in 1995, Mark was a partner of 
Price Waterhouse in London. He is a Non-executive 
Director of the Financial Reporting Council and a 
Non-executive Director and Chairman of the Audit 
Committee of SABMiller plc. Mark is also a fellow  
of the Institute of Chartered Accountants. 

Gareth Bullock 06 
Non-executive Director
Gareth Bullock was appointed a Non-executive
Director on 3 July 2010 and was appointed to  
the Board of Tesco Bank as a Non-executive 
Director effective 17 July 2012. He was appointed 
Non-executive Director of Informa Plc on  
1 January 2014. Gareth was Group Executive  
Director of Standard Chartered plc until his 
retirement in 2010. Gareth is a Non-executive 
Director of Global Market Group Ltd and a  
Senior Advisor to Good Governance Group (G3).

Stuart Chambers 07 
Non-executive Director
Stuart Chambers was appointed a Non-executive 
Director and Chairman of the Remuneration 
Committee on 3 July 2010 and was a Non-executive 
Director of the Board of Tesco Bank from 17 July 
2012 to 4 February 2014. He was appointed 
Chairman of ARM Plc on 1 March 2014. Stuart was 
Group Chief Executive of NSG Group from 2008  
to 2009. Prior to NSG’s acquisition of Pilkington  
plc in 2006, Stuart was Group Chief Executive of 
Pilkington plc. He was a Non-executive Director of 
Smiths Group plc and a Non-executive Director of 
Manchester Airport Group plc. Stuart was appointed 
Chairman of Rexam plc on 23 February 2012.

Olivia Garfield 08 
Non-executive Director
Olivia Garfield (Liv) was appointed a Non-executive 
Director on 1 April 2013. She joined Severn Trent 
PLC as CEO in April 2014. Prior to this, she was 
appointed CEO of Openreach in 2011 and worked 
for BT from 2002 in a number of roles, including 
Group Strategy Director, Portfolio and Regulation, 
Managing Director Commercial and Brands,  
Global Services and Vice President UK Customer 
Services, Global Services. From 1998 to 2002  
Liv worked for Accenture as a consultant in the 
Communications and High Tech Market Unit, 
designing and implementing business change 
solutions across a number of industry sectors.

Ken Hanna 09 
Non-executive Director
Ken Hanna was appointed a Non-executive Director 
on 1 April 2009 and became Audit Committee 
Chairman on 5 October 2012. Ken was previously 
Chief Financial Officer of Cadbury plc from 2004 
until 2009 and prior to that an Operating Partner of 
Compass Partners and CFO and then CEO of Dalgety 
plc. Ken has also been CFO of United Distillers and 
Avis Europe plc. He is currently Chairman of Inchcape 
plc, Aggreko plc and Shooting Star CHASE. Ken is  
a fellow of the Institute of Chartered Accountants.

Committee membership (at 2 May 2014)

 = Nominations committee 

 = Audit committee 

 = Remuneration committee 

 = Corporate responsibility committee

26 

Tesco PLC Annual Report and Financial Statements 2014 

020411100706 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Deanna Oppenheimer 10 
Non-executive Director
Deanna Oppenheimer was appointed a Non-executive 
Director on 1 March 2012 and was appointed to  
the Board of Tesco Bank as a Non-executive Director 
effective from 17 July 2012. Deanna held various 
senior roles at Barclays, including Vice Chair of 
Global Retail Banking and also as Chief Executive of 
Europe Retail and Business Banking. She has also 
served as a Non-executive Director of Catellus and 
Plum Creek Timber. Deanna is currently CEO of 
CameoWorks LLC and a Non-executive Director  
at NCR Corporation and at The AXA Group.

Jacqueline Tammenoms Bakker 11 
Non-executive Director
Jacqueline Tammenoms Bakker was appointed a 
Non-executive Director on 1 January 2009. She was 
Director General at the Ministry of Transport in  
The Netherlands from 2001-2007. Previously she 
held senior positions at Quest International and 
McKinsey & Co. Jacqueline is also a Non-executive 
Director of Vivendi, CNH Industrial and TomTom 
(from 1 May 2014). Jacqueline chairs the Van Leer 
Group Foundation and is Vice Chair of the Advisory 
Board to the Rotterdam School of Management.

Jonathan Lloyd 12
Company Secretary
Jonathan Lloyd was appointed Company Secretary 
to the Board in December 2006. He joined Tesco as 
Deputy Company Secretary and Corporate Secretariat 
Director in April 2005 from Freshfields Bruckhaus 
Deringer. Jonathan is also Company Secretary of 
Tesco Bank.

Board diversity and experience

“ Managing and developing the Board is a continuous process. We seek to achieve  
an effective balance over time of relevant skills, experience, personal qualities  
and diversity. Our priority is to foster trust and respect among all Directors supporting 
them to bring their particular skills and experience together for the benefit of the 
company.” – Sir Richard Broadbent

Experience

Relevant
skills

Personal
qualities

Diversity

Relevant skills

Experience

Personal qualities

Diversity

Our Board members bring together 
extensive experience from technology, 
retail, finance, banking, HR and strategy.

Our Board members have broad 
corporate experience such as being a 
CEO, CFO or other Executive Director 
serving on PLC Boards, as well as 
specific experience in a consumer facing 
business or international experience.

Personal qualities are the innate qualities 
that ensure skills can be applied 
effectively. They include self-awareness, 
respect, independence of mind, being a 
team player and the capacity to function 
effectively in challenging situations.

Our Board represents diversity in  
its broadest sense. This relates to 
intellectual and emotional diversity  
as well as to diversity of age, gender 
and outlook, bringing together 
multiple perspectives.

90% of our Board members  
have previous retail or consumer 
goods experience.

81% of our Board have served for at 
least 5 years on PLC Boards or 
international equivalents.

5 new leadership skills were introduced 
in the business in 2013: empathy, 
resilience, collaboration, innovation, 
and responsiveness.

27% of our Board members  
are women.

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Executive Committee

With extensive UK, international and digital experience, our Executive Committee 
oversees the implementation of the strategy set by the Board and is chaired by the CEO.

Philip Clarke
Group Chief Executive
Philip Clarke was appointed to the Board in 1998 as 
Supply Chain Director. Prior to his appointment as  
CEO in March 2011 he was Asia, Europe & IT Director. 
Philip began his career with Tesco in store during 1974 
and worked part-time through school and university. 
Philip held several positions in Store Management before 
holding a number of roles in commercial and marketing. 

Laurie McIlwee
Chief Financial Officer
Laurie McIlwee was appointed to the Board in 2009  
as Chief Financial Officer*, having joined Tesco in 2000 
as UK Finance Director and later Distribution Director. 
Prior to Tesco, Laurie worked for PepsiCo in a variety of 
roles including Vice President of Business Planning at 
Frito-Lay International, as well as CFO and Finance 
Director roles at a number of PepsiCo subsidiaries. 

Matt Atkinson
Chief Marketing Officer
Matt joined Tesco in 2011 as Group Marketing and 
Chief Digital Officer. Before joining Tesco, Matt was the 
Global CEO of HAVAS’s digital and data businesses. 
Prior to this, Matt had a diverse background in 
marketing, brand and agency management.

Benny Higgins
CEO Tesco Bank
Before joining Tesco Bank, Benny served as Chief 
Executive Officer of Retail Business at HBOS PLC. 
Between 1997 and 2005 Benny was Chief Executive  
of Retail Banking at the Royal Bank of Scotland.  
Prior to joining RBS, Benny was at Standard Life  
for 14 years. He has been Chief Executive of Tesco  
Bank since 2008.

David Hobbs
Group Business Planning Director
David joined Tesco in 2002 as UK Operations 
Development Director and has since held various 
positions including UK & Ireland Support Office Director, 
UK Business Planning Director and International 
Operations Development Director. His international roles 
included COO in Malaysia and China. He was promoted 
to Group Business Planning Director in November 2013.

Alison Horner
Group Personnel Director
Alison joined Tesco in 1999 as a Personnel Manager 
and was later promoted to Personnel Director for 
Tesco’s UK operations. After eight years in stores and 
general merchandise roles she joined the Executive 
Committee in 2011 as Group Personnel Director,  
with responsibility for the development of our  
500,000 colleagues.

Steve Rigby
Group Property Director
Steve joined Tesco in 1995 as Assets and Estates 
Director, and became European Property Director  
in 2001. He was promoted to UK Property Acquisition 
and Estates Director in 2007 and appointed to  
the UK Leadership Team in 2011. In 2012 he  
was appointed Chief Property Officer for China.  
Steve was appointed to the Executive Committee  
on 1 November 2013 as Group Property Director.

Rebecca Shelley
Group Corporate Affairs Director
Rebecca joined Tesco in May 2012 as Group Corporate 
Affairs Director. Prior to Tesco, Rebecca was a partner  
at Brunswick LLP where she advised a range of 
companies on financial and corporate reputation 
issues. From 2000 to 2007, Rebecca worked at 
Prudential as Group Communications Director  
and was a member of its Executive Committee.

Robin Terrell
Group Multichannel Director
Robin joined Tesco in February 2013 as Group 
Multichannel Director. From 1999 Robin worked  
at Amazon, ultimately as VP & Managing Director,  
with responsibility for Amazon’s UK and French 
businesses. Robin has also held senior e-commerce 
and multichannel roles at Figleaves.com, John Lewis 
and House of Fraser.

*  

 Laurie Mcllwee resigned from the Board on 4 April 2014.

28 

Tesco PLC Annual Report and Financial Statements 2014 

Chris Bush
Managing Director – UK
Chris joined Tesco in 1982 and has held various 
positions including Store Manager, Store Director  
and International Support Office Director. Between 
2004 and 2012, he worked abroad as COO Tesco 
Homeplus, CEO Tesco Malaysia and CEO Tesco Lotus. 
Chris returned in March 2012 as COO UK and was 
appointed UK Managing Director in January 2013.

Jill Easterbrook
Managing Director – Developing Businesses
Jill joined Tesco in 2001 and has held leadership  
roles across the Group including Retail Operations, 
Group Strategy, Corporate Affairs and Clothing (stores 
and online). As Managing Director – Developing 
Businesses since January 2013, Jill leads a portfolio of 
diverse businesses including Ireland, Telecoms, One 
Stop and Blinkbox.

Kevin Grace
Group Commercial Director
Kevin joined Tesco in 1982 and has held a number  
of roles including Support Office Director, COO of 
South Korea, CEO of Poland and UK Property  
Director. Kevin joined the Executive Committee in 
2011 and has responsibility for commercial practice 
across our markets and sourcing from over 70 
countries worldwide.

Trevor Masters
CEO Asia
Trevor joined Tesco in 1979, starting his Tesco career as 
a Store Manager, and later a Store Director. Trevor held 
the role of Operations Director for Extras in the UK 
during a period which saw the expansion of the Extra 
estate from 9 to 200 stores. He has also served as  
CEO Central Europe and became CEO Asia in 2011.

Mike McNamara
Chief Information Officer
Mike joined Tesco in 1998, having previously  
worked at Accenture and BT. He sat on the Board  
of Tesco.com from its inception in 1999 through  
to 2006 and led the transition of Tesco.com onto  
a fully online platform, as well as the national roll-out 
of the service. Mike is also the Chairman of Tesco’s 
Hindustan Service Centre.

Adrian Morris
Group General Counsel
Adrian joined Tesco in September 2012 as Group 
General Counsel. Prior to Tesco, Adrian worked at BP 
plc as Associate General Counsel for Refining and 
Marketing. From 2002 to 2009, Adrian was with 
Centrica PLC, initially as European General Counsel 
and then as General Counsel for British Gas.

Ken Towle
Managing Director – Central Europe and Turkey
Ken joined Tesco in 1985 and has held a number of 
roles including various UK operations roles and CEO  
of Tesco China. Ken joined the Executive Committee  
as Internet Retailing Director in 2011, before taking up 
his current role as Managing Director of Central Europe 
and Turkey in February 2013.

Jonathan Lloyd
Company Secretary
Jonathan Lloyd was appointed Company Secretary  
to the Board in December 2006. He joined Tesco as 
Deputy Company Secretary and Corporate Secretariat 
Director in April 2005 from Freshfields Bruckhaus 
Deringer. Jonathan is also Company Secretary  
of Tesco Bank.

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Corporate governance report

The Board itself has evolved substantially over the past two years 
from its historical structure of broadly balanced Executive and 
Non-executive representation to its current shape of the Chief 
Executive and Chief Financial Officer being the only Executive 
members of the Board. It is important to view these changes in the 
context of management development generally and in particular 
the development of a strong Executive Committee under Philip 
Clarke, the individual members of which generally attend Board 
discussions of matters reflecting their responsibilities. This allows 
the Board to operate as a smaller group, supporting real, robust 
and penetrating debate while ensuring continued contact with a 
range of senior business executives.

Board structure is not set in stone. At any point in time it must 
reflect the requirements and state of development of the business 
in order to be effective. The Tesco Board will continue to evolve to 
best match the needs of the business.

Sir Richard Broadbent
Chairman

In this section
This Corporate Governance Report is intended to provide 
shareholders with a clear and comprehensive view of the  
Group’s governance arrangements and how they have  
operated over the past year.

This year, to improve transparency, we have structured the report 
as follows:

Sir Richard Broadbent
Chairman

p30 

Introduction from the Chairman

p31  Our corporate governance framework 

p31 

 Corporate governance highlights 

p33  Audit Committee Report 

p37  Corporate Responsibility Committee Report

p38  Nominations Committee Report 

p39  Compliance with the UK Corporate Governance Code

Introduction from the Chairman
This section of our Report sets out how we manage Tesco to ensure 
as far as possible that the values you would expect us to operate by 
are in place and adhered to, that commercial and operational risks 
are identified and controlled, that we have strategies and plans in 
place to optimise shareholder value over an appropriate time period 
and that a proper system of checks and balances is in place without 
inhibiting the efficient running of the Company. 

Our approach to governance remains unchanged. It begins with 
the recognition that governance is not simply a set of rules but the 
framework supporting core values which define what is and what is 
not acceptable. It is an expression of the way we want to conduct 
ourselves which informs actions and decisions whether or not there 
is a specific rule for the situation, and which supports the culture 
and behaviours that we wish to foster.

I remarked last year that the governance framework, and perhaps 
more importantly the corporate culture and human relationships 
that underpin all governance frameworks, are operating as we 
hoped and that we felt that further material changes were unlikely. 
I am glad to confirm this assessment and consequently there are 
few new developments to report as the changes I reported on this 
time last year have settled in and the Board has focused on its task 
of balancing the short-term competitive and economic pressures 
with the need to invest to ensure the business is a leader in the 
world of multichannel retailing.

30 

Tesco PLC Annual Report and Financial Statements 2014 

Our corporate governance framework

Board

Tesco PLC Board

Nominations 
Committee

Audit  
Committee

Remuneration 
Committee

Corporate 
Responsibility 
Committee

Disclosure 
Committee*

Executive Committee

Executive Committee

Commercial 
Committee

Compliance 
Committee

Multichannel 
Committee

People Matters 
Group

Property  
Strategy 
Committee

Social 
Responsibility 
Committee

Technology 
Committee

*    Meets when required

The work of the Board is supported by five key Committees: the 
Audit, Corporate Responsibility, Nominations, Remuneration and 
Disclosure Committees. 

The role of the Disclosure Committee includes to assist and inform 
the Board in making decisions concerning the identification of inside 
information and make recommendations about how and when the 
Company should disclose the information in accordance with the 
Company’s Disclosure Policy. The Committee meets as necessary to 
consider all relevant matters relating to inside information. It will in 
particular meet in advance of the release of all trading statements 
and other announcements of inside information to ensure that they 
are true, accurate and complete. The Committee met 11 times 
during the year.

The Committee’s terms of reference can be found at  
www.tescoplc.com. The Group Chief Financial Officer (‘CFO’)  
chairs the meetings. Other members of the Committee consist of 
relevant senior management and Executive Committee members.

Further details on the other Board Committees can be found  
on pages 33 to 36 (Audit); 37 (Corporate Responsibility); 38 
(Nominations); and 41 to 61 (Remuneration). All the Committees 
report back to the Board after each meeting.

The Board delegates to the Group Chief Executive (‘CEO’) the 
responsibility for formulating and, after approval, implementing  
the Group’s strategic plan and for management of the day-to-day 
operations of the Group.

The Group Executive Committee, which the CEO chairs, supports 
the CEO in carrying out his role and manages the day-to-day 
operations of the Group’s business. The Group Executive Committee 
comprises the CEO and CFO and a number of senior executives. 
The Group Executive Committee has established a number of 
sub-committees which assist in its work and ensure:

•	Strategic choices are properly considered
•	New growth opportunities are fully discussed
•	Progress against the Group’s priorities is reviewed

The membership of the sub-committees comprises a mix of  
Group Executive Committee members and senior management 
from relevant functions. The sub-committees report to the Group 
Executive Committee after each meeting on their work and issues 
are escalated for discussion and/or decision to the Group Executive 
Committee or the Board as appropriate.

Corporate governance highlights

Board focus during the year
During the year the Board spent its time considering a wide range 
of matters. These included:

•	Strategy
•	Performance overall and of individual businesses and  

functions in the Group

•	Budgets and long-term plans for the Group
•	Financial statements and announcements
•	Reviewing reports from its Committees, notably on 

management development, succession and remuneration

•	Corporate and social responsibility
•	Pensions
•	Health and safety
•	Shareholder feedback and reports from brokers and analysts
•	Risk management and controls in the Group
•	Delegated authorities

The Board also had two offsite meetings dedicated to strategy.

In addition to its regular programme of activities, the Board made 
a number of strategic decisions in the year, which included:

•	Divestment of the US-based Fresh & Easy business to Yucaipa
•	 Entry into a joint venture with China Resources Enterprise 

Limited in China

•	Entry into a joint venture with Tata Group in India
•	Acquisition of 100% of the restaurant group Giraffe in the UK

Changes to the Board
The Board was pleased to announce the appointment of two new  
Non-executive Directors during the year. Olivia Garfield joined the 
Board on 1 April 2013 and Mark Armour joined on 2 September 2013. 
Both Olivia and Mark bring a wealth of skills and experience to the 
Board which are detailed in their biographies on page 26. Laurie 
Mcllwee, Group CFO stepped down from the Board as an Executive 
Director on 4 April 2014. The Board is commencing a process to find 
a new Group CFO. We do not anticipate further substantial changes 
to the size of the Board in the foreseeable future, although, as noted 
in the Chairman’s introduction, the number of Directors may change 
with the normal process of Board development.

Changes to the Board since 23 February 2013
Non-executive Director 
Olivia Garfield 

Mark Armour 

Non-executive Director 

Laurie Mcllwee

Executive Director

Appointed to the Board with 
effect from 1 April 2013
Appointed to the Board with 
effect from 2 September 2013
Resigned from the Board with 
effect from 4 April 2014

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Corporate governance report continued

Changes to the Board Committees
To ensure appropriate balance and succession potential in the 
Board’s Committees, a number of changes have been made as 
detailed in the table below:

Changes to the Board Committees since 23 February 2013

Mark Armour 

Audit Committee 

Olivia Garfield 

Audit Committee 

Appointed as a member with 
effect from 2 October 2013

Appointed as a member with 
effect from 1 April 2014

Jacqueline 
Tammenoms Bakker

Corporate Responsibility 
Committee

Appointed as chair with effect 
from 1 March 2014

Deanna 
Oppenheimer

Remuneration  
Committee

Appointed as a member with 
effect from 1 March 2014

Length of service and independence of  
Non-executive Directors
The length of service and independence of each Non-executive 
Director is shown below:

Length of service and independence of each Non-executive Director

Non-executive  
Director

Date of 
appointment

Full years in post 
at 2014 AGM

Considered to be 
independent by the Board

Sir Richard 
Broadbent

2 July 2011

Mark Armour

2 September 2013

Jacqueline 
Tammenoms Bakker

1 January 2009

Patrick Cescau

1 February 2009

Ken Hanna

1 April 2009

Gareth Bullock

3 July 2010

Stuart Chambers

3 July 2010

Deanna 
Oppenheimer

1 March 2012

 Olivia Garfield

1 April 2013

3

–

5

5

5

4

4

2

1

*

⎷

⎷

⎷

⎷

⎷

⎷

⎷

⎷

The results of the review were considered by the Board,  
which agreed that the Board had continued to develop and 
mature and had performed well against the criteria defined in 
2012. Some examples of the themes and agreed actions from  
the 2013/2014 evaluation are summarised below:

Themes 

Agreed actions

Management information and analysis Certain improvements in the 

Board meetings, agendas and  
time allocation

Sustaining contact with the business

composition, timing and analytic 
commentary on business and competitor 
information would be implemented.

Arrangements for briefing Directors  
on commercial business initiatives would 
be enhanced.

The Board programme would be 
re-structured to add one additional 
meeting to ensure adequate time and 
focus of discussion.

The Non-executive Directors would have 
additional opportunities to spend time in 
different business units and have 
increased contact with senior 
management.

A ‘re-induction’ programme would be 
organised for those Directors appointed 
more than three years ago.

Board meetings
Last year the Board moved to a pattern of six formal meetings 
annually, plus a strategy meeting and ad hoc meetings were  
also arranged to deal with matters between scheduled meetings  
as appropriate. Board meetings were preceded by a day of 
Committee meetings and by a dinner the previous evening.  
Board meetings themselves lasted the majority of the day in  
most cases. This pattern of meetings was intended to support the 
Board’s focus on strategic and long-term matters, while ensuring it 
could discharge its monitoring and oversight role effectively through 
intensive high-quality discussions and high-quality information 
flows. The effectiveness of this approach was reviewed at the end 
of last year and the Board will plan to have seven formal meetings 
annually henceforth.

*  Considered independent upon appointment

Board attendance

Board evaluation
This year the Board evaluation was conducted internally and  
led by the Chairman with the support of the Company Secretary. 
The Senior Independent Director (‘SID’) led the review of the 
Chairman’s performance. The evaluation combined the use of a 
questionnaire completed by each Board member and in-depth 
interviews with each of the Directors. The scope of the review 
covered a range of factors relevant to the effectiveness of the 
Board, including the balance of skills, experience, independence 
and knowledge of the Board, its diversity and how the Board  
works together as a unit. 

In accordance with the provisions of the Code, the Board last 
conducted an externally facilitated Board evaluation in 2011/2012, 
which was facilitated by Egon Zehnder. The intention is to continue 
with the three-year cycle whereby the Board will conduct an 
externally led review in one year, followed by internally led reviews  
in the subsequent two years, one led by the SID and one led by  
the Chairman.

Number of possible 
meetings attended

Actual meetings 
attended

Non-executive Directors

Sir Richard Broadbent (Chairman)

Mark Armour †

Gareth Bullock

Patrick Cescau

Stuart Chambers

Olivia Garfield

Ken Hanna

Deanna Oppenheimer

Jacqueline Tammenoms Bakker

Executive Directors

Philip Clarke

Laurie McIlwee

6

3

6

6

6

6

6

6

6

6

6

†  Appointed to the Board 2 September 2013

6

3

6

6

6

6

6

5

6

6

6

32 

Tesco PLC Annual Report and Financial Statements 2014 

 
Audit Committee Report

Ken Hanna
Audit Committee Chairman

Audit Committee attendance

Members

Ken Hanna (Chairman)

Mark Armour*

Patrick Cescau

Gareth Bullock

Number of possible 
meetings attended

Actual meetings 
attended

5

2

5

5

5

2

5

5

Audit Committee responsibilities
The Committee’s terms of reference can be found at  
www.tescoplc.com. Ken Hanna, Mark Armour, Patrick Cescau and 
Gareth Bullock all have recent and relevant financial experience.

The key responsibilities of the Committee are to:

•	Consider the appointment of the external auditors, their 

reports to the Committee and their independence, including 
an assessment of their appropriateness to conduct any 
non-audit work

•	Review the financial statements and announcements  
relating to the financial performance of the Company

•	Review the internal audit programme and ensure that the 
Internal Audit function is adequately resourced and has 
appropriate standing within the Company

•	Discuss with the external auditors the nature and scope  

of the audit

•	Review, and challenge where necessary, the actions and 

judgements of management, in relation to the interim and 
annual financial statements before submission to the Board
•	Review formally the effectiveness of the external and internal 

audit processes

•	Consider management’s response to any major external or 

internal audit recommendations

•	Review the Company’s plans for business continuity 
•	Review the Company’s plans for the prevention and detection 

of fraud, bribery and corruption

*  Appointed to the Audit Committee on 2 October 2013

•	 Report to the Board on how it has discharged its responsibilities

The Audit Committee has an integral role in providing confidence  
in the integrity of the Company’s processes and procedures 
in relation to internal control, risk management and corporate 
reporting. The Committee’s role continues to be increasingly 
challenging due to the changes and uncertainty in the regulatory, 
economic and political environment in which the business operates.

This year, pursuant to the new requirements under the UK 
Corporate Governance Code (the ‘Code’) the Committee was 
requested by the Board to support it in assessing whether the 
report and accounts were fair, balanced and understandable  
and provide sufficient information to allow an assessment of the 
Company. The Code also required new specific disclosures to be 
made on the work of the Committee, including significant issues 
which it has considered in relation to the financial statements  
and how these have been addressed. 

During the year the Committee was pleased to welcome Mark 
Armour as a member. He brings with him a wealth of financial  
and wider experience gained over many years in business.  
The Committee is also pleased to welcome Olivia Garfield as  
a member with effect from 1 April 2014.

Ken Hanna
Audit Committee Chairman

Tesco PLC Annual Report and Financial Statements 2014 

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Activities during the year
During the year the Committee received update reports from a 
number of businesses, including Tesco Bank, and also from the 
Disclosure Committee and Compliance Committee. It also received 
updates from Internal Audit on its work, including findings from its 
internal audit programme. The Committee considered a variety of 
matters including the Group Finance Risk Register; fraud, bribery 
and corruption; business continuity management; the Grocery 
Supply Chain Compliance Code; whistleblowing arrangements; 
and non-audit fees.

In relation to the financial statements the Committee: reviewed 
and recommended approval of the half-yearly results and annual 
financial statements; conducted impairment reviews; reviewed and 
recommended dividend levels; reviewed corporate governance 
disclosures and monitored the statutory audit. The Committee also 
advised the Board on whether the financial statements, taken as a 
whole, were fair, balanced and understandable and provide the 
necessary information to assess the Company’s performance, 
business model and strategy.

The Committee assessed the effectiveness of the external audit 
process by means of a detailed questionnaire completed by key 
stakeholders, including the Board, the Executive Committee, 

members of senior management and Internal Audit.  
The questionnaire assessed external audit in the following  
areas: qualification; expertise and resources; operational 
effectiveness; independence and leadership. The results are  
rated against an ideal standard and compared to prior years  
to assess the consistency of performance.

The effectiveness of the Internal Audit function was assessed  
by means of a detailed questionnaire which was also completed  
by key stakeholders. The assessment covered the Internal Audit 
function’s understanding of its role and responsibility, its charter, 
the quality of its communications, its performance and the skills 
and expertise of the team.

The Committee carried out a review of its effectiveness during  
the year via the Committee Chairman conducting interviews with 
key stakeholders and the use of a questionnaire. The Committee 
concluded that it continues to be effective and has sufficient 
resources to carry out its duties.

The Committee considered a number of significant issues in the 
year taking into account in all instances the views of the Company’s 
external auditors. The issues and how they were addressed by the 
Committee are detailed below:

Significant financial statement reporting issues

Issue

How the issue was addressed by the Committee

Going concern basis 
for the financial 
statements

The Committee reviewed management’s assessment of going concern with consideration of forecast cash flows, including sensitivity to trading and 
expenditure plans and potential mitigating actions. The Committee also considered the availability of financing facilities and the capital and liquidity 
plans of Tesco Bank. Based on this the Committee confirmed that the application of the going concern basis for the preparation of the financial 
statements continued to be appropriate.

Fixed asset 
impairment

The Committee assessed management’s impairment testing of property assets, considering the appropriateness of key assumptions and 
methodologies for both value in use models and fair value measurements. This included review of cashflows, growth rates and discount rates  
and the use of independent third party valuers. The Group has recognised a £(734)m charge for the impairment of European stores in the year.

China disposal group 
valuation

The China disposal group is measured at the lower of cost and fair value less costs to sell. The Committee considered the methodology and 
assumptions used in the valuation including review of cashflows, growth rates and discount rates used, valuation multiples for similar transactions 
and companies and the appropriate level of synergies to include in the valuation. As part of this procedure, the Committee met with the independent 
expert valuers engaged by management to assist in the valuation process. A £(540)m write-down to fair value less costs to sell was recognised at year 
end. See Note 7 to the financial statements.

Goodwill impairment The Committee reviewed management’s process for testing goodwill for potential impairment. This review included consideration of key 

assumptions, principally cash flow forecasts, long-term growth rates and discount rates. The Committee concurred with management's judgement 
that no impairment was required. See Note 10 to the financial statements, ‘Goodwill and other intangible assets’ for more details.

Tesco Bank 
judgemental matters

The Committee reviewed management’s judgements made in relation to Tesco Bank’s provisions for customer redress, loan impairment provisions 
and insurance reserves. The Committee received detailed reports from management regarding these judgements and interfaced directly with the 
Bank’s own audit committee and board to develop a detailed understanding of the matters. During the year, an additional £(63)m of provisions for 
customer redress were recognised. See Note 24 of the financial statements.

Income statement 
non-GAAP measure 
presentation

The Committee considered the presentation of the Group financial statements and, in particular, the appropriateness of the presentation of one-off 
items in the calculation of underlying profit in light of the latest FRC guidance on the matter. It reviewed the nature of items identified and whether 
treatment was even-handed, consistent across years and appropriately presented movements on items which have an effect over a number of years. 
The total restructuring and other one-off charge for the year was £(801)m.

The Committee notes that commercial income was an area of focus for the external auditors based on their assessment of gross risks.  
It is the Committee’s view that whilst commercial income is a significant income for the Group and involves an element of judgement, 
management operates an appropriate control environment which minimises risks in this area. As a result, the Committee does not 
consider that this is a significant issue for disclosure in its report.

34 

Tesco PLC Annual Report and Financial Statements 2014 

Training
The Committee continually assesses the need for training and the 
annual agenda provides substantial time for technical updates which 
are generally provided by external experts. During the year, training 
was provided on corporate governance developments and accounting 
and tax developments. Training is also provided on an ongoing basis 
to meet the specific needs of individual Committee members.

Internal and External Audit
It is essential for the Committee to be able to have an honest  
and open relationship with both its external and internal auditors. 
This relationship is developed and maintained through regular 
private meetings with both PwC and the Head of Internal Audit. 
Further information regarding the roles of both Internal Audit  
and External Audit can be found below.

Internal Audit 
The Internal Audit function is independent of business operations 
and has a Group-wide mandate. It undertakes a continuous 
programme to review the internal control and risk management 
processes with particular reference to the Code. It operates a 
risk-based methodology, ensuring that the Group’s key risks receive 
appropriate examination each year. Its responsibilities include:

•	Maintaining the Group Key Risk Register
•	Facilitating oversight of risk management arrangements  
across the Group through structured reviews with senior 
management teams in the UK, Europe and Asia covering  
our operating businesses and joint ventures 

•	Using the results of these reviews to assist the Executive 

Committee to refresh and update the Group Key Risk Register

•	Reviewing and reporting on the effectiveness of risk 
management systems and internal controls to senior 
management, the Executive Committee, the Audit  
Committee and ultimately to the Board

External Audit
The Company’s external auditor PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP 
(‘PwC’) contribute a further independent perspective on certain 
aspects of the Company’s financial control systems arising from  
its work, and report both to the Board and the Audit Committee.

PwC have served as the Company’s auditor since 1983 and the last 
audit tender was carried out in that year. The partner engaged on 
the audit is changed regularly. The current partner is due to rotate 
after the year ended February 2017. The Audit Committee keeps 
under review the ongoing legislative proposals on audit tendering 
and rotation from the EU and the Competition Commission, now 
the Competition and Markets Authority, and will implement them 
in accordance with the suggested timescales. 

The engagement and independence of PwC is considered annually 
by the Audit Committee before it recommends its selection to the 
Board. The Committee is satisfied that PwC remain independent 
and are best placed to conduct the Company’s audit for 2014/2015. 
The Committee therefore recommends that PwC be reappointed 
as auditors.

The Company has a Non-audit Service Policy for work carried out 
by PwC. This is split into three categories as explained below:

•	Pre-approved work for external auditors – this is predominantly 
the audit of subsidiary undertakings’ statutory accounts and is 
audit-related in nature

•	Work for which Committee approval is specifically required – 
this includes transaction work and corporate tax services, and 
certain advisory services

•	Work from which the external auditor is prohibited

Tesco PLC Annual Report and Financial Statements 2014 

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To safeguard auditor objectivity and independence the Committee 
oversees the process for the approval of all non-audit services 
provided by PwC. Prior to approval, consideration is given to 
whether it is in the interests of the Company that the services  
are purchased from PwC, rather than another supplier. 

This year the Committee approved PwC to complete £1.2m of 
audit-related services. These services principally related to the  
audit of the accounts of the Tesco China business in relation to  
the preparation of the China Resources Enterprise Limited (‘CRE’) 

shareholder circular required to approve the formation of our joint 
venture. PwC were best placed to conduct this work as they had 
previously conducted the audit work for Tesco and were fully aware 
of the history of our business in China.

Where any significant non-audit related work is required (fee value 
£300k), the pre-approval of the Committee is specifically required. 
In total £4.7m (2013: £2.9m) was spent on non-audit fees (being 
46% of the total spent with our external auditors) and details of 
the significant items are shown in the table below: 

Business area

Work undertaken

Rationale for use of PwC

Group

UK

PwC carried out due diligence work related to the CRE 
transaction in China.

PwC carried out consultancy work in the UK around 
organisational development.

PwC’s detailed knowledge and understanding of  
our business and retailing in China meant they were  
uniquely placed to assist us in this key task. The  
Committee considered the proposal carefully to ensure 
that the independence of the due diligence team from  
the ongoing audit relationship was preserved.

PwC were evaluated against other potential  
consultants for this work and won the engagement 
based on the quality of their service offering.  
Their role was one of facilitation.  
All reorganisation design decisions were taken  
by management.

Amount 

£1.8m

£1.2m

UK, Europe and Asia

In Asia PwC carried out tax consultancy principally 
related to the tax implications of the CRE transaction  
in China and legislative compliance in South Korea;  
and, in Europe and the UK, the advice centred around 
compliance with VAT regulations. 

PwC’s understanding of the structure of our business 
ensured that they were well placed to carry out this 
work cost effectively. 

£0.6m

The fees paid to the auditors in the year are disclosed in Note 3 of the financial statements.

36 

Tesco PLC Annual Report and Financial Statements 2014 

Corporate Responsibility Committee Report

Sir Richard Broadbent
Corporate Responsibility Committee Chairman

Corporate Responsibility Committee attendance

Members

Sir Richard Broadbent (Chairman)

Patrick Cescau

Deanna Oppenheimer

Jacqueline Tammenoms Bakker

Number of possible 
meetings attended

Actual meetings 
attended

3

3

3

3

3

3

3

3

Corporate responsibility is an integral part of how our business 
operates. It reflects the inescapable reality that if the values of a 
business fail to resonate with the values of society, it is endangering 
long-term prosperity. Tesco is committed to identifying and living the 
values which are important to our colleagues and customers and the 
Corporate Responsibility Committee provides a forum to ensure the 
Board gives adequate attention to this. 

Last year we introduced a new Value: we use our scale for good, 
and during the year we have made considerable progress in 
embedding that Value into our business. Some of the highlights  
of our work are described below. The full ambit of the Committee’s 
work can be gauged by reading the Tesco and Society Report 2014 
which accompanies our Annual Report and Financial Statements.

After chairing the Committee for the last two years it has been 
agreed that I should rotate off as the Chairman of the Committee 
and that Jacqueline Tammenoms Bakker would take over the chair 
with effect from 1 March 2014. 

Sir Richard Broadbent 
Corporate Responsibility Committee Chairman

Corporate Responsibility Committee responsibilities
The Corporate Responsibility Committee was established in 2012  
to ensure that the Board maintains an adequate focus on corporate 
responsibility in its widest sense. The Committee’s terms of reference 
are available at www.tescoplc.com.

The key responsibilities of the Committee are to:

•	Define the Group’s corporate and social obligations as a 

responsible citizen and oversee its conduct in the context  
of those obligations

•	 Approve a strategy for discharging the Group’s corporate  
and social responsibilities in such a way as to command  
respect and confidence

•	 Identify and monitor those external developments which are likely 
to have a significant influence on the Group’s reputation and/or its 
ability to conduct its business appropriately as a good citizen  
and review how best to protect that reputation or that ability

•	Oversee the creation of appropriate policies and  

supporting measures

•	Monitor the Group’s engagement with external stakeholders 

and other interested parties

•	Ensure that appropriate communications policies are in place 

and working effectively to build and protect the Group’s 
reputation both internally and externally

Activities during the year
Last year we introduced a new core purpose: we make what 
matters better, together. We also articulated a new Value to  
help us achieve our core purpose: we use our scale for good.  
It’s based on the recognition that by using our skills and scale,  
we can make a significant contribution to major challenges  
facing society.

We chose to take a lead in tackling three challenges which  
were particularly relevant to us as a large global retailer and  
are important to our colleagues, customers and communities. 

Our three big ambitions are:

•	To lead in reducing food waste globally
•	To improve health and through this help to tackle the global 

obesity crisis

•	To create new opportunities for millions of people around  

the world

These three ambitions build on our essential responsibilities as a 
good corporate citizen – in terms of trading responsibly, reducing 
our impact on the environment, being a great employer and 
supporting local communities.

Over the last 12 months we’ve worked hard to embed our new 
Value through the business. We want to help deliver significant, 
long-term change and so our focus has been on examining the 
problems and developing clear and focused plans of action: 
insight-to-action. We have engaged with experts in the different 
areas. We have held roundtable discussions on a range of subjects 
including health, young people, food sourcing and food waste. 

In tackling food waste we have published our own operations 
waste data which has been independently assured by KPMG.  
We have also developed profiles of some of our most frequently 
purchased products showing where most food waste occurs in the 
value chain from farm to fork. Identifying these hotspots means 
that we can focus our action plans where we can make the biggest 
difference. In improving health, our new Healthy Little Differences 
Tracker will map the health profile of our customers’ shopping trips 
over time. In providing opportunities, we have carried out extensive 
research with young people to find out their ambitions, the 
challenges they face and the support that they need. 

During the year, the Committee was updated on the progress 
made on our three big ambitions and discussed the performance 
measures for this work. The Committee was briefed on the 
development of an advisory panel which would share views  
and insights from outside the business, look at best practice  
and emerging trends, challenge current thinking and collaborate  
to help find solutions. The Committee also discussed the results  
of the latest research on reputation.

Further information is available in our Tesco and Society 
Report 2014, which can be found on our website at  
www.tescoplc.com/society.

Tesco PLC Annual Report and Financial Statements 2014 

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Nominations Committee Report

Sir Richard Broadbent
Nominations Committee Chairman

Nominations Committee attendance

Members

Sir Richard Broadbent (Chairman)

Patrick Cescau

Stuart Chambers

Ken Hanna

Number of possible 
meetings attended

Actual meetings 
attended

2

2

2

2

2

2

2

2

The Nominations Committee divides its time broadly between 
reviewing executive bench strength and succession and overseeing 
Board succession and governance. The year was marked by a 
continued focus on executive bench strength and succession  
reflecting the priority being given to building talent development  
and succession options at all levels. The Committee also devoted time 
to reviewing Board development over the short and medium term.

The Group CEO and Group Personnel Director are regular 
attendees at Committee meetings which provide a valuable 
opportunity for in-depth and candid discussion in a small  
group on human and governance issues.

Sir Richard Broadbent 
Nominations Committee Chairman

Nominations Committee responsibilities
The Committee’s terms of reference are available at  
www.tescoplc.com. Where matters discussed relate to the 
Chairman, the Senior Independent Non-executive Director  
chairs the meeting.

The key responsibilities of the Committee include:

•	Reviewing the Board’s structure, size and composition
•	Identifying, nominating and reviewing candidates for 

appointment to the Board

•	Putting in place plans for succession
•	Reviewing the leadership needs of the organisation,  

both Executive and Non-executive

•	Reviewing the Group’s talent planning programmes
•	Reviewing Board succession over the longer term, in order  
to maintain an appropriate balance of skills and experience  
and to ensure progressive refreshment of the Board
•	Monitoring of the Group’s compliance with corporate 

governance guidelines

38 

Tesco PLC Annual Report and Financial Statements 2014 

Activities during the year
The Committee divides its time broadly between reviewing 
executive management development and succession planning; 
and reviewing Board development and governance matters.  

This year the Committee discussed the progress which had been made 
on culture and capability in the past 24 months, including rolling out 
new leadership skills and developing the capability of business leaders, 
and advancements in succession planning and diversity.

The Committee also reviewed succession planning for senior roles 
and the management development programmes which are in 
place to ensure adequate bench strength and appropriate skills  
are developed across the business.

With regard to Board development and governance, the Committee 
identified and recommended two appointments to the Board. 
Olivia Garfield joined the Board as a Non-executive Director on  
1 April 2013 and Mark Armour joined the Board as a Non-executive 
Director on 2 September 2013. Both Olivia and Mark bring a wealth 
of skills and experience to the Board which are detailed in their 
biographies on page 26.

The Committee considers a number of factors when making new 
appointments, including what the new Director will add to the 
balance of skills and experience on the Board, and whether the 
Director will be able to allocate sufficient time to the Company  
to discharge his or her responsibilities. We worked with the external 
search consultancy Lygon Group, which does not have any 
connection with the Company, as well as using our own networks, 
to identify candidates.

The Committee also considered a number of changes to the 
composition of the Board’s Committees to ensure appropriate 
balance and succession potential. These are detailed on page 32.

In addition, the Committee reviewed the key themes which had 
emerged from governance meetings with shareholders in the 
run-up to the AGM and agreed the proposed approach for this 
year’s Board evaluation to recommend to the Board.

Diversity
Tesco approaches diversity in its broadest sense, recognising  
that successful world-class businesses flourish through embracing 
intellectual, experiential, geographical and skills diversity as well  
as other factors such as age, disability, gender, race and sexual 
orientation. With regard to gender diversity, which is the focus of 
significant current attention, we accept the spirit and aspirations  
of the Davies Report, including the representation of women at 
the highest levels in the organisation.

There are currently three women on our Board (27%), three 
women on the Executive Committee (19%) and women in  
senior management positions across the Group account for  
30% as a whole. We believe that the focus must remain firmly  
on understanding what it takes to develop women and to retain 
them in senior positions. Senior roles are very demanding for all, 
regardless of gender, and we are determined to develop a culture 
and an environment where our people can advance whilst having 
the time to be good parents, partners and active members of their 
local community.

Our policy is to find, develop and keep a diverse workforce at all 
levels within our Company and we are committed to increasing the 
percentage of female leaders. We set a target in September 2011 
for women to represent 32% of senior management and 20%  
of business leaders and Directors. We are close to our target with 
30% of senior managers and we have exceeded our target with 
22% of business leaders and Directors being women.

 
Compliance with the UK Corporate Governance Code
The UK Corporate Governance Code (the ‘Code’) sets out principles and specific provisions on how a company should be directed and 
controlled to achieve standards of good corporate governance. In September 2012 the Financial Reporting Council made changes to the 
Code which focused on reporting. The 2012 version of the Code applies to the Company for the year ended 22 February 2014. A copy of 
the Code is available at www.frc.org.uk.

The Board considers that the Company complied in all material respects with the Code for the whole of the year ended 22 February 2014 
except with regards to Code provision E.2.3, as Ken Hanna was unable to attend the AGM due to a long-standing prior engagement.  
Also, with regard to the new Code provision C.3.7, which requires external audit contracts to be put out to tender at least every ten years,  
the Company has not re-tendered within that period, but the Audit Committee keeps under review the ongoing legislative proposals on 
audit tendering and rotation from the EU and the Competition Commission, now the Competition and Markets Authority, and will 
implement them in accordance with the suggested timescales. Further details are provided on page 35.

The notes below are intended to facilitate the assessment of the Company’s compliance with the Code for the year ended 22 February 2014 
but they should be read in conjunction with the Corporate Governance Report as a whole.

A. Leadership

B. Effectiveness

A.1 The Board’s role
The Board is the custodian of the Company’s values and of its long-term vision, and 
provides strategic direction and guidance for the Company. The matters reserved to 
the Board for its decisions are detailed in a formal schedule. Matters which must be 
considered by the Board include: the Group’s strategy; annual budgets; oversight of 
risk management processes; changes to the capital structure; and material 
transactions or litigation.

The Board held six scheduled meetings in the year ended 22 February 2014 and ad 
hoc meetings were also arranged to deal with matters between scheduled meetings 
as appropriate. It is expected that all Directors attend scheduled Board and relevant 
Committee meetings and the Annual General Meeting. Details of Board and 
Committee membership and attendance can be found on pages 32 and 33, 37  
and 38.

All Directors are covered by the Group’s Directors’ and Officers’ Insurance policy.

A.2 A clear division of responsibilities
There is a clear delineation between the role of the Chairman and CEO. Their role 
descriptions were agreed by the Board in 2012 and are summarised below:

Chairman’s responsibilities:
Ensuring the Directors receive accurate, timely and clear information
Facilitating the effective contribution of Non-executive Directors and engagement 
between Executive and Non-executive Directors
Ensuring an annual evaluation of the Board is conducted and leading the 
performance evaluation of the CEO and Non-executive Directors, plus ensuring that 
the Committee Chairmen conduct evaluations of their Committees
Building an effective Board
The induction of new Directors and further training for all Directors as required
Communicating effectively with shareholders and other stakeholders and ensuring 
the Board develops an understanding of the view of the stakeholders

Group CEO’s responsibilities:
Leading the development of the Company’s strategic direction and implementing 
the agreed strategy
Identifying and executing new business opportunities
Managing the Group’s risk profile and implementing and maintaining an effective 
framework of internal controls
Building and maintaining an effective top management team
Ensuring effective communication with shareholders and key stakeholders 
and regularly updating institutional shareholders on the business strategy 
and performance

A.3 Role of the Chairman
The Chairman was independent upon his appointment to the Board. He leads the 
Board, ensuring its effectiveness while taking account of the interests of the Group’s 
various stakeholders, and promoting high standards of corporate governance. 

A.4 Non-executive Directors
Patrick Cescau was the Senior Independent Director (‘SID’) throughout the year 
ending 22 February 2014. Patrick was selected in July 2010 for the role because  
of his experience and expertise, both as an Executive and Non-executive Director.  
A biography is available on page 26. In his role as SID, Patrick Cescau is available to 
assist in resolving shareholder concerns should alternative channels be exhausted. 
The SID’s role also includes responsibility for the Chairman’s appraisal and 
succession; and to hold at least one meeting each year with the Non-executive 
Directors without the Chairman present.

The Chairman also has one-to-one and group meetings with the Non-executive 
Directors without the Executive Directors being present.

During the year, there were no unresolved concerns about the running of the 
Company or a proposed action.

B.1 The Board’s composition
Last year the Board was intentionally managed to a smaller size with proportionally 
greater Non-executive representation relative to Executive.

The Board reviewed the overall balance of skills, experience, independence and 
knowledge of the Board and Committee members and a number of changes were 
made to the Non-executive representation as detailed on pages 31 and 32. 

During the year the Board comprised of the Non-executive Chairman, two 
Executive Directors and eight Non-executive Directors. All the Non-executive 
Directors are considered to be independent under the criteria set out in the Code.

B.2 Board appointments
The appointment of new Directors is led by the Nominations Committee.  
Further details of the appointments process can be found in the Nominations 
Committee section on page 38 and biographies of our Directors can be found  
on pages 26 and 27. 

B.3 Time commitments
The Board makes a careful assessment of the time commitments required from 
the Chairman and Non-executive Directors to discharge their roles properly. This is 
discussed with candidates as part of the recruitment process and a commitment 
to the appropriate time requirements is included in their engagement letter.

B.4 Training and development
All new Directors receive a personalised induction programme, tailored to  
their experience, background and particular area of focus, which is designed  
to develop their knowledge and understanding of the Group’s culture and 
operations. The programme has evolved over time to take into account feedback 
from new Directors and the development of best practice and incorporates a 
wide-ranging programme of meetings with the senior management across the 
Group, attending results and broker briefings, comprehensive briefing materials 
and opportunities to visit the Group’s operations across the world including 
spending time in-store and in our distribution network. The Chairman agrees a 
personalised induction plan with each new Director and ensures that it meets the 
individual needs of that Director.

The Chairman reviews each Director’s development needs as part of the annual 
performance evaluation process and puts appropriate arrangements in place for  
specific training. The Nominations Committee reviews the Directors’ skills and experience 
as a group against those needed to continue to enable the Board to oversee and support 
the Group’s diverse operations in the future and identifies any gaps. This informs the 
approach to ongoing refreshment of the Board as well as the training plan for the current 
Board. Training is arranged to help develop the knowledge and skills of the Directors in  
a variety of areas relevant to the Group’s business. All Directors have the opportunity to 
refresh and increase their knowledge of the Group through visits to Group Operations 
and meeting with senior executives across the business.

B.5 Provision of information and support
Board papers are circulated a week before each meeting to give the Directors  
and Committee members sufficient time to fully consider the information. 

All Directors have access to the services of the Company Secretary and may 
take independent professional advice at the Company’s expense in conducting 
their duties. 

B.6 Board and committee performance evaluation
During the year the Board undertook a thorough review of its performance and 
that of its Committees and individual Directors. Further information can be found 
on page 32.

B.7 Re-election of Directors
All Directors were subject to shareholder re-election at the 2013 AGM and this will 
be the case at the 2014 AGM. 

Information about the Directors can be found in their biographies on pages 26 and 27.

Tesco PLC Annual Report and Financial Statements 2014 

39

Other informationGovernanceFinancial statementsStrategic report 
Corporate governance report continued

Whilst no internal control system can guarantee that losses will not occur, the 
Board is satisfied that management have remained diligent in their efforts to 
ensure that an appropriate level of control remains in place.

C.3 Role and responsibilities of the Audit Committee
The Audit Committee supports the Board in its responsibilities in relation to 
corporate reporting and risk management and internal controls, and with 
maintaining a relationship with the Company’s auditors.

The Audit Committee’s report on pages 33 to 36 sets out a description of the  
work of the Committee. 

D. Remuneration

D.1 Level and elements of remuneration
The Directors’ Remuneration Report on pages 41 to 61 explains the level of 
remuneration received by the Directors and how the Company has aligned the 
remuneration received to corporate and individual performance.

D.2 Development of remuneration policy
The development of our remuneration policy and our rationale for the level  
and structure of the remuneration for our senior management is set out in the 
Directors’ Remuneration Report on pages 56 to 61.

E. Relations with shareholders

E.1 Shareholder engagement
We are committed to conducting constructive dialogue with shareholders to ensure 
that we understand what is important to them and enable clear communication of 
our position. The Chairman, CEO and CFO hold regular meetings with shareholders 
and update the Board on the outcome of those meetings. Investor Relations  
keep the Board informed of broker and analyst views and report and present formally  
to the Board twice a year. In addition we carry out a survey each year of a cross-section 
of shareholders in order to assess shareholder perception of the Company. 

We support greater engagement with institutional shareholders as envisaged  
by the Stewardship Code. We are also keen to develop engagement with private 
shareholders through various channels of communication, including the AGM,  
the Company’s website and social media.

E.2 Constructive use of the AGM
Our 2014 AGM will be held in London on 27 June 2014. The whole Board is 
expected to attend the AGM and be available to answer questions from 
shareholders present. 

In 2013 Ken Hanna was unable to attend the AGM due to a long-standing prior 
engagement. All other Directors were present and talked to a number of 
shareholders before and after the meeting.

To encourage shareholder participation, we offer electronic proxy voting and  
voting through the CREST electronic proxy appointment service. At our AGM all 
resolutions are proposed and voted upon individually by shareholders or their 
proxies. All votes taken during the AGM are by way of electronic poll. This follows 
best practice guidelines and allows the Company to count all votes, not just those  
of shareholders attending the meeting.

C. Accountability

C.1 Financial and business reporting
The Directors’ statement of responsibilities for the preparation of the Annual  
Report and Financial Statements 2014 can be found on page 64. Information on  
the Company’s business model can be found on pages 10 and 11 and its strategy  
can be found on pages 3 to 7.

The Directors’ confirmation that the business is a going concern can be found  
on page 63.

C.2 Risk management and internal control systems
The Board has overall responsibility for ensuring the Group has appropriate  
risk management and internal controls in place and that they continue to  
work effectively. 

There is a comprehensive process for the review and consideration of risk at Tesco. 
Risk Registers are in place for all businesses and some key Group functions also 
maintain a specific Risk Register. The Group also maintain a Group Key Risk 
Register which describes key risks faced by the Group and their likelihood and 
impact, as well as the controls and procedures implemented to mitigate them. 
Group risks are determined by discussion with senior management and are 
reviewed by the Group Executive Committee and then agreed by the Board.  
In addition to reviewing the Group Risk Register, the Board carries out in-depth 
reviews of key risk areas each year.

The Company maintains a comprehensive framework of internal controls 
addressing the key strategic, financial, legal, reputational and operational risks to 
the business and the accountability for operating these controls rests with senior 
management as a first line of defence. 

Colleagues are required to confirm annually that they complied with the Code 
of Business Conduct which sets out individual obligations and responsibilities for 
anyone working at Tesco.

Group Finance is responsible for preparing the Group’s financial statements.  
Last year it took steps to make the processes more robust by developing a key 
financial control framework to describe a mandatory suite of controls across key 
business processes. Compliance is monitored by an annual self-assessment.

A number of key management committees play a role in monitoring compliance 
with internal controls. The Group Compliance Committee is responsible for 
monitoring legal compliance across the Group, including receiving reports from 
the individual business unit compliance committees. 

The Audit Committee reports each year on its assessment of the effectiveness  
of the risk management and internal controls systems. Throughout the year the 
Committee receives regular reports from the external auditor covering topics such 
as quality of earnings and technical accounting developments. Internal Audit and 
senior management also regularly provide updates to the Committee and any 
significant breaches of control, together with the appropriate remediation 
arrangements are discussed.

The Board conducted a review of the effectiveness of the Company’s risk management 
and internal controls during the year. To support the Board in their annual assessment, 
a summary report is prepared which describes the arrangements that the Board has 
put in place for internal control and risk management systems and summarises the  
key issues or non-compliances arising from those processes.

These arrangements include:

1. The Annual Risk Management Process (as described in the principal risks and 

uncertainties section on pages 20 to 25) – there is a comprehensive process for 
the review and consideration of risk at Tesco. Risk Registers are in place for all 
Business Units and for some key Group Functions, including Group Finance. 
These are considered regularly by subsidiary boards to assess their control 
systems and have all been reviewed at least once in the last year. The Group Key 
Risk Register was reviewed by the Executive Committee in January 2014 and the 
Board in February 2014. During the reviews all the Group risks were challenged 
and refreshed.

2. The Internal Audit Programme – a risk-based programme of Internal Audit is 

conducted annually and the findings of those audits, together with the 
monitoring of the progress of management’s remediation programmes is 
reviewed by the Board.

3. Evaluation of the Control Findings from External Audit – PwC are not a part of 
Tesco’s internal control system. However, they do form an assessment on the 
financial control environment as they conduct their audit work and this is 
another point of reference and information for the Board and senior 
management to consider on the operation of our controls.

4. Assessment of Compliance Activities at a Group and Business Unit Level – the 

results of a number of other key compliance activities are also considered during 
the review of the effectiveness of risk management and internal control 
arrangements. These include: the outputs from the Group and Business Unit 
Compliance Committee processes; the returns from the Annual Code of 
Business Conduct declaration process; the results of the Key Financial Controls 
Self-Assessment process; the results of store-based compliance reviews of stock, 
cash and price integrity processes; the results of the Group Technical and 
Trading Law assessments including ethical audits; the outputs from the Tesco 
Bank Risk Assurance and Compliance process; reports from the Fraud and Code 
of Conduct Investigations; and, the results from the Information Security 
reviews and incidents that occurred in the year.

40 

Tesco PLC Annual Report and Financial Statements 2014 

Directors’ remuneration report
Remuneration Committee Chairman’s introduction

Stuart Chambers
Chairman of the Remuneration Committee

In this section
p41  Introduction from Stuart Chambers,  

Chairman of the Remuneration Committee

p42 Annual remuneration report

p56 Directors’ remuneration policy

Subject to an 
advisory vote at  
the 2014 AGM 

Subject to a 
binding vote at  
the 2014 AGM

Dear Shareholders
New remuneration reporting framework 
The new remuneration reporting regulations came into force on  
1 October 2013 and apply to Tesco for the 2013/14 financial year.  
To reflect this, the Committee has restructured the Directors’ 
Remuneration Report for 2013/14 and split it into two parts.

The Policy Report will be submitted to shareholders for a binding 
vote for the first time at the 2014 AGM and the policy will be 
effective from that date. The Annual Remuneration Report will  
also be submitted to shareholders for an advisory vote at the  
same meeting. The Committee hopes that the new form of  
report is clear and informative and would welcome feedback  
from shareholders.

Incentive payouts for 2013/14
In 2013/14 we shifted our focus from addressing existing business 
issues to driving our strategy for future growth. The progress we  
have made to date in Building a Better Tesco has strengthened  
our business’s foundations, positioning the Company to create  
value for our shareholders. Our store refresh programme continues, 
where we are updating our stores to make them more contemporary, 
improving the shopping environment and making them more 
compelling for our customers. We are now accelerating our growth  
in new channels and investing in sharper prices, improved quality, 
stronger ranges and better service. The area where change has been 
most significant however is in the acceleration of the development 
of our multichannel strategy, evolving our offering as the way 
customers shop evolves.

Management have been working hard to deliver this business 
transformation, making difficult decisions today to position Tesco  
to be the leading retailer of tomorrow. This strategy is starting to 
yield results: Group internet sales increased by 15% and we are 
getting better feedback from customers and colleagues across  
the Group.

Despite strong progress against strategic objectives during the year 
and the exceptional effort management have put in to achieve this, 
the bonus profit underpin was not met and therefore the Executive 
Directors will not receive a bonus in respect of 2013/14.

Performance Share Plan awards granted in 2011 will lapse in July 
2014 as challenging three-year EPS and ROCE targets were not met.

Reward changes for 2014/15
No changes are being made to our reward framework in 2014/15.

Board changes
Laurie McIlwee resigned as CFO and as an Executive Director  
of Tesco PLC on 4 April 2014. Laurie remains an employee of  
Tesco and, for a period of six months from 4 April 2014, will be 
employed as CFO Emeritus performing transition activities and 
supporting handover with colleagues as we recruit a replacement 
CFO. Details of Laurie’s leaving arrangements are set out on  
page 51.

Review of remuneration arrangements for 2015/16  
and beyond
The world of retail is evolving rapidly as customers embrace 
technology to help them shop in different ways, and Tesco is 
changing to make the most of the opportunities this presents.  
To ensure that we continue to operate a remuneration framework 
which reflects this rapidly changing market, is fully aligned with our 
strategy and provides competitive rewards to management for the 
creation of shareholder value, the Committee plans to undertake  
a review of executive remuneration during 2014/15. We will consult 
with shareholders in relation to any changes we would propose to 
make, and it is anticipated that we will bring a revised remuneration 
approach to shareholders at the 2015 AGM.

Stuart Chambers
Chairman of the Remuneration Committee

Tesco PLC Annual Report and Financial Statements 2014 

41

Other informationGovernanceFinancial statementsStrategic report 
Directors’ remuneration report continued
Annual remuneration report

The following report outlines our remuneration strategy and philosophy, how remuneration policy was implemented in 2013/14 and how 
the Committee intends to apply policy in 2014/15. This Annual Remuneration Report will be submitted to an advisory shareholder vote at 
the AGM on 27 June 2014.

Remuneration strategy
Tesco’s most important asset is its people. Business success depends on the performance and contribution of each individual colleague 
but outstanding performance comes from teamwork. Our approach to remuneration throughout Tesco is guided by a framework of 
common objectives and principles which are outlined in the table below.

Fair
•	 Policies are transparent, and 

applied consistently and equitably
•	 Reward decisions are trusted and 

properly governed

•	 Reward is legal and compliant

F
F
F

a
a
a
i
i
i
r
r
r

e

om petiti v

C

Total Reward

S

i

m

ple

u stainable

S

Sustainable
•	 Reward is aligned to the business 

strategy, reflects our performance, 
and is affordable

•	 Our reward framework is flexible 
to meet the changing needs of 
the business

•	 We reward in a responsible way

The following chart and accompanying table provide a summary  
of how remuneration policy will be applied in 2014/15.

Remuneration policy for Executive Directors

Fixed element (c.20% of total reward assuming maximum performance)

Salary + pension + benefits

Performance related element (c.80% of total reward assuming maximum performance)

Short-term performance

Long-term performance

Cash bonus

Deferred share 
bonus

Performance Share Plan

Financial measures (76%):
Profitability (50%) and strategic
financial measures (26%)   

Strategic non-financial
measures (24%)

Matrix of EPS growth and return 
on capital employed (‘ROCE’)

Reward objectives 

Reward principles

Attract
•	 Enable Tesco to recruit the  

right people

Motivate
•	 Incentivise colleagues to deliver  

our business goals together

Recognise
•	 Acknowledge individual 

contribution and performance

Align
•	 Create shareholder value and 
support the achievement of  
the business’ core purpose by 
focusing colleagues on making 
what matters better

Retain
•	 Foster loyalty and pride in Tesco so 
that colleagues want to stay with 
us and strive to do their best

Competitive
•	 We assess competitiveness on 
a total reward basis including 
financial and non-financial 
rewards

•	 Reward reflects an individual’s 
role, experience, performance 
and contribution

•	 Reward is set with reference to 
external market practice and 
internal relativity

Simple
•	 Reward is simple, clear, and easy  

to understand

•	 We avoid unnecessary complexity
•	 Reward is delivered accurately

Linking executive pay with strategy

•	Alignment with strategy  

Our strategic focus is to build a stronger business that  
is sustainable and equipped to compete in the future.  
The majority of our reward is linked to the delivery of 
stretching performance over the short and long term  
aligned with the achievement of our business vision and  
our strategy (see the Report from the Chief Executive on  
pages 3 to 7). The majority of reward is delivered in shares.
Our short-term performance is measured in relation to  
profit growth and the delivery of other strategic financial  
and non-financial objectives. Our long-term performance is 
measured by assessing the growth in our earnings per share 
and the level of our return on capital. These metrics are a key 
measure of the success of the delivery of shareholder value.

•	 Simple, collegiate approach to remuneration  

Our remuneration arrangements are designed to be simple to 
provide clarity to our Executives and to shareholders. Executive 
Directors and other management participate in a common 
incentive framework to ensure teamwork in delivering our key 
strategic goals.

•	Creating alignment with shareholders by building  

a shareholding in our business  
We believe that it is important that our colleagues are shareholders 
in the business to create alignment with other shareholders.  
The CEO’s shareholding guideline is to hold shares with a value of 
four times salary, the CFO is required to hold shares with a value of 
three times salary and other senior managers are required to hold 
shares with a value of one times salary.

42 

Tesco PLC Annual Report and Financial Statements 2014 

How remuneration policy will be applied in 2014/15

Element

Operation and opportunity

Fixed pay

Base salary

•	 CEO – £1,145,000

Performance measures

•	 n/a

•	 Next review 1 July 2014.
•	 The average increase for Executive Directors in 2013 was 2%.  

This was the same as the 2% average increases for other colleagues. 
Salary increases over the last five years have been aligned with those 
of other colleagues.

Pension
(Cash in retirement)

Final salary scheme
•	 The CEO is a member of the Tesco PLC Pension Scheme,  

•	 n/a

which provides a pension of up to two-thirds of base salary  
on retirement dependent on service (final salary scheme). 

SURBS
•	 The CEO receives the maximum pension that can be provided  

from the registered Pension Scheme without incurring additional  
tax charges. The balance of his pension entitlement is delivered  
through an unfunded retirement benefit scheme (‘SURBS’).  
This SURBS is closed to new entrants.

Employee contribution
•	 The CEO is required to contribute 10% of salary. This rate is in line  
with contribution levels for senior management below Board level.

Benefits

•	 Core benefits include car benefits, drivers, security, life assurance, 

•	 n/a

disability and health insurance, club membership and staff discount.
•	 Executives are eligible to participate in the Company’s all-employee 

share schemes, Sharesave and the Share Incentive Plan, on the same 
terms as UK colleagues. Sharesave is an HMRC approved savings 
related share option scheme. The Share Incentive Plan is an HMRC 
approved plan comprising free shares and partnership shares.

Performance 
related pay

Annual bonus
(One-year 
performance)
(Cash and shares)

•	 CEO – maximum opportunity of 250% of base salary.
•	 50% in cash.
•	 50% in shares which are deferred for three years.
•	 Malus applies to deferred shares to allow the Committee. 

discretion to scale back awards prior to the satisfaction of awards.

•	 76% of bonus based on financial performance:

 –   50% of bonus based on trading profit 

performance.

 –   26% based on selected strategic financial 

performance measures (10% Group internet 
sales, 8% UK like-for-like sales and 8% Group 
working capital).

•	 24% of bonus based on performance against  
key strategic non-financial performance (8%  
Group customer service, 8% Group colleague 
engagement, 8% Group CO2 reduction).
•	 The strategic financial and non-financial  

measures are subject to a financial underpin. 

Performance  
Share Plan
(Three-year 
performance)
(Shares)

•	 CEO – maximum award of 275% of base salary. 
•	 Malus provisions apply to awards, allowing the Committee discretion 

•	 Shares vest in three years’ time subject  

to performance targets being met.

to scale back awards prior to the satisfaction of awards.

•	 The vesting matrix and targets for awards to  
be granted in 2014 based on EPS and ROCE 
performance for the three years to 2016/17  
is set out below:

EPS growth p.a.

Threshold

Targets

3%

Stretch 
15%

45%

Threshold 
12%

0%

E
C
O
R

Straight-
line  
vesting 
between 
these 
points

Stretch

10%

100%

70%

•	 At threshold EPS of 3% p.a. and ROCE of 12%, 

none of the award will vest.

•	 The Remuneration Committee reserves the right  
to make adjustments to ROCE to take account  
of acquisitions or disposals which were not 
envisaged when the targets were set but will  
only do so when the impact is material.

The CFO, Laurie McIlwee, resigned as Chief Financial Officer and as an Executive Director of Tesco PLC on 4 April 2014. Details of his 
leaving arrangements are provided on page 51.

Tesco PLC Annual Report and Financial Statements 2014 

43

Other informationGovernanceFinancial statementsStrategic report 
Directors’ remuneration report continued
Annual remuneration report

How do performance measures link to strategy?
The balance of short-term performance measures is illustrated in the chart below:

Short-term performance

Performance measure

Link to strategy

Profitability (50% of short-term)
•	 Trading profit

Strategic financial performance  
(26% of short-term)
•	 Group internet sales (10%)
•	 UK like-for-like sales (8%)
•	 Group working capital (8%)

Strategic non-financial performance 
(24% of short-term)
•	 Group customer service (8%)
•	 Group colleague engagement (8%)
•	 Group CO2 reduction (8%)

The profit measure incentivises the delivery of our strategy by encouraging the creation of shareholder value through 
bottom-line financial results. Trading profit is used as it is widely understood throughout the business, and does not 
include property profits. This reflects our fundamentally different approach to space going forward.

The selected strategic financial measures allow for the Company to more specifically incentivise the delivery of key 
elements of our strategy.

Establishing multichannel leadership is an important and exciting dimension of our strategy and continues to be a key 
focus for 2014/15.

Another key priority for 2014/15 is delivering on our commitments to continue to invest in a strong UK business.  
A focus on improving like-for-like performance will support this.

A working capital metric is included to focus Executives on the effective management of stock, cash and suppliers. 

At Tesco we believe that a focus on the enablers of business performance will help us build a much more successful, 
sustainable business for the long term which will ultimately yield financial returns for all stakeholders.

The Committee therefore decided it remained important to focus the annual bonus framework on:

•	 Improving our service to our customers.
•	 Improving the engagement of all of our colleagues – if our colleagues smile, our customers smile too.
•	 Being a business that puts back into our community.

Group customer service and Group colleague engagement is objectively measured through our management Steering 
Wheel which ensures that we manage in a balanced way across our business.

Balance of measures for short-term bonus (%)

Profitability

Strategic financial

Strategic non-financial

50%

24%

26%

Bonus targets are considered by the Board to be commercially sensitive as they would give away details of our budgeting to our 
competitors. We therefore do not publish the details of targets. However, targets are considered to be measurable and appropriately 
stretching. If they are achieved the Committee considers that value will have been added for shareholders. 

The Committee will provide an explanation of the rationale for the level of any bonus paid in the 2014/15 Directors’ Remuneration 
Report including details of where performance fell within the target range to ensure transparency for shareholders regarding the level  
of reward paid in the context of performance delivered. The Committee will disclose performance targets when they are no longer 
considered to be commercially sensitive. 

Long-term performance

Performance measure

Link to strategy

Earnings per share and return on capital 
employed (matrix)

The ultimate goal of our strategy is to provide long-term sustainable returns for all of our shareholders. Tesco believes 
that the best way to deliver enhanced value is to grow earnings over the long term while maintaining a sustainable level 
of return on capital employed – in other words to keep growing the size of the business in an efficient way. 

2014 Performance Share Plan awards will continue to be subject to performance against a matrix of stretching earnings 
growth targets and sustainable return on capital performance. The Committee believes that this combination of EPS 
growth and ROCE performance is strongly aligned with our strategic objectives and also reflects the drivers of 
long-term shareholder value. 

Performance targets are outlined in the table on page 43 and are unchanged from the 2013 awards.

44 

Tesco PLC Annual Report and Financial Statements 2014 

What did we pay Executive Directors in 2013/14?
The table below provides a ‘single figure’ of remuneration. Where necessary, further explanations of the values provided are included below.

This table and the relevant explanation has been audited.

Single total figure of remuneration – Executive Directors

Philip Clarke

2013/14

2012/13

Laurie Mcllwee3

2013/14

2012/13

Salary
£000

1,136

1,114

880

863

Benefits1
£000

Short-term bonus
£000

Long-term incentives
£000

Pension2
£000

107

166

119

142

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

391

0

537

360

Total
£000

1,634

1,280

1,536

1,365

1 

2 

 Benefits include car benefits (for 2013/14 Philip Clarke – £45k, Laurie McIlwee – £33k), drivers (for 2013/14 Philip Clarke – £27k, Laurie McIlwee – £31k), security  
(for 2013/14 Philip Clarke – £13k, Laurie McIlwee – £29k), taxable travel, disability and health insurance, membership at clubs, Shares in Success awarded under  
the all-employee Share Incentive Plan and the value of the discount for shares awarded under the Sharesave during the year. Philip Clarke’s benefits for 2012/13  
now include fuel costs which were not known when the report was published. The benefit costs shown have been grossed up for tax.
 Pension is calculated as the difference between the end of year defined benefit accrued pension and the beginning of year accrued pension increased by the  
September CPI in the preceding tax year, multiplied by a factor of 20. The pension figure for 2012/13 has been set to nil where the increase in pension earned over  
the year was lower than the CPI increase to the pension built up at the beginning of the year.

3  Laurie McIlwee resigned and ceased to be a director on 4 April 2014. Details of his leaving arrangements are provided on page 51.

Short-term bonus 2013/14
This table has been audited.

Performance measures

Maximum opportunity

2013/14 payout

50% based on profitability

•	 Trading profit performance

•	 CEO – maximum bonus opportunity  

0% payout

of 250% of base salary

•	 CFO – maximum bonus opportunity  

of 200% of base salary

26% based on strategic financial performance

24% based on strategic non-financial 
performance

•	 Group internet sales (10%)
•	 UK like-for-like sales growth (8%)
•	 Group working capital (8%)

•	 Group customer service (8%)
•	 Group colleague engagement (8%)
•	 Group CO2 reduction – 8%

The following illustrates performance against targets:

Measures

Performance

Below

Threshold

Target

Stretch

Profitability

Trading profit (50%)

Strategic financial

Group internet sales (10%)

UK like-for-like sales growth (8%)

Group working capital (8%)

Strategic non-financial

Group customer service (8%)

■

■

Group colleague engagement (8%)

Group CO2 reduction (8%)

■

■

■

■

■

The business has made good progress this year against our key strategic objectives designed to strengthen our underlying business.  
We have increased internet sales by 15% reflecting our focus on our multichannel strategy. We are getting better feedback from 
customers and colleagues and have significantly reduced the level of CO2 used across the Group. Despite this progress the bonus  
profit underpin was not met and therefore the Executive Directors will not receive a bonus in respect of 2013/14.

Bonus targets are considered by the Board to be commercially sensitive. We have therefore not published the details of targets.

Tesco PLC Annual Report and Financial Statements 2014 

45

Other informationGovernanceFinancial statementsStrategic report 
Directors’ remuneration report continued
Annual remuneration report

Long-term incentives

Vesting of 2011/12 to 2013/14 awards
Awards granted in 2011 which were subject to performance to the end of 2013/14 were the first cycle of awards under the current 
long-term incentive framework to vest under which awards were made entirely in performance shares (rather than a mix of performance 
shares and market value share options). Performance targets for these awards were set as a matrix of stretching earnings growth and 
sustainable return on capital employed targets. 

This table has been audited.

Performance targets

Award level

2013/14 payout

% of initial awards vesting were subject to the following performance targets:

EPS growth p.a.

Threshold

Target

Stretch

7%

10%

12%

E
C
O
R

Stretch
14·6%

Threshold
13·6%

45%

75%

100%

20%

60%

85%

•	 CEO – 275% of base salary.
•	 CFO – 225% of base salary.

•	 The increase in underlying  

diluted EPS over the three years  
from 2011/12 to 2013/14 was  
below threshold.

•	 ROCE performance for 2013/14  

was below threshold.

•	 Performance against these targets 

has led to a payout of 0%. 

•	 EPS growth is assessed based on the growth in underlying diluted EPS p.a. over the 2011/12 to 2013/14 financial years.
•	 ROCE performance is assessed based on ROCE in 2013/14.
•	 The Remuneration Committee reserves the right to make adjustments to performance measures to take into account acquisitions or disposals,  

but will only do so when the impact is material. No such discretion was applied in respect of 2011 awards which were subject to performance in 2013/14.

Awards granted in 2011 will therefore lapse in July 2014.

Information regarding remuneration outcomes for 2012/13 is set out in the 2012/13 Directors’ Remuneration Report. 

Aligning pay with performance
The following charts illustrate performance at Tesco against key performance indicators over the past five years. 2012/13 financial 
information has been restated for retrospective changes to an accounting standard (IAS 19), a change in definition to underlying profit  
and to exclude China which is now treated as a discontinued operation. See notes to the accounts for more information.

The FTSE 100 index has been selected to compare Tesco’s TSR against as it is a broad market index of which Tesco is a constituent. 

Underlying diluted earnings per share – continuing 
operations (p)  
45

Underlying profit before tax – continuing operations
(£million)
4,500

40

35

30

25

20

15

10

5

0

09/10

10/11

11/12

12/13

13/14

Return on capital employed (‘ROCE’) 
− continuing operations
(%)
16.0

14.0

12.0

10.0

8.0

6.0

4.0

2.0

0.0

4,000

3,500

3,000

2,500

2,000

1,500

1,000

500

0

09/10

10/11

11/12

12/13

13/14

Total shareholder return

(%)

9
0
0
2
h
c
r
a
M
2
d
e
t
s
e
v
n

i

0
0
1
£
f
o
e
u
a
V

l

240

220

200

180

160

140

120

100

80

60

Tesco
FTSE 100

09/10

10/11

11/12

12/13

13/14

Feb 09

Feb 10

Feb 11

Feb 12

Feb 13

Feb 14

46 

Tesco PLC Annual Report and Financial Statements 2014 

 
 
 
 
 
 
The table below lays out the historical single figure data for the role of CEO as well as bonus and long-term incentive payout levels as a 
percentage of maximum opportunity for the CEO. 

Five year remuneration history

2009/10

2010/11

2011/121

2012/13

2013/14

Sir Terry Leahy

Sir Terry Leahy

Philip Clarke

Philip Clarke

Philip Clarke

CEO single figure of remuneration

Annual bonus vesting (% of maximum award)

PSP vesting (% of maximum award)

Share option vesting (% of maximum award)

7,1002

89%

82.7%

100%

7,150

75%

75%

100%

4,595

0%

46.5%

100%

1,280

1,634 

0%

0%

0%

0%

0%

n/a

1  The CEO elected not to take a bonus for 2011/12. Other Executive Directors received a bonus of 13.54% of maximum.
2 

Includes additional shares earned under the legacy bonus scheme. 

In each year the award is shown based on the final year of the performance period, i.e. the year in which it is included in the single figure.

The following charts illustrate remuneration arrangements paid to Executive Directors over the last five years:

Philip Clarke
(£million)

Laurie McIlwee
(£million)

5.0

4.5

4.0

3.5

3.0

2.5

2.0

1.5

1.0

0.5

0.0

£4.6m

£3.8m

£3.4m

£1.6m

£1.3m

09/10

10/11

11/12

12/13

13/14

Executive Director

CEO

5.0

4.5

4.0

3.5

3.0

2.5

2.0

1.5

1.0

0.5

0.0

£3.6m

£3.3m

£2.5m

£1.4m

£1.5m

PSP (value on 
vesting date)
Annual bonus – 
deferred shares awarded
Annual bonus – cash 
Benefits*
Pension
Base salary

09/10

10/11

11/12

12/13

13/14

*  Benefits includes car, fuel and driver, security, taxable travel, medical insurance, membership at clubs, Shares in Success and Sharesave awards.

Philip Clarke was promoted to the role of CEO with effect from 1 March 2011 and therefore the value of his pension for 2011/12 
increased to reflect his new salary in relation to the role of CEO.

Laurie McIlwee was promoted to the role of CFO with effect from 27 January 2009 and therefore the value of his pension for 2009/10 
increased to reflect his new salary in relation to the role of CFO. Laurie McIlwee resigned from the role of CFO on 4 April 2014.

Tesco PLC Annual Report and Financial Statements 2014 

47

Other informationGovernanceFinancial statementsStrategic report 
 
Directors’ remuneration report continued
Annual remuneration report

Shareholding guidelines and share ownership

Share ownership guidelines

•	Four	times	base	salary	for	the	CEO

•	Three	times	base	salary	for	the	CFO

•	The	purpose	is	to	create	alignment	with	the	interests	

of shareholders

•	This	requirement	is	at	the	upper	end	of	typical	market	

practice for	similar-sized	companies

The	Remuneration	Committee	believes	that	a	significant	shareholding	by	Executive	Directors	aligns	their	interests	with	shareholders	and	
demonstrates	their	ongoing	commitment	to	the	business.

Policy for calculating shareholding
•	Shares included	–	Shares	held	outright	will	be	included	in	the	calculation	of	shareholding	guidelines	as	will	shares	held	by	an		
Executive’s	spouse.	Shares	held	in	plans	which	are	not	subject	to	forfeiture	will	be	included	(on	a	net	of	tax	basis)	for	the	purposes	of	
calculating	Executive	Directors’	shareholdings.	Vested	but	unexercised	market	value	share	options	are	not	included	in	the	calculation.	
•	 Five years for new appointees to build shareholdings	–	New	appointees	will	be	expected	to	achieve	this	minimum	level	of	shareholding	
within	five	years	of	appointment.	When	the	shareholding	guidelines	were	increased	in	2011,	Executives	were	given	a	period	of	five	years	
to	meet	this	enhanced	requirement	and	therefore	should	meet	the	requirement	by	June	2016.

•	PSP participation may be subject to maintaining holding	–	Full	participation	in	the	long-term	Performance	Share	Plan	will	

generally	be	conditional	upon	maintaining	the	minimum	shareholding.

•	Holding of 50% of vesting awards until requirement met –	Where	an	Executive	Director	does	not	meet	the	shareholding	

requirement	they	will	be	required	to	hold,	and	not	dispose	of,	at	least	50%	of	the	net	number	of	shares	which	vest	under	incentive	
arrangements	until	they	meet	this	requirement.

Given	the	importance	of	owning	shares,	the	Executive	Committee	and	over	100	other	senior	managers	are	also	required	to	build	a	
holding	of	Tesco	shares.

The	chart	below	illustrates	the	value	of	Executive	Directors’	shareholdings,	based	on	the	three-month	average	share	price	to		
22	February	2014	of	330.3p	per	share	compared	to	the	shareholding	guideline.

Laurie McIIwee

Philip Clarke

1.0

0
£million

2.0

3.0

4.0

5.0

6.0

7.0

8.0

Shares and unexercised 
vested PSP awards

EIP shares
(vested and unvested)

Shareholding guideline

Shares held by Executive Directors at 22 February 2014
This	table	has	been	audited.

Shareholding	
guideline		
(%	of	salary)

Shareholding	
guideline	
(number	of	
shares)

Director

Philip	Clarke

400%

1,386,673

Laurie	Mcllwee

300%

805,136

Number	/	value	
of	shares	
counted	
towards	
shareholding	
guideline1

2,288,591
£7.56m	
(6.6x	salary)

344,756
£1.14m	
(1.3x	salary)

Interests	in	share	
incentive	schemes,	
that	are	subject		
to	no	further	
performance	
conditions	at	22	
February	20143

Interest	in	
market	value	
and	Sharesave	
share	options	
at	22	February	
20144

Interests	in	
share	incentive	
schemes,	
subject	to	
performance	
conditions,		
at	22	February	
20145

Ordinary	Shares		
23	February	
20132

Ordinary		
Shares	held		
at	22	February	
20142

Guideline	
met?

Yes

1,832,038

893,874

1,909,112

2,737,611

1,829,467

No

81,219

517,851

498,140

1,734,605

76,390

1	 Based	on	a	three-month	average	share	price	to	22	February	2014	of	330.3p.
2	

Includes	shares	held	under	the	all-employee	Share	Incentive	Plan	and	shares	held	by	connected	persons.
	Includes	vested	but	unexercised	and	unvested	nil	cost	options	held	under	the	deferred	bonus	plan	as	well	as	vested	but	unexercised	nil	cost	options	under	the	Performance	Share	Plan.
	Includes	awards	under	the	Discretionary	Share	Option	Plan	(‘DSOP’)	and	under	the	Tesco	Sharesave.	Options	granted	under	the	Sharesave	may	be	granted	at	up	to	20%	
discount	on	the	market	price	at	grant.	The	last	awards	under	the	DSOP	were	granted	to	Executive	Directors	in	2010.	No	further	awards	will	be	made	under	this	plan.
Includes	unvested	awards	under	the	PSP	which	remain	subject	to	performance.

3		

4	

5	

48 

Tesco PLC Annual Report and Financial Statements 2014 

Between	22	February	2014	and	24	April	2014	Philip	Clarke	acquired	71	partnership	shares	under	the	all-employee	Share	Incentive	Plan.	
There	were	no	other	changes	in	share	interests.

Share dealing policy
Tesco	has	a	share	dealing	policy	in	place	for	Executive	Directors	and	for	members	of	the	Executive	Committee.	This	policy	prevents	
Executive	Directors	and	Executive	Committee	members	and	their	connected	persons	dealing	in	shares	at	times	when	this	would	be	
prohibited	by	the	UK	Listing	Authority’s	Listing	Rules.	At	all	times,	Executive	Directors	and	Executive	Committee	members	must	seek	
advance	clearance	before	dealing	in	shares	on	their	own	behalf	or	in	respect	of	their	connected	persons.

Share awards awarded during 2013/14
This	table	has	been	audited.

Plan

Type	of	award

Philip	Clarke

Laurie	Mcllwee

Performance	
Share	Plan

Nil	cost	
options	
subject	to	
performance

Date	of	
awards

23	July	
2013

Number	of	
shares

Face	value1

863,049

£3,148,748

546,662

£1,994,442

Threshold	
vesting	(%		
of	scheme	
interest)

Maximum	
vesting	(%		
of	scheme	
interest)

0%

100%

Dividend	
shares	
awarded	in	
year

Outstanding	
awards	at		
22	February	
2014

12,371

875,420

7,836

554,498

Performance	
period

24	February	
2013	to		
27	February	
2016

1		

	Face	value	has	been	calculated	using	the	average	mid-market	closing	share	price	over	the	five	days	preceding	the	award	of	364.84p	which	was	the	share	price	used	to			
determine	the	number	of	shares	subject	to	the	award	in	accordance	with	the	rules.	

The	percentage	of	award	vesting	for	awards	granted	in	2013	is	based	on	EPS	growth	and	ROCE	as	outlined	below:

Targets

Stretch	
15%

Threshold 
12%

E
C
O
R

Threshold

3%

45%

0%

EPS	growth	p.a.

Straight-line		
vesting	between	
these	points

Stretch

10%

100%

70%

No	awards	were	granted	during	the	year	under	the	deferred	bonus	plan.

Outstanding share awards subject to performance conditions
Awards	granted	in	previous	years	which	remain	subject	to	performance

Director

Philip	Clarke

Laurie	Mcllwee

Philip	Clarke

Laurie	Mcllwee

Date	of	award

Share	price	on	
award	/	grant	
(pence)

11	July	2011

407.19

30	July	2012

317.10

Outstanding	awards	
23	February	2013

Dividend	shares	
awarded	in	year

Outstanding	awards	
at	22	February	2014

791,946

501,872

989,162

626,851

36,052

22,847

45,031

28,537

827,998

524,719

1,034,193

655,388

Performance	period

27	February	2011		
to		
22	February	2014

26	February	2012		
to		
28	February	2015

These	awards	are	granted	in	the	form	of	nil	cost	options	with	an	exercise	price	of	0p.	Awards	vest	on	the	third	anniversary	of	grant	and	can	
normally	be	exercised	until	the	tenth	anniversary	of	grant.	Following	his	resignation	on	2	April	2014,	expiry	dates	for	Laurie	Mcllwee’s	awards	
will	be	earlier	as	set	out	on	page	51.

Performance	targets	for	awards	granted	in	2011	were	not	met	and	awards	will	lapse	in	July	2014.	

The	percentage	of	award	vesting	for	awards	granted	in	2012	is	based	on	EPS	growth	p.a.	and	ROCE,	as	outlined	below:

Targets

Stretch	
14·6%

Threshold 
13·6%

E
C
O
R

Threshold

5%

45%

20%

EPS	growth	p.a.

Straight-line		
vesting	between	
these	points

Stretch

12%

100%

85%

Tesco PLC Annual Report and Financial Statements 2014 

49

Other informationGovernanceFinancial statementsStrategic report 
Directors’ remuneration report continued
Annual remuneration report

Outstanding share awards not subject to performance conditions
Share	awards	held	at	the	year	end	which	are	not	subject	to	performance	are	summarised	below.	Awards	that	are	not	yet	exercisable	have	
been	shaded.	

These	tables	have	been	audited.

Philip Clarke

Date	of		
award	/		
grant

Share	price		
on	award	/		
grant		
(pence)

Outstanding	
awards	23	
February	
2013

Shares	
awarded	/	
options	
granted		
in	year1

Shares	
released	/
options	
exercised		
in	year2

Plan

Discretionary	
Share	Option	
Plan

Savings	Related	
Option	Scheme	
(SAYE)

22.04.2005
08.05.2006
08.05.2007
12.05.2008
06.05.2009
07.05.2010

07.11.2007
05.11.2008
11.11.2009
10.11.2010
16.11.2011
07.11.2012
06.11.2013

312.75
318.60
473.75
427.00
338.40
419.80

469.50
360.13
377.56
435.08
403.65
312.88
356.98

Long-term	
Performance	
Share	Plan	(PSP)

08.07.2008
15.10.2009
14.10.2010

353.76
374.00
433.90

379,856
404,896
298,844
353,114
467,848
386,850

2,291,408

819
1,077
948
788
824
1,063

5,519

299,839
173,527
318.607

–
–
–
–
–
–

–

–
–
–
–
–
–
931

931

13,649
7,898
–

791,973

21,547

Executive	
Incentive	Plan
(EIP)

22.06.2010

27.05.2011

388.05

411.75

217,886
163,706

9,918
7,451

381,592

17,369

Laurie McIlwee

–
–
–
–
–
–

–

–
1,077
–
–
–
–
–

1,077

–
–
–

–

–
–

–

Date	of		
award	/		
grant

Share	price		
on	award	/		
grant		
(pence)

Outstanding	
awards	23	
February	
2013

Shares	
awarded	/	
options	
granted		
in	year1

Shares	
released	/
options	
exercised		
in	year2

Plan

Discretionary	
Share	Option	
Plan

Savings	Related	
Option	Scheme	
(SAYE)

08.05.2007
12.05.2008
06.05.2009
07.05.2010

07.11.2007
05.11.2008
11.11.2009
10.11.2010
16.11.2011
07.11.2012
06.11.2013

473.75
427.00
338.40
419.80

469.50
360.13
377.56
435.08
403.65
312.88
356.98

Long-term	
Performance	
Share	Plan	(PSP)

15.10.2009
14.10.2010

374.00
433.90

Executive	
Incentive	Plan
(EIP)

22.06.2010
27.05.2011
25.05.2012

388.05
411.75
308.25

77,192
91,335
325,059
290,138

783,724

819
1,077
948
788
824
1,063

5,519

130,144
318,607

448,751

163,414
163,706
38,044

–
–
–
–

–

–
–
–
–
–
–
931

931

5,923	
–

5,923

7,438
7,451
1,731

365,164

16,620

–
–
–
–

–

–
1,077
–
–
–
–
–

1,077

–
–

–

–
–
–

–

Awards	
lapsed	in	
year

–
–
–
–
–
386,850

Outstanding	
awards	at	22	
February	
2014

379,856
404,896
298,844
353,114
467,848
–

386,850

1,904,558

819
–
–
–
–
–
–

819

–
–
948
788
824
1,063
931

4,554

Exercise	
price	
(pence)

Date	from	
which	
exercisable

Expiry		
date

312.75
318.60
473.75
427.00
338.40
419.80

22.04.2008
08.05.2009
08.05.2010
12.05.2011
06.05.2012
07.05.2013

22.04.2015
08.05.2016
08.05.2017
12.05.2018
06.05.2019
07.05.2020

410.00
311.00
328.00
386.00
364.00
282.00
322.00

01.02.2013
01.02.2014
01.02.2015
01.02.2016
01.02.2017
01.02.2018
01.02.2019

01.08.2013
01.08.2014
01.08.2015
01.08.2016
01.08.2017
01.08.2018
01.08.2019

–
–
318,607

313,488
181,425
–

0.00
0.00
0.00

08.07.2011
15.07.2012
14.07.2013

08.07.2018
15.10.2019
14.10.2020

318,607

494,913

–
–

–

227,804
171,157

398,961

Awards	
lapsed	in	
year

–
–
–
290,138

Outstanding	
awards	at	22	
February	
2014

77,192
91,335
325,059
–

290,138

493,586

819
–
–
–
–
–
–

819

–	
–
948
788
824
1,063
931

4,554

0.00
0.00

22.05.2013
13.05.2014

22.06.2020
27.05.2021

Exercise	
price	
(pence)

Date	from	
which	
exercisable

Expiry	
date3

473.75
427.00
338.40
419.80

08.05.2010
12.05.2011
06.05.2012
07.05.2013

08.05.2017
12.05.2018
06.05.2019
07.05.2020

410.00
311.00
328.00
386.00
364.00
282.00
322.00

01.02.2013
01.02.2014
01.02.2015
01.02.2016
01.02.2017
01.02.2018
01.02.2019

01.08.2013
01.08.2014
01.08.2015
01.08.2016
01.08.2017
01.08.2018
01.08.2019

–
318,607

136,067
–

0.00
0.00

15.07.2012
14.07.2013

15.10.2019
14.10.2020

318,607

136,067

–
–
–

–

170,852
171,157
39,775

381,784

0.00
0.00	
0.00

22.05.2013
13.05.2014
25.05.2015

22.06.2020
27.05.2021
25.05.2022

Includes	dividend	equivalents	added	to	awards	during	the	year.

1	
2	 Philip	Clarke	and	Laurie	McIlwee	exercised	their	2008	SAYE	options	on	3	February	2014	when	the	market	share	price	was	318.95p.
3	 Following	his	resignation	on	4	April	2014,	expiry	dates	for	Laurie	Mcllwee’s	awards	will	be	earlier	as	set	out	on	page	51.

50 

Tesco PLC Annual Report and Financial Statements 2014 

Pensions
Philip	Clarke	and	Laurie	McIlwee	are	members	of	the	Tesco	PLC	Pension	Scheme,	which	provides	a	pension	of	up	to	two-thirds		
of	base	salary	on	retirement,	normally	at	age	60,	dependent	on	service	(final	salary	scheme).	

Each	year’s	pension	earned	before	1	June	2012	will	be	increased	with	RPI	up	to	a	maximum	of	5%,	and	pension	earned	after		
1	June	2012	with	CPI	up	to	a	maximum	of	5%.

Pension	accrued	before	1	June	2012	and	drawn	before	age	60	will	be	actuarially	reduced	to	reflect	early	retirement.	Pension	accrued		
from	1	June	2012	will	be	actuarially	reduced	if	it	is	drawn	before	the	age	at	which	a	full	pension	is	paid	(originally	age	62	but	subject		
to	adjustment	up	or	down	to	reflect	unexpected	changes	in	life	expectancy).

Since	April	2006,	following	implementation	of	the	regulations	contained	within	the	Finance	Act	2004,	Executive	Directors	have	been	eligible	to	
receive	the	maximum	pension	that	can	be	provided	from	the	registered	Pension	Scheme	without	incurring	additional	tax	charges.	The	balance		
of	any	pension	entitlement	for	Executive	Directors	is	delivered	through	an	unfunded	retirement	benefit	scheme	(‘SURBS’).	The	SURBS	is	secured	
by	using	a	fixed	and	floating	charge	over	a	cash	deposit	in	a	designated	account.	

Executive	Directors	who	are	members	of	the	final	salary	scheme	are	required	to	contribute	10%	of	salary.	

Details	of	the	rights	under	the	Tesco	pension	scheme	are	set	out	below.

This	table	has	been	audited.

(a)
Age	at	22	
February	
2014

(b)	
Years	of		
Company	
service

(c)	
Total	
accrued	
pension	at	
22	February	
20141,2	
£000

(d)	
Increase	in	
accrued	
pension	
during	the	
year3
£000

(e)
Increase	in	
accrued	
pension	
during	the	
year	(net	of	
inflation)4
	£000

(f)
Transfer	
value	of	(e)	
at	22	
February	
2014	(less	
Director’s
contributions)
	£000

(gi)
Transfer	
value	of	total	
accrued	
pension	at	
23	February	
2013	
(old	basis)4
£000

(gii)
Transfer	
value	of	total	
accrued	
pension	at	
23	February	
2013	(new	
basis)4
£000

(h)
Transfer	
value	of	
total	
accrued	
pension	
at	22	
February	
2014	
£000

Philip	Clarke

Laurie	Mcllwee

53

51

39

13

633

360

33

34

17

25

216

307

10,738

9,988

11,482

5,217

4,673

5,669

(i)
Increase		
in	transfer	
value	(less	
Director’s
contributions)	
£000

1,494

996

1	

	The	accrued	pension	is	that	which	would	be	paid	annually	on	retirement	at	60	(pre-June	2012	service)	and	from	full	pension	age	(post-June	2012	service),	based	on	service	
to	22	February	2014.	

2	 Some	of	Philip	Clarke	and	Laurie	McIlwee’s	benefits	are	payable	from	an	unfunded	pension	arrangement.	This	is	secured	by	a	fixed	and	floating	charge	on	a	cash	deposit.
3	 The	increase	in	accrued	pension	over	the	year	is	additional	pension	accrued	during	the	year.	
4	 The	transfer	value	basis	was	updated	during	the	year	following	a	review	of	the	Scheme’s	factors.

Inflation	over	the	year	has	been	allowed	for	using	the	September	2013	CPI	inflation	of	2.7%.	

Payments to former directors
This	information	has	been	audited.

There	were	no	payments	made	to	former	Directors	which	exceeded	the	de	minimis	threshold	of	£10,000	set	by	the	Company.

Following	the	sale	of	Fresh	&	Easy,	the	award	of	2,500,000	shares	plus	associated	dividend	equivalents	granted	in	2007	to	the	former	
CEO,	Sir	Terry	Leahy,	under	the	Group	New	Business	Incentive	Plan	lapsed	on	14	April	2014.	

Loss of office payments
This	information	has	been	audited.

There	were	no	payments	for	loss	of	office	during	the	year.

Leaving arrangements for Laurie McIlwee
Laurie	McIlwee	resigned	as	CFO	and	as	an	Executive	Director	of	Tesco	PLC	on	4	April	2014.	Laurie	remains	an	employee	of	Tesco	and,		
for	a	period	of	six	months	from	4	April	2014,	will	be	employed	as	CFO	Emeritus	performing	transition	activities	and	supporting	handover	
with	colleagues	as	we	recruit	a	replacement	CFO.	During	this	period,	Laurie	will	continue	to	receive	his	salary	of	£886,420	and	will	remain	
eligible	to	receive	a	bonus	of	up	to	a	maximum	of	200%	of	salary	for	2014/15.	Any	bonus	will	be	based	on	performance	against	targets	
and	will	be	pro-rated	for	time	in	employment.

At	the	end	of	this	six	month	period	on	3	October	2014	(termination	date)	Laurie	will	cease	to	be	employed	by	Tesco.	On	termination	of	
employment,	in	accordance	with	the	terms	of	his	contract,	Laurie	will	receive	a	termination	payment	of	£970,800	consisting	of	12	months	
base	salary	(£886,420)	and	benefits	(£84,460	consisting	of	staff	discount,	private	healthcare	and	health	insurance	and	car	and	car	related	
benefits).	No	additional	amount	will	be	paid	in	respect	of	pension.

Outstanding	deferred	share	(EIP)	awards	will	continue	until	the	normal	vesting	date	in	accordance	with	the	rules	of	the	plan.	Laurie	will	have		
12	months	from	this	date	to	exercise	awards.	2011	awards	vest	on	14	May	2014.	The	2012	award	will	vest	on	25	May	2015.	No	deferred	share	
award	was	made	in	2013	and	no	award	will	be	made	in	2014.	The	number	of	shares	subject	to	each	award	is	set	out	in	the	table	on	page	50.

Tesco PLC Annual Report and Financial Statements 2014 

51

Other informationGovernanceFinancial statementsStrategic report 
Directors’ remuneration report continued
Annual remuneration report

As	described	above,	2011	PSP	awards	are	due	to	lapse	on	14	July	2014.	PSP	awards	granted	to	Laurie	in	2012	and	2013	will	lapse	upon	
him	leaving	the	business.	Laurie	may	exercise	vested	discretionary	share	option	awards	granted	in	2007,	2008	and	2009	for	a	period	of	
12	months	from	termination,	in	accordance	with	the	terms	of	the	plan	rules.	These	awards	are,	however,	currently	underwater.

The	awards	granted	under	the	all-employee	Sharesave	scheme	in	2011,	2012	and	2013	will	lapse	and	the	awards	granted	in	2009		
and	2010	may	be	exercised	in	accordance	with	the	rules	of	the	plan.	Shares	held	under	the	all-employee	Share	Incentive	Plan	will	be	
transferred	to	Laurie	in	accordance	with	the	rules	of	the	plan.

The	Company	will	pay	for	out-placement	services	and	legal	costs	in	connection	with	Laurie’s	termination	of	employment	up	to	a	
maximum	of	£50,000	and	£5,000	excluding	VAT	respectively.

Other policy information

Risk management
Risk	management	is	an	important	part	of	business	process.	The	Committee	considers	that	Tesco’s	processes	in	this	area	provide	the	
necessary	controls	to	prevent	inappropriate	risk	taking.	When	reviewing	remuneration	structures	the	Committee	considered	whether	any	
aspect	of	these	might	encourage	behaviours	that	are	incompatible	with	our	Tesco	Values	and	the	long-term	interests	of	shareholders.		
If	necessary,	the	Committee	would	take	appropriate	steps	to	address	this.

Outside appointments
Tesco	recognises	that	its	Executive	Directors	may	be	invited	to	become	Non-executive	Directors	of	other	companies.	Such	Non-executive	
duties	can	broaden	a	Director’s	experience	and	knowledge	which	can	benefit	Tesco.

Subject	to	approval	by	the	Board,	Executive	Directors	are	allowed	to	accept	Non-executive	appointments,	provided	that	these	appointments		
are	not	likely	to	lead	to	conflicts	of	interest,	and	they	may	retain	the	fees	received.	Currently	neither	Philip	Clarke	nor	Laurie	McIlwee	hold	any	
outside	appointments.

Funding of equity awards
Executive	incentive	arrangements	are	funded	by	a	mix	of	newly	issued	shares	and	shares	purchased	in	the	market.	Where	shares	are	
newly	issued	the	Company	complies	with	ABI	dilution	guidelines	on	their	issue.	The	current	dilution	usage	of	discretionary	plans	is		
c.3.5%	of	shares	in	issue.	Where	shares	are	purchased	in	the	market,	these	may	be	held	by	Tesco	Employees	Share	Schemes	Trustees	
Limited,	in	which	case	the	voting	rights	relating	to	the	shares	are	exercisable	by	the	trustees	in	accordance	with	their	fiduciary	duties.		
At	22	February	2014	the	trust	held	3,182,335	shares.

Other disclosures

Change in CEO remuneration compared to the change in colleague remuneration
The	following	table	illustrates	the	change	in	CEO	salary,	benefits	and	bonus	between	2012/13	and	2013/14	compared	to	other	UK	colleagues.	

The	Committee	decided	to	use	other	UK	colleagues	for	the	purpose	of	this	disclosure	as	over	half	of	our	colleagues	are	based	in	the	UK	
and	the	CEO	is	also	predominately	based	in	the	UK	(albeit	with	a	global	role	and	responsibilities).	The	Committee	therefore	considered	
that	this	is	an	appropriate	comparator	group	given	that	pay	changes	across	the	Group	depend	on	local	market	conditions.

CEO

UK	colleagues

Salary

Benefits

Bonus

2%

2%

-36%

5%

–*

–*

*	 No	bonuses	were	paid	in	respect	of	2013/14	or	2012/13.

Relative importance of spend on pay
The	following	chart	shows	total	employee	pay	compared	to	
distributions	to	shareholders.

At	Tesco	our	colleagues	are	an	essential	part	of	how	we	do		
business	and	how	we	meet	our	customer	needs.	Over	the	last	two	
years	we	have	invested	in	our	colleagues,	increasing	the	number		
of	colleagues	in	store	to	improve	the	offering	to	our	customers.		
In	2012/13	we	employed	an	average	of	506,856	colleagues		
across	the	Group.	This	has	increased	to	510,444	in	2013/14.

Total	employee	pay	includes	wages	and	salaries,	social	security,	
pension	and	share	based	costs.	(£6,885m	in	2012/13	and		
£7,271m	in	2013/14	–	see	Note	4	of	the	accounts	on	page	83).

£000m
9
8
7
6
5
4
3
2
1
0

5.6%

0.6%

13/14

12/13
Distributions to
shareholders

13/14

12/13
Total employee 
pay

Distributions	to	shareholders	includes	interim	and	final	dividends	paid	in	respect	of	each	financial	year	(£1,186m	in	respect	of	2012/13	
and	£1,193m	in	respect	of	2013/14	–	see	Note	8	of	the	accounts	on	page	88).	There	were	no	share	buy-backs	in	2012/13	or	2013/14.

52 

Tesco PLC Annual Report and Financial Statements 2014 

Non-executive Director fees and responsibilities

Committee membership in 2013/14

Sir	Richard	
Broadbent

Mark		
Armour

Gareth	
Bullock

Patrick	
Cescau

Stuart	
Chambers

Olivia	
Garfield1

Ken		
Hanna

Deanna	
Oppenheimer2

Jacqueline	
Tammenoms	Bakker3

º

º

•

º

º

º

Senior	Independent	Director

Remuneration	Committee

Nominations	Committee

Audit	Committee

Corporate	Responsibility	
Committee

º

•

•

•

º

x

º

º

º

º

º

x	 Senior	Independent	Director
•	 Committee	Chairman
º	 Committee	member
1	 Olivia	Garfield	became	a	member	of	the	Audit	Committee	on	1	April	2014.
2	 Deanna	Oppenheimer	became	a	member	of	the	Remuneration	Committee	on	1	March	2014.
3	 Jacqueline	Tammenoms	Bakker	took	over	as	chair	of	the	Corporate	Responsibility	Committee	on	1	March	2014.

Non-executive Director fee policy for 2014/15
The	current	Non-executive	Directors’	fees	are	as	follows:

Non-executive Director fees

Basic	fees

Additional	fees

–	Senior	Independent	Director

–	Chairs	of	the	Audit	and	Remuneration	Committees

£70,000	p.a.

£26,000	p.a.

£30,000	p.a.

–	Membership	of	Audit,	Corporate	Responsibility,	Nominations	and	Remuneration	Committees

£12,000	p.a.	for	each	committee

Non-executive	Director	fees	are	due	to	be	reviewed	in	July	2014.

Gareth	Bullock,	Stuart	Chambers	and	Deanna	Oppenheimer	were	appointed	to	the	Board	of	Tesco	Personal	Finance	Group	Limited	in	July	
2012.	They	are	paid	a	basic	fee	of	£70,000	p.a.	for	this	role	and	an	additional	fee	for	Committee	membership	of	£12,000	p.a.	in	line	with	other	
members	of	the	Board	of	Tesco	Personal	Finance	Group	Limited.	Stuart	Chambers	stepped	down	from	the	Board	of	Tesco	Personal	Finance	
Group	Limited	on	4	February	2014.

Chairman fees
Sir	Richard	Broadbent’s	fee	for	his	role	as	Non-executive	Chairman	is	£625,000	p.a.	and	he	has	the	benefit	of	a	company	car,	driver,		
medical	insurance	and	security.	This	fee	was	set	at	the	time	of	his	appointment	and	has	not	been	increased	since.	He	does	not	receive	
additional	committee	fees.

Fees paid during 2013/14
The	table	below	sets	out	the	fees	paid	to	the	Non-executive	Directors	for	the	year	ending	22	February	2014.	As	the	Non-executive	Directors	are	not	
paid	a	pension	and	do	not	participate	in	any	of	the	Company’s	variable	incentive	schemes,	this	information	is	not	included	in	the	table	below.

This	table	has	been	audited.

Single total figure of remuneration – Non-executive Directors

Sir	Richard	Broadbent

Mark	Armour

Gareth	Bullock

Patrick	Cescau

2013/14

2012/13

2013/14

2012/13

2013/14

2012/13

2013/14

2012/13

Fees
£000

625

625

36

–

164

141

132

132

Benefits
£000

81

70

0

–

1

3

0

0

Total
£000

706

695

36

–

165

144

132

132

Tesco PLC Annual Report and Financial Statements 2014 

53

Other informationGovernanceFinancial statementsStrategic report 
Directors’ remuneration report continued
Annual remuneration report

Single total figure of remuneration – Non-executive Directors

Stuart	Chambers

Olivia	Garfield

Ken	Hanna

Deanna	Oppenheimer

2013/14

2012/13

2013/14

2012/13

2013/14

2012/13

2013/14

2012/13

Jacqueline	Tammenoms	Bakker

2013/14

2012/13

191

171

62

–

124

112

164

138

94

94

4

6

0

–

2

3

66

180

10

8

195

177

62

–

126

115

230

318

104

102

The	figures	in	this	table	are	from	the	date	of	appointment	or	until	the	date	that	each	Director	ceased	to	be	a	Director	of	Tesco	PLC.	Deanna	Oppenheimer	was	appointed	on		
1	March	2012.	Olivia	Garfield	was	appointed	on	1	April	2013.	Mark	Armour	was	appointed	on	2	September	2013.	The	figures	in	this	table	include	fees	paid	to	Gareth	Bullock,	
Stuart	Chambers	and	Deanna	Oppenheimer	in	respect	of	their	membership	of	the	Board	and	Committees	of	Tesco	Personal	Finance	Group	Limited.	The	Chairman’s	benefits	
are	made	up	solely	of	car	benefits,	driver,	security	and	medical	insurance.	The	Non-executive	Directors’	benefits	comprise	taxable	travel	and	for	Deanna	Oppenheimer,	
2012/13	benefits	include	travel	in	relation	to	her	induction	on	joining	Tesco	and	legal	fees	in	connection	with	her	appointment.	The	benefit	costs	shown	have	been	grossed		
up	for	tax.

Beneficial share ownership
There	are	no	shareholding	guidelines	for	the	Non-executive	Directors.	The	table	below	outlines	the	current	interests	of	the	Non-executive	
Directors	in	the	Company.	Shareholdings	include	shares	held	by	connected	persons.

Director

Sir	Richard	Broadbent

Mark	Armour

Gareth	Bullock

Patrick	Cescau

Stuart	Chambers

Olivia	Garfield

Ken	Hanna

Deanna	Oppenheimer

Jacqueline	Tammenoms	Bakker

Shares owned outright at 22 February 2014

Shares	owned	outright	at	23	February	2013

63,996

25,000

25,000

18,340

25,000

4,086

25,000

52,500*

16,472

53,996

n/a

0

18,340

25,000

n/a

25,000

52,500*

16,472

*	 Deanna	Oppenheimer	holds	17,500	ADRs	equivalent	to	52,500	ordinary	shares.

There	were	no	changes	in	share	interest	held	by	Non-executive	Directors	between	22	February	and	24	April	2014.

Governance

Membership of the Remuneration Committee and attendance at meetings

Membership of the Remuneration 
Committee and attendance  
at meetings

Stuart	Chambers	(Committee	Chairman)

Sir	Richard	Broadbent

Ken	Hanna

Jacqueline	Tammenoms	Bakker

4

4

4

4

4

4

4

4

Number	of	possible	meetings

Actual	meetings	attended

Deanna	Oppenheimer	joined	the	Committee	with	effect	from	1	March	2014.	

The	Committee	also	convenes	on	an	ad	hoc	basis	between	formal	meetings	when	necessary.	The	Directors’	biographies	can	be	
found	on	pages	26	and	27	of	this	report.	No	member	of	the	Committee	has	any	personal	financial	interest	in	the	matters	being	
decided,	other	than	as	a	shareholder,	nor	any	day-to-day	involvement	in	running	the	business	of	Tesco.

54 

Tesco PLC Annual Report and Financial Statements 2014 

Role of the Remuneration  
Committee

The	Committee’s	key	responsibilities	are:

•	 To	determine	and	recommend	to	the	Board	the	remuneration	policy	for	Executive	Directors	and	the	Chairman.
•	 To	ensure	the	level	and	structure	of	remuneration	is	designed	to	attract,	retain,	and	motivate	the	Executive	Directors	needed		
to	run	the	Company	while	remaining	appropriate	in	the	context	of	the	remuneration	arrangements	throughout	the	Group.
•	 To	ensure	that	the	structure	of	remuneration	arrangements	is	aligned	with	the	creation	of	sustainable	returns	for	shareholders	

and	that	the	level	of	reward	received	by	Executives	reflects	the	value	delivered	for	shareholders.

•	 As	required	by	the	Financial	Conduct	Authority	(‘FCA’),	Tesco	Bank	has	a	separate	independent	remuneration	committee.		

The	Group	Remuneration	Committee	is	consulted	on,	and	makes	recommendations	in	relation	to	the	remuneration	
arrangements	for	Tesco	Bank	colleagues,	with	the	aim	of	encouraging	consistency	with	Group	remuneration	policy,	but	it		
does	not	make	decisions	in	relation	to,	or	direct,	how	remuneration	is	managed	within	Tesco	Bank.

The	Committee’s	terms	of	reference	are	available	from	the	Company	Secretary	upon	request	or	can	be	viewed	at	www.tescoplc.com.

Remuneration Committee activities 2013/14
The	following	provides	a	summary	of	the	key	areas	of	focus	at	each	of	the	Committee’s	meetings	during	the	year	and	shortly	following	
the	end	of	the	financial	year:

April	2013

July	2013

September	2013

February	2014

•	 Agree	reward	outcomes
•	 Approve	targets
•	 Approve	the	DRR
•	 AGM	preparation

•	 Consider	shareholder	

feedback

•	 Review	base	salaries
•	 Review	Chairman’s	fees

•	 Report	from	Tesco	Bank	

Remuneration	Committee
•	 Review	below	Board	reward
•	 Review	market	trends
•	 Remuneration	strategy

•	 Review	performance
•	 Remuneration	strategy
•	 Review	the	DRR
•	 Committee	effectiveness	

review

April	2014
(following	year	end)

•	 Agree	reward	outcomes
•	 Approve	targets
•	 Approve	the	DRR
•	 AGM	preparation

Committee advisors
Remuneration	Committee	advisors	are	appointed	by	the	Committee	following	a	selection	process	and	their	roles	are	kept	under	review.	
During	the	year,	Deloitte	LLP	have	been	retained	by	the	Committee	in	their	capacity	as	independent	Remuneration	Committee	Advisors.	
Fees	for	advice	provided	to	the	Remuneration	Committee	for	the	year	were	£151,646.	Fees	are	charged	on	a	time	and	materials	basis.	
Deloitte	also	provided	advice	to	management	in	relation	to	the	interpretation	of	the	Remuneration	Reporting	Regulations,	below	board	
remuneration	and	implementation	of	share	plans.	Separate	teams	within	Deloitte	provided	unrelated	advisory	services	in	respect	of	
corporate	tax	planning,	technology	consulting,	risk	management,	share	schemes,	international	taxation,	corporate	finance	and	treasury		
to	the	Group	during	the	year.

Deloitte	is	one	of	the	founding	members	of	the	Remuneration	Consultants	Code	of	Conduct	and	adheres	to	this	Code	in	its	dealings	
with	the	Committee.	The	Committee	is	satisfied	that	the	advice	provided	by	Deloitte	is	objective	and	independent.	The	Committee	is	
comfortable	that	the	Deloitte	LLP	engagement	partner	and	team,	that	provide	remuneration	advice	to	the	Committee,	do	not	have	
connections	with	Tesco	PLC	that	may	impair	their	independence.	The	Committee	reviewed	the	potential	for	conflicts	of	interest	and	
judged	that	there	were	appropriate	safeguards	against	such	conflicts.

Towers	Watson	also	provided	the	Committee	with	benchmarking	information	during	the	year	and	fees	on	a	time	spent	basis	for	this		
were	£32,700.

Jonathan	Lloyd,	the	Company	Secretary,	is	Secretary	to	the	Committee.	Philip	Clarke	(Chief	Executive	of	the	Group)	and	the	Group		
CFO	attend	meetings	at	the	invitation	of	the	Committee.	They	are	not	present	when	their	own	remuneration	is	being	discussed.		
The	Committee	is	supported	by	Alison	Homer	(Group	Personnel	Director),	Drew	Matthews	(Group	Remuneration	Director)	and		
Corporate	Secretariat	and	Finance	functions.

Compliance
In	carrying	out	its	duties,	the	Remuneration	Committee	gives	full	consideration	to	best	practice.	The	Committee	was	constituted	and	
operated	throughout	the	period	in	accordance	with	the	principles	outlined	in	the	Listing	Rules	of	the	Financial	Conduct	Authority	derived	
from	the	UK	Corporate	Governance	Code.	The	auditors’	report,	set	out	on	pages	65	to	68,	covers	the	disclosures	referred	to	in	this	report	
that	are	specified	for	audit	by	the	Financial	Conduct	Authority.

The	report	has	been	drawn	up	in	accordance	with	the	UK	Corporate	Governance	Code,	Schedule	8	of	the	Large	and	Medium-sized	Companies	
and	Groups	(Accounts	and	Reports)	Regulations	2008	(as	updated	in	2013)	and	the	Financial	Conduct	Authority	Listing	Rules.

Shareholder voting
Tesco	remains	committed	to	ongoing	shareholder	dialogue	and	carefully	reviews	voting	outcomes	on	remuneration	matters.	In	the	event	
of	a	substantial	vote	against	a	resolution	in	relation	to	Directors’	remuneration,	Tesco	would	seek	to	understand	the	reasons	for	any	such	
vote,	and	would	detail	any	actions	in	response	to	it	in	the	Directors’	Remuneration	Report.	

The	following	table	sets	out	actual	voting	in	respect	of	our	remuneration	report	in	2013.

%	of	votes

2012/13	Directors’	Remuneration	Report	(2013	AGM)

124,199,537	votes	were	withheld	(1.54%	of	share	capital).

For

95.2%

Against

4.8%

Tesco PLC Annual Report and Financial Statements 2014 

55

Other informationGovernanceFinancial statementsStrategic report	
 
Directors’ remuneration report continued
2013/14 Policy Report

Policy table
The following sets out our Directors’ Remuneration Policy (the ‘Policy’). This Policy will be put forward for shareholder approval at the 
2014 AGM on 27 June 2014 and will apply to payments made from this date. 

Further details regarding the operation of the Policy for the 2014/15 financial year can be found on pages 43 to 44 of this report. 

Policy table

Element

Base salary

Purpose and link  
to strategy

•	 The role of base salary  

is to support the 
recruitment and 
retention of Executive 
Directors of the calibre 
required to develop and 
deliver the strategy.
•	 Base salary provides 

fixed remuneration for 
the role, which reflects 
the size and scope of  
the Executive Directors’ 
responsibilities and  
their experience.

Pension

d
e
x
i
F

•	 To provide a market-
leading retirement 
benefit that will foster 
loyalty and retain 
experienced Executive 
Directors, which 
supports our culture of 
developing talent 
internally.

•	 A key incentive and 

retention tool 
throughout the 
organisation.

Benefits

•	 To provide a market-
competitive level of 
benefits for our 
Executive Directors.

Operation

Maximum opportunity

Performance measures

•	 The Committee sets base salary taking 

•	 While there is no maximum salary, 

n/a

increases will normally be in line with 
the typical level of increase awarded 
to other employees in the Group. 
•	 However, increases may be above this 
level in certain circumstances such as:
 – Where a new Executive Director 

has been appointed to the Board at 
a lower than typical market salary 
to allow for growth in the role then 
larger increases may be awarded to 
move salary positioning closer to 
typical market level as the 
Executive gains experience.

 – Where an Executive Director has 
been promoted or has had a 
change in responsibilities, salary 
increases in excess of the above 
limit may be awarded.

 – Where there has been a significant 

change in market practice.

•	 For details of salary levels from  
1 July 2013 see page 43 of the  
Annual Remuneration Report.

n/a

•	 Up to two-thirds of base salary  
at retirement with a minimum  
10% of salary per annum  
employee contribution.

•	 In the event that an Executive 

Director retires early there will be no 
augmentation of pension benefits.

n/a

•	 The overall level of benefits will 
depend on the cost of providing 
individual items and the individual’s 
circumstances and therefore there 
is no maximum level of benefit.
•	 When determining the level of 
benefits the Committee will 
consider the factors outlined in  
the ‘Operation’ column.

into account:
 – The individual’s skills and  

experience and their performance.

 – Salary levels at leading FTSE 

companies and other large consumer 
business companies in the UK  
and internationally.

 – Pay and conditions elsewhere in  

the Group.

•	 Base salary is normally reviewed  

annually with changes effective from  
1 July but may be reviewed more 
frequently if the Committee determines 
this is appropriate.

•	 The CEO participates in a defined  

benefit pension plan.

•	 This is provided through registered 

arrangements up to approved HMRC limits, 
with the remainder provided through a 
secured unfunded arrangement.
•	 The Committee may determine that 

alternative pension provisions will operate 
for new appointments to the Board. When 
determining pension arrangements for new 
appointments the Board will give regard to 
the cost of the arrangements, market 
practice and the pension arrangements 
received elsewhere in the Group.

•	 The Committee policy is to set benefit 
provision at an appropriate market 
competitive level taking into account the 
individual’s home jurisdiction, the 
jurisdiction in which the individual is based, 
typical practice and the level of benefits 
provided for other employees in the Group.
•	 Core benefits – Benefits currently include 
but are not limited to a company car or car 
allowance, fuel, private use of a chauffeur, 
life assurance, disability and health 
insurance (for the Executive Director and  
his family), health screening, Directors’  
and Officers’ liability insurance and 
provision of indemnity, security, club 
membership and staff discount on the 
same basis as other employees.

•	 The Committee may remove benefits that 
Executive Directors receive or introduce 
other benefits if it is considered 
appropriate to do so.

•	 Executive Directors shall be reimbursed 
for all reasonable expenses and the 
Company may settle any tax incurred  
in relation to these. 

56 

Tesco PLC Annual Report and Financial Statements 2014 

 
 
 
Operation

Maximum opportunity

Performance measures

Policy table

Element

Benefits 
continued

Purpose and link  
to strategy

d
e
x
i
F

l

y
a
p
d
e
t
a
e
r
e
c
n
a
m
r
o
f
r
e
P

Annual bonus

•	 The role of the annual 
bonus is to incentivise 
Executive Directors  
to deliver our annual 
financial and  
strategic goals.
•	 The performance 

measures have been 
selected as they are 
considered to be closely 
aligned to the delivery of 
our strategy, building a 
stronger underlying 
business and long-term 
shareholder value creation.

•	 Deferral into Company 

shares provides 
alignment with 
shareholders. 

•	 The malus provision 

enables the Company  
to mitigate risk  
(see page 58).

•	 All-employee share plans – Executive 

Directors are eligible to participate in the 
Company’s all-employee share schemes 
on the same terms as UK colleagues.
•	 Mobility policy – Where an Executive 

Director is required to relocate to perform 
their role our policy is that they may be 
offered some or all of the following: a 
relocation allowance, location allowance, 
cost of living allowance, disturbance 
allowance, housing benefit, flight budget, 
assistance with school fees, international 
family heathcare, pension allowance, 
spousal allowance and tax advice, assistance 
and equalisation. The level of such benefits 
would be determined based on the 
circumstances of the individual and  
typical market practice.

•	 The annual bonus is normally delivered:

•	 Maximum annual bonus opportunity 

of 250% of base salary.

•	 For details of award levels for 

2014/15 see page 43 of the Annual 
Remuneration Report.

 – 50% in cash.
 – 50% in shares which are deferred. 
•	 Awards will be calculated based on a 

percentage of base salary and the market 
share price at grant in accordance with 
the rules.

•	 The Committee may determine that a 
different balance of cash and deferred 
shares may apply.

•	 Performance is assessed over a  

financial year.

•	 The Committee determines the level of 
bonus taking into account performance 
against targets and the underlying 
performance of the business.

•	 The deferred shares will normally vest 

after three years (or an alternative period 
determined by the Committee).

•	 Deferred shares are normally awarded in 
the form of nil cost options but may be 
awarded in other forms (such as 
conditional share awards or forfeitable 
shares). Vested nil cost options may 
normally be exercised until the tenth 
anniversary of the date of grant.

•	 The maximum annual award  

that can be granted under the  
PSP is 350% of base salary.
•	 For details of award levels for 
2014/15 see page 43 of the  
Annual Remuneration Report.

Performance 
Share Plan

•	 The role of the PSP  

•	 Awards normally vest based on 

is to reward Executive 
Directors for achieving 
Tesco’s long-term strategy 
and creating sustainable 
shareholder value.

•	 To enhance shareholder 
value by motivating 
Executives to grow 
earnings over the long 
term while maintaining  
a sustainable level of 
capital efficiency.

•	 To align the economic 
interests of Executive 
Directors and 
shareholders.

•	 To act as a retention tool.
•	 The malus provision 

enables the Company  
to mitigate risk  
(see page 58).

performance over a period of not less 
than three years (unless the Committee 
determines otherwise).

•	 Awards will be calculated based on a 

percentage of base salary and the market 
share price at grant in accordance with 
the rules.

•	 The Committee has the discretion to amend 
the final vesting level if it does not consider 
that it reflects the underlying performance  
of the Company.

•	 PSP awards are normally awarded in  

the form of nil cost options over shares 
but may be awarded in other forms  
(such as conditional share awards or 
forfeitable shares). Vested nil cost options 
may normally be exercised until the tenth 
anniversary of the date at grant.

•	 The annual bonus is based 
on a mix of financial and 
strategic performance 
measures. At least 70%  
of the bonus will be based 
on financial performance.

•	 Any portion of the bonus 
based on non-financial 
measures will be subject to 
meeting a financial underpin.
•	 The Committee determines 
the exact metrics each year 
depending on the key goals 
for the forthcoming year. 
•	 Normally around 30% of 
the bonus is paid for 
threshold performance, 
around 50% of the bonus  
is paid if target levels  
of performance are 
delivered with the full  
bonus being paid for 
delivering stretching levels 
of performance. These 
vesting levels may vary  
each year depending on the 
stretch of targets set.

•	 The Committee sets bonus 
targets each year to ensure 
that they are appropriately 
stretching in the context of 
the business plan.

•	 Awards vest based  
on an earnings and  
a capital efficiency 
performance measure  
(the satisfaction of which  
is determined by the 
Committee).

•	 For threshold levels of 

performance 0% of the 
award vests, increasing  
to 100% of the award for 
stretching performance.
•	 The Committee sets targets 
each year so that targets are 
stretching and represent 
value creation for 
shareholders while 
remaining motivational  
for management. 

Tesco PLC Annual Report and Financial Statements 2014 

57

Other informationGovernanceFinancial statementsStrategic report 
 
 
 
 
 
Directors’ remuneration report continued
2013/14 Policy Report

Information supporting the policy table
Tesco also operates shareholding guidelines. See page 48  
of the Annual Remuneration Report for further details.

Awards may incorporate the right (in cash or shares) to receive  
the value of dividends between grant and exercise in respect  
of the number of shares that vest. The calculation of dividend 
equivalents may assume reinvestment of those dividends in 
Company shares on a cumulative basis.

The Committee has the discretion to scale back deferred share 
awards and performance share awards prior to the satisfaction  
of awards in the event that results are materially misstated or the 
participant has contributed to serious reputational damage of the 
Company or one of its business units or his conduct has amounted  
to serious misconduct, fraud or misstatement. Other elements  
of remuneration are not subject to clawback or malus.

If the Committee considers it to be appropriate, it may determine 
that share awards may be settled in cash. 

The Committee may amend the terms of awards or the rules  
of share plans within the scope defined in the rules of the plans.

For share awards, in the event of a variation of the Company’s 
share capital or a demerger, delisting, special dividend, rights issue 
or other event, which may, in the Remuneration Committee’s 
opinion affect the current or future value of awards, the number  
of shares subject to an award may be adjusted.

The Committee may amend performance targets in accordance  
with the terms of an award or if a transaction occurs which causes  
the Committee to consider (taking into account the interest of
shareholders) that an amended performance condition would be 
more appropriate and would continue to achieve the original purpose.

The Committee reserves the right to make any remuneration 
payments and payments for loss of office (including exercising  
any discretions available to it in connection with such payments) 
notwithstanding that they are not in line with the Policy set out in  
this report where the terms of the payment were agreed (i) before  
the policy came into effect or (ii) at a time when the relevant  
individual was not a Director of the Company and, in the opinion  
of the Committee, the payment was not in consideration for  
the individual becoming a Director of the Company. For these 
purposes ‘payments’ includes the Committee satisfying awards  
of variable remuneration, and an award over shares is ‘agreed’  
at the time the award is granted. 

The Committee may make minor changes to this Policy for 
regulatory, exchange control, tax or administrative purposes  
or to take account of a change in legislation without seeking 
shareholder approval for that amendment.

Prior to 2011 Executive Directors were granted market value 
options under the Company’s 2004 Discretionary Share Option 
plan. Outstanding awards are no longer subject to performance 
and may be exercised until the 10th anniversary of the date of 
award. No further awards will be made under this plan.

Selection of performance measures
Annual bonus
The annual bonus performance measures have been selected  
to provide an appropriate balance between incentivising Executive 
Directors to meet financial targets for the year and incentivising 
them to achieve specific strategic objectives. This allows 
the Company to more specifically incentivise the delivery  
of key elements of our strategy. The particular bonus metrics  
are selected by the Committee each year to ensure that Executive 
Directors are appropriately focused on the key objectives for the  
next 12 months.

Performance share plan
The ultimate goal of our strategy is to provide long-term sustainable 
returns for all of our shareholders. Tesco believes that the best way 
to deliver enhanced value is to grow earnings over the long term 
while maintaining a sustainable level of capital efficiency – in other 
words to keep growing the size of the business in an efficient way. 
The measures used in the PSP reflect this.

Performance targets for both the annual bonus and Performance 
Share Plan are set taking into account internal budget forecasts, 
external expectations and the need to ensure that targets  
remain motivational.

Remuneration arrangements throughout the Group
Remuneration arrangements are determined throughout the 
Group based on the same principle; that reward should be 
sufficient to attract and retain high calibre talent without paying 
more than is necessary and that reward should support the delivery 
of the business strategy. 

Tesco is one of the largest public company employers in the world.  
Our colleagues undertake a variety of roles reflecting the countries  
we operate in and the range of skills we need to run our various 
businesses (from stores to banking to telecoms). Reward packages 
therefore differ taking into account location, seniority and level of 
responsibility but they are all built around the common reward 
objectives and principles outlined above. The following is based  
on current practice which may change during the life of the policy. 

•	Annual bonus – Annual bonuses throughout the Group are 
linked to local business performance, Group success and, 
where appropriate, individual contribution in a structure  
that is consistent with the Executive Directors’ annual bonus 
with a focus on financial and strategic measures.

•	 Share incentives – Currently our 5,000 strong management 

team across the Group participates in share incentives to create 
alignment with shareholder interests. The management team 
also receives some of their bonus in Tesco shares deferred for  
a period of two or three years.

•	Pensions – Pensions across the Group vary widely according  

to local market practice. In the UK all Tesco colleagues 
currently have the opportunity to participate in a career average 
defined benefit scheme up to tax approved limits. This benefit 
is unique in comparison with our key retail peers.

•	Colleagues as shareholders – It is an important part of the 

Tesco Values that all colleagues, not just management, have 
the opportunity to become Tesco shareholders. Over 200,000 
of our colleagues participate in our all-employee schemes and 
hold over 119 million shares in our Share Incentive Plan and 
over 127 million options over shares in our Sharesave scheme.

When determining Executive Director remuneration arrangements 
the Committee takes into account pay conditions throughout the 
Group to ensure that the structure and quantum of Executive 
Directors’ pay remains appropriate in this context.

58 

Tesco PLC Annual Report and Financial Statements 2014 

Remuneration outcomes in different performance 
scenarios
Tesco remuneration arrangements have been designed to ensure 
that a significant proportion of pay is dependent on the delivery of 
short-term and long-term goals that are aligned with our short-term 
and long-term strategic objectives and the creation of shareholder 
value. The Committee considers the level of remuneration that  
may payout in different performance scenarios to ensure that this  
is considered appropriate in the context of the performance 
delivered and the value added for shareholders. The charts below 
show hypothetical values of the remuneration package for Executive 
Directors under three assumed performance scenarios:

Maximum award opportunities (% of salary)

CEO

250%

275%

Annual bonus

PSP

CEO
(£million)

8

7

6

5

4

3

2

1

0

£7.7m

41%

37%

£4.6m

34%

31%

£1.6m

100%

35%

22%

Threshold

Target

Maximum

Fixed pay

Annual bonus

Long-term incentive

Minimum 

•	 No bonus payout
•	 No vesting under the Performance Share Plan

On target performance

•	 50% annual bonus payout
•	 50% vesting under the Performance Share Plan

Maximum performance

•	 100% annual bonus payout
•	 100% Performance Share Plan vesting

No share price growth or the payment of dividend equivalents  
has been assumed. Potential benefits under all-employee share 
schemes have not been included.

Fixed pay is based on current values as set out in the table below.

Remuneration policy for new hires
The Committee would generally seek to align the remuneration 
package offered to new executives with our remuneration policy 
outlined in the table above. When determining appropriate 
remuneration arrangements the Committee will take into account 
all relevant factors including the experience and calibre of the 
candidate, the candidate’s current reward opportunity, and the 
jurisdiction the candidate was recruited from. 

In respect of an Executive Director’s appointment the Committee 
may offer variable remuneration arrangements that it considers 
appropriate and necessary to recruit and retain the individual 
(subject to the maximum variable limit outlined below).

Variable remuneration awarded in respect of an Executive Director’s 
appointment shall be limited to the current aggregate annual and 
PSP award policy of 600% of base salary. This limit includes awards 
granted under the normal policy outlined above but excluding any 
awards made to compensate the Executive Director for awards 
forfeited from their previous employer. 

The Committee may make awards when appointing an Executive 
Director to ‘buy out’ remuneration terms forfeited on leaving a 
previous employer. In doing so the Committee will take account  
of relevant factors including any performance conditions attached 
to these awards, the form in which they were granted (e.g. cash  
or shares) and the time over which they would have vested.  
The Committee’s key principle is that generally buy-out awards  
will be made on a comparable basis to those forfeited.

To facilitate buy-out awards outlined above, in the event of 
recruitment, the Committee may grant awards to a new Executive 
Director under the Listing Rule 9.4.2 which allows for the granting 
of awards, to facilitate, in unusual circumstances, the recruitment 
of an Executive Director, or under other relevant company  
incentive plans.

In the event that an internal candidate was promoted to the Board 
legacy terms and conditions would normally be honoured, including 
pension entitlements and any outstanding incentive awards. 

In the event of the appointment of a new Chairman or Non-executive 
Director remuneration arrangements will normally reflect the policy 
outlined on page 61 for Chairmen and Non-executive Directors. 

Executive Director service contracts and policy on 
Executive Directors leaving Tesco
When determining leaving arrangements for an Executive Director 
the Committee takes into account any contractual agreements 
including the provisions of any incentive arrangements, typical 
market practice and the performance and conduct of the individual.

Salary

From 1 July 
2013

Benefits

Value for 
2013/14

£1,145k

£107k

Pension

Value for 
2013/14

£391k

CEO 
(Philip 
Clarke)

Total fixed pay

The following table summarises our policy in relation to Executive 
Director service contracts and payments in the event of loss of office.

£1,643k

Tesco PLC Annual Report and Financial Statements 2014 

59

Other informationGovernanceFinancial statementsStrategic report 
Directors’ remuneration report continued
2013/14 Policy Report

Provision

Notice period

Expiry date

Current service contracts

•	 12 months’ notice by the Company and six months’ notice by the Executive Director.
•	 For new appointments the Committee reserves the right to vary this period to 24 months for the initial period of appointment  

and for the notice period to then revert to 12 months after the initial 12 months of employment. 

•	 Philip Clarke and Laurie McIlwee entered into service agreements with Tesco PLC on 31 May 2011 and 27 January 2009 respectively.
•	 These are rolling service contracts with no fixed expiry date.

Termination payments (does not apply 
if notice is provided, as per the service 
agreement, or for termination by 
reason of resignation or unacceptable 
performance or conduct)

•	 If the Company terminates a Director’s contract without full notice or it is terminated by an Executive Director in response to a 
serious contractual breach by the Company then the Executive has the right to a termination payment to reflect the unexpired 
term of the notice.

•	 For Philip Clarke any termination payment in lieu of notice will be based on base salary and benefits only.
•	 For Laurie McIlwee his termination payment in lieu of notice is based on base salary, benefits and the average annual bonus 

paid for the last two years.

•	 Our policy for new appointments is that termination payments in lieu of notice will be based on base salary and benefits only.
•	 Benefits comprise car related benefits, healthcare and health insurance and staff discount.
•	 No account will be taken of pension when determining termination payments.
•	 Termination payments will normally be subject to mitigation and paid in instalments to facilitate this (other than for long-serving 

Executive Directors or in the event of a change of control of the Company where the termination payment is made in full on departure). 
For details of Laurie’s termination payment please see page 51. Where an Executive Director has less than eight years of continuous 
service then any termination payment will normally be made in 13 equal four-weekly payments. Where an Executive Director has more 
than 15 years’ continuous service then the termination payment is made in full on departure. For periods of continuous service 
between eight years and 15 years termination payments will normally be split between initial payments and phased payments.
•	 Payment in full on termination on change of control arises if company terminates or gives notice within 12 months after  

a change of control.

•	 Where an Executive Director retires from the business they will not normally receive a termination payment.
•	 The Company’s obligation to continue making phased termination payments will cease when the Executive Director 

commences alternative employment.

•	 In the event of termination an Executive Director may have an entitlement to compensation in respect of statutory rights under 

employment protection legislation in the UK and potentially elsewhere.

•	 The Committee may determine that an Executive Director may remain eligible to receive a pro-rata bonus for the financial year in 
respect of the period they remained in employment. The Committee will determine the level of bonus taking into account time in 
employment and performance. Where an Executive leaves by reason of death, disability or ill-heath they are entitled to a pro-rata 
performance based bonus for the year of leaving.

•	 In the event that an Executive Director retires from the Company they shall be entitled to retain their private medical cover and annual 

medical examinations in retirement. Any Executive Directors appointed from 24 February 2013 will not be entitled to this benefit.
•	 Under the employment contracts, while in employment Executive Directors are also entitled to sick pay, paid holiday, maternity 

and paternity leave.

•	 Where appropriate the Company will meet an Executive Director’s reasonable legal fees in connection with the termination of 

his employment and/or the reasonable cost of out-placement services.

Other information

The service agreements are available to shareholders to view at the Company’s registered office. 

Share plan rules – leaver provisions
The treatment of outstanding share awards in the event that an Executive Director leaves is governed by the relevant share plan rules. 
The following table summarises leaver provisions under the executive share plans. In specific circumstances the Committee may exercise 
its discretion to modify the policy outlined to the extent that the rules of the share plan allow such discretion. The Committee will not 
exercise discretion to allow awards to vest where the participant is dismissed for gross misconduct.

Death

‘Good leavers’ as determined by the Committee in accordance with 
the plan rules

Leavers in other circumstances  
(other than summary dismissal)

Executive 
Incentive Plan 
2014
(deferred bonus 
shares)

Performance 
Share Plan 2011

‘Good leavers’ are: injury, ill-heath or disability, redundancy, 
retirement, the entity which employs the Executive ceasing to  
be part of the group or any other reason determined by the Committee 
taking into account the circumstances of departure and performance.

•	 Unvested awards vest at cessation.
•	 Normally 12 months to exercise  

(if options).

•	 Unvested awards vest at cessation (Committee discretion to 

•	 Awards normally lapse.

defer vesting to normal vesting date).

•	 Normally 12 months to exercise (if options).

•	 Unvested awards normally vest on 

•	 Awards granted in the 12 months prior to leaving normally lapse 

death. The level of vesting is 
determined by the Committee 
taking into account performance 
and the time elapsed between grant 
and death.

(where more than one award has been made in the 12 month period 
in respect of different financial years the most recent award will lapse). 
•	 If a participant leaves holding three unvested awards (in respect of 

different financial years) the most recent granted award shall 
normally lapse.

•	  If awards are in the form of options, 

•	 Other unvested awards normally continue until the normal 

participants normally have 12 
months from vesting (or cessation 
for vested options) to exercise or  
a longer period as determined by 
the Committee of up to 10 years 
from grant.

vesting date. The Committee will determine the level of vesting 
taking into account performance.

•	 If awards are in the form of options participants normally have 12 
months from vesting (or leaving for vested options) to exercise or 
a longer period determined by the Committee of up to 10 years 
from grant.

•	 Unvested awards normally lapse unless 
the Committee determines otherwise.

•	 If awards are in the form of options 

participants normally have 12 months 
from cessation to exercise vested 
options or a longer period as 
determined by the Committee  
of up to 10 years from grant.

All-employee 
share plans

•	 Leaver provisions under all-employee share plans are as determined in accordance with HMRC approved provisions.

Legacy plans
Deferred shares awarded prior to 2014 were granted under the 2004 Executive Incentive Plan. Under this plan in the event that a participant 
leaves for ‘good leaver’ reasons (death, injury, ill-heath, disability, redundancy, retirement, the entity which employs the Executive Director 

60 

Tesco PLC Annual Report and Financial Statements 2014 

ceasing to be part of the group or any other reason determined by the Committee) awards will vest at leaving and participants will normally 
have 12 months from cessation to exercise awards in the form of options. If a participant leaves in other circumstances (other than in circumstances 
of gross misconduct) awards will normally vest at the normal vesting date and participants will normally have 12 months from vesting to exercise 
awards in the form of options. Executive Directors hold vested options under the 2004 Discretionary Share Option Plan. When an Executive Director 
leaves they would have 12 months from leaving to exercise options (three years in the case of ‘good leavers’ as set out above).

Other vesting circumstances
Awards may also vest early if: 
(i)  a participant is transferred to a country, as a result of which the participant will suffer a tax disadvantage or become subject to 

restrictions on his award; or

(ii)  in the event of a takeover, winding-up or other corporate event affecting the Company, which may affect the value of share awards 

(such as a demerger or special dividend).

The number of shares under an award which vest in these circumstances will be determined by the Committee. In the case of the PSP 
when determining the level of vesting the Committee will consider performance and the time elapsed since grant. In the case of the 
deferred bonus shares (under the 2004 and 2014 EIP) awards will vest in full.

Where an Executive Director leaves as a result of summary dismissal they will forfeit outstanding share incentive awards.

Remuneration policy for Non-executive Directors

Approach to setting fees

Basis of fees

Other items

•	 Fees for the Non-executive Chairman and  

Non-executive Directors are set at an appropriate  
level to recruit and retain Directors of a sufficient 
calibre to guide and influence Board level decision 
making without paying more than is necessary  
to do so.

•	 Non-executive Director fees policy is to pay:
 – A basic fee for membership of the Board.
 – An additional fee for the Chairman of a Committee 
and the Senior Independent Director to take into 
account the additional responsibilities and time 
commitment of the role.

•	 Fees are set taking into account the following factors:
 – The time commitment required to fulfil the role.
 – Typical practice at other companies of a similar 

 – An additional fee for membership of a Committee 
to take into account the additional responsibilities 
and time commitment of the role.

size and complexity to Tesco.

•	 Non-executive Directors’ fees are set by the Board 
and the Chairman’s fee is set by the Committee  
(the Chairman does not take part in any discussion 
about his fees).

•	 Fees are reviewed by the Board at appropriate 

intervals (normally once every two years).

•	 Fees paid to the Non-executive Chairman and 
Non-executive Directors may not exceed the 
aggregate limit of £2m set out in the Company’s 
articles of association.

•	 Additional fees may be paid to reflect additional 

Board or committee responsibilities as appropriate.
•	 Non-executive Directors of Tesco PLC may also serve 

on the Board of Tesco Personal Finance Group Limited. 
Such Non-executive Directors also receive a basic fee 
for serving on this Board and additional fees for 
Committee membership in line with other members of 
this Board. Fees for membership of the Board of Tesco 
Personal Finance Group Limited are determined by the 
Board of Tesco Personal Finance Group Limited and 
are reviewed at appropriate intervals.

•	 The Non-executive Directors are not entitled  
to participate in annual bonus or long-term  
incentive arrangements.

•	 The Non-executive Directors have the benefit of 
Directors’ and Officers’ liability insurance and 
provision of indemnity and staff discount on the 
same basis as other employees. The Board may 
introduce additional benefits for Non-executive 
Directors if it is considered appropriate to do so.
•	 The Non-executive Chairman has the benefit of a 

company car and driver, home security, staff discount 
and healthcare for himself and his partner. The 
Committee may introduce additional benefits for 
the Chairman if it is considered appropriate to do so. 

•	 The Company reimburses the Chairman and 

Non-executive Directors for reasonable expenses  
in performing their duties and may settle any tax 
incurred in relation to these.

•	 The Company will pay for reasonable legal fees for 

advice in relation to terms of engagement.

•	 The Non-executive Chairman of Tesco PLC receives 

•	 If a Non-executive Director was based overseas  

an all-inclusive fee for the role.

•	 Where significant travel is required to attend  

Board meetings, additional fees may be paid to 
reflect this additional time commitment.

then the Company would meet travel and 
accommodation expenditure as required to fulfil 
Non-executive duties.

Non-executive Director letters of appointment
Non-executive Directors have letters of appointment setting out their duties and the time commitment expected. Appointments are for 
an initial period of three years after which they are reviewed. In line with the UK Corporate Governance Code, all Non-executive Directors 
submit themselves for re-election by shareholders every year at the Annual General Meeting. All Non-executive Directors’ appointments 
can be terminated by either party without notice. Non-executive Directors have no entitlement to compensation on termination.

The letters of appointment are available for shareholders to view at the Company’s registered office. 

Considering colleagues views
The Committee does not consider that it is appropriate to consult directly with colleagues when developing the Directors’ remuneration 
policy. A significant portion of our colleagues are shareholders so are able to express their views in the same way as other shareholders.

The Company undertakes an annual viewpoint survey for all Group employees to understand their views on working for Tesco and how 
this can be improved. Feedback on employee reward is provided as part of this survey.

The Committee reviews information regarding the typical remuneration structure and reward levels for other UK based employees  
to provide context when determining executive remuneration policy.

Considering shareholders’ views
The Committee believes that it is very important to maintain open dialogue with shareholders on remuneration matters. The Committee 
regularly consults with significant shareholders regarding potential changes to remuneration arrangements and the views of shareholders 
are important in determining any final changes. Going forward the Committee will continue to liaise with shareholders regarding 
remuneration matters more generally and Tesco arrangements as appropriate. It is the Committee’s intention to consult with major 
shareholders in advance of making any material changes to remuneration arrangements.

Approved by the Board on 2 May 2014
Stuart Chambers, Chairman of the Remuneration Committee

Tesco PLC Annual Report and Financial Statements 2014 

61

Other informationGovernanceFinancial statementsStrategic report 
Directors’ report

The Directors present their report, together with the audited 
accounts for the year ended 22 February 2014. Other information 
that is relevant to the Directors’ report, and which is incorporated 
by reference into this report, can be located as follows:

Future developments
Greenhouse gas emissions
Financial instruments and financial risk management
Corporate governance report 

Page
1 to 25
19
25, 99 to 108
26 to 40

The Company has chosen, in accordance with Section 414 C(ii) of 
the Companies Act 2006, and as noted in this Directors’ report, to 
include certain matters in its Strategic report that would otherwise 
be required to be disclosed in this Directors’ report. The Strategic 
report can be found on pages 1 to 25 of the Annual Report and 
Financial Statements 2014. 

Group results*
Group revenue (excluding VAT) rose by £151 million to £63.6 billion, 
representing an increase of 0.2%. Group profit before tax increased 
by £202 million to £2,259 million. Profit for the year including 
discontinued operations was £970 million, of which £974 million  
was attributable to equity holders of the parent company.

Dividends
The Directors recommend the payment of a final dividend  
of 10.13p per ordinary share, to be paid on 4 July 2014 to 
members on the Register at the close of business on 2 May 2014. 
Together with the interim dividend of 4.63p per ordinary share  
paid in December 2013, the full-year dividend will be maintained  
at 14.76p per ordinary share (2012/13: 14.76p). 

Fixed assets*
Capital expenditure (excluding business combinations) amounted 
to £2.7 billion compared with £2.7 billion the previous year. 

Share capital and control of the Company and significant 
agreements
Details of the Company’s share capital, including changes during  
the year in the issued share capital and details of the rights attaching 
to the Company’s ordinary shares, are set out in Note 27 on  
page 116 of the Annual Report and Financial Statements 2014.  
No shareholder holds securities carrying special rights with regards 
to control of the Company. There are no restrictions on voting rights 
or the transfer of securities in the Company and the Company is not 
aware of any agreements between holders of securities that result in 
such restrictions.

The Company was authorised by shareholders at the 2013 AGM  
to purchase its own shares in the market up to a maximum  
of approximately 10% of its issued share capital. No shares  
were purchased under that authority during the financial year.  
The Company is seeking to renew the authority at the forthcoming 
AGM, within the limits set out in the notice of that meeting. 

Shares held by the Company’s Employee Share Incentive Plan 
Trust, International Employee Benefit Trust, Tesco Ireland Share 
Bonus Scheme Trust and Tesco Employee Share Scheme Trust  
rank pari passu with the shares in issue and have no special rights. 
Voting rights and rights of acceptance of any offer relating to the 
shares held in these trusts rests with the trustees, who may take 
account of any recommendation from the Company. Voting rights 
are not exercisable by the employees on whose behalf the shares 
are held in trust. 

The Company is not party to any significant agreements that 
would take effect, alter or terminate following a change of control 
of the Company. The Company does not have agreements with 
any Director or Officer that would provide compensation for loss  
of office or employment resulting from a takeover, except that 
provisions of the Company’s share plans may cause options  
and awards granted under such plans to vest on a takeover. 

Company’s shareholders
The Company has been notified of the following significant 
holdings of voting rights in its shares as at 22 February 2014  
and as at the date of this report: 

Berkshire Hathaway Inc.

Norges Bank

% of issued share 
capital as at 
22 February 2014

% of issued share 
capital as at the date
of this report

3.98

6.09

3.98

7.002

Articles of Association
The Company’s Articles of Association may only be amended by 
special resolution at a general meeting of the shareholders. 

Directors and their interests
The Directors who served during the year were: Mark Armour;  
Sir Richard Broadbent; Gareth Bullock; Patrick Cescau; Stuart 
Chambers; Philip Clarke; Olivia Garfield; Ken Hanna; Laurie 
McIlwee; Deanna Oppenheimer; and Jacqueline Tammenoms 
Bakker. Laurie McIlwee stepped down as CFO and from the Board 
with effect from 4 April 2014. The biographical details of the 
Directors are set out on pages 26 and 27 of this Annual Report. 

The interests of Directors and their immediate families in the 
shares of Tesco PLC, along with details of Directors’ share options, 
are contained in the Directors’ Remuneration Report set out on 
pages 41 to 61. 

At no time during the year did any of the Directors have a material 
interest in any significant contract with the Company or any of  
its subsidiaries. A qualifying third-party indemnity provision as 
defined in Section 234 of the Companies Act 2006 is in force for 
the benefit of each of the Directors and the Company Secretary  
(who is also a Director of certain subsidiaries of the Company) in 
respect of liabilities incurred as a result of their office, to the extent 
permitted by law. In respect of those liabilities for which directors 
may not be indemnified, the Company maintained a directors’  
and officers’ liability insurance policy throughout the financial year. 

Employment policies 
Our core purpose is at the heart of our business: ‘we make what 
matters better, together’ applies to our colleagues as well as our 
customers and communities.

We believe it is essential for our colleagues to have a voice. 
Listening and connecting with colleagues enables us to understand 
what matters to them and to respond by taking action to make 
what matters better. We use a variety of communication channels 
to regularly engage, consult, inform and connect with our teams  
so that the views of our colleagues can be taken into account when 
key decisions are made that affect them. 

Our Values underpin our development of fair and inclusive policies 
and encourage advocacy, engagement and loyalty so that our 
colleagues can be their best and help to deliver a fantastic customer 
experience. Collaboration and working as one team means we 
make a greater difference collectively rather than as individuals. 

*  

 Unless otherwise stated, all figures are reported on a continuing operations basis and exclude China and the United States which have been treated as discontinued.

62 

Tesco PLC Annual Report and Financial Statements 2014 

We are committed to improving the skills, knowledge and wellbeing  
of our colleagues. Our selection, training, development and 
promotion policies ensure equal opportunities for all colleagues 
regardless of factors such as gender, marital status, race, age,  
sexual preference and orientation, colour, creed, ethnic origin, 
religion or belief, disability or trade union affiliation. All decisions  
are based on merit.

We actively encourage colleagues to become involved in the 
financial performance of our business through a variety of 
voluntary share schemes.

Political donations
The Group did not make any political donations (2012/13: £nil) or 
incur any political expenditure during the year (2012/13: £33,583). 

Compliance with the Groceries (Supply Chain Practices) 
Market Investigation Order 2009 and the Groceries Supply 
Code of Practice (‘Code’)
The Code places obligations on grocery retailers with a turnover 
greater than £1 billion to maintain a Code compliance programme, 
which includes training staff and providing information to the 
Competition and Markets Authority. In addition, the Code sets out  
a number of provisions which relate to different aspects of the 
relationship between a retailer and supplier.

We are committed to treating our suppliers fairly and work in 
collaboration with them wherever possible. We have in place  
a Code Compliance Officer supported by a compliance team 
including a Code auditor. We have an audit plan and our approach 
enables us to identify any gaps in our processes so they can be 
quickly fixed. We also have in place an ongoing compliance training 
programme for our buying teams, with comprehensive training  
for relevant new starters and annual refresher training. We have 
strengthened our compliance in this area through the improvement 
of our e-learning tool to provide interactive online training for 
staff. We have also generated new mechanisms to improve our 
paperwork and agreements with our suppliers.

In the past year we have actively engaged and co-operated with 
the recently created Groceries Code Adjudicator (GCA), Christine 
Tacon, and her office. We have also focused on communication 
and dialogue with our suppliers. 

Twelve Code-related complaints were raised by suppliers this year, 
all of which were resolved through discussion with the suppliers 
concerned. We have had two instances where complaints were 
referred to the Code Compliance Officer, although in neither of 
those instances was a formal dispute raised as both matters were 
resolved with the suppliers concerned. There was one instance in 
which an alleged breach was raised by a third party in relation to 
requests to a limited number of suppliers for funding associated 
with shelf positioning. The requests from suppliers were withdrawn 
and the matter was openly discussed with the GCA. Consequently, 
the GCA issued a GSCOP clarification in March 2014 on the issue. 
This provided guidance for suppliers and retailers on the interpretation 
of the GSCOP provisions relating to shelf positioning. The Code 
Compliance Officer regularly reports to our Compliance Committees 
and Audit Committee, which retain effective oversight of our 
compliance with the Code.

Going concern
The Directors consider that the Group and the Company have 
adequate resources to remain in operation for the foreseeable 
future and have therefore continued to adopt the going concern 
basis in preparing the financial statements.

Events after the Balance Sheet date
On 21 March 2014, the Group entered into an agreement with 
Trent Limited, part of the Tata Group, to form a 50:50 joint venture  
in Trent Hypermarket Limited which operates the Star Bazaar retail 
business in India. The Group’s investment is £85 million. 

On 2 April 2014, the Group, through its subsidiary dunnhumby 
Limited, acquired Sociomantic Labs (‘Sociomantic’), a Berlin-based 
global leader in digital advertising solutions, for £124 million. 
Sociomantic operates in 14 countries worldwide, with clients in 
retail, financial services and travel services.

Auditors
A resolution to reappoint PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP as auditors 
of the Company and the Group will be proposed at the 2014 AGM. 

Directors’ statement of disclosure of information to auditors
Having made the requisite enquiries, the Directors in office at the 
date of this Annual Report and Financial Statements have each 
confirmed that, so far as they are aware, there is no relevant audit 
information (as defined by Section 418 of the Companies Act 
2006) of which the Group’s auditors are unaware, and each of  
the Directors has taken all the steps he/she ought to have taken  
as a Director to make himself/herself aware of any relevant audit 
information and to establish that the Group’s auditors are aware  
of that information. This confirmation is given and should be 
interpreted in accordance with the provisions of Section 418  
of the Companies Act 2006. 

Cautionary statement regarding forward-looking information
Where this document contains forward-looking statements, these 
are made by the Directors in good faith based on the information 
available to them at the time of their approval of this report.  
These statements should be treated with caution due to the 
inherent risks and uncertainties underlying any such forward-
looking information. The Group cautions investors that a number 
of factors, including matters referred to in this document, could 
cause actual results to differ materially from those contained in  
any forward-looking statement. Such factors include, but are not 
limited to, those discussed under ‘Principal risks and uncertainties’ 
on pages 20 to 25 of this Annual Report.

By order of the Board
Jonathan Lloyd 
Company Secretary
2 May 2014

Tesco PLC Annual Report and Financial Statements 2014 

63

Other informationGovernanceFinancial statementsStrategic report 
Statement of Directors’ responsibilities

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

The Directors are responsible for keeping proper accounting 
records, which disclose with reasonable accuracy at any time  
the financial position of the Group and the Company and which 
enable them to ensure that the financial statements and the 
Directors’ remuneration report comply with the Companies  
Act 2006 and, as regards the Group financial statements,  
Article 4 of the IAS Regulation.

The Directors are responsible for the maintenance and integrity 
of the Company’s website. Legislation in the UK concerning the 
preparation and dissemination of financial statements may differ 
from legislation in other jurisdictions.

The Directors have general responsibility for taking such steps  
as are reasonably open to them to safeguard the assets of the 
Group and of the Company and to prevent and detect fraud  
and other irregularities.

The Directors are required by the Companies Act 2006 to 
prepare financial statements for each financial year which give  
a true and fair view of the state of affairs of the Group and the 
Company as at the end of the financial year and of the profit  
or loss of the Group for the financial year. Under that law the 
Directors are required to prepare the Group financial statements 
in accordance with International Financial Reporting Standards 
(‘IFRS’) as adopted by the European Union (‘EU’) and have 
elected to prepare the Company financial statements in 
accordance with UK Accounting Standards.

In preparing the Group and Company financial statements,  
the Directors are required to:

•	 select suitable accounting policies and then apply  

them consistently;

•	 make reasonable and prudent judgements and estimates;
•	 for the Group financial statements, state whether they have 

been prepared in accordance with IFRS, as adopted by the EU;
•	 for the Company financial statements, state whether applicable 

UK Accounting Standards have been followed; and

•	 prepare the financial statements on the going concern basis, 
unless it is inappropriate to presume that the Group and the 
Company will continue in business.

The Directors, whose names and functions are set out on pages 
26 and 27 confirm that, to the best of their knowledge:

•	 the Group financial statements, which have been prepared in 
accordance with IFRS, as adopted by the EU, give a true and 
fair view of the assets, liabilities, financial position and profit  
of the Group; and

•	 the Strategic report contained within this document includes a 

fair review of the development and performance of the 
business and the position of the Group, as well as a description 
of the principal risks and uncertainties that it faces.

64 

Tesco PLC Annual Report and Financial Statements 2014 

Independent auditors’ report to the members of Tesco PLC

Overview of our audit approach
Materiality
We set certain thresholds for materiality. These helped us to 
determine the nature, timing and extent of our audit procedures 
and to evaluate the effect of misstatements, both individually 
and on the financial statements as a whole.

Based on our professional judgement, we determined materiality 
for the Group financial statements as a whole to be £150 million. 
This represents approximately 5% of profit before tax adjusted 
for restructuring and one-off items.

We agreed with the Audit Committee that we would report to 
them misstatements identified during our audit above £7 million 
as well as misstatements below that amount that, in our view, 
warranted reporting for qualitative reasons.

Overview of the scope of our audit
The Group is primarily structured as three geographic regions, 
being UK, Asia and Europe, and Tesco Bank. The Group financial 
statements are a consolidation of nineteen reporting units, 
comprising the Group’s operating businesses and centralised 
functions, within these regions. 

In establishing the overall approach to the Group audit,  
we determined the type of work that needed to be performed  
at reporting units by us, as the Group engagement team,  
or component auditors within PwC UK and from other PwC 
network firms operating under our instruction. Where work  
was performed by component auditors, we determined the  
level of involvement we needed to have in the audit work at 
those reporting units to be able to conclude whether sufficient 
appropriate audit evidence had been obtained as a basis for  
our opinion on the Group financial statements as a whole. 

Accordingly, we identified three reporting units which, in our 
view, required an audit of their complete financial information, 
either due to their size or their risk characteristics. These three 
reporting units accounted for 92% of the Group’s profit before 
tax adjusted for restructuring and one-off items, of which the 
main UK trading business contributed 73%. Audits of their 
complete financial information were also performed for a  
further eight overseas reporting units where there are local 
statutory reporting requirements and specific audit procedures 
on certain balances and transactions were performed at a  
further two reporting units. Our audit work at these reporting 
units, together with additional procedures performed at the 
Group level, gave us the evidence we needed for our opinion  
on the Group financial statements as a whole.

Report on the Group financial statements
Our opinion 
In our opinion the Group financial statements, defined below:

•	 give a true and fair view of the state of the Group’s affairs as  
at 22 February 2014 and of the Group’s profit and cash flows 
for the 52 weeks then ended;

•	 have been properly prepared in accordance with International 

Financial Reporting Standards (IFRSs) as adopted by the 
European Union; and

•	 have been prepared in accordance with the requirements of 
the Companies Act 2006 and Article 4 of the IAS Regulation.

This opinion is to be read in the context of what we say in the 
remainder of this report.

What we have audited
The Group financial statements, which are prepared by Tesco 
PLC, comprise:

•	 the Group balance sheet as at 22 February 2014;
•	 the Group income statement and statement of comprehensive 

income for the 52 weeks then ended;

•	 the Group statement of changes in equity and cash flow 

statement for the 52 weeks then ended; and

•	 the notes to the Group financial statements, which include  
a summary of significant accounting policies and other 
explanatory information.

The financial reporting framework that has been applied in their 
preparation comprises applicable law and IFRSs as adopted by 
the European Union.

Certain disclosures required by the financial reporting framework 
have been presented elsewhere in the Annual Report and 
Financial Statements (the ‘Annual Report’), rather than in the 
notes to the financial statements. These are cross-referenced 
from the financial statements and are identified as audited.

What an audit of financial statements involves 
We conducted our audit in accordance with International 
Standards on Auditing (UK and Ireland) (‘ISAs (UK & Ireland)’). 
An audit involves obtaining evidence about the amounts and 
disclosures in the financial statements sufficient to give 
reasonable assurance that the financial statements are free  
from material misstatement, whether caused by fraud or error. 
This includes an assessment of:

•	 whether the accounting policies are appropriate to the  

Group’s circumstances and have been consistently applied  
and adequately disclosed;

•	 the reasonableness of significant accounting estimates made 

by the directors; and 

•	 the overall presentation of the financial statements. 

In addition, we read all the financial and non-financial information 
in the Annual Report to identify material inconsistencies with  
the audited Group financial statements and to identify any 
information that is apparently materially incorrect based on,  
or materially inconsistent with, the knowledge acquired by us in  
the course of performing the audit. If we become aware of any 
apparent material misstatements or inconsistencies we consider 
the implications for our report.

Tesco PLC Annual Report and Financial Statements 2014 

65

Other informationGovernanceFinancial statementsStrategic report 
Independent auditors’ report to the members of Tesco PLC 
continued

Areas of particular audit focus
In preparing the financial statements, the Directors made  
a number of subjective judgements, for example in respect  
of significant accounting estimates that involved making 
assumptions and considering future events that are inherently 
uncertain. We primarily focused our work in these areas by 
assessing the Directors’ judgements against available evidence, 
forming our own judgements, and evaluating the disclosures  
in the financial statements.

In our audit, we tested and examined information, using 
sampling and other auditing techniques, to the extent we 
considered necessary to provide a reasonable basis for us  

to draw conclusions. We obtained audit evidence through  
testing the effectiveness of controls, substantive procedures  
or a combination of both. 

We considered the following areas to be those that required 
particular focus in the current year. This is not a complete list of 
all risks or areas of focus identified by our audit. We discussed 
these areas of focus with the Audit Committee. Their report on 
those matters that they considered to be significant issues in 
relation to the financial statements is set out on page 33.

Area of focus

How the scope of our audit addressed the area of focus

Recognition of commercial income

Commercial income (promotional monies, discounts and rebates 
receivable from suppliers) recognised during the year is material  
to the income statement and amounts accrued at the year end  
are judgemental.

We focused on this area because of the judgement required in 
accounting for the commercial income deals and the risk of 
manipulation of these balances.

We tested the controls management has in place, focusing on 
controls over price changes and margin reviews.

We agreed commercial income recognised to contractual evidence 
with suppliers, with particular attention to the period in which the 
income was recorded and the appropriateness of the accrual at the 
year end.

We compared movements year on year in margins for product 
categories based on an expectation derived from our sample  
testing of contracts with suppliers.

Impairment of property, plant and equipment

We focused on this area because the determination of whether  
or not an impairment charge for property, plant and equipment is 
necessary involves significant judgements by the Directors about  
the future results of the business and assessment of future plans  
for the Group’s property portfolio in a number of territories.

We evaluated the Directors’ impairment calculations in local 
territories, assessing the future cash flow forecasts used in the 
models, and the process by which they were drawn up, including 
comparing them to the latest Board approved budgets, and testing 
the underlying calculations. We challenged:

•	 the key assumptions for long-term growth rates in the forecasts  
by comparing them to historical results, and economic and  
industry forecasts; 

•	 the discount rate by assessing the cost of capital for the Company 

and comparable organisations; and 

•	 the alternative use value for land not expected to be developed.

We also performed sensitivity analysis around the key drivers of 
growth rates of the cash flow forecasts, including revenue growth  
and expected changes in margins. Having ascertained the extent of 
change in those assumptions that either individually or collectively 
would be required for the assets to be impaired, we considered the 
likelihood of such a movement in those key assumptions arising.

66 

Tesco PLC Annual Report and Financial Statements 2014 

Area of focus

How the scope of our audit addressed the area of focus

Valuation of assets held for sale

We focused on this area due to the significant and complex 
judgements required over determining the fair value of the  
Group’s operations in China, which are disclosed in the financial 
statements within assets held for sale.

Provisions and reserves in Tesco Bank

We focused on this area because of the significant judgement 
required by the Directors in determining the level of provision for  
the following areas:

•	 Loan, credit card and mortgage impairments
•	 Provisions of customer redress 
•	 Insurance reserving

Risk of management override of internal controls

ISAs (UK & Ireland) require that we consider this.

We assessed and challenged the valuation techniques and 
assumptions in the third party valuation report commissioned  
by management. This included assessing and challenging:

•	 the independence, scope of work and findings of management’s 

third party valuation expert; and

•	 the cashflow forecasts and key assumptions over growth and 

discount rates.

We also assessed the valuation against available entity specific and 
similar transaction market data. 

We assessed the overall control environment at Tesco Bank  
and performed a combination of internal controls testing and  
substantive testing. We tested the year end product reconciliations, 
the impairment provisions recognised and the level of  
suspended interest. 

We have assessed and challenged the assumptions made by 
management in calculating the provisions for redress. We have 
reviewed historical data to assess whether trends in customer  
claims have been accurately reflected in the provisions.

We evaluated the work performed by independent actuaries  
and challenged the key assumptions the Directors have made for 
insurance reserving by using our market knowledge of the UK Motor 
and Household insurance products to perform corroborative analytics. 

We assessed the overall control environment of the Group, including 
the arrangements for staff to “whistleblow” inappropriate actions, 
and interviewed senior management and the Group’s internal audit 
function. We examined the significant accounting estimates and 
judgements relevant to the financial statements for evidence of bias 
by the Directors that may represent a risk of material misstatement 
due to fraud. We also tested manual journal entries and incorporated 
an element of unpredictability in the timing of our work into our 
testing plans.

Risk of fraud in revenue recognition

ISAs (UK & Ireland) presume there is a risk of fraud in revenue 
recognition because of the pressure management may feel  
to achieve the planned results. Therefore we focused on the 
occurrence of transactions and whether they were recorded in  
the period in which the Group became entitled to record revenue.

We tested controls over the recording of revenue in the relevant  
IT systems and performed substantive testing of revenue recorded 
during the year. We tested that retail sales transactions are supported 
by cash receipts and also tested journal entries posted to revenue 
accounts to identify unusual or irregular items.

Tesco PLC Annual Report and Financial Statements 2014 

67

Other informationGovernanceFinancial statementsStrategic report 
Independent auditors’ report to the members of Tesco PLC 
continued

Other information in the Annual Report
Under ISAs (UK & Ireland), we are required to report to you if,  
in our opinion, information in the Annual Report is:

•	 materially inconsistent with the information in the audited 

Group financial statements; or

•	 apparently materially incorrect based on, or materially 

inconsistent with, our knowledge of the Group acquired in  
the course of performing our audit; or

•	 is otherwise misleading.

We have no exceptions to report arising from this responsibility.

Responsibilities for the financial statements and  
the audit
Our responsibilities and those of the directors 
As explained more fully in the Directors’ Responsibilities 
Statement set out on page 64, the directors are responsible  
for the preparation of the Group financial statements and for 
being satisfied that they give a true and fair view. 

Our responsibility is to audit and express an opinion on the Group 
financial statements in accordance with applicable law and ISAs 
(UK & Ireland). Those standards require us to comply with the 
Auditing Practices Board’s Ethical Standards for Auditors. 

This report, including the opinions, has been prepared for and 
only for the Company’s members as a body in accordance with 
Chapter 3 of Part 16 of the Companies Act 2006 and for no other 
purpose. We do not, in giving these opinions, accept or assume 
responsibility for any other purpose or to any other person to 
whom this report is shown or into whose hands it may come  
save where expressly agreed by our prior consent in writing.

Other matter 
We have reported separately on the Parent Company Financial 
statements of Tesco PLC for the 52 weeks ended 22 February 2014.

Mark Gill (Senior Statutory Auditor)
for and on behalf of PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP
Chartered Accountants and Statutory Auditors

London 
2 May 2014

Going Concern
Under the Listing Rules we are required to review the Directors’ 
statement, set out on page 64, in relation to going concern.  
We have nothing to report having performed our review.

As noted in the Directors’ statement, the Directors have 
concluded that it is appropriate to prepare the Group’s financial 
statements using the going concern basis of accounting.  
The going concern basis presumes that the Group has adequate 
resources to remain in operation, and that the Directors intend  
it to do so, for at least one year from the date the financial 
statements were signed. As part of our audit we have concluded 
that the Directors’ use of the going concern basis is appropriate.

However, because not all future events or conditions can be 
predicted, these statements are not a guarantee as to the 
Group’s ability to continue as a going concern.

Opinion on other matter prescribed by the 
Companies Act 2006
In our opinion the information given in the Strategic Report and 
the Directors’ Report for the financial year for which the Group 
financial statements are prepared is consistent with the Group 
financial statements.

Other matters on which we are required to report  
by exception
Adequacy of information and explanations received
Under the Companies Act 2006 we are required to report to  
you if, in our opinion we have not received all the information 
and explanations we require for our audit. We have no 
exceptions to report arising from this responsibility.

Directors’ remuneration
Under the Companies Act 2006 we are required to report to you 
if, in our opinion, certain disclosures of directors’ remuneration 
specified by law have not been made. We have no exceptions to 
report arising from this responsibility.

Corporate Governance Statement
Under the Listing Rules we are required to review the part  
of the Corporate Governance Statement relating to the  
Company’s compliance with nine provisions of the UK  
Corporate Governance Code (‘the Code’). We have nothing  
to report having performed our review.

On page 64 of the Annual Report, as required by the Code 
Provision C.1.1, the Directors state that they consider the Annual 
Report taken as a whole to be fair, balanced and understandable 
and provides the information necessary for members to assess 
the Group’s performance, business model and strategy. On page 
34, as required by C.3.8 of the Code, the Audit Committee has 
set out the significant issues that it considered in relation to the 
financial statements, and how they were addressed. Under ISAs 
(UK & Ireland) we are required to report to you if, in our opinion:

•	 the statement given by the Directors is materially inconsistent 
with our knowledge of the Group acquired in the course of 
performing our audit; or

•	 the section of the Annual Report describing the work of the 
Audit Committee does not appropriately address matters 
communicated by us to the Audit Committee.

We have no exceptions to report arising from this responsibility.

68 

Tesco PLC Annual Report and Financial Statements 2014 

Group income statement

Year ended 22 February 2014
Continuing operations
Revenue
Cost of sales
Gross profit
Administrative expenses
Profits/losses arising on property-related items
Operating profit 
Share of post-tax profits of joint ventures and associates 
Finance income
Finance costs
Profit before tax
Taxation
Profit for the year from continuing operations
Discontinued operations
Loss for the year from discontinued operations
Profit for the year 

Attributable to:
Owners of the parent
Non-controlling interests

Earnings per share from continuing and discontinued operations
Basic
Diluted

Earnings per share from continuing operations
Basic
Diluted

Non-GAAP measure: underlying profit before tax

Profit before tax from continuing operations
Adjustments for:

IAS 32 and IAS 39 ‘Financial Instruments’ – fair value remeasurements
IAS 19 ‘Employee Benefits’ – non-cash Group Income Statement charge for pensions
IAS 17 ‘Leases’ – impact of annual uplifts in rent and rent-free periods
IFRS 3 ‘Business Combinations’ – intangible asset amortisation charges and costs arising from acquisitions
IFRIC 13 ‘Customer Loyalty Programmes’ – fair value of awards

Restructuring and other one-off costs:

Impairment of PPE and onerous lease provisions included within cost of sales
Impairment of PPE and onerous lease provisions included within profits/losses arising on property-related items
Impairment of goodwill
Provision for customer redress
Other restructuring and one-off items

Other profits/losses arising on property-related items
Underlying profit before tax from continuing operations

*  Restated for amendments to IAS 19 as explained in Note 1.

The notes on pages 74 to 121 form part of these financial statements.

Notes

2

13
5
5
3
6

7

9
9

9
9

Notes

1/5
1
1
1
1
1

52 weeks
2014
£m

52 weeks
2013
(restated*)
£m

63,557
(59,547)
4,010
(1,657)
278
2,631
60
132
(564)
2,259
(347)
1,912

63,406
(59,252)
4,154
(1,482)
(290)
2,382
72
120
(517)
2,057
(529)
1,528

(942)
970

(1,504)
24

974
(4)
970

28
(4)
24

12.07p
12.06p

0.35p
0.35p

23.75p
23.72p

19.07p
19.06p

52 weeks
2014
£m
2,259

52 weeks
2013
(restated*)
£m
2,057

11
117
22
14
10

734
(98)
–
63
102

15
69
17
19
28

161
709
495
115
14

1
1

(180)
3,054

(419)
3,280

Tesco PLC Annual Report and Financial Statements 2014 

69

Other informationGovernanceFinancial statementsStrategic report 
 
Group statement of comprehensive income

Year ended 22 February 2014
Items that will not be reclassified to income statement
Remeasurements on defined benefit pension schemes
Tax on items that will not be reclassified

Items that may subsequently be reclassified to income statement
Change in fair value of available-for-sale financial assets and investments 
Currency translation differences
Reclassification adjustment for movements in foreign exchange reserve and net investment hedging  
on subsidiary disposed
(Losses)/gains on cash flow hedges:

Net fair value (losses)/gains
Reclassified and reported in the Group Income Statement

Tax on items that may be reclassified

Total other comprehensive loss for the year
Profit for the year
Total comprehensive loss for the year

Attributable to:
Owners of the parent
Non-controlling interests
Total comprehensive loss for the year

Total comprehensive loss attributable to equity shareholders arises from:
Continuing operations
Discontinued operations

*  Restated for amendments to IAS 19 as explained in Note 1.

The notes on pages 74 to 121 form part of these financial statements.

Notes

26
6

6

52 weeks
2014
£m

52 weeks
2013
(restated*)
£m

(713)
67
(646)

(4)
(1,102)

–

(235)
61
97
(1,183)
(1,829)
970
(859)

(848)
(11)
(859)

138
(986)
(848)

(610)
99
(511)

(11)
420

20

84
(63)
(24)
426
(85)
24
(61)

(57)
(4)
(61)

1,421
(1,478)
(57)

70 

Tesco PLC Annual Report and Financial Statements 2014 

 
 
 
Group balance sheet

Non-current assets
Goodwill and other intangible assets
Property, plant and equipment
Investment property
Investments in joint ventures and associates
Other investments
Loans and advances to customers
Derivative financial instruments
Deferred tax assets

Current assets
Inventories
Trade and other receivables
Loans and advances to customers
Derivative financial instruments
Current tax assets
Short-term investments
Cash and cash equivalents

Assets of the disposal group and non-current assets classified as held for sale 

Current liabilities
Trade and other payables
Financial liabilities:
Borrowings
Derivative financial instruments and other liabilities
Customer deposits and deposits from banks

Current tax liabilities
Provisions

Liabilities of the disposal group classified as held for sale
Net current liabilities 
Non-current liabilities
Financial liabilities:
Borrowings
Derivative financial instruments and other liabilities

Post-employment benefit obligations
Deferred tax liabilities
Provisions

Net assets
Equity
Share capital
Share premium
All other reserves
Retained earnings
Equity attributable to owners of the parent
Non-controlling interests
Total equity 

22 February
2014
£m

23 February
2013
£m

Notes

 10
 11
 12
 13
 14
17
 21
 6

15
16
17
 21

 18

 7

 19

 20
 21
23

24

7

 20
 21
 26
 6
 24

 27

3,795
24,490
227
286
1,015
3,210
1,496
73
34,592

3,576
2,190
3,705
80
12
1,016
2,506
13,085
2,487
15,572

4,362
24,870
2,001
494
818
2,465
1,965
58
37,033

3,744
2,525
3,094
58
10
522
2,512
12,465
631
13,096

(10,595)

(11,094)

(1,910)
(99)
(6,858)
(494)
(250)
(20,206)
(1,193)
(5,827)

(9,303)
(770)
(3,193)
(594)
(183)
(14,043)
14,722

405
5,080
(498)
9,728
14,715
7
14,722

(766)
(121)
(6,015)
(519)
(188)
(18,703)
(282)
(5,889)

(10,068)
(759)
(2,378)
(1,006)
(272)
(14,483)
16,661

403
5,020
685
10,535
16,643
18
16,661

The notes on pages 74 to 121 form part of these financial statements.

Philip Clarke 

Directors
The financial statements on pages 69 to 121 were authorised for issue by the Directors on 2 May 2014 and are subject to the approval of the shareholders at 
the Annual General Meeting on 27 June 2014.

Tesco PLC Annual Report and Financial Statements 2014 

71

Other informationGovernanceFinancial statementsStrategic report 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Group statement of changes in equity

At 23 February 2013
Profit for the year
Other comprehensive loss

Change in fair value of available-for-sale 
financial assets and investments

Currency translation differences

Remeasurement losses on defined benefit  

pension schemes

Losses on cash flow hedges

Tax relating to components of other 

comprehensive income 

Total other comprehensive loss
Total comprehensive loss
Transactions with owners
Purchase of treasury shares
Share-based payments
Issue of shares
Dividends authorised in the year
Tax on items charged to equity
Total transactions with owners 
At 22 February 2014

At 25 February 2012
Profit for the year
Other comprehensive loss

Change in fair value of available-for-sale 
financial assets and investments

Currency translation differences

Reclassification adjustment on  

subsidiaries disposed

Remeasurement losses on defined benefit  

pension schemes

Gains on cash flow hedges

Tax relating to components of other 

comprehensive income 

All other reserves

Issued
share
capital
£m
403
–

Share
premium 
£m
5,020
–

Other
reserves
£m
40
–

Capital
redemption
reserve 
£m
16
–

Hedging 
reserve
£m
91
–

Translation
reserve
£m
547
–

Treasury 
shares 
£m
(9)
–

Retained 
earnings 
£m
10,535
974

Non-
controlling 
interests 
£m
18
(4)

Total 
£m
16,643
974

–
–

–
–

–
–
–

–
–
2
–
–
2
405

–
–

–
–

–
–
–

–
–
60
–
–
60
5,080

–
–

–
–

–
–
–

–
–
–
–
–
–
40

–
–

–
–

–
–
–

–
–
–
–
–
–
16

–
–

–
(1,095)

–
(174)

39
(135)
(135)

–
–
–
–
–
–
(44)

–
–

58
(1,037)
(1,037)

–
–
–
–
–
–
(490)

All other reserves

–
–

–
–

–
–
–

(12)
1
–
–
–
(11)
(20)

(4)
–

(4)
(1,095)

(713)
–

67
(650)
324

–
58
–
(1,189)
–
(1,131)
9,728

(713)
(174)

164
(1,822)
(848)

(12)
59
62
(1,189)
–
(1,080)
14,715

–
(7)

–
–

–
(7)
(11)

–
 –
–
–
–
–
7

Total 
equity 
£m
16,661
970

(4)
(1,102)

(713)
(174)

164
(1,829)
(859)

(12)
59
62
(1,189)
–
(1,080)
14,722

Issued
share
capital
£m
402
–

Share
premium 
£m
4,964
–

Other
reserves
£m
40
–

Capital
redemption
reserve 
£m
16
–

Hedging 
reserve
£m
73
–

Translation
reserve
£m
134
–

Treasury 
shares 
£m
(18)
–

Retained 
earnings
(restated*) 
£m
12,164
28

Total
(restated*) 
£m
17,775
28

Non-
controlling 
interests 
£m
26
(4)

Total 
equity
(restated*) 
£m
17,801
24

–
–

–

–
–

–
–
–

–
–

–

–
–

–
–
–

–
–

–

–
–

–
–
–

–
–
–
–
–
–
40

–
–

–

–
–

–
–
–

–
–
–
–
–
–
16

–
–

–

–
21

(3)
18
18

–
–
–
–
–
–
91

–
420

20

–
–

(27)
413
413

–
–
–
–
–
–
547

–
–

–

–
–

–
–
–

9
–
–
–
–
9
(9)

(11)
–

–

(610)
–

105
(516)
(488)

(11)
420

20

(610)
21

75
(85)
(57)

44
–
4
(1,184)
(5)
(1,141)
10,535

53
57
4
(1,184)
(5)
(1,075)
16,643

–
–

–

–
–

–
–
(4)

–
–
(4)
–
–
(4)
18

(11)
420

20

(610)
21

75
(85)
(61)

53
57
–
(1,184)
(5)
(1,079)
16,661

Total other comprehensive loss
Total comprehensive loss
Transactions with owners
Share-based payments
Issue of shares
Purchase of non-controlling interests
Dividends authorised in the year
Tax on items charged to equity
Total transactions with owners 
At 23 February 2013
*  Restated for amendments to IAS 19 as explained in Note 1.

–
1
–
–
–
1
403

–
56
–
–
–
56
5,020

The notes on pages 74 to 121 form part of these financial statements.

72 

Tesco PLC Annual Report and Financial Statements 2014 

Group cash flow statement

Year ended 22 February 2014
Cash flows from operating activities
Cash generated from operations 
Interest paid
Corporation tax paid
Net cash generated from operating activities
Cash flows from investing activities 
Acquisition/disposal of subsidiaries, net of cash acquired/disposed 
Proceeds from sale of joint ventures and associates

Proceeds from sale of property, plant and equipment, investment property and non-current assets  

classified as held for sale

Purchase of property, plant and equipment, investment property and non-current assets  

classified as held for sale

Proceeds from sale of intangible assets
Purchase of intangible assets
Net decrease/(increase) in loans to joint ventures
Investments in joint ventures and associates
Net (investments in)/proceeds from sale of short-term investments
Net (investments in)/proceeds from sale of other investments
Dividends received from joint ventures and associates
Interest received 
Net cash used in investing activities 
Cash flows from financing activities 
Proceeds from issue of ordinary share capital 
Increase in borrowings
Repayment of borrowings
Repayment of obligations under finance leases
Purchase of non-controlling interests
Dividends paid to equity owners
Net cash from/(used in) financing activities
Net increase in cash and cash equivalents 
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of the year
Effect of foreign exchange rate changes
Cash and cash equivalents including cash held in disposal group at the end of the year
Cash held in disposal group
Cash and cash equivalents at the end of the year 

Reconciliation of net cash flow  
to movement in net debt note

Year ended 22 February 2014
Net increase in cash and cash equivalents
Elimination of net decrease/(increase) in Tesco Bank cash and cash equivalents
Investment in Tesco Bank
Debt acquired on acquisition
Net cash (inflow)/outflow from Retail debt and lease financing
Dividend received from Tesco Bank
Increase/(decrease) in Retail short-term investments
(Decrease)/increase in Retail joint venture loan receivables
Other non-cash movements
Elimination of other Tesco Bank non-cash movements
Decrease in net debt for the year
Opening net debt
Closing net debt

52 weeks
2014
£m

52 weeks
2013
£m

4,316
(496)
(635)
3,185

(13)
–

3,873
(457)
(579)
2,837

(72)
68

568

1,351

(2,489)
2
(392)
61
(12)
(494)
(268)
62
121
(2,854)

62
3,104
(1,912)
(9)
–
(1,189)
56
387
2,531
(105)
2,813
(307)
2,506

(2,619)
–
(368)
(43)
(158)
721
706
51
85
(278)

57
1,820
(3,022)
(32)
(4)
(1,184)
(2,365)
194
2,311
26
2,531
(19)
2,512

52 weeks
2014
£m
387
570
–
–
(914)
100
494
(54)
(412)
(171)
–
(6,597)
(6,597)

52 weeks 
2013
£m
194
(475)
(45)
(1)
1,589
105
(721)
36
(430)
(11)
241
(6,838)
(6,597)

Notes

29

27

8

7
18

Notes

30
30

NB. The reconciliation of net cash flow to movement in net debt is not a primary statement and does not form part of the cash flow statement but forms part of the notes to 
the financial statements. 

The notes on pages 74 to 121 form part of these financial statements.

Tesco PLC Annual Report and Financial Statements 2014 

73

Other informationGovernanceFinancial statementsStrategic report 
Notes to the Group financial statements

Note 1 Accounting policies

General information
Tesco PLC (‘the Company’) is a public limited company incorporated 
and domiciled in the United Kingdom under the Companies Act 2006 
(Registration number 445790). The address of the registered office is  
Tesco House, Delamare Road, Cheshunt, Hertfordshire, EN8 9SL, UK.

The financial year represents the 52 weeks ended 22 February 2014  
(prior financial year 52 weeks ended 23 February 2013). For the UK,  
the Republic of Ireland and the US, the results are for the 52 weeks ended  
22 February 2014 (prior financial year 52 weeks ended 23 February 2013). 
For all other operations, the results are for the calendar year ended 28 
February 2014 (prior financial year ended 28 February 2013).

The main activities of the Company and its subsidiaries (together, ‘the Group’) 
are those of retailing and retail banking.

Basis of preparation
The consolidated Group financial statements have been prepared in 
accordance with International Financial Reporting Standards (‘IFRS’) 
and IFRS Interpretations Committee (‘IFRIC’) interpretations as endorsed by 
the European Union, and those parts of the Companies Act 2006 applicable 
to companies reporting under IFRS. The consolidated Group financial 
statements are presented in Pounds Sterling, generally rounded to the 
nearest million. They are prepared on the historical cost basis, except for 
certain financial instruments, share-based payments, customer loyalty 
programmes and pensions that have been measured at fair value.

Discontinued operations
During the period, the Group entered into definitive agreements, subject to 
the usual regulatory approvals, with China Resources Enterprise, Limited to 
combine respective Chinese retail operations. The definitive agreements 
allow for the exchange of the Group’s Chinese retail and property interests 
plus cash of HK$4,325m for a 20% interest in the combined businesses. 

On 27 November 2013 the Group completed a sale of the substantive part of 
its US operations to YFE Holdings, Inc. with the remaining assets of the US 
operations being disposed of as part of an orderly restructuring process. In 
addition, the exit of the Japanese operations was successfully completed on 
1 January 2013. 

In accordance with IFRS 5 ‘Non-current assets held for sale and discontinued 
operations’, the net results of these operations for the year are presented  
within discontinued operations in the Group Income Statement (for which  
the comparatives have been restated) and the assets and liabilities of the 
operations are presented separately in the Group Balance Sheet. See Note 7 
for further details.

The accounting policies set out below have been applied consistently  
to all periods presented in these consolidated financial statements.

Basis of consolidation
The consolidated Group financial statements consist of the financial 
statements of the ultimate Parent Company (‘Tesco PLC’), all entities 
controlled by the Company (its subsidiaries) and the Group’s share of  
its interests in joint ventures and associates. 

Subsidiaries
The financial statements of subsidiaries are included in the consolidated 
financial statements from the date that control commences until the date 
that control ceases.

Intragroup balances and any unrealised gains and losses or income and 
expenses arising from intragroup transactions are eliminated in preparing the 
consolidated financial statements.

Joint ventures and associates
The Group’s share of the results of joint ventures and associates is included 
in the Group Income Statement using the equity method of accounting. 
Investments in joint ventures and associates are carried in the Group Balance 
Sheet at cost plus post-acquisition changes in the Group’s share of the net 
assets of the entity, less any impairment in value. The carrying values of 
investments in joint ventures and associates include acquired goodwill. 

If the Group’s share of losses in a joint venture or associate equals or exceeds 
its investment in the joint venture or associate, the Group does not recognise 
further losses, unless it has incurred obligations to do so or made payments 
on behalf of the joint venture or associate. 

Unrealised gains arising from transactions with joint ventures and associates are 
eliminated to the extent of the Group’s interest in the entity.

74 

Tesco PLC Annual Report and Financial Statements 2014 

Use of assumptions and estimates
The preparation of the consolidated Group financial statements requires 
management to make judgements, estimates and assumptions that affect  
the application of policies and reported amounts of assets and liabilities, 
income and expenses. The estimates and associated assumptions are based 
on historical experience and various other factors that are believed to be 
reasonable under the circumstances. Actual results may differ from these 
estimates. The estimates and underlying assumptions are reviewed on an 
ongoing basis. 

Critical estimates and assumptions that are applied in the preparation of the 
consolidated financial statements include:

Depreciation and amortisation
The Group exercises judgement to determine useful lives and residual values 
of intangibles, property, plant and equipment and investment property.  
The assets are depreciated down to their residual values over their estimated 
useful lives. 

Impairment
i) Impairment of goodwill
The Group tests annually whether goodwill has suffered any impairment.  
The recoverable amount of the cash-generating units has been determined 
based on value in use calculations. These calculations require the use of 
estimates as set out in Note 10.

ii) Impairment of assets
The Group has determined each store as a separate cash-generating unit for 
impairment testing. Where there are indicators for impairment, the Group 
performs an impairment test. Recoverable amounts for cash-generating 
units are based on the higher of value in use and fair value less costs of 
disposal. Value in use is calculated from cash flow projections for generally 
five years using data from the Group’s latest internal forecasts. These 
calculations require the use of estimates as set out in Note 11.

iii) Impairment of loans and advances to customers and banks
The Group’s loan impairment provisions are established to recognise incurred 
impairment losses in its portfolio of loans classified as loans and receivables and 
carried at amortised cost. These calculations require the use of estimates as set 
out in the accounting policy note for financial instruments. 

Provisions
Provisions have been made for onerous leases, dilapidations, restructuring, 
pensions, and customer redress. These provisions are estimates and the 
actual costs and timing of future cash flows are dependent on future events. 
The difference between expectations and the actual future liability will be 
accounted for in the period when such determination is made. 

The Group has provisions for potential customer redress. In 2010/11,  
the Financial Conduct Authority (‘FCA’) formally issued Policy Statement 
10/12 (‘PS 10/12’), which introduced new guidance in respect of Payment 
Protection Insurance (‘PPI’) customer redress and evidential provisions to  
the FCA Handbook with an implementation date of 1 December 2010. 
The Group continues to handle complaints and redress customers in 
accordance with PS 10/12. 

During the course of the year the Group identified historic operational issues 
that had resulted in instances where certain of the requirements of the 
Consumer Credit Act (‘CCA’) for post contract documentation had not been 
fully complied with. While there is no evidence that these issues have caused 
particular detriment to customers, it is the Group’s intention to provide 
redress to impacted customers in order to reflect the operation of the CCA  
in respect of the customers’ liability.

Provision has been recognised for the CCA documentation redress and 
represents management’s best estimate at the reporting date of the cost  
of providing redress to certain loan and credit card customers. The Office  
of Fair Trading (‘OFT’) has been advised of the Group’s approach to 
determining the proposed customer redress. Oversight of CCA-related 
matters passed from the OFT to the FCA on 1 April 2014 and the Group 
expects to formally advise the FCA of the approach.

It is not clear what regulatory position, if any, the FCA will take and as 
highlighted above, there is no judicial certainty in the legal position.  
The actual cost of customer redress could therefore differ materially  
from this estimate. Refer to Note 24 for further details.

The Group is part of an industry wide Scheme of Arrangement established 
with the support of the relevant regulatory and customer protection bodies 
to address customer redress relating to the historic sale of certain cardholder 
protection products (‘CPP’) to credit card customers.

Note 1 Accounting policies continued

The calculation of the provision is based on a series of assumptions  
including the number and value of cases for which compensation may  
be paid. In arriving at these assumptions management have exercised  
their judgement based on earlier redress programmes and the redress 
estimates provided independently as part of the industry wide Scheme  
of Arrangement. Refer to Note 24 for further details.

The calculation of these provisions involves estimating a number of variables, 
principally the level of customer complaints which may be received and the 
level of any compensation which may be payable to customers. The number of 
cases on which compensation is ultimately payable may also be influenced 
by the outcome of the analysis of historical claims referred to above. A change 
in the estimate of any of the key variables in this calculation could have the 
potential to significantly impact the provisions recognised. 

Post-employment benefit obligations
The present value of the post-employment benefit obligations depends on a 
number of factors that are determined on an actuarial basis using a number 
of assumptions. The assumptions used in determining the net cost (income) 
for pensions include the discount rate. Any changes in these assumptions  
will impact the carrying amount of post-employment benefit obligations. 
Key assumptions for post-employment benefit obligations are disclosed in 
Note 26.

Adoption of new and amended International Financial Reporting 
Standards
The Group has adopted the following new and amended standards as of  
24 February 2013:

•	 IAS 1 (amended) ‘Financial statement presentation’ changes the grouping 
of items presented in the Group’s Statement of Comprehensive Income  
so that items which may be reclassified to income statement in the  
future are presented separately from items that will never be reclassified. 
The amendment affects presentation only and has no impact on the 
Group’s financial position or performance.

•	 IAS 19 ‘Employee benefits (Revised 2011)’ amends the accounting  
for employment benefits. The standard replaces the interest costs  
and expected return on plan assets with a net interest amount that is 
calculated by applying the discount rate to the net defined benefit liability/
asset. The amendment has reduced profit for the year (net of deferred tax) 
by £86m for the year ended 22 February 2014 (year ended 23 February 
2013: a reduction of £96m). The comparative financial information has 
been restated accordingly.

•	 IFRS 13 ‘Fair value measurement’ establishes a single source of guidance 

under IFRS for all fair value measurements. IFRS 13 does not change when 
an entity is required to use fair value, but rather provides guidance on  
how to measure fair value under IFRS when fair value is required or 
permitted. The application of IFRS 13 has not materially impacted the  
fair value measurements carried out by the Group. IFRS 13 also requires 
specific disclosures on fair values, some of which replace existing 
disclosure requirements in other standards, including IFRS 7  
‘Financial Instruments: Disclosures’. 

•	 IFRS 7 (amended) ‘Financial instruments: Disclosures’ requires the 
disclosure on rights of offset and related arrangements for financial 
instruments under an enforceable master netting agreement or  
similar arrangements. 

•	 Annual Improvements 2009 – 2011 which includes changes to  

IAS 1 ‘Financial Statement Presentation’, IAS 32 ‘Financial Instruments: 
Presentation, IAS 34 ‘Interim Financial Reporting’ and IAS 16 ‘Property, 
plant and equipment’. The adoption of these has not had any significant 
impact on the amounts reported in the Group financial statements.

Revenue
Revenue comprises the fair value of consideration received or receivable for the 
sale of goods and services in the ordinary course of the Group’s activities.

Sale of goods
Revenue is recognised when the significant risks and rewards of ownership of  
the goods have transferred to the buyer and the amount of revenue can be 
measured reliably. 

Revenue is recorded net of returns, discounts/offers and value added taxes. 

Provision of services
Revenue from the provision of services is recognised when the service is 
provided and the revenue can be measured reliably, based on the terms  
of the contract. 

Where the Group acts as an agent selling goods or services, only the 
commission income is included within revenue. 

Financial services
Revenue consists of interest, fees and income from the provision of insurance. 

Interest income on financial assets that are classified as loans and 
receivables is determined using the effective interest rate method. 

Calculation of the effective interest rate takes into account fees receivable 
that are an integral part of the instrument’s yield, premiums or discounts on 
acquisition or issue, early redemption fees and transaction costs.

Fees in respect of services (credit card interchange fees, late payment and 
ATM revenue) are recognised as the right to consideration accrues through 
the provision of the service to the customer. The arrangements are generally 
contractual and the cost of providing the service is incurred as the service  
is rendered.

The Group generates commission from the sale and service of motor and 
home insurance policies underwritten by Tesco Underwriting Limited, or in  
a minority of cases by a third party underwriter. This is based on commission 
rates which are independent of the profitability of underlying insurance 
policies. Similar commission income is also generated from the sale of  
white label insurance products underwritten by other third party providers.

Clubcard, loyalty and other initiatives
The cost of Clubcard and loyalty initiatives is part of the fair value of the 
consideration received and is deferred and subsequently recognised over the 
period that the awards are redeemed. The deferral is treated as a deduction 
from revenue.

The fair value of the points awarded is determined with reference to the fair 
value to the customer and considers factors such as redemption via Clubcard 
deals versus money-off-in-store and redemption rate. 

Rental income
Rental income is recognised in the period in which it is earned, in accordance 
with the terms of the lease.

Finance income
Finance income, excluding income arising from financial services, is 
recognised in the period to which it relates using the effective interest 
rate method. 

Finance costs
Finance costs directly attributable to the acquisition or construction of 
qualifying assets are capitalised. Qualifying assets are those that necessarily 
take a substantial period of time to prepare for their intended use. All other 
borrowing costs are recognised in the Group Income Statement in finance 
costs, excluding those arising from financial services, in the period in which 
they occur. For Tesco Bank, finance cost on financial liabilities is determined 
using the effective interest rate method and is recognised in cost of sales.

Tesco PLC Annual Report and Financial Statements 2014 

75

Other informationGovernanceFinancial statementsStrategic report 
Notes to the Group financial statements continued

Note 1 Accounting policies continued

Business combinations and goodwill
The Group accounts for all business combinations by applying the purchase 
method. All acquisition-related costs are expensed. 

On acquisition, the assets (including intangible assets), liabilities and 
contingent liabilities of an acquired entity are measured at their fair value. 
Non-controlling interest is stated at the non-controlling interest’s proportion 
of the fair values of the assets and liabilities recognised. 

Impairment of non-financial assets
Goodwill is reviewed for impairment at least annually by assessing the 
recoverable amount of each cash-generating unit to which the goodwill 
relates. The recoverable amount is the higher of fair value less costs of 
disposal, and value in use. When the recoverable amount of the cash-
generating unit is less than the carrying amount, an impairment loss is 
recognised. Any impairment is recognised immediately in the Group  
Income Statement and is not subsequently reversed.

Goodwill arising on consolidation represents the excess of the consideration 
transferred over the net fair value of the Group’s share of the net assets,  
liabilities and contingent liabilities of the acquired subsidiary, joint venture  
or associate and the fair value of the non-controlling interest in the acquiree.  
If the consideration is less than the fair value of the Group’s share of the net 
assets, liabilities and contingent liabilities of the acquired entity (i.e. a discount 
on acquisition), the difference is credited to the Group Income Statement in  
the period of acquisition. 

At the acquisition date of a subsidiary, goodwill acquired is recognised as an asset 
and is allocated to each of the cash-generating units expected to benefit from the 
business combination’s synergies and to the lowest level at which management 
monitors the goodwill. Goodwill arising on the acquisition of joint ventures and 
associates is included within the carrying value of the investment. On disposal  
of a subsidiary, joint venture or associate, the attributable amount of goodwill is 
included in the determination of the profit or loss on disposal. 

Intangible assets
Acquired intangible assets
Separately acquired intangible assets, such as software, pharmacy licences, 
customer relationships, contracts and brands are measured initially at cost. 
Intangible assets acquired in a business combination are recognised at fair 
value at the acquisition date. Intangible assets with finite useful lives are 
carried at cost and are amortised on a straight-line basis over their estimated 
useful lives, at 2%-100% of cost per annum.

Internally generated intangible assets – Research and  
development expenditure
Research costs are expensed as incurred. Development expenditure incurred 
on an individual project is capitalised only if specific criteria are met including 
that the asset created will probably generate future economic benefits. 

Following the initial recognition of development expenditure, the cost 
is amortised over the asset’s estimated useful life at 10%–25% of cost 
per annum.

Property, plant and equipment 
Property, plant and equipment is carried at cost less accumulated 
depreciation and any recognised impairment in value.

Property, plant and equipment is depreciated on a straight-line basis to its 
residual value over its anticipated useful economic life. The following 
depreciation rates are applied for the Group:

•	 Freehold and leasehold buildings with greater than 40 years unexpired 

– at 2.5% of cost; 

•	 Leasehold properties with less than 40 years unexpired are  

depreciated by equal annual instalments over the unexpired  
period of the lease; and

•	 Plant, equipment, fixtures and fittings and motor vehicles – at rates 

varying from 9%-50%.

Assets held under finance leases are depreciated over their expected useful 
lives on the same basis as owned assets or, when shorter, over the term of 
the relevant lease.

For all other non-financial assets (including intangible assets and property,  
plant and equipment) the Group performs impairment testing where there are 
indicators of impairment. If such an indicator exists, the recoverable amount of 
the asset is estimated in order to determine the extent of the impairment loss  
(if any). Where the asset does not generate cash flows that are independent  
from other assets, the Group estimates the recoverable amount of the 
cash-generating unit to which the asset belongs. 

The recoverable amount is the higher of value in use and fair value less  
costs of disposal. If the recoverable amount of an asset (or cash-generating 
unit) is estimated to be less than its carrying amount, the carrying amount  
of the asset (or cash-generating unit) is reduced to its recoverable amount.  
An impairment loss is recognised immediately in the Group Income Statement. 

Where an impairment loss subsequently reverses, the carrying amount of  
the asset (or cash-generating unit) is increased to the revised estimate of  
the recoverable amount, but so that the increased carrying amount does  
not exceed the carrying amount that would have been determined if no 
impairment loss had been recognised for the asset (or cash-generating unit) 
in prior years. A reversal of an impairment loss is recognised immediately as  
a credit to the Group Income Statement.

Investment property
Investment property assets are carried at cost less accumulated depreciation and 
any recognised impairment in value. The depreciation policies for investment 
property are consistent with those described for owner-occupied property.

Short-term and other investments
Short-term and other investments in the Group Balance Sheet comprise 
receivables, loan receivables and available-for-sale financial assets.

Receivables and loan receivables are recognised at amortised cost.  
Available-for-sale financial assets are recognised at fair value.

Refer to the financial instruments accounting policy for further detail.

Inventories
Inventories comprise goods and properties held for resale and properties held 
for, or in the course of, development with a view to sell. Inventories are valued 
at the lower of cost and fair value less costs to sell using the weighted average 
cost basis. 

Cash and cash equivalents
Cash and cash equivalents in the Group Balance Sheet consist of cash at 
bank, in hand, demand deposits with banks, loans and advances to banks, 
certificate of deposits and other receivables together with short-term 
deposits with an original maturity of three months or less.

Non-current assets held for sale and discontinued operations
Non-current assets (or disposal groups) are classified as assets held for sale 
when their carrying amount is to be recovered principally through a sale 
transaction and a sale is considered highly probable. They are stated at the 
lower of carrying amount and fair value less costs to sell.

Leasing
Leases are classified as finance leases whenever the terms of the lease 
transfer substantially all the risks and rewards of ownership to the lessee.  
All other leases are classified as operating leases.

76 

Tesco PLC Annual Report and Financial Statements 2014 

 
Note 1 Accounting policies continued

The Group as a lessor
Amounts due from lessees under finance leases are recorded as receivables at 
the amount of the Group’s net investment in the leases. Finance lease income is 
allocated to accounting periods so as to reflect a constant periodic rate of return 
on the Group’s net investment in the lease. Rental income from operating leases 
is recognised on a straight-line basis over the term of the lease. 

The Group as a lessee
Assets held under finance leases are recognised as assets of the Group  
at their fair value or, if lower, at the present value of the minimum lease 
payments, each determined at the inception of the lease. The corresponding 
liability is included in the Group Balance Sheet as a finance lease obligation. 
Lease payments are apportioned between finance charges and a reduction 
of the lease obligations so as to achieve a constant rate of interest on the 
remaining balance of the liability. Finance charges are charged to the Group 
Income Statement. Rentals payable under operating leases are charged  
to the Group Income Statement on a straight-line basis over the term of  
the lease. 

Sale and leaseback
A sale and leaseback transaction is one where the Group sells an asset  
and immediately reacquires the use of the asset by entering into a lease  
with the buyer. 

The accounting treatment of the sale and leaseback depends upon the 
substance of the transaction (by applying the lease classification principles 
described above) whether or not the sale was made at the asset’s fair value  
and the relationship with the buyer which is based on levels of control and 
influence (the buyer may be an associate, joint venture or an unrelated party).

For sale and finance leasebacks, any profit from the sale is deferred and 
amortised over the lease term. For sale and operating leasebacks, generally 
the assets are sold at fair value, and accordingly the profit or loss from the 
sale is recognised immediately in the Group Income Statement.

Post-employment and similar obligations
For defined benefit plans, obligations are measured at discounted present 
value (using the projected unit credit method) whilst plan assets are recorded 
at fair value. The operating and financing costs of such plans are recognised 
separately in the Group Income Statement; service costs are spread 
systematically over the expected service lives of employees and financing 
costs are recognised in the periods in which they arise. Actuarial gains and 
losses are recognised immediately in the Group Statement of 
Comprehensive Income. 

Payments to defined contribution schemes are recognised as an expense as 
they fall due.

Share-based payments
The fair value of employee share option plans is calculated at the grant date 
using the Black-Scholes model. The resulting cost is charged to the Group 
Income Statement over the vesting period. The value of the charge is 
adjusted to reflect expected and actual levels of vesting.

Taxation
The tax expense included in the Group Income Statement consists of current 
and deferred tax. 

Current tax is the expected tax payable on the taxable income for the year, using 
tax rates enacted or substantively enacted by the balance sheet date. Tax 
expense is recognised in the Group Income Statement except to the extent that 
it relates to items recognised in the Group Statement of Comprehensive Income 
or directly in the Group Statement of Changes in Equity, in which case it is 
recognised in the Group Statement of Comprehensive Income or directly in the 
Group Statement of Changes in Equity, respectively.

Deferred tax is provided using the balance sheet liability method,  
providing for temporary differences between the carrying amounts of  
assets and liabilities for financial reporting purposes and the amounts used  
for taxation purposes. 

Deferred tax is calculated at the tax rates that have been enacted or 
substantively enacted by the balance sheet date. Deferred tax is charged 
or credited in the Group Income Statement, except when it relates to items 
charged or credited directly to equity or other comprehensive income, in which 
case the deferred tax is also recognised in equity, or other comprehensive 
income, respectively. 

Deferred tax assets are recognised to the extent that it is probable that 
taxable profits will be available against which deductible temporary 
differences can be utilised.

The carrying amount of deferred tax assets is reviewed at each balance  
sheet date and reduced to the extent that it is no longer probable that 
sufficient taxable profits will be available to allow all or part of the assets 
to be recovered. 

Deferred tax assets and liabilities are offset against each other when there is  
a legally enforceable right to set off current taxation assets against current 
taxation liabilities and it is the intention to settle these on a net basis.

Foreign currencies
Transactions in foreign currencies are translated at the exchange rate on the 
date of the transaction. At each balance sheet date, monetary assets and 
liabilities that are denominated in foreign currencies are retranslated at the 
rates prevailing on the balance sheet date. All differences are taken to the Group 
Income Statement. 

The assets and liabilities of overseas subsidiaries denominated in foreign 
currencies are translated into Pounds Sterling at exchange rates prevailing  
at the date of the Group Balance Sheet; profits and losses are translated 
at average exchange rates for the relevant accounting periods. Exchange 
differences arising are recognised in the Group Statement of Comprehensive 
Income and are included in the Group’s translation reserve. Such translation 
differences are recognised as income or expenses in the period in which the 
operation is disposed of. 

Goodwill and fair value adjustments arising on the acquisition of a foreign 
entity are treated as assets and liabilities of the foreign entity and translated 
at the closing rate.

Financial instruments
Financial assets and financial liabilities are recognised on the Group Balance 
Sheet when the Group becomes a party to the contractual provisions of  
the instrument.

Trade receivables
Trade receivables are non interest-bearing and are recognised initially at fair 
value, and subsequently at amortised cost using the effective interest rate 
method, less provision for impairment.

Investments
Investments are recognised at trade date. Investments are classified as  
either held for trading or available-for-sale, and are recognised at fair value. 
For available-for-sale investments, gains and losses arising from changes in 
fair value are recognised directly in other comprehensive income, until the 
security is disposed of or is determined to be impaired, at which time the 
cumulative gain or loss previously recognised in other comprehensive income 
is included in the Group Income Statement for the period. Interest calculated 
using the effective interest rate method is recognised in the Group Income 
Statement. Dividends on an available-for-sale equity instrument are recognised 
in the Group Income Statement when the entity’s right to receive payment  
is established.

Loans and advances to customers
Loans and advances to customers are not classified as held for trading nor 
designated as fair value through profit and loss. Loans and advances are 
initially recognised at fair value plus directly related transaction costs. 
Subsequent to initial recognition, these assets are carried at amortised cost 
using the effective interest method less any impairment losses. Income from 
these financial assets is calculated on an effective yield basis and is 
recognised in the Group Income Statement.

Impairment of loans and advances to customers
At each balance sheet date the Group reviews the carrying amounts of its 
loans and advances to determine whether there is any indication that those 
assets have suffered an impairment loss. 

If there is objective evidence that an impairment loss on a financial asset 
or group of financial assets classified as loans and advances has been incurred, 
the Group measures the amount of the loss as the difference between the 
carrying amount of the asset or group of assets and the present value of 
estimated future cash flows from the asset or group of assets discounted at 
the effective interest rate of the instrument at initial recognition. Impairment 
losses are assessed individually for financial assets that are individually 
significant and collectively for assets that are not individually significant.  

Tesco PLC Annual Report and Financial Statements 2014 

77

Other informationGovernanceFinancial statementsStrategic report 
 
 
Notes to the Group financial statements continued

Note 1 Accounting policies continued

In making collective assessments of impairment, financial assets are grouped 
into portfolios on the basis of similar risk characteristics. Future cash flows 
from these portfolios are estimated on the basis of the contractual cash flows 
and historical loss experience for assets with similar credit risk characteristics. 
Historical loss experience is adjusted, on the basis of current observable  
data, to reflect the effects of current conditions not affecting the period  
of historical experience. 

Fair value hedging
Derivative financial instruments are classified as fair value hedges when  
they hedge the Group’s exposure to changes in the fair value of a recognised 
asset or liability. Changes in the fair value of derivatives that are designated 
and qualify as fair value hedges are recorded in the Group Income Statement 
together with any changes in the fair value of the hedged item that is 
attributable to the hedged risk. 

Impairment losses are recognised in the Group Income Statement and 
the carrying amount of the financial asset or group of financial assets  
is reduced by establishing an allowance for impairment losses. If in a 
subsequent period the amount of the impairment loss reduces and the 
reduction can be ascribed to an event after the impairment was recognised, 
the previously recognised loss is reversed by adjusting the allowance.  
Once an impairment loss has been recognised on a financial asset or group  
of financial assets, interest income is recognised on the carrying amount 
using the rate of interest at which estimated future cash flows were 
discounted in measuring impairment. 

Loan impairment provisions are established on a portfolio basis taking into 
account the level of arrears, security, past loss experience, credit scores and 
defaults based on portfolio trends. The most significant factors in establishing 
these provisions are the expected loss rates. 

The portfolios include credit card receivables and other personal advances. 
The future credit quality of these portfolios is subject to uncertainties  
that could cause actual credit losses to differ materially from reported 
loan impairment provisions. These uncertainties include the economic 
environment, notably interest rates and their effect on customer spending, 
the unemployment level, payment behaviour and bankruptcy trends.

Interest-bearing borrowings
Interest-bearing bank loans and overdrafts are initially recorded at fair value, 
net of attributable transaction costs. Subsequent to initial recognition, interest-
bearing borrowings are stated at amortised cost with any difference between 
proceeds and redemption value being recognised in the Group Income 
Statement over the period of the borrowings on an effective interest basis.

Trade payables
Trade payables are non interest-bearing and are recognised initially at fair 
value and subsequently measured at amortised cost using the effective 
interest method.

Equity instruments
Equity instruments issued by the Group are recorded at the proceeds 
received, net of direct issue costs.

Derivative financial instruments and hedge accounting
The Group uses derivative financial instruments to hedge its exposure 
to foreign exchange, interest rate and commodity risks arising from 
operating, financing and investing activities. The Group does not hold 
or issue derivative financial instruments for trading purposes; however, 
if derivatives do not qualify for hedge accounting they are accounted for 
as such. 

Derivative financial instruments are recognised and stated at fair value. 
Where derivatives do not qualify for hedge accounting, any gains or losses on 
remeasurement are immediately recognised in the Group Income Statement. 
Where derivatives qualify for hedge accounting, recognition of any resultant 
gain or loss depends on the nature of the hedge relationship and the item 
being hedged. In order to qualify for hedge accounting, the Group is required 
to document from inception the relationship between the item being hedged 
and the hedging instrument. The Group is also required to document and 
demonstrate an assessment of the relationship between the hedged item 
and the hedging instrument, which shows that the hedge will be highly 
effective on an ongoing basis. This effectiveness testing is performed at  
each period end to ensure that the hedge remains highly effective. 

Derivative financial instruments with maturity dates of more than one year 
from the balance sheet date are disclosed as non-current.

Cash flow hedging
Derivative financial instruments are classified as cash flow hedges when they 
hedge the Group’s exposure to variability in cash flows that are either 
attributable to a particular risk associated with a recognised asset or liability, 
or a highly probable forecasted transaction. The effective element of any 
gain or loss from remeasuring the derivative instrument is recognised directly 
in other comprehensive income. 

The associated cumulative gain or loss is reclassified from other 
comprehensive income and recognised in the Group Income Statement in  
the same period or periods during which the hedged transaction affects the 
Group Income Statement. The classification of the effective portion when 
recognised in the Group Income Statement is the same as the classification  
of the hedged transaction. Any element of the remeasurement of the 
derivative instrument which does not meet the criteria for an effective  
hedge is recognised immediately in the Group Income Statement within 
finance income or costs. 

Hedge accounting is discontinued when the hedging instrument expires or is 
sold, terminated or exercised, or no longer qualifies for hedge accounting. At 
that point in time, any cumulative gain or loss on the hedging instrument 
recognised in equity is retained in the Group Statement of Changes in Equity 
until the forecasted transaction occurs or the original hedged item affects the 
Group Income Statement. If a forecasted hedged transaction is no longer 
expected to occur, the net cumulative gain or loss recognised in the Group 
Statement of Changes in Equity is reclassified to the Group Income Statement.

Net investment hedging
Derivative financial instruments are classified as net investment hedges 
when they hedge the Group’s net investment in an overseas operation.  
The effective element of any foreign exchange gain or loss from remeasuring 
the derivative instrument is recognised directly in other comprehensive 
income. Any ineffective element is recognised immediately in the Group 
Income Statement. Gains and losses accumulated in other comprehensive 
income are included in the Group Income Statement when the foreign 
operation is disposed of.

Treatment of agreements to acquire non-controlling interests
The Group has entered into a number of agreements to purchase  
the remaining shares of subsidiaries with non-controlling interests. 

The net present value of the expected future payments are shown as a 
financial liability. At the end of each period, the valuation of the liability is 
reassessed with any changes recognised in the Group Income Statement 
within finance income or costs.

Offsetting financial instruments
Financial assets and liabilities are offset and the net amount reported in  
the balance sheet when there is a legally enforceable right to offset the 
recognised amounts and there is an intention to settle on a net basis or 
realise the asset and settle the liability simultaneously.

Provisions
Provisions are measured at the present value of the expenditures expected to  
be required to settle the obligation using a pre-tax rate that reflects current 
market assessments of the time value of money and the risks specific to the 
obligation. The increase in the provision due to passage of time is recognised 
as interest expense.

Provisions for onerous leases are recognised when the Group believes that 
the unavoidable costs of meeting the lease obligations exceed the economic 
benefits expected to be received under the lease. Provisions for dilapidation 
costs are recognised on a lease by lease basis.

78 

Tesco PLC Annual Report and Financial Statements 2014 

 
Note 1 Accounting policies continued

Standards issued but not yet effective
As of the date of authorisation of these financial statements, the following 
standards were in issue but not yet effective. The Group has not applied 
these standards in the preparation of the financial statements: 

•	 IFRS 10 ‘Consolidated financial statements’ is effective from periods 

commencing on or after 1 January 2014. It builds on existing principles  
by identifying the concept of control as the determining factor in whether 
an entity should be included within the consolidated financial statements  
of the parent company. It also provides additional guidance to assist in  
the determination of control where this is difficult to assess. 

•	 IFRS 11 ‘Joint arrangements’ is effective from periods commencing  
on or after 1 January 2014. It gives a more realistic reflection of joint 
arrangements by focusing on the rights and obligations of the 
arrangement rather than its legal form. There are now only two 
types of joint arrangement: joint operations and joint ventures. 

•	 IFRS 12 ‘Disclosures of interests in other entities’ is effective from periods 

commencing on or after 1 January 2014. It includes the disclosure 
requirements for all forms of interests in other entities, including joint 
arrangements, associates, special purpose vehicles and other off balance 
sheet vehicles. 

•	 IAS 27 (Amended) ‘Separate financial statements’ is effective from 

periods commencing on or after 1 January 2014. It includes the provisions 
on separate financial statements that are left after the control provisions 
of IAS 27 have been included in the new IFRS 10.

•	 IAS 28 (Amended) ‘Associates and joint ventures’ is effective from periods 
commencing on or after 1 January 2014. It includes the requirements for 
joint ventures, as well as associates, to be equity accounted following the 
issue of IFRS 11. This requirement will not affect the Group because equity 
accounting is currently adopted under the existing requirements of IAS 31.
•	 IAS 32 (Amended) ‘Financial instruments: Presentation’ is effective from  

1 January 2014 respectively. The amendment clarifies some of the 
requirements for offsetting financial assets and financial liabilities on  
the balance sheet.

•	 IAS 36 (Amended) ‘Impairment of assets’ is effective from periods 

commencing on or after 1 January 2014. It addresses the disclosure of 
information about the recoverable amount of impaired assets if that 
amount is based on fair value less costs of disposal.

•	 IAS 39 (Amended) ‘Financial Instruments: Recognition and Measurement’ 

is effective from periods commencing on or after 1 January 2014.  
It provides relief from discontinuing hedge accounting when novation of  
a hedging instrument to a central counter party meets specified criteria.
•	 IFRS 9 ‘Financial instruments’ is effective from periods commencing on or 
after 1 January 2018 (tentative decision by IASB). It is a new standard for 
financial instruments that is ultimately intended to replace IAS 39. The 
replacement project consists of three phases: Phase 1 Classification and 
measurement of financial assets and financial liabilities; Phase 2 
Impairment methodology; and Phase 3 Hedge accounting.

•	 IFRIC 21 ‘Levies’ is effective from periods commencing on or after  

1 January 2014. It clarifies the timing of recognition of a liability to pay  
a levy recognised in accordance with IAS 37 ‘Provisions, Contingent 
Liabilities and Contingent Assets’.

•	 IAS 19 (Amended) ‘Employee benefits: Employee contributions’ is 

effective from periods commencing on or after 1 July 2014. It provides 
additional guidance on the accounting for contributions from employees 
or third parties set out in the formal terms of a defined benefit plan.
•	 Annual Improvements 2010-2012 and Annual Improvements 2011-2013 
are effective from periods commencing on or after 1 July 2014. The 
Annual Improvements process covers minor amendments to IFRS that the 
IASB consider non-urgent but necessary. 

The impact on the Group’s financial statements of the future adoption of 
these standards is still under review.

Use of non-GAAP measures
Net debt
Net debt excludes the net debt of Tesco Bank but includes that of the 
discontinued operations. Net debt comprises bank and other borrowings, 
finance lease payables, net derivative financial instruments, joint venture 
loans and other receivables and net interest receivables/payables, offset by 
cash and cash equivalents and short-term investments.

Underlying profit before tax
The Directors believe that underlying profit before tax and underlying diluted 
earnings per share measures provide additional useful information for 
shareholders on underlying trends and performance. These measures are 
used for performance analysis. Underlying profit is not defined by IFRS and 
therefore may not be directly comparable with other companies’ adjusted 
profit measures. It is not intended to be a substitute for, or superior to,  
IFRS measurements of profit. Tax impact on non-GAAP measures is included 
within Note 9.

The adjustments made to reported profit before tax are:

•	 IAS 32 and IAS 39 ‘Financial Instruments’ – fair value remeasurements. 
Under IAS 32 and IAS 39, the Group applies hedge accounting to its 
various hedge relationships when allowed under IAS 39 and when 
practical to do so. Sometimes the Group is unable to apply hedge 
accounting to the arrangements but continues to enter into these 
arrangements as they provide certainty or active management of the 
exchange rates and interest rates applicable to the Group. The Group 
believes these arrangements remain effective and economically and 
commercially viable hedges despite the inability to apply hedge 
accounting. Where hedge accounting is not applied to certain hedging 
arrangements, the reported results reflect the movement in fair value of 
related derivatives due to changes in foreign exchange and interest rates. 
In addition, at each year end, any gain or loss accruing on open contracts 
is recognised in the Group Income Statement for the financial year, 
regardless of the expected outcome of the hedging contract on termination. 
This may mean that the Group Income Statement charge is highly volatile, 
whilst the resulting cash flows may not be as volatile. The underlying profit 
measure removes this volatility to help better identify the underlying 
performance of the Group. 

•	 IAS 19 ‘Employee Benefits’ – non-cash Group Income Statement charge 
for pensions. Under IAS 19, the cost of providing pension benefits in the 
future is discounted to a present value at the corporate bond yield rates 
applicable on the last day of the previous financial year. Corporate bond 
yield rates vary over time which in turn creates volatility in the Group 
Income Statement and Group Balance Sheet. IAS 19 also increases the 
charge for young pension schemes, such as the Group’s, by requiring the 
use of rates which do not take into account the future expected returns on 
the assets held in the pension scheme which will fund pension liabilities as 
they fall due. The sum of these two effects can make the IAS 19 charge 
disproportionately higher and more volatile than the cash contributions 
the Group is required to make in order to fund all future liabilities. 
Therefore, within underlying profit the Group has included the ‘normal’ 
cash contributions for pensions but excluded the volatile element of IAS 19 to 
represent what the Group believes to be a fairer measure of the cost of 
providing post-employment benefits.

•	 IAS 17 ‘Leases’ – impact of annual uplifts in rent and rent-free periods. 

Some operating leases have been structured in a way to increase annual 
lease costs as the businesses expand. IAS 17 requires the total expected cost 
of a lease to be recognised on a straight-line basis over the term of the 
lease, irrespective of the actual timing of the cost. This adjustment also 
impacts the Group’s operating profit and rental income within the share  
of post-tax profits of joint ventures and associates. 

•	 IFRS 3 (Revised) ‘Business Combinations’ – intangible asset amortisation 

charges and costs arising from acquisitions. Under IFRS 3 intangible assets 
are separately identified and fair valued. The intangible assets are required 
to be amortised on a straight-line basis over their useful lives and as such is a 
non-cash charge that does not reflect the underlying performance of the 
business acquired. Similarly, the standard requires all acquisition costs to be 
expensed in the Group Income Statement. Due to their nature, these costs  
have been excluded from underlying profit as they do not reflect the 
underlying performance of the Group. 

•	 IFRIC 13 ‘Customer Loyalty Programmes’ – fair value of awards.  

The interpretation requires the fair value of customer loyalty awards  
to be measured as a separate component of a sales transaction.  
The underlying profit measure removes this fair value allocation  
to present underlying business performance, and to reflect the 
performance of the operating segments as measured by management. 

•	 Restructuring and other one-off costs. These relate to certain costs 

associated with the Group’s restructuring activities and certain one-off 
costs including costs relating to fair valuing the assets of a disposal group. 
These have been excluded from underlying profit as they do not reflect the 
underlying performance of the Group. 

•	 Profits/losses from property-related items. These relate to the Group’s 

property activities including gains and losses on disposal of property assets, 
development property built for resale and property joint ventures; costs 
resulting from changes in the Group’s store portfolio and distribution 
network, including pre-opening and post closure costs; and income/
(charges) associated with impairment of non-trading property and related 
onerous contracts. These have been excluded from underlying profit as  
they do not reflect the underlying performance of the Group.

Tesco PLC Annual Report and Financial Statements 2014 

79

Other informationGovernanceFinancial statementsStrategic report 
Notes to the Group financial statements continued

Note 2 Segmental reporting

The Group’s reporting segments are determined based on the Group’s internal reporting to the Chief Operating Decision Maker (‘CODM’). The CODM has 
been determined to be the Executive Committee as it is primarily responsible for the allocation of resources to segments and the assessment of performance 
of the segments.

The Group’s Chinese (previously reported as part of the Asia segment) and US operations have been treated as discontinued as described in more detail in 
Notes 1 and 7. The segment results do not include any amounts for these discontinued operations. 

The CODM considers the principal activities of the Group to be:

•	 Retailing and associated activities in:

 − the UK;
 − Asia – India, Malaysia, South Korea, Thailand; and
 − Europe – Czech Republic, Hungary, Poland, the Republic of Ireland, Slovakia, and Turkey. 

•	 Retail banking and insurance services through Tesco Bank in the UK.

The CODM uses trading profit, as reviewed at monthly Executive Committee meetings, as the key measure of the segments’ results as it reflects the 
segments’ underlying trading performance for the financial year under evaluation. Trading profit is a consistent measure within the Group. 

Segment trading profit is an adjusted measure of operating profit and measures the performance of each segment before profits/losses arising on property-
related items, the impact on leases of annual uplifts in rent and rent-free periods, intangible asset amortisation charges and costs arising from acquisitions, 
and goodwill impairment and restructuring and other one-off costs. The IAS 19 pension charge is replaced with the ‘normal’ cash contributions for pensions. 
An adjustment is also made for the fair value of customer loyalty awards.

Inter-segment revenue between the operating segments is not material.

The segment results, which do not include any amounts for discontinued operations, the reconciliation of the segment measures to the respective statutory items 
included in the Group Income Statement, the segment assets and other segment information are as follows:

UK
£m

Asia
£m

Europe
£m

48,177
43,570
(513)
43,057
2,191
5.0%

10,807
10,181
(32)
10,149
683
6.7%

Tesco
Bank
£m

1,003
1,003
–
1,003
194
19.3%

Tesco
Bank
£m

1,003
1,003
–
1,003
194
19.3%

Total at
constant
exchange
£m

Foreign
exchange
£m

Total
at actual
exchange
£m

70,582
63,871
(590)
63,281
3,289
5.1%

312
278
(2)
276
26
–

70,894
64,149
(592)
63,557
3,315
5.2%

Total
at actual
exchange
£m

70,894
64,149
(592)
63,557
3,315
5.2%

10,595
9,117
(45)
9,072
221
2.4%

Europe
£m

10,767
9,267
(46)
9,221
238
2.6%

Year ended 22 February 2014
At constant exchange rates*
Continuing operations
Sales including VAT (excluding IFRIC 13)
Revenue (excluding IFRIC 13)
Effect of IFRIC 13
Revenue
Trading profit
Trading margin†

UK
£m

Asia
£m

Year ended 22 February 2014
At actual exchange rates**
Continuing operations
Sales including VAT (excluding IFRIC 13)
Revenue (excluding IFRIC 13)
Effect of IFRIC 13
Revenue
Trading profit
Trading margin†
*  Constant exchange rates are the average actual periodic exchange rates for the previous financial year.
**  Actual exchange rates are the average actual periodic exchange rates for that financial year.
†  Trading margin is based on revenue excluding the accounting impact of IFRIC 13.

10,947
10,309
(33)
10,276
692
6.7%

48,177
43,570
(513)
43,057
2,191
5.0%

80 

Tesco PLC Annual Report and Financial Statements 2014 

Note 2 Segmental reporting continued

Year ended 23 February 2013
At actual exchange rates*
Continuing operations
Sales including VAT (excluding IFRIC 13)
Revenue (excluding IFRIC 13)
Effect of IFRIC 13
Revenue
Trading profit
Trading margin†

UK
£m

Asia
£m

Europe
£m

48,219
43,582
(491)
43,091
2,272
5.2%

10,663
10,045
(25)
10,020
733
7.3%

10,809
9,319
(45)
9,274
329
3.5%

Tesco
Bank
£m

1,021
1,021
–
1,021
191
18.7%

Reconciliation of trading profit to profit for the year from continuing operations

Trading profit
Adjustments:
IAS 19 ‘Employee Benefits’ – non-cash Group Income Statement charge for pensions
IAS 17 ‘Leases’ – impact of annual uplifts in rent and rent-free periods
IFRS 3 ‘Business Combinations’ – intangible asset amortisation charges and costs arising from acquisitions
IFRIC 13 ‘Customer Loyalty Programmes’ – fair value of awards
Restructuring and other one-off items:

Impairment of PPE and onerous lease provisions included within cost of sales***
Impairment of PPE and onerous lease provisions included within profits/losses arising on property-related items
Impairment of goodwill
Provision for customer redress
Other restructuring and one-off items

Other profits/losses arising on property-related items
Operating profit
Share of post-tax profits of joint ventures and associates
Finance income
Finance costs
Profit before tax
Taxation
Profit for the year from continuing operations

Segment assets

At 22 February 2014
Total segment non-current assets
Total segment non-current assets includes:

UK
£m
15,483

Asia
£m
6,814

Europe
£m
5,118

Tesco
Bank
£m
5,483

Other/
unallocated
£m
1,694

Investments in joint ventures and associates

122

87

–

77

–

Total
at actual
exchange
£m

70,712
63,967
(561)
63,406
3,525
5.5%

2014
£m
3,315

2013
(restated**)
£m
3,525

(11)
(28)
(14)
(10)

(734)
98
–
(63)
(102)

180
2,631
60
132
(564)
2,259
(347)
1,912

4
(25)
(19)
(28)

(161)
(709)
(495)
(115)
(14)

419
2,382
72
120
(517)
2,057
(529)
1,528

Total
£m
34,592

286

Total
£m
37,033

UK
£m
14,532

Asia****
£m
7,399

Europe
£m
6,471

Tesco
Bank
£m
4,709

Other/
unallocated
£m
2,008

Total 
continuing
operations
£m
35,119

Discontinued 
operations****
£m
1,914

At 23 February 2013
Total segment non-current assets
Total segment non-current assets includes:

Investments in joint ventures and associates

104

107

1

95

–

307

187

494

*  Actual exchange rates are the average actual periodic exchange rates for that financial year.
**  Restated for amendments to IAS 19 as explained in Note 1.
*** Included in £734m (2013: £161m) is £707m (2013: £67m) of PPE impairment.
****China has been re-presented from Asia in this table into discontinued operations for comparison purposes.
†  Trading margin is based on revenue excluding the accounting impact of IFRIC 13.

Tesco PLC Annual Report and Financial Statements 2014 

81

Other informationGovernanceFinancial statementsStrategic report 
Notes to the Group financial statements continued

Note 2 Segmental reporting continued

Other segment information

Year ended 22 February 2014

Capital expenditure (including acquisitions through  

business combinations):

Property, plant and equipment
Investment property
Goodwill and other intangible assets

Depreciation:

Property, plant and equipment
Investment property

Amortisation of intangible assets
Goodwill impairment losses
Impairment losses
Reversal of prior year impairment losses

Year ended 23 February 2013

Capital expenditure (including acquisitions through  

business combinations):

Property, plant and equipment
Investment property
Goodwill and other intangible assets

Depreciation:

Property, plant and equipment
Investment property

Amortisation of intangible assets
Goodwill impairment losses
Impairment losses
Reversal of prior year impairment losses
* 

UK
£m

1,370
–
303

(642)
–
(122)
–
(87)
135

Asia
£m

Europe
£m

Tesco
Bank
£m

Total
 continuing
operations
£m

Discontinued
operations*
£m

737
–
22

(320)
(10)
(15)
–
(39)
8

253
–
28

(307)
(9)
(24)
–
(761)
11

16
–
86

(17)
–
(66)
–
–
–

2,376
–
439

(1,286)
(19)
(227)
–
(887)
154

86
–
5

(26)
–
(4)
–
–
–

UK
£m

Asia*
£m

Europe
£m

Tesco
Bank
£m

Total
 continuing
operations
£m

Discontinued
operations*
£m

1,207
–
207

(630)
–
(130)
–
(654)
1

688
40
20

(279)
(21)
(13)
–
(36)
–

434
3
39

(288)
(15)
(22)
(495)
(92)
2

13
–
97

(16)
–
(61)
–
–
–

2,342
43
363

(1,213)
(36)
(226)
(495)
(782)
3

297
–
9

(109)
–
(6)
–
(68)
3

Total
£m

2,462
–
444

(1,312)
(19)
(231)
–
(887)
154

Total
£m

2,639
43
372

(1,322)
(36)
(232)
(495)
(850)
6

 Discontinued operations in this table represents amounts up until the point a disposal group is classified as such. The year ended 22 February 2014 represents China for the 
first six months of the financial year and the previous financial year represents the US and China for the full year. 

Note 3 Income and expenses

Continuing operations
Profit before tax is stated after charging/(crediting) the following:
Rental income, of which £34m (2013: £493m) relates to investment properties*
Direct operating expenses arising on rental earning investment properties
Costs of inventories recognised as an expense
Stock losses
Depreciation, amortisation and impairment charged
Operating lease expenses, of which £102m (2013: £125m) relates to hire of plant and machinery
Impairment of goodwill
*  Refer to Note 11 for detail of £1,623m reclassification of investment property to property, plant and equipment in the year.

2014
£m

(512)
5
46,832
1,316
2,265
1,414

–

2013
£m

(518)
165
47,424
1,157
2,254
1,287

495

During the financial year the Group obtained the following services from the Group’s auditor, PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP, and network firms:

Audit services
Fees payable to the Company’s auditor and its associates for the audit of the Company and Group financial statements
The audit of the accounts of the Company’s subsidiaries
Audit-related assurance services
Total audit and audit related services

Non-audit services
Fees payable to the Company’s auditor and its associates for other services:

Taxation compliance services
Taxation advisory services
All other non-audit services

Total auditor remuneration

2014
£m

2013
£m

0.8
3.5

1.2
5.5

– 
0.6
4.1
10.2

0.8
3.8

– 
4.6

0.1
0.4
2.4
7.5

In addition to the amounts shown above, the auditor received fees of £0.2m (2013: £0.1m) for the audit of the main Group pension scheme.

A description of the work of the Audit Committee is set out in the Corporate Governance Report on page 33 and includes how objectivity and independence is 
safeguarded when non-audit services are provided by PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP.

82 

Tesco PLC Annual Report and Financial Statements 2014 

Note 4 Employment costs, including Directors’ remuneration

Continuing operations
Wages and salaries
Social security costs
Post-employment defined benefits (Note 26)
Post-employment defined contributions (Note 26)
Share-based payments expense (Note 25)

The average number of employees by operating segment during the financial year was: 

UK
Asia
Europe
Tesco Bank
Total

Average number
of employees
2013
313,885
94,869
94,712
3,390
506,856

2014
317,847
96,296
92,694
3,607
510,444

Average number of 
full-time equivalents
2013
2014
213,304
217,158
87,433
88,616
84,469
82,741
3,169
3,353
388,375
391,868

Note 5 Finance income and costs

Continuing operations
Finance income
Bank interest receivable and similar income on cash and cash equivalents
Total finance income

Finance costs
Interest payable on short-term bank loans and overdrafts repayable within five years
Finance charges payable under finance leases and hire purchase contracts
GBP MTNs
EUR MTNs
USD Bonds
Other MTNs
Capitalised Interest (Note 11)
Net pension finance costs (Note 26)
IAS 39 ‘Financial Instruments’ – fair value remeasurements
Total finance costs
*  Restated for amendments to IAS 19 as explained in Note 1.

GBP MTNs
Interest payable on the 4% RPI GBP MTN 2016 includes £9m (2013: £8m) of Retail Price Index (‘RPI’) related amortisation.
Interest payable on the 3.322% LPI GBP MTN 2025 includes £11m (2013: £9m) of RPI related amortisation.
Interest payable on the 1.982% RPI GBP MTN 2036 includes £7m (2013: £7m) of RPI related amortisation.

Note 6 Taxation

Recognised in the Group Income Statement

Continuing operations
Current tax expense
UK corporation tax
Foreign tax
Adjustments in respect of prior years

Deferred tax expense
Origination and reversal of temporary differences
Adjustments in respect of prior years
Change in tax rate

Total income tax expense
*  Restated for amendments to IAS 19 as explained in Note 1.

2014
£m
6,144
471
542
32
82
7,271

2013
£m
5,847
448
482
19
89
6,885

2014
£m

132
132

(68)
(10)
(223)
(130)
(91)
(4)
79
(106)

(11)
(564)

2013
(restated*)
£m

120
120

(72)
(10)
(219)
(157)
(88)
(6)
123
(73)

(15)
(517)

2014
£m

2013
(restated*)
£m

519
203
(50)
672

(93)
(85)
(147)
(325)
347

507
266
(99)
674

(38)
(5)
(102)
(145)
529

The Finance Act 2012 included legislation to reduce the main rate of UK corporation tax from 26% to 24% from 1 April 2012 and to 23% from 1 April 2013.  
In the December 2012 Budget Statement it was announced that the UK rate would be reduced from 23% to 21% from 1 April 2014 and in the March 2013 
Budget Statement it was announced that the rate would be further reduced to 20% by 1 April 2015. These further rate reductions were substantively enacted 
by the balance sheet date and are therefore included in these consolidated financial statements.

Tesco PLC Annual Report and Financial Statements 2014 

83

Other informationGovernanceFinancial statementsStrategic report 
 
Notes to the Group financial statements continued

Note 6 Taxation continued

Reconciliation of effective tax charge

Profit before tax
Tax charge at 23.1% (2013: 24.2%)
Effect of:

Non-deductible expenses
Differences in overseas taxation rates
Adjustments in respect of prior years
Share of profits of joint ventures and associates 
Change in tax rate

Total income tax charge for the year
Effective tax rate

Tax on items credited directly to the Group Statement of Changes in Equity

Current tax credit/(charge) on:
Share-based payments

Deferred tax (charge)/credit on:

Share-based payments

Total tax on items charged to Group Statement of Changes in Equity

Tax relating to components of the Group Statement of Comprehensive Income

Current tax credit/(charge) on: 

Pensions
Foreign exchange movements
Fair value of movement on available-for-sale investments
Fair value movements on cash flow hedges

Deferred tax credit/(charge) on:

Pensions
Fair value movements on cash flow hedges

Total tax on items credited to Group Statement of Comprehensive Income

2014
£m
2,259
(522)

(109)
(12)
135
14
147
(347)
15.4%

2013
(restated*)
£m
2,057
(498)

(291)
36
104
18
102
(529)
25.7%

2014
£m

2013
£m

1

(1)
–

(6)

1
(5)

2014
£m

2013
(restated*)
£m

–
58
–
4

67
35
164

43
(27)
6
–

56
(3)
75

Deferred tax
The following are the major deferred tax (liabilities)/assets recognised by the Group and movements thereon during the current and prior financial years:

Property- 
related 
items**
£m
(1,689)
87
–

Retirement
benefit
obligation
£m
465
17
–

Share-based
payments
£m
11
9
1

Short-term
timing
differences
£m
64
9
–

Tax losses
£m
24
21
–

Financial 
Instruments
£m
(22)
1
–

Other
pre/post
tax 
temporary
differences
£m
10
1
–

Total
(restated*)
£m
(1,137)
145
1

–
–
–
(20)
(1,622)
282
–

56
–
–
1
539
29
–

–
–
–
–
21
19
(1)

–
5
1
4
83
9
–

–
(8)
1
2
40
(19)
–

(3)
–
–
–
(24)
2
–

–
(3)
(2)
1
7
3
–

At 25 February 2012
Credit to the Group Income Statement
Charge to Group Statement of Changes in Equity

Credit/(charge) to Group Statement of Comprehensive 

Income

Discontinued operations
Business combinations
Foreign exchange and other movements***
At 23 February 2013
Credit/(charge) to the Group Income Statement
(Charge) to Group Statement of Changes in Equity

Credit/(charge) to Group Statement of Comprehensive 

Income

–
3
–
–
42

–
–
–
32
(1,308)

67
–
–
(1)
634

Discontinued operations
Business combinations
Foreign exchange and other movements***
At 22 February 2014
*  Restated for amendments to IAS 19 as explained in Note 1.
**   Property-related items include a deferred tax liability on rolled over gains of £294m (2013: £340m) and deferred tax assets on capital losses of £58m (2013: £71m).  

The remaining balance relates to accelerated tax depreciation.

***  The deferred tax charge for foreign exchange and other movements is £14m credit (2013: £12m debit) relating to the retranslation of deferred tax balances at the balance  

sheet date and is included within the Group Statement of Comprehensive Income under the heading currency translation differences.

84 

Tesco PLC Annual Report and Financial Statements 2014 

–
5
–
(13)
84

–
7
–
(4)
24

35
–
–
–
13

–
–
–
–
10

53
(6)
–
(12)
(956)
325
(1)

102
15
–
14
(501)

Note 6 Taxation continued

Certain deferred tax assets and liabilities have been offset and analysed as follows:

Deferred tax assets
Deferred tax liabilities
Deferred tax assets/(liabilities) relating to disposal group

2014
£m
73
(594)
20
(501)

2013
£m
58
(1,006)
(8)
(956)

No deferred tax liability is recognised on temporary differences of £4.0bn (2013: £3.6bn) relating to the unremitted earnings of overseas subsidiaries and joint 
ventures as the Group is able to control the timing of the reversal of these temporary differences and it is probable that they will not reverse in the foreseeable 
future. The deferred tax on unremitted earnings at 22 February 2014 is estimated to be £213m (2013: £159m) which relates to taxes payable on repatriation 
and dividend withholding taxes levied by overseas tax jurisdictions. UK tax legislation relating to company distributions provides for exemption from tax for 
most repatriated profits, subject to certain exceptions.

Unrecognised deferred tax assets
Deferred tax assets in relation to continuing operations have not been recognised in respect of the following items (because it is not probable that future 
taxable profits will be available against which the Group can utilise the benefits):

Deductible temporary differences
Tax losses

2014
£m
27
66
93

2013
£m
3
52
55

As at 22 February 2014, the Group has unused trading tax losses from continuing operations of £398m (2013: £379m) available for offset against future 
profits. A deferred tax asset has been recognised in respect of £95m (2013: £162m) of such losses. No deferred tax asset has been recognised in respect of  
the remaining £303m (2013: £217m) due to the unpredictability of future profit streams. Included in unrecognised tax losses are losses of £71m that will 
expire in 2018 (2013: £92m in 2017) and £142m that will expire between 2019 and 2034 (2013: £37m between 2018 and 2033). Other losses will be carried 
forward indefinitely. 

Note 7 Discontinued operations and non-current assets classified as held for sale

Assets of disposal groups*
Non-current assets classified as held for sale
Total assets of the disposal groups and non-current assets classified as held for sale
Total liabilities of the disposal groups*
Total net assets classified as held for sale
*  The year ending 22 February 2014 represents China and the US, while the year ending 23 February 2013 represents the US.

The non-current assets classified as held for sale consist mainly of properties in the UK and Korea due to be sold within one year.

2014
£m
2,160
327
2,487
(1,193)
1,294

2013
£m
307
324
631
(282)
349

Tesco PLC Annual Report and Financial Statements 2014 

85

Other informationGovernanceFinancial statementsStrategic report 
Notes to the Group financial statements continued

Note 7 Discontinued operations and non-current assets classified as held for sale continued

Discontinued operations
During the period, the Group entered into definitive agreements, subject to the usual regulatory approvals, with China Resources Enterprise, Limited (‘CRE’) 
to combine respective Chinese retail operations. The definitive agreements allow for the exchange of the Group’s Chinese retail and property interests plus 
cash of HK$4,325m for a 20% interest in the combined businesses.

In the second half of the financial year, independent valuations were completed, for accounting purposes, of both businesses separately to determine the fair 
value of the consideration for the disposal. As a result of these valuations, the Group has concluded a charge of £540m is required to remeasure the assets  
and liabilities of the disposal group to the fair value less costs to sell. The valuation was completed by considering a number of different commercial valuation 
methodologies rather than relying on any single method. The different methodologies included discounted cash flows, enterprise value (‘EV’) / revenue multiples 
and income approach for Tesco and CRE businesses as appropriate. Observable and unobservable inputs have been used in the models and therefore the fair 
value is classified as level 3 within the fair value hierarchy. The key unobservable inputs used included discount rates (from 7.5% to 10.5%), long term growth 
rates (from 3.0% to 4.0%) and EV/revenue multiples (from 0.6x to 1.0x).

IFRS 13 ‘Fair value measurement’ requires these valuations to be produced on a standalone existing basis for each business and consequently they do not 
incorporate the significant long term synergies and strategic value that the Directors believe exist in the new enlarged business.

On 27 November 2013 the Group completed a sale of the substantive part of its US operations to YFE Holdings, Inc. The remaining assets of the US operation 
are in the process of being disposed of as part of an orderly restructuring process. In addition, the exit of the Japanese operations was successfully completed 
on 1 January 2013.

The above operations have been classified as disposal groups classified as held for sale in accordance with IFRS 5 ‘Non-current assets held for sale and 
discontinued operations’.

The tables below show the results of the discontinued operations which are included in the Group Income Statement, Group Balance Sheet and Group Cash 
Flow Statement respectively. At 23 February 2013, the Group’s Chinese operations had not yet been classified as held for sale; assets and liabilities of the 
disposal group at this date comprise only those of the US. 

Income Statement

Revenue
Cost of sales*
Administrative expenses
Loss arising on property-related items
Share of post-tax losses on joint ventures and associates
Finance costs
Loss before tax of discontinued operations
Taxation
Loss after tax of discontinued operations
Loss after tax of discontinued operations in Japan**
Total loss after tax of discontinued operations

2014
£m
496
(532)
(104)
(125)
–
(1)
(266)
6
(260)

US

2013
£m
697
(1,567)
(50)
(286)
–
(4)
(1,210)
(5)
(1,215)

2014
£m
1,489
(2,060)
(89)
– 
(17)
3 
(674)
(8) 
(682)

China

2013
£m
1,420
(1,485)
(80)
 (49)
(18)
(10) 
(222)
(16) 
(238)

Loss per share impact from discontinued operations 
Basic
Diluted
* 
**  The results of Japan are for the 44 weeks ended 1 January 2013, when there was an exit from the operations.

Including total operating lease expense of £149m (2013: £60m).

2014
£m
1,985
(2,592)
(193)
(125)
(17)
2
(940)
(2)
(942)
–
(942)

Total

2013
£m
2,117
(3,052)
(130)
(335)
(18)
(14)
(1,432)
(21)
(1,453)
(51)
(1,504)

(11.68p)
(11.66p)

(18.72p)
(18.71p)

2014
£m

US

2013
£m

2014
£m

China

2013
£m

2014
£m

Total

2013
£m

(266)

(1,210)

(674)

(222)

(940)

(1,432)

–
6

118
–
28

–
5

812
80
113

(5)
14

–
540
28

–
(97)

(1)
11

25
–
37

49
(101)

(5)
20

118
540
56

19
(192)

(1) 
16

837
80
150

77
(273)
(21)
(294)

Non-GAAP measure: underlying loss before tax
Loss before tax on discontinued operations
Adjustments for:
IAS 32 and IAS 39 ‘Financial Instruments’ – fair value remeasurements
IAS 17 ‘Leases’ – impact of annual uplifts in rent and rent-free periods
Restructuring and other one-off costs*

Impairment of PPE and onerous lease provisions
Impairment of goodwill
Other restructuring and one-off costs

Other losses arising on property-related items
Underlying loss before tax of discontinued operations in the US & China
Underlying loss before tax of discontinued operations in Japan**
Total underlying loss before tax of discontinued operations
*  Comprises fair value remeasurements, less costs to sell.
**  The results of Japan are for the 44 weeks ended 1 January 2013, when there was an exit from the operations.

19
(95)

28
(172)

86 

Tesco PLC Annual Report and Financial Statements 2014 

Note 7 Discontinued operations and non-current assets classified as held for sale continued

Balance sheet

Assets of the disposal groups
Goodwill and other intangible assets
Property, plant and equipment
Investments in joint ventures and associates
Inventories
Trade and other receivables
Cash and cash equivalents
Total assets of the disposal groups
Liabilities of the disposal groups
Trade and other payables
Borrowings
Other current liabilities
Total liabilities of the disposal groups
Total net assets of the disposal groups

US 
2014
£m

–
30
–
–
–
48
78

(33)
–
(13)
(46)
32

China
2014
£m

100
1,145
162
138
278
259
2,082

(864)
(283)
–
(1,147)
935

Total
£m

100
1,175
162
138
278
307
2,160

(897)
(283)
(13)
(1,193)
967

Future minimum rentals payable under non-cancellable operating leases associated with operations in China and the US at 22 February 2014 were £1,495m 
and £65m respectively (2013: £684m in the US).

Assets of the disposal group
Property, plant and equipment
Inventories
Trade and other receivables
Cash and cash equivalents
Total assets of the disposal group
Liabilities of the disposal group
Trade and other payables
Borrowings
Other current liabilities
Total liabilities of the disposal group
Total net liabilities of the disposal group

Cash flow statement

Net cash flows from operating activities
Net cash flows from investing activities
Net cash flows from financing activities
Net cash flows from discontinued operations
Intra-Group funding and intercompany transactions
Net cash flows from discontinued operations, net of intercompany

2014
£m
(106)
(1)
(7)
(114)
146
32

US

2013
£m
(145)
(98)
7
(236)
243
7

2014
£m
(66)
(290)
159
(197)
217
20

China  
2013
£m
(26)
(276)
(124)
(426)
412
(14)

 Japan 

2013
£m
4
(48)
(1)
(45)
40
(5)

2014
£m
(172)
(291)
152
(311)
363
52

US 
2013
£m

241
32
15
19
307

(192)
(7)
(83)
(282)
25

Total

2013
£m
(167)
(422)
(118)
(707)
695
(12)

Tesco PLC Annual Report and Financial Statements 2014 

87

Other informationGovernanceFinancial statementsStrategic report 
Notes to the Group financial statements continued

Note 8 Dividends

Amounts recognised as distributions to owners in the financial year:
Prior financial year final dividend
Current financial year interim dividend
Dividends paid to equity owners in the financial year

Current financial year proposed final dividend

2014

pence/share

£m pence/share

2013

£m

813
371
1,184

815
374
1,189

10.13
4.63
14.76

10.13
4.63
14.76

10.13

819

10.13

815

The proposed final dividend was approved by the Board of Directors on 15 April 2014 and is subject to the approval of shareholders at the Annual General 
Meeting. The proposed dividend has not been included as a liability as at 22 February 2014, in accordance with IAS 10 ‘Events after the reporting period’.  
It will be paid on 4 July 2014 to shareholders who are on the Register of members at close of business on 2 May 2014.

Note 9 Earnings per share and diluted earnings per share

Basic earnings per share amounts are calculated by dividing the profit attributable to owners of the parent by the weighted average number of ordinary 
shares in issue during the financial year.

Diluted earnings per share amounts are calculated by dividing the profit attributable to owners of the parent by the weighted average number of ordinary 
shares in issue during the financial year adjusted for the effects of potentially dilutive options. The dilutive effect is calculated on the full exercise of all 
potentially dilutive ordinary share options granted by the Group, including performance-based options which the Group considers to have been earned.

Profit/(loss) (£m)

Continuing operations
Discontinued operations

Weighted average number of shares (millions)
Earnings per share (pence)
Continuing operations
Discontinued operations

Total

2014

2013 (restated*)

Potentially
 dilutive
share options 

Basic 

Diluted

Basic 

Potentially
 dilutive
share options 

1,916
(942)
8,068

23.75
(11.68)
12.07

–
–
10

(0.03)
0.02
(0.01)

1,916
(942)
8,078

23.72
(11.66)
12.06 

1,532
(1,504)
8,033

19.07
(18.72)
0.35

–
–
4

(0.01)
0.01
–

Diluted

1,532
(1,504)
8,037

19.06
(18.71)
0.35 

There have been no transactions involving ordinary shares between the reporting date and the date of approval of these financial statements which would 
significantly change the earnings per share calculations shown above.

Reconciliation of non-GAAP underlying diluted earnings per share

Profit from continuing operations (Diluted)
Adjustments for:

IAS 32 and IAS 39 ‘Financial Instruments’ – fair value remeasurements
IAS 19 ‘Employee Benefits’ – non-cash Group Income Statement charge for pensions
IAS 17 ‘Leases’ – impact of annual uplifts in rent and rent-free periods
 IFRS 3 ‘Business Combinations’ – intangible asset amortisation charges and  
costs arising from acquisitions
IFRIC 13 ‘Customer Loyalty Programmes’ – fair value of awards

Restructuring and other one-off costs:

Impairment of PPE and onerous lease provisions included within costs of sales
Impairment of PPE and onerous lease provisions included within profits/losses arising on property-related items
Impairment of goodwill
Provision for customer redress
Other restructuring and one-off items

Other profits/losses arising on property-related items
Tax effect of adjustments at the effective rate of tax** (2014: 15.4%, 2013: 17.4%)
Underlying earnings from continuing operations
*  Restated for amendments to IAS 19 as explained in Note 1. 
**  The effective tax rate of 15.4% (2013: 17.4%) excludes certain permanent differences on which tax relief is not available.

(122)
2,589

2014

2013 (restated*)

£m pence/share
23.72

1,916

£m pence/share
19.06

1,532

11
117
22

14
10

734
(98)
–
63
102
(180)

0.14
1.45
0.27

0.17
0.12

9.09
(1.21)
–
0.78
1.26
(2.23)

(1.51)
32.05

15
69
17

19
28

161
709
495
115
14
(419)

(43)
2,712

0.19
0.86
0.21

0.24
0.35

2.00
8.82
6.16
1.43
0.17
(5.21)

(0.54)
33.74

88 

Tesco PLC Annual Report and Financial Statements 2014 

Note 10 Goodwill and other intangible assets

Internally
generated
development
costs
£m

Pharmacy
and
software
licences
£m

Other
intangible
assets
£m

Goodwill
£m

Cost
At 23 February 2013
Foreign currency translation
Additions
Reclassification
Disposals
Transfer to disposal group classified as held for sale
At 22 February 2014

Accumulated amortisation and impairment losses
At 23 February 2013
Foreign currency translation
Amortisation for the year
Reclassification
Disposals
Transfer to disposal group classified as held for sale
At 22 February 2014

Net carrying value
At 22 February 2014
At 23 February 2013

Cost
At 25 February 2012
Foreign currency translation
Additions
Reclassification
Disposals
Transfer to disposal group classified as held for sale
At 23 February 2013

Accumulated amortisation and impairment losses
At 25 February 2012
Foreign currency translation
Amortisation for the year
Impairment losses for the year
At 23 February 2013

366 
(12)
23
2
(1)
–
378

261 
(3)
19
2
(1)

–
278

3,580
(111)
60
–
–
(649)
2,880

626 
(32)
–
–
–

–
594

Total
£m

6,605
(169)
444
9
(81)
(700)
6,108

2,243
(62)
231
2
(79)

(22)
2,313

1,655
(6)
245
(31)
(70)
–
1,793

916
(3)
111
(48)
(68)

–
908

885
739

1,004
(40)
116
38
(10)
(51)
1,057

440
(24)
101
48
(10)

(22)
533

524
564

100
 105 

2,286
2,954

3,795
4,362

Internally
generated
development
costs
£m

Pharmacy
and
software
licences
£m

Other
intangible
assets
£m

Goodwill
£m

1,454
1
161
40
(1)
–
1,655

777
2
121
16
916

726
16
170
97
(5)
–
1,004

340 
9
91
–
440

347 
4
13
2
–
–
366

241 
–
20
–
261

3,548 
84
28
–
–
(80)
3,580

99 
32
–
495
626

Total
£m

6,075 
105
372
139
(6)
(80)
6,605

1,457 
43
232
511
2,243

Tesco PLC Annual Report and Financial Statements 2014 

89

Other informationGovernanceFinancial statementsStrategic report 
Notes to the Group financial statements continued

Note 10 Goodwill and other intangible assets continued

Impairment of goodwill
Goodwill arising on business combinations is not amortised but is reviewed for impairment on an annual basis, or more frequently if there are indications  
that goodwill may be impaired. Goodwill acquired in a business combination is allocated to groups of cash-generating units according to the level at which 
management monitor that goodwill.

Recoverable amounts for cash-generating units are based on the higher of value in use and fair value less costs of disposal. Value in use is calculated from  
cash flow projections for generally five years using data from the Group’s latest internal forecasts, the results of which are reviewed by the Board. The key 
assumptions for the value in use calculations are those regarding discount rates, growth rates and expected changes in margins. Management estimates 
discount rates using pre-tax rates that reflect the current market assessment of the time value of money and the risks specific to the cash-generating units. 
Changes in selling prices and direct costs are based on past experience and expectations of future changes in the market. Given the current economic climate, 
a sensitivity analysis has been performed in assessing the recoverable amounts of goodwill. 

The pre-tax discount rates used to calculate value in use range from 7% to 11% (2013: 7% to 12%). On a post-tax basis, the discount rates range from 6% to 
8% (2013: 5% to 10%). These discount rates are derived from the Group’s post-tax weighted average cost of capital, as adjusted for the specific risks relating 
to each cash-generating unit. 

The forecasts are extrapolated beyond five years based on estimated long-term average growth rates of 2% to 3% (2013: 1% to 5%).

In February 2014 and 2013 impairment reviews were performed by comparing the carrying value of goodwill with the recoverable amount of the  
cash-generating units to which goodwill has been allocated. 

In July 2013, the European Commission announced proposed changes in regulation which would cap interchange fees on consumer debit and credit cards. 
The regulation remains draft and it is unclear at this stage how and when the proposals will be finally implemented. Transaction fees on credit cards represent 
a significant part of the Tesco Bank business so any limitation on interchange fees may have an impact of the carrying value of goodwill for that business. 
Given the uncertainty surrounding the outcome of the proposed changes, no change to existing interchange fees has been considered as part of goodwill 
impairment testing for Tesco Bank at this time. 

The components of goodwill are as follows:

China
Malaysia
South Korea
Tesco Bank
Thailand
UK
Other

2014
£m
–
74
475
802
145
761
29
2,286

2013
£m
649
86
514
802
173
701
29
2,954

Goodwill related to China was reclassified to discontinued operations in the year. 

An impairment charge of £495m was made in the previous year and arose from Poland (£373m), Czech Republic (£69m) and Turkey (£53m) CGUs  
(all included in the European operating segment). This loss was recognised in the cost of sales line in the Group Income Statement. 

90 

Tesco PLC Annual Report and Financial Statements 2014 

Note 11 Property, plant and equipment

Cost
At 23 February 2013
Foreign currency translation
Additions(b)
Acquired through business combinations 
Reclassification
Classified as held for sale
Disposals
Transfer to disposal group classified as held for sale
At 22 February 2014

Accumulated depreciation and impairment losses
At 23 February 2013
Foreign currency translation
Charge for the year
Impairment losses
Reversal of impairment losses
Reclassification
Classified as held for sale
Disposals
Transfer to disposal group classified as held for sale
At 22 February 2014

Net carrying value(c)(d)
At 22 February 2014
At 23 February 2013

Land and
buildings
£m

Other(a)
£m

Total
£m

24,817
(1,131)
1,492
9
1,875
(115)
(239)
(974)
25,734

3,961
(220)
466
814
(152)
282
2
(139)
(29)
4,985

10,826
(470)
955
6
27
–
(133)
(360)
10,851

6,812
(267)
846
52
(2)
1
 1
(117)
(216)
7,110

35,643
(1,601)
2,447
15
1,902
(115)
(372)
(1,334)
36,585

10,773
(487)
1,312
866
(154)
283
3
(256)
(245)
12,095

20,749
20,856

3,741
4,014

24,490
24,870

Construction in progress included above(e)
At 22 February 2014
At 23 February 2013
(a)  Other assets consist of plant, equipment, fixtures and fittings and motor vehicles.
(b)   Includes £79m (2013: £123m) in respect of interest capitalised, principally relating to land and building assets. The capitalisation rate used to determine the amount of finance 

612
584

80
96

692
680

costs capitalised during the financial year was 5.1% (2013: 5.1%). Interest capitalised is deducted in determining taxable profit in the financial year in which it is incurred.

(c)  Net carrying value includes:

(i) Capitalised interest of £1,208m (2013: £1,195m).
(ii) Assets held under finance leases which are analysed below:

Cost
Accumulated depreciation and impairment losses
Net carrying value

These assets are pledged as security for the finance lease liabilities.

(d)  The net carrying value of land and buildings comprises:

Freehold
Long leasehold – 50 years or more
Short leasehold – less than 50 years
Net carrying value
(e)  Construction in progress does not include land.

Land and
buildings
£m
151
(50)
101

2014

Other(a)
£m
558
(529)
29

Land and
buildings
£m
157
(45)
112

2014
£m
18,430
662
1,657
20,749

2013

Other(a)
£m
559
(514)
45

2013
£m
18,335
623
1,898
20,856

The Group continually assesses the level of services provided to tenants of its managed investment properties in accordance with IAS 40. During the year,  
it was concluded that the level of services provided to tenants of some malls operated by the Group are no longer considered insignificant and as a result a 
number of malls with a net book value of £1,623m have been reclassified from investment property to property, plant and equipment.

Tesco PLC Annual Report and Financial Statements 2014 

91

Other informationGovernanceFinancial statementsStrategic report 
 
 
 
 
Notes to the Group financial statements continued

Note 11 Property, plant and equipment continued

Cost
At 25 February 2012
Foreign currency translation
Additions(b)
Acquired through business combinations 
Reclassification
Classified as held for sale
Disposals
Transfer to disposal group classified as held for sale
At 23 February 2013

Accumulated depreciation and impairment losses
At 25 February 2012
Foreign currency translation
Charge for the year
Impairment losses
Reversal of impairment losses
Reclassification
Classified as held for sale
Disposals
Transfer to disposal group classified as held for sale
At 23 February 2013
(a) (b) See page 91 for footnotes.

Land and
buildings
£m

Other(a)
£m

Total
£m

 24,761 
428
1,525
4
(104)
(125)
(734)
(938)
 24,817 

 2,951 
64
448
831
(5)
(6)
(25)
(182)
(115)
3,961

10,011 
173
1,109
1
(28)
(4)
(116)
(320)
 10,826 

 6,111
98
874
2
(1)
1
(2)
(98)
(173)
6,812

 34,772 
601
2,634
5
(132)
(129)
(850)
(1,258)
 35,643 

 9,062 
162
1,322
833
(6)
(5)
(27)
(280)
(288)
10,773

Impairment of property, plant and equipment
The Group has determined that for the purposes of impairment testing, each store is a cash-generating unit. Cash-generating units are tested for impairment 
if there are indicators of impairment at the balance sheet date. Recoverable amounts for cash-generating units are based mainly on value in use but with 
some based on fair value less costs of disposal where it gives a higher value.

Value in use is generally calculated from cash flow projections for five years using data from the Group’s latest internal forecasts, the results of which are reviewed 
by the Board. The forecasts are extrapolated beyond five years based on estimated long-term growth rates of 2% to 5% (2013: 1% to 5%).

The key assumptions for the value in use calculations are those regarding discount rates, growth rates and expected changes in margins. Management estimates 
discount rates using pre-tax rates that reflect the current market assessment of the time value of money and the risks specific to the cash-generating units. 
Changes in selling prices and direct costs are based on past experience and expectations of future changes in the market. The pre-tax discount rates used to 
calculate value in use range from 6% to 14% (2013: 7% to 12%) depending on the specific conditions in which each store operates. On a post-tax basis, the 
discount rates range from 6% to 12% (2013: 5% to 10%). These discount rates are derived from the Group’s post-tax weighted average cost of capital, as 
adjusted for the specific risks relating to each geographical region.

Fair value less costs of disposal for stores was determined by reference to rental yields and residual valuation approach.

The impairment losses relate to stores, distribution centres and work-in-progress sites. In the financial year, an impairment loss of £707m was recognised 
relating to properties in Europe following a reduction in profits which resulted in a revision of long-term forecast cash flows. This was classified as ‘Impairment 
of PPE and onerous lease provisions included within cost of sale’ within non-GAAP measures in the Group Income Statement.

The reversal of previous impairment losses arose due to changes in fair value less costs of disposal or in forecasts resulting in increased value in use.

92 

Tesco PLC Annual Report and Financial Statements 2014 

Note 12 Investment property

Cost
At beginning of the year
Foreign currency translation
Additions
Reclassification
Classified as held for sale
Disposals
At end of the year

Accumulated depreciation and impairment losses
At beginning of the year
Foreign currency translation
Charge for the year
Net impairment charge
Reclassification
Classified as held for sale
Disposals
At end of the year
Net carrying value at end of the year

2014
£m

2,317
(114)
–
(1,908)
–
(12)
283

316
(17)
19
21
(282)
–
(1)
56
227

2013
£m

2,253
80
43
7
(21)
(45)
2,317

262
10
36
1
18
(6)
(5)
316
2,001

The estimated fair value of the Group’s investment property is £0.4bn (2013: £4.1bn). This fair value has been determined by applying an appropriate rental 
yield to the rentals earned by the investment property. A valuation has not been performed by an independent valuer. 

The Group continually assesses the level of services provided to tenants of its managed investment properties in accordance with IAS 40. During the year,  
it was concluded that the level of services provided to tenants of some malls operated by the Group are no longer considered insignificant and as a result a 
number of malls with a net book value of £1,623m have been reclassified from investment property to property, plant and equipment.

Note 13 Group entities 

Principal subsidiaries
The Group consolidates its subsidiary undertakings and its principal subsidiaries are:

Tesco Stores Limited
One Stop Stores Limited*
Tesco Ireland Limited
Tesco-Global Stores Privately Held Co. Limited 
Tesco Polska Sp. z o.o.
Tesco Stores CR a.s.
Tesco Stores SR a.s.
Tesco Kipa Kitle Pazarlama Ticaret ve Gida Sanayi A S
Homeplus Co., Limited
Homeplus Tesco Co., Limited
Ek-Chai Distribution System Co. Limited
Tesco Stores (Malaysia) Sdn Bhn
Tesco Holdings (China) Co. Limited
Dobbies Garden Centres Limited
Fresh & Easy Neighborhood Market Inc.
Tesco Personal Finance Group Limited* (trading as Tesco Bank)
Tesco Distribution Limited
Tesco Property Holdings Limited
Tesco International Sourcing Limited
dunnhumby Limited
Tesco Corporate Treasury Services PLC*
Tesco Food Sourcing Limited
Blinkbox Entertainment Limited
Tesco International Internet Retailing Limited*
Tesco Hindustan Wholesaling Private Limited
*  Held by the Parent Company (all other principal subsidiaries are held by an intermediate subsidiary).
**  The Group has 86% of voting rights and 39% of issued ordinary share capital in Ek-Chai Distribution System Co. Limited.

Business activity
Retail
Retail
Retail
Retail
Retail
Retail 
Retail
Retail
Retail
Retail
Retail
Retail
Retail
Retail
Retail
Financial Services
Distribution
Property
Purchasing
Data Analysis
Financial Services
Sourcing
Online Entertainment
Retail
Retail

Share of issued
ordinary share capital
and voting rights
 100%
100% 
 100% 
 100% 
 100% 
100% 
100%
95%
100%
100%
86%**
70%
100%
100%
100%
100%
100%
100%
100%
100%
100%
100%
100%
100%
100%

Country of incorporation
and principal country
of operation
England
England
Republic of Ireland
Hungary
Poland
Czech Republic
Slovakia
Turkey
South Korea
South Korea
Thailand
Malaysia
People’s Republic of China
Scotland
United States of America
Scotland
England
England
Hong Kong
England
England
England
England
England
Republic of India

The accounting period ends of the subsidiary undertakings consolidated in these financial statements are on or around 22 February 2014. A list of the Group’s 
subsidiary undertakings will be annexed to the next Annual Return filed at Companies House. There are no significant restrictions on the ability of subsidiary 
undertakings to transfer funds to the parent, other than those imposed by the Companies Act 2006.

Tesco PLC Annual Report and Financial Statements 2014 

93

Other informationGovernanceFinancial statementsStrategic report 
Notes to the Group financial statements continued

Note 13 Group entities continued

Interests in joint ventures and associates
The Group uses the equity method of accounting for its interest in joint ventures and associates. The following table shows the aggregate movement in the 
Group’s investment in joint ventures and associates:

At 25 February 2012
Additions*
Disposals
Foreign currency translation
Share of post-tax profits of joint ventures and associates
Other movements in reserves
Dividends received from joint ventures and associates
At 23 February 2013
Additions* 
Disposals
Foreign currency translation
Share of post-tax profits of joint ventures and associates
Other movements in reserves
Dividends received from joint ventures and associates
Transferred to assets of the disposal group
At 22 February 2014
*  Additions are net of £5m deferred gain (2013: £60m). 

Joint ventures
£m
 308 
11
(1)
10
35
–
(46)
317
3
(1)
(2)
43
–
(39)
(178)
143

Associates
£m
 115 
87
(43)
6
19
(2)
(5)
 177 
2
–
(16)
8
(5)
(23)
–
143

Total
£m
 423 
98
(44)
16
54
(2)
(51)
494
5
(1)
(18)
51
(5)
(62)
(178)
286

Share of post-tax profits of joint ventures includes £(9)m loss attributable to joint venture operations of China for the first six months of the year ended  
22 February 2014.

Significant joint ventures 
The Group’s principal joint ventures are:

Shopping Centres Limited*
BLT Properties Limited*
The Tesco British Land Property Partnership
The Tesco Red Limited Partnership
The Tesco Aqua Limited Partnership
The Tesco Coral Limited Partnership
The Tesco Blue Limited Partnership
The Tesco Atrato Limited Partnership
The Tesco Property Limited Partnership
The Tesco Passaic Limited Partnership
The Tesco Navona Limited Partnership
The Tesco Sarum Limited Partnership
The Tesco Dorney Limited Partnership
Tesco BL Properties Limited
Fushun Splendor Real Estate Development Co. Limited
Anshan Tesco Real Estate Development Co. Limited
Tesco Qinhuangdo Property Limited
Xiamen Hete Property Co. Limited
Tesco Fujian Property Limited
Tesco Shenyang Property Co. Limited
Tesco (Fujian) Industry Limited
Tesco Nanjing Zhongshan Real Estate Development Co. Limited
Arena (Jersey) Management Limited
The Tesco Property (No. 2) Limited Partnership
Tesco Mobile Limited
*  Held by the Parent Company (all other significant joint ventures are held by an intermediate subsidiary).

Business activity
Property Investment
Property Investment
Property Investment
Property Investment
Property Investment
Property Investment
Property Investment
Property Investment
Property Investment
Property Investment
Property Investment
Property Investment
Property Investment
Property Investment
Property Investment
Property Investment
Property Investment
Property Investment
Property Investment
Property Investment
Property Investment
Property Investment
Property Investment
Property Investment
Telecommunications

Share of issued share 
capital, loan capital and
debt securities
50%
50%
50%
50%
50%
50%
50%
50%
50% 
50% 
50% 
50% 
50% 
50% 
50%
50%
50%
50%
50%
50%
50%
50%
50%
50% 
50%

Country of incorporation 
and principal country 
of operation
England
England
England
England
England
England
England
England
England
England
England
England
England
England
People’s Republic of China
People’s Republic of China
People’s Republic of China
People’s Republic of China
People’s Republic of China
People’s Republic of China
People’s Republic of China
People’s Republic of China
Jersey
Jersey
England

The accounting period end dates of the joint ventures consolidated in these financial statements range from 31 December 2013 to 28 February 2014. 

The accounting period end dates differ from those of the Group for commercial reasons and depend upon the requirements of the joint venture partner as 
well as those of the Group. 

There are no significant restrictions on the ability of joint ventures to transfer funds to the parent, other than those imposed by the Companies Act 2006.

94 

Tesco PLC Annual Report and Financial Statements 2014 

 
Note 13 Group entities continued

The share of the assets, liabilities, revenue and profit of the Group’s joint ventures, which are included in the Group financial statements, are as follows:

Non-current assets
Current assets
Current liabilities
Non-current liabilities
Net assets
Cumulative unrecognised losses
Interests in joint ventures
Revenue
Profit for the year

Associates 
The Group’s principal associates are:

2014
£m
3,158
396
(377)
(3,205)
(28)
171
143
599
52

2013
£m
3,391
821
(2,233)
(1,837)
142
175
317
551
35

Tesco Underwriting Limited*
Tesco Lotus Retail Growth Freehold and Leasehold Property Fund*
*  Held by an intermediate subsidiary.

Business activity
Insurance
Property Investment

Share of issued share  
capital, loan capital  
and debt securities
49.9%
25%

Country of incorporation 
and principal country 
 of operation
England
Thailand

The share of the assets, liabilities, revenue and profit of the Group’s associates, which are included in the Group financial statements, are as follows:

Assets
Liabilities
Interests in associates
Revenue
Profit for the year

2014
£m
456
(313)
143
237
8

2013
£m
574
(397)
177
2,370
19

The accounting period end dates of the associates consolidated in these financial statements range from 31 December 2013 to 28 February 2014.  

The accounting period end dates of the associates are different from those of the Group as they depend upon the requirements of the parent companies of 
those entities.

There are no significant restrictions on the ability of associated undertakings to transfer funds to the parent, other than those imposed by the Companies Act 2006.

Note 14 Other investments 

Loan receivable
Available-for-sale financial assets

Available-for-sale financial assets mainly comprise investments in bonds with varied maturities of which £167m (2013: £57m) is current.

Note 15 Inventories

Goods held for resale
Development properties

2014
£m
69
946
1,015

2014
£m
3,467
109
3,576

2013
£m
–
818
818

2013
£m
3,643
101
3,744

Tesco PLC Annual Report and Financial Statements 2014 

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Notes to the Group financial statements continued

Note 16 Trade and other receivables

Prepayments and accrued income
Other receivables
Amounts owed by joint ventures and associates (Note 28)

Included within trade and other receivables are the following amounts receivable after more than one year:

Prepayments and accrued income
Other receivables
Amounts owed by joint ventures and associates

2014
£m
388
1,528
274
2,190

2014
£m
19
432
195
646

2013
£m
417
1,636
472
2,525

2013
£m
22
472
335
829

Trade and other receivables are generally non interest-bearing. Credit terms vary by country and the nature of the debt, ranging from seven to sixty days. 

As at 22 February 2014, trade and other receivables of £37m (2013: £33m) were past due and impaired. The amount of the provision was £46m  
(2013: £51m). The ageing analysis of these receivables is as follows:

Up to three months past due
Three to six months past due
Over six months past due

2014
£m
4
2
31
37

As at 22 February 2014, trade and other receivables of £155m (2013: £153m) were past due but not impaired. The ageing analysis of these receivables is  
as follows:

Up to three months past due
Three to six months past due
Over six months past due

No receivables have been renegotiated in the current or prior financial years.

Note 17 Loans and advances to customers

Tesco Bank has loans and advances to customers.

Non-current
Current

The maturity of these loans and advances is as follows:

At 22 February 2014
Repayable on demand or at short notice
Within three months
Greater than three months but less than one year
Greater than one year but less than five years
After five years

Provision for impairment of loans and advances

2014
£m
124
15
16
155

2014
£m
3,210
3,705
6,915

2014
£m
3
3,641
166
1,955
1,307
7,072
(157)
6,915

2013
£m
6
3
24
33

2013
£m
107
15
31
153

2013
£m
2,465
3,094
5,559

2013
£m
3
3,019
175
1,803
731
5,731
(172)
5,559

At 22 February 2014, £2.4bn of the credit card portfolio had its legal interest assigned to a special purpose entity for use as collateral in securitisation 
transactions (2013: £1.2bn). Included within the unsecured lending balance is £0.8bn (2013: £1.3bn) that has been prepositioned with the Bank of England for 
the purposes of contingent liquidity via the discount window facility and consequently is eligible for future participation in the Funding for Lending Scheme.

96 

Tesco PLC Annual Report and Financial Statements 2014 

Note 17 Loans and advances to customers continued

Provision for impairment of loans and advances

At 25 February 2012
Increase in allowance, net of recoveries, charged to the Income Statement
Amounts written off
Unwind of discount
At 23 February 2013
Increase in allowance, net of recoveries, charged to the Income Statement
Amounts written off
Unwind of discount
At 22 February 2014

Note 18 Cash and cash equivalents

Cash at bank and in hand
Short-term deposits
Certificates of deposit

Cash of £1,016m (2013: £522m) held on money market funds is classed as short-term investments.

Note 19 Trade and other payables

Trade payables
Other taxation and social security
Other payables
Amounts payable to joint ventures and associates (Note 28)
Accruals and deferred income

Included in other payables are amounts of £154m (2013: £262m) which are non-current.

£m
 (185)
(73)
83
3
 (172)
(55)
66
4
(157)

2013
£m
2,309
63
140
2,512

2013
£m
6,036
440
2,750
33
1,835
11,094

2014
£m
2,261
245
–
2,506

2014
£m
5,831
399
2,800
22
1,543
10,595

Tesco PLC Annual Report and Financial Statements 2014 

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Notes to the Group financial statements continued

Note 20 Borrowings

Current

Bank loans and overdrafts
Loans from joint ventures (Note 28)
5% MTN
2% USD Bond
Other MTNs
Finance leases (Note 34)

Non-current

5% MTN
2% USD Bond
5.125% MTN
4% RPI MTN*
5.875% MTN
2.7% USD Bond
1.250% MTN
5.5% USD Bond
5.2% Tesco Bank Retail Bond
3.375% MTN
5.5% MTN
1% RPI Tesco Bank Retail Bond**
2.125% MTN
5% Tesco Bank Retail Bond
6.125% MTN
5% MTN
3.322% LPI MTN†
6% MTN
5.5% MTN
1.982% RPI MTN±
6.15% USD Bond
4.875% MTN
5.125% MTN
5.2% MTN
Other MTNs
Other loans
Finance leases (Note 34)

Par value
– 
– 
£600m
$500m
– 
– 

Par value
£600m
$500m
€600m
£299m
€1,039m
$500m
€500m
$850m
£125m
€750m
£350m
£60m
€500m
£200m
£900m
£389m
£307m
£200m
£200m
£254m
$1,150m
£173m
€600m
£279m
–
–
–

Maturity
year
–
–
2014
2014
–
–

Maturity
year
2014
2014
2015
2016
2016
2017
2017
2017
2018
2018
2019
2019
2020
2020
2022
2023
2025
2029
2033
2036
2037
2042
2047
2057
–
–
–

2014
£m
830
16
628
300
130
6
1,910

2014
£m
–
–
528
304
1,011
299
411
595
139
620
352
60
411
197
948
401
310
242
241
256
792
174
605
274
–
18
115
9,303

2013
£m
730
16
–
–
14
6
766

2013
£m
642
328
566
295
1,071
328
–
674
141
653
352
60
–
206
948
404
299
255
251
248
911
174
641
274
146
79
122
10,068

*  The 4% RPI MTN is redeemable at par, including indexation for increases in the Retail Price Index (‘RPI’) over the life of the MTN.
**  The 1% RPI Tesco Bank Retail Bond is redeemable at par, including indexation for increases in the RPI over the life of the Bond.
† 

 The 3.322% Limited Price Inflation (‘LPI’) MTN is redeemable at par, including indexation for increases in the RPI over the life of the MTN. The maximum indexation of the 
principal in any one year is 5%, with a minimum of 0%.

±  The 1.982% RPI MTN is redeemable at par, including indexation for increases in the RPI over the life of the MTN.

Borrowing facilities
The Group has the following undrawn committed facilities available at 22 February 2014, in respect of which all conditions precedent had been met as at  
that date:

Expiring between one and two years
Expiring in more than two years

All facilities incur commitment fees at market rates and would provide funding at floating rates.

2014
£m
125
2,600
2,725

2013
£m
1,600
1,225
2,825

98 

Tesco PLC Annual Report and Financial Statements 2014 

Note 21 Financial instruments 

Derivatives are used to hedge exposure to market risks and those that are held as hedging instruments are formally designated as hedges as defined in IAS 
39. Derivatives may qualify as hedges for accounting purposes and the Group’s hedging policies are further described below. 

Net finance cost of £22m (2013: £19m) resulted from hedge ineffectiveness.

Fair value hedges
The Group maintains interest rate and cross currency swap contracts as fair value hedges of the interest rate and currency risk on fixed rate debt issued  
by the Group. Changes in the fair value of derivatives that are designated and qualify as fair value hedges are recorded in the Group Income Statement,  
together with any changes in the fair value of the hedged asset or liability that are attributable to the hedged risk. The gain or loss on the hedging instrument 
and hedged item is recognised in the Group Income Statement within finance income or costs. If the hedge no longer meets the criteria for hedge accounting, 
the adjustment to the carrying value of the hedged item is amortised to the Group Income Statement.

A loss of £311m on hedging instruments was recognised during the year, offset by a gain of £282m on hedged items (2013: a gain of £52m on hedging 
instruments was offset by a loss of £65m on hedged items).

Cash flow hedges
The Group uses forward contracts to hedge the foreign currency cost of future purchases of goods for resale, where those purchases are denominated in a 
currency other than the functional currency of the purchasing company. Where these contracts qualify for hedge accounting, fair value gains and losses are 
deferred in equity. These hedging instruments are primarily used to hedge purchases in Euros and US Dollars. The cash flows hedged will occur  
and will affect the Group Income Statement within one year of the balance sheet date. 

The Group also uses index-linked swaps to hedge cash flows on index linked debt, interest rate swaps to hedge interest cash flows on debt and cross currency 
swaps to hedge cash flows on fixed rate debt denominated in foreign currencies.

Net investment hedges 
The Group uses currency denominated borrowings and currency swaps to hedge the exposure of a portion of its net investment in overseas operations 
against changes in value due to changes in foreign exchange rates. A net finance income of £7m (2013: a net finance cost of £6m) was recorded resulting 
from net investment hedging ineffectiveness. 

Gains and losses accumulated in equity are recycled to the Group Income Statement on disposal of overseas operations.

Financial instruments not qualifying for hedge accounting
The Group’s policy does not permit use of derivatives for trading purposes. However, some derivatives do not qualify for hedge accounting, or are specifically 
not designated as a hedge where gains and losses on the hedging instrument and the hedged item naturally offset in the Group Income Statement.

These instruments include cross currency interest rate swaps, index linked swaps and forward foreign currency contracts. Changes in the fair value of any 
derivative instruments that do not qualify for hedge accounting are recognised immediately in the Group Income Statement within finance income or costs. 

The fair values of derivative financial instruments have been disclosed in the Group Balance Sheet as follows:

Current
Non-current

Asset
£m
80
1,496
1,576

2014

Liability
£m
(99)
(770)
(869)

Asset
£m
58
1,965
2,023

2013

Liability
£m
(121)
(759)
(880)

Tesco PLC Annual Report and Financial Statements 2014 

99

Other informationGovernanceFinancial statementsStrategic report 
Notes to the Group financial statements continued

Note 21 Financial instruments continued

The fair value and notional amounts of derivatives analysed by hedge type are as follows:

Fair value hedges
Interest rate swaps and similar instruments
Cross currency swaps
Cash flow hedges
Interest rate swaps and similar instruments
Cross currency swaps
Index-linked swaps
Forward foreign currency contracts
Cash flow hedges and net investment hedges
Cross currency swaps
Derivatives not in a formal hedge relationship
Interest rate swaps and similar instruments
Cross currency swaps
Index-linked swaps
Forward foreign currency contracts
Total

Fair value
£m

71
583

2
139
90
10

10

13
8
614
36
1,576

Asset

Notional
£m

2,057
2,055

99
287
920
739

308

2,079
128
3,619
1,035
13,326

2014

Liability

Notional
£m

1,492
551

400
1,605
–
2,123

Fair value
£m

(42)
(25)

(110)
(115)
–
(62)

–

–

–
–
(515)
–
(869)

595
–
3,589
181
10,536

The carrying value and fair value of financial assets and liabilities are as follows:

Assets
Cash and cash equivalents
Loans and advances to customers – Tesco Bank
Short-term investments
Other investments
Joint venture and associates loan receivables (Note 28)
Other receivables
Derivative financial assets:

Interest rate swaps and similar instruments
Cross currency swaps
Index-linked swaps
Forward foreign currency contracts

Total financial assets

Liabilities
Short-term borrowings:

Amortised cost
Bonds in fair value hedge relationships

Long-term borrowings:

Amortised cost
Bonds in fair value hedge relationships

Finance leases (Note 34)
Customer deposits – Tesco Bank
Deposits by banks – Tesco Bank
Derivative and other financial liabilities:

Interest rate swaps and similar instruments
Cross currency swaps
Index-linked swaps
Forward foreign currency contracts

Total financial liabilities
Total 

100 

Tesco PLC Annual Report and Financial Statements 2014 

Fair value
£m

Asset

Notional
£m

Fair value
£m

2013

Liability

Notional
£m

125
890

5
237
80
43

–

–
2
627
14
2,023

Carrying
value
£m

2,506
6,915
1,016
1,015
255
1

86
740
704
46
13,284

(1,276)
(628)

(4,901)
(4,287)
(121)
(6,078)
(780)

(152)
(140)
(515)
(62)
(18,940)
(5,656)

1,601
2,749

60
642
833
1,138

–

–
49
3,604
397
11,073

2014

Fair
value
£m

2,506
6,845
1,016
1,015
257
1

86
740
704
46
13,216

(1,281)
(660)

(5,702)
(4,227)
(121)
(6,044)
(780)

(152)
(140)
(515)
(62)
(19,684)
(6,468)

(59)
(34)

(126)
(32)
–
(19)

(10)

–
(3)
(539)
(58)
(880)

Carrying
value
£m

2,512
5,559
522
818
459
17

130
1,129
707
57
11,910

(535)
(225)

(4,450)
(5,496)
(128)
(6,000)
(15)

(185)
(79)
(539)
(77)
(17,729)
(5,819)

1,924
249

480
531
–
697

325

–
89
3,589
1,121
9,005

2013

Fair
value
£m

2,512
5,581
522
818
459
17

130
1,129
707
57
11,932

(535)
(221)

(4,899)
(5,114)
(128)
(5,997)
(15)

(185)
(79)
(539)
(77)
(17,789)
(5,857)

Note 21 Financial instruments continued

The fair values of financial instruments and derivatives have been determined by reference to prices available from the markets on which the instruments are traded, 
where they are available. Where market prices are not available, the fair value has been calculated by discounting expected future cash flows at prevailing interest 
rates. The above tables exclude other receivables/payables, which have fair values equal to their carrying values.

Financial assets and liabilities by category
The accounting classifications of each class of financial assets and liabilities as at 22 February 2014 and 23 February 2013 are as follows:

At 22 February 2014
Cash and cash equivalents
Loans and advances to customers – Tesco Bank
Short-term investments
Other investments
Joint venture and associates loan receivables (Note 28)
Other receivables
Customer deposits – Tesco Bank
Deposits by banks – Tesco Bank
Short-term borrowings
Long-term borrowings
Finance leases (Note 34)
Derivative financial instruments:

Interest rate swaps and similar instruments
Cross currency swaps
Index-linked swaps
Forward foreign currency contracts

At 23 February 2013
Cash and cash equivalents
Loans and advances to customers – Tesco Bank
Short-term investments
Other investments
Joint venture and associates loan receivables (Note 28)
Other receivables
Customer deposits – Tesco Bank
Deposits by banks – Tesco Bank
Short-term borrowings
Long-term borrowings
Finance leases (Note 34)
Derivative financial instruments:

Interest rate swaps and similar instruments
Cross currency swaps
Index-linked swaps
Forward foreign currency contracts

Loans and
receivables/
other 
financial
liabilities
£m
2,506
6,915
1,016
69
255
1
(6,078)
(780)
(1,904)
(9,188)
(121)

Fair value
through
profit or loss
£m
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–

–
–
–
–
(7,309)

Loans and
receivables/
other 
financial
liabilities
£m
2,372
5,559
522
–
459
17
(6,000)
(15)
(760)
(9,946)
(128)

(66)
600
189
(16)
707

Fair value
through
profit or loss
£m
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–

Available-
for-sale
£m
–
–
–
946
–
–
–
–
–
–
–

–
–
–
–
946

Available-
for-sale
£m
140
–
–
818
–
–
–
–
–
–
–

–
–
–
–
958

–
–
–
–
(7,920)

(55)
1,050
168
(20)
1,143

Total
£m
2,506
6,915
1,016
1,015
255
1
(6,078)
(780)
(1,904)
(9,188)
(121)

(66)
600
189
(16)
(5,656)

Total
£m
2,512
5,559
522
818
459
17
(6,000)
(15)
(760)
(9,946)
(128)

(55)
1,050
168
(20)
(5,819)

Tesco PLC Annual Report and Financial Statements 2014 

101

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Notes to the Group financial statements continued

Note 21 Financial instruments continued

Fair value measurement
The following table presents the Group’s financial assets and liabilities that are measured at fair value at 22 February 2014, by level of fair value hierarchy:

•	 quoted prices (unadjusted) in active markets for identical assets or liabilities (Level 1);
•	  inputs other than quoted prices included within Level 1 that are observable for the asset or liability, either directly (that is, as prices) or indirectly (that is, 

derived from prices) (Level 2); and

•	 inputs for the asset or liability that are not based on observable market data (that is, unobservable inputs) (Level 3).

At 22 February 2014
Assets
Available-for-sale financial assets
Derivative financial instruments:

Interest rate swaps and similar instruments
Cross currency swaps
Index-linked swaps
Forward foreign currency contracts

Total assets

Liabilities
Derivative financial instruments:

Interest rate swaps and similar instruments
Cross currency swaps
Index-linked swaps
Forward foreign currency contracts

Total liabilities
Total

At 23 February 2013
Assets
Available-for-sale financial assets
Derivative financial instruments:

Interest rate swaps and similar instruments
Cross currency swaps
Index-linked swaps
Forward foreign currency contracts

Total assets

Liabilities
Derivative financial instruments:

Interest rate swaps and similar instruments
Cross currency swaps
Index-linked swaps
Forward foreign currency contracts

Total liabilities
Total

The following table presents the changes in Level 3 instruments for the year ending 22 February 2014: 

At beginning of the year
Gains/(losses) recognised in finance costs in the Group Income Statement
Gains/(losses) recognised in the Group Statement of Changes in Equity
Purchase of non-controlling interests
At end of the year

Level 1
£m

Level 2
£m

Level 3
£m

850

–
–
–
–
850

–
–
–
–
–
850

–

86
740
704
46
1,576

(152)
(140)
(515)
(62)
 (869)
707

96

–
–
–
–
96

–
–
–
–
–
96

Level 1
£m

Level 2
£m

Level 3
£m

808

–
–
–
–
808

–
–
–
–
–
808

150

130
1,129
707
57
2,173

(185)
(79)
(539)
(77)
(880)
1,293

–

–
–
–
–
–

–
–
–
–
–
–

2014
£m
–
–
–
96
96

Total
£m

946

86
740
704
46
2,522

(152)
(140)
(515)
(62)
(869)
1,653

Total
£m

958

130
1,129
707
57
2,981

(185)
(79)
(539)
(77)
(880)
2,101

2013
£m
(3)
–
–
3
–

During the financial year, £nil (2013: £431m) of Level 2 assets were transferred to Level 1 and there were no transfers into or out of Level 3 fair value 
measurements. 

In the second half of the year, the Group acquired a non-controlling interest in Lazada, an online retailer, for £96m.

102 

Tesco PLC Annual Report and Financial Statements 2014 

Note 21 Financial instruments continued

Offsetting of financial assets and liabilities
The following tables show those financial assets and liabilities subject to offsetting, enforceable master netting arrangements and similar agreements.

At 22 February 2014

Related amounts not set off 
in the Group Balance Sheet

Gross 
amounts of 
financial 
assets/
(liabilities) set 
off in the 
Group 
Balance Sheet
£m
(376)
–
(547)
(923)

Gross 
amounts of 
recognised 
financial 
assets/
(liabilities)
£m
2,882
1,576
2,737
7,195

Net amounts 
presented in 
the Group 
Balance 
Sheet
£m
2,506
1,576
2,190
6,272

Financial 
instruments
£m
–
(336)
–
(336)

Financial assets offset
Cash and cash equivalents
Derivative financial instruments
Trade and other receivables
Total
Financial liabilities offset
Bank loans and overdrafts
Repurchases, securities lending and similar agreements*
Derivative financial instruments
Trade payables
Total
*  Repurchases, securities lending and similar agreements are included within the Deposits by Banks balance of £780m in the Group Balance Sheet.

(830)
(765)
(869)
(10,595)
(13,059)

(1,206)
(765)
(869)
(11,142)
(13,982)

–
765
336
–
1,101

376
–
–
547
923

Collateral
£m
–
(6)
–
(6)

Net amount
£m
2,506
1,234
2,190
5,930

–
–
16
–
16

(830)
–
(517)
(10,595)
(11,942)

At 23 February 2013

Related amounts not set off 
in the Group Balance Sheet

Gross 
amounts of 
financial 
assets/
(liabilities) set 
off in the 
Group 
Balance Sheet
£m
(731)
–
(493)
(1,224)

Gross 
amounts of 
recognised 
financial 
assets/
(liabilities)
£m
3,243
2,023
3,018
8,284

Net amounts 
presented in 
the Group 
Balance 
Sheet
£m
2,512
2,023
2,525
7,060

Financial 
instruments
£m
–
(308)
–
(308)

Financial assets offset
Cash and cash equivalents
Derivative financial instruments
Trade and other receivables
Total
Financial liabilities offset
Bank loans and overdrafts
Repurchases, securities lending and similar agreements**
Derivative financial instruments
Trade payables
Total
**  Repurchases, securities lending and similar agreements are included within the Deposits by Banks balance of £15m in the Group Balance Sheet.

(1,461)
(5)
(880)
(11,587)
(13,933)

(730)
(5)
(880)
(11,094)
(12,709)

731
–
–
493
1,224

–
5
308
–
313

Collateral
£m
–
(2)
–
(2)

Net amount
£m
2,512
1,713
2,525
6,750

–
–
–
–
–

(730)
–
(572)
(11,094)
(12,396)

For the financial assets and liabilities subject to enforceable master netting arrangements above, each agreement between the Group and the counterparty 
allows for net settlement of the relevant financial assets and liabilities when both elect to settle on a net basis. In the absence of such an election, financial 
assets and liabilities will be settled on a gross basis, however each party to the master netting agreement or similar agreements will have the option to settle 
all such amounts on a net basis in the event of default of the other party.

Tesco PLC Annual Report and Financial Statements 2014 

103

Other informationGovernanceFinancial statementsStrategic report 
Notes to the Group financial statements continued

Note 22 Financial risk factors

The main financial risks faced by the Group relate to fluctuations in interest and foreign exchange rates, the risk of default by counterparties to financial 
transactions and the availability of funds to meet business needs. The management of these risks is set out below. 

Risk management is carried out by a central treasury department under policies approved by the Board of Directors. The Board provides written principles for 
risk management, as described in the Principal risks and uncertainties on pages 20 to 25.

Interest rate risk
Interest rate risk arises from long-term borrowings. Debt issued at variable rates as well as cash deposits and short-term investments exposes the Group to cash 
flow interest rate risk. Debt issued at fixed rates exposes the Group to fair value risk. The Group’s interest rate management policy is explained on page 25.

The Group has Retail Price Index (‘RPI’) debt where the principal is indexed to increases in the RPI. RPI debt is treated as floating rate debt. The Group also 
has Limited Price lnflation (‘LPI’) debt, where the principal is indexed to RPI, with an annual maximum increase of 5% and a minimum of 0%. LPI debt is 
treated as fixed rate debt.

For interest rate risk relating to Tesco Bank, refer to the separate section on Tesco Bank financial risk factors on page 107. 

During 2014 and 2013, net debt was managed using derivative instruments to hedge interest rate risk as follows:

Cash and cash equivalents
Loans and advances to customers – Tesco Bank
Short-term investments
Other investments
Joint venture and associate loan receivables (Note 28)
Other receivables
Finance leases (Note 34)
Bank and other borrowings
Customer deposits – Tesco Bank
Deposits by banks – Tesco Bank
Derivative effect:

Interest rate swaps
Cross currency swaps
Index-linked swaps

Total

Fixed
£m
–
3,440
–
855
163
1
(90)
(9,788)
(2,707)
(780)

(4,022)
2,418
(553)
(11,063)

Floating
£m
2,506
3,475
1,016
160
92
–
(31)
(1,304)
(3,371)
–

4,022
(2,418)
553
4,700

2014

Total
£m
2,506
6,915
1,016
1,015
255
1
(121)
(11,092)
(6,078)
(780)

–
–
–
(6,363)

Fixed
£m
140
2,739
–
707
–
–
(104)
(9,569)
(2,399)
(15)

(1,156)
2,436
(537)
(7,758)

Floating
£m
2,372
2,820
522
111
459
17
(24)
(1,137)
(3,601)
–

1,156
(2,436)
537
796

2013

Total
£m
2,512
5,559
522
818
459
17
(128)
(10,706)
(6,000)
(15)

–
–
–
(6,962)

Credit risk 
Credit risk arises from cash and cash equivalents, trade and other receivables, customer deposits, financial instruments and deposits with banks and  
financial institutions. The Group policy on credit risk is described on page 25.

The net counterparty exposure under derivative contracts is £1.2bn (2013: £1.7bn). The Group considers its maximum credit risk to be £13.3bn  
(2013: £11.9bn) being the Group’s total financial assets.

For credit risk relating to Tesco Bank, refer to the separate section on Tesco Bank financial risk factors on page 107.

Liquidity risk 
Liquidity risk is managed by short-term and long-term cash flow forecasts. In addition, the Group has committed facility agreements for £2.7bn (2013: 
£2.8bn), which mature between 2015 and 2018.

The Group has a European Medium Term Note programme of £15.0bn, of which £7.0bn was in issue at 22 February 2014 (2013: £6.2bn), plus a Euro  
Commercial Paper programme of £2.0bn, none of which was in issue at 22 February 2014 (2013: £0.1bn), and a US Commercial Paper programme of $4.0bn, 
£nil of which was in issue at 22 February 2014 (2013: £0.1bn). 

On 5 November 2013 the Group issued €1.0bn of long-term debt and on 27 January 2014 the Group repaid ¥31.5bn of long-term debt. 

For liquidity risk relating to Tesco Bank, refer to the separate section on Tesco Bank financial risk factors on page 107.

104 

Tesco PLC Annual Report and Financial Statements 2014 

 
Note 22 Financial risk factors continued

The following is an analysis of the undiscounted contractual cash flows payable under financial liabilities and derivatives. The potential cash outflow of  
£18.2bn is considered acceptable as it is offset by financial assets and trade receivables of £14.8bn (2013: £17.4bn offset by financial assets and trade 
receivables of £14.4bn).

The undiscounted cash flows will differ from both the carrying values and fair value. Floating rate interest is estimated using the prevailing rate  
at the balance sheet date. Cash flows in foreign currencies are translated using spot rates at the balance sheet date. For index-linked liabilities, inflation is 
estimated at 3% for the life of the liability.

At 22 February 2014
Non-derivative financial liabilities
Bank and other borrowings
Interest payments on borrowings
Customer deposits – Tesco Bank
Deposits by banks – Tesco Bank
Finance leases
Trade and other payables
Derivative and other financial liabilities
Net settled derivative contracts – receipts
Net settled derivative contracts – payments
Gross settled derivative contracts – receipts
Gross settled derivative contracts – payments
Total

At 23 February 2013
Non-derivative financial liabilities
Bank and other borrowings
Interest payments on borrowings
Customer deposits – Tesco Bank
Deposits by banks – Tesco Bank
Finance leases
Trade and other payables
Derivative and other financial liabilities
Net settled derivative contracts – receipts
Net settled derivative contracts – payments
Gross settled derivative contracts – receipts
Gross settled derivative contracts – payments
Total

Due
within
1 year
£m

(1,835)
(459)
(4,725)
(772)
(12)
(10,441)

76
(91)
4,768
(4,727)
(18,218)

Due
within
1 year
£m

(711)
(451)
(5,323)
(9)
(13)
(10,865)

63
(106)
3,610
(3,564)
(17,369)

Due
between
1 and 2
years
£m

Due
between
2 and 3
years
£m

Due
between
3 and 4
years
£m

Due
between
4 and 5
years
£m

(523)
(404)
(1,100)
(8)
(13)
(82)

29
(75)
713
(648)
(2,111)
Due
between
1 and 2
years
£m

(1,081)
(441)
(577)
(6)
(13)
(93)

62
(78)
1,588
(1,485)
(2,124)

(1,514)
(377)
(141)
–
(12)
(19)

68
(59)
1,323
(1,277)
(2,008)
Due
between
2 and 3
years
£m

(553)
(402)
(100)
–
(13)
(31)

27
(71)
157
(57)
(1,043)

(921)
(306)
(29)
–
(12)
(2)

22
(52)
1,758
(1,499)
(1,041)
Due
between
3 and 4
years
£m

(1,550)
(375)
–
–
(13)
(19)

71
(50)
1,057
(916)
(1,795)

(743)
(270)
(122)
–
(12)
(2)

44
(70)
39
(24)
(1,160)
Due
between
4 and 5
years
£m

(575)
(301)
–
–
(13)
(12)

20
(47)
1,369
(1,000)
(559)

Due
beyond
5 years
£m

(5,372)
(3,152)
–
–
(185)
(49)

538
(345)
1,493
(1,132)
(8,204)

Due
beyond
5 years
£m

(5,805)
(3,511)
–
–
(212)
(74)

608
(362)
1,008
(531)
(8,879)

Foreign exchange risk
The Group is exposed to foreign exchange risk principally via:

•	  Transactional exposure that arises from the cost of future purchases of goods for resale, where those purchases are denominated in a currency other than 
the functional currency of the purchasing company. Transactional exposures that could significantly impact the Group Income Statement are hedged. 
These exposures are hedged via forward foreign currency contracts which are designated as cash flow hedges. The notional and fair value of these 
contracts is shown in Note 21.

•	  Net investment exposure that arises from changes in the value of net investments denominated in currencies other than Pounds Sterling. The Group 

hedges a part of its investments in its international subsidiaries via foreign currency transactions and borrowings in matching currencies which are formally 
designated as net investment hedges.

•	  Loans to non-UK subsidiaries that are hedged via foreign currency transactions and borrowings in matching currencies. These are not formally designated 

as hedges as gains and losses on hedges and hedged loans will naturally offset.

Tesco PLC Annual Report and Financial Statements 2014 

105

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Notes to the Group financial statements continued

Note 22 Financial risk factors continued

The impact on Group financial statements from foreign currency volatility is shown in the sensitivity analysis below:

Sensitivity analysis
The analysis excludes the impact of movements in market variables on the carrying value of pension and other post-employment obligations and on the 
retranslation of overseas net assets as required by IAS 21 ‘The Effects of Changes in Foreign Exchange Rates’. However, it does include the foreign exchange 
sensitivity resulting from all local entity non-functional currency financial instruments.

The sensitivity analysis has been prepared on the basis that the amount of net debt, the ratio of fixed to floating interest rates of the debt and derivatives 
portfolio, and the proportion of financial instruments in foreign currencies are all constant and on the basis of the hedge designations in place at 22 February 
2014. It should be noted that the sensitivity analysis reflects the impact on income and equity due to all financial instruments held at the balance sheet date. 
It does not reflect any change in sales or costs that may result from changing interest or exchange rates.

The following assumptions were made in calculating the sensitivity analysis:

•	  the sensitivity of interest payable to movements in interest rates is calculated on net floating rate exposures on debt, deposits and derivative instruments 

with no sensitivity assumed for RPI-linked debt which has been swapped to fixed rates;

•	  changes in the carrying value of derivative financial instruments designated as fair value hedges from movements in interest rates or foreign exchange rates 

have an immaterial effect on the Group Income Statement and equity due to compensating adjustments in the carrying value of debt;

•	 changes in the carrying value of derivative financial instruments designated as net investment hedges from movements in foreign exchange rates are 

recorded directly in the Group Statement of Comprehensive Income;

•	  changes in the carrying value of derivative financial instruments not designated as hedging instruments only affect the Group Income Statement;
•	  all other changes in the carrying value of derivative financial instruments designated as hedging instruments are fully effective with no impact  

on the Group Income Statement; and 

•	  the floating leg of any swap or any floating rate debt is treated as not having any interest rate already set, therefore a change in interest rates affects a full 

12-month period for the interest payable portion of the sensitivity calculations.

Using the above assumptions, the following table shows the illustrative effect on the Group Income Statement and equity that would result, at the balance 
sheet date, from changes in UK interest rates and currency exchange rates that are reasonably possible for major currencies where there have recently been 
significant movements:

1% increase in GBP interest rates (2013: 1%)
15% appreciation of the Czech Koruna (2013: 5%)
5% appreciation of the Euro (2013: 5%)
10% appreciation of the South Korean Won (2013: 5%)
10% appreciation of the US Dollar (2013: 5%)
5% appreciation of the Polish Zloty (2013: Nil)
10% appreciation of the Hong Kong Dollar (2013: Nil) 
35% appreciation of the Turkish Lira (2013: Nil)

Income
gain/(loss)
£m
5
–
(1)
–
(4)
–
–
–

2014

Equity
gain/(loss)
£m
–
49
(24)
110
161
19
29
79

Income
gain/(loss)
£m
8
(1)
(12)
–
(13)
–
–
–

2013

Equity
gain/(loss)
£m
–
21
(43)
56
52
–
–
–

A decrease in interest rates and a depreciation of foreign currencies would have the opposite effect to the impact in the table above. 

The impact on the Group Statement of Comprehensive Income from changing exchange rates results from the revaluation of financial liabilities used as net 
investment hedges. The impact on the Group Statement of Comprehensive Income will largely be offset by the revaluation in equity of the hedged assets.

Capital risk
The Group’s objectives when managing capital (defined as net debt plus equity) are to safeguard the Group’s ability to continue as a going concern in order  
to provide returns to shareholders and benefits for other stakeholders, while maintaining a strong credit rating and headroom whilst optimising return to 
shareholders through an appropriate balance of debt and equity funding. The Group manages its capital structure and makes adjustments to it, in light of 
changes to economic conditions and the strategic objectives of the Group.

To maintain or adjust the capital structure, the Group may adjust the dividend payment to shareholders, buy back shares and cancel them, or issue new shares. 

The Group finances its operations by a combination of retained profits, disposals of property assets including sale and leaseback transactions, debt capital 
market issues, commercial paper, bank borrowings and leases to ensure continuity of funding. The policy for debt is to ensure a smooth debt maturity profile 
with the objective of ensuring continuity of funding. This policy continued during the financial year with bonds redeemed of £208m (2013: £1,285m) and 
£844m of new bonds issued (2013: £nil). The Group borrows centrally and locally, using a variety of capital market instruments and borrowing facilities to 
meet the Group’s business requirements of each local business. 

Refer to Note 30 for the value of the Group’s net debt (£6.6bn; 2013: £6.6bn), and the Group Statement of Changes in Equity for the value of the Group’s 
equity (£14.7bn; 2013: £16.7bn).

106 

Tesco PLC Annual Report and Financial Statements 2014 

Note 22 Financial risk factors continued

Tesco Bank
Interest rate risk
Interest rate risk arises where assets and liabilities in Tesco Bank’s banking activities have different repricing dates. Tesco Bank policy seeks to minimise  
the sensitivity of net interest income to changes in interest rates. Potential exposures to interest rate movements in the medium to long-term are measured 
and controlled through position and sensitivity limits. Short-term exposures are measured and controlled in terms of net interest income sensitivity over 
12 months to a 1% parallel movement in interest rates. Tesco Bank also use Economic Value Equity (‘EVE’) for risk management purposes with focus on the 
value of Tesco Bank in today’s interest rate environment and its sensitivity to changes in interest rates. Interest rate risk is managed using interest rate swaps 
as the main hedging instrument.

Liquidity risk 
Liquidity risk is the risk that Tesco Bank is unable to meet its payment obligations as they fall due. Liquidity risk is managed within Tesco Bank’s banking 
activities and adheres to the liquidity requirements set by the Prudential Regulation Authority (‘PRA’). Tesco Bank’s Board has set a defined liquidity risk 
policy and contingency funding which is prudent and in excess of the minimum requirements as set out by the PRA and by Tesco Bank. A diversified portfolio 
of high-quality liquid and marketable assets is maintained. Cash flow commitments and marketable asset holdings are measured and managed on a daily 
basis. Tesco Bank has sufficient liquidity to meet all foreseeable outflow requirements as they fall due and its liquidity risk is further mitigated by its well 
diversified retail deposit base and a pool of surplus cash resources that are invested in a range of marketable assets.

Credit risk
Credit risk is the potential that a bank borrower or counterparty will fail to meet its obligations in accordance with agreed terms. Credit risk principally arises 
from the Bank’s retail lending activities but also from the placement of surplus funds with other banks and money market funds, investments in transferable 
securities and interest rate and foreign exchange derivatives. In addition, credit risk arises from contractual arrangements with third parties where payments 
and commissions are due to the Bank for short periods of time.

Retail credit policy is managed through the credit risk policy framework with standards and limits defined at all stages of the customer lifecycle, including new 
account sanctioning, customer management and collections and recovery activity. Customer lending decisions are managed principally through the deployment 
of bespoke credit scorecard models and credit policy rules, which exclude specific areas of lending, and an affordability assessment which determines a 
customer’s ability to repay an outstanding credit amount. Wholesale credit risk is managed using a limit-based framework, with limits determined by 
counterparty credit worthiness, instrument type and remaining tenor. A limits framework is also in place for the management of third party credit exposures.

Ineffective management and controls over the emerging asset quality of the Group’s lending portfolios could expose the Group to unacceptable levels of bad 
debt. The Group’s asset quality is reflected through the level of its impairment by lending type. Asset quality profiles are regularly monitored and reported to 
the appropriate senior management team and risk committees. 

The table below presents an analysis of credit exposure by impairment status across the different exposure classes. The table predominantly relates to 
banking assets; the retail instalment lending applies to credit agreements in the insurance business. 

Credit quality of loans and advances

As at 22 February 2014
Past due and defaulted
Less than 90 days past due 
90–179 days past due 
180 days plus past due

Past due but not defaulted
0–29 days past due 
30–59 days past due 
60–119 days past due

Neither past due nor defaulted
Low risk* 
High risk**
Total
*  Low risk is defined as an asset with a probability of default of less than 10%.
**  High risk is defined as an asset with a probability of default of 10% or more.

Retail
unsecured
lending
£m

Retail 
mortgage
lending
£m

Retail
instalment
lending
£m

45
40
50

38
9
6

5,923
98
6,209

–
–
–

–
–
–

692
4
696

Total
£m

45
40
50

38
9
6

–
–
–

–
–
–

167
–
167

6,782
102
7,072

Tesco PLC Annual Report and Financial Statements 2014 

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Notes to the Group financial statements continued

Note 22 Financial risk factors continued

Credit quality of loans and advances

As at 23 February 2013
Past due and defaulted
Less than 90 days past due 
90–179 days past due 
180 days plus past due

Past due but not defaulted
0–29 days past due 
30–59 days past due 
60–119 days past due

Neither past due nor defaulted
Low risk* 
High risk**
Total
*  Low risk is defined as an asset with a probability of default of less than 10%.
**  High risk is defined as an asset with a probability of default of 10% or more.

Retail
unsecured
lending
£m

Retail 
mortgage
lending
£m

Retail
instalment
lending
£m

30
42
76

41
11
9

4,935
126
5,270

–
–
–

–
–
–

258
–
258

Total
£m

30
42
76

42
11
9

–
–
–

1
–
–

202
–
203

5,395
126
5,731

The credit risk exposure from off balance sheet items, mainly undrawn credit card facilities and mortgage offers, was £9.7bn (2013: £8.0bn).

Insurance risk
Tesco Bank is indirectly exposed to insurance risks through its ownership of 49.9% of Tesco Underwriting Limited (‘TU’), an authorised insurance company. 
Since late 2010 the majority of new business policies for home and motor insurance products sold by Tesco Bank have been underwritten by TU. The key 
insurance risks within TU relate to underwriting risk and specifically the potential for a major weather event to generate significant claims on home insurance 
or on motor insurance the cost of settling bodily injury claims. Exposure to this risk is actively managed within TU with close monitoring of performance 
metrics and the use of reinsurance to limit TU’s exposure above predetermined limits.

Note 23 Customer deposits and deposits by banks

Customer deposits
Deposits by banks

2014
£m
6,078
780
6,858

2013
£m
6,000
15
6,015

Included above is £1,366m (2013: £677m) non-current customer deposits and £8m (2013: £6m) non-current deposits by banks. 

Deposits by banks include liabilities of £765m (2013: £5m) secured on investment securities balances which have been sold under sale and repurchase agreements.

108 

Tesco PLC Annual Report and Financial Statements 2014 

Note 24 Provisions

At 25 February 2012
Foreign currency translation
Amount released in the year
Amount provided in the year
Amount utilised in the year
At 23 February 2013
Foreign currency translation
Amount released in the year
Amount provided in the year
Amount utilised in the year
Transfer to disposal group classified as held for sale
At 22 February 2014

The balances are analysed as follows:

Current
Non-current

Property
provisions
£m
 121 
6
(12)
254
(11)
 358 
(12)
(35)
53
(38)
2
328 

Other
provisions
£m
 78
–
–
116
(92)
 102
–
–
63
(60)
–
105

2014
£m
250
183
433

Total
£m
 199 
6
(12)
370
(103)
 460 
(12)
(35)
116
(98)
2
433 

2013
£m
188
272
460

Property provisions comprise obligations for future rents payable net of rents receivable on onerous leases including on vacant property and unprofitable 
stores, terminal dilapidations and other onerous contracts relating to property. The majority of these provisions are expected to be utilised over the period  
to 2020.

The other provisions balances relate mainly to provisions for Tesco Bank customer redress in respect of potential complaints arising from the historic sales of 
Payment Protection Insurance (‘PPI’), in respect of customer redress relating to the historic sale of certain cardholder protection products (‘CPP’) and in respect of 
certain classes of loans and credit cards sold by the Group which are regulated under the Consumer Credit Act (‘CCA’). The Group has identified instances where 
the technical requirement for the provision of certain post-contractual documentation to customers with CCA-regulated products has not been fully met. While 
there is no evidence that these issues have caused particular detriment to customers, it is the Group’s intention to provide redress to impacted customers in order 
to reflect the operation of the CCA in respect of the customers’ liability. These provisions may be used over several years although the timing of utilisation is 
uncertain. The balance is classified as current at the year end.

Tesco PLC Annual Report and Financial Statements 2014 

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Notes to the Group financial statements continued

Note 25 Share-based payments 

For continuing operations, the Group Income Statement charge for the year recognised in respect of share-based payments is £82m (2013: £89m), which is 
made up of share option schemes and share bonus payments. Of this amount, £63m (2013: £65m) will be settled in equity and £19m (2013: £24m) in cash.

Share option schemes
The Company had ten share option schemes in operation during the financial year, all of which are equity-settled schemes:

i) The Savings-related Share Option Scheme (1981) permits the grant to colleagues of options in respect of ordinary shares linked to a building society/bank 
save-as-you-earn contract for a term of three or five years with contributions from colleagues of an amount between £5 and £250 per four-weekly period. 
Options are capable of being exercised at the end of the three or five-year period at a subscription price of not less than 80% of the average of the middle-
market quotations of an ordinary share over the three dealing days immediately preceding the offer date.

ii) The Irish Savings-related Share Option Scheme (2000) permits the grant to Irish colleagues of options in respect of ordinary shares linked to a building 
society/bank save-as-you-earn contract for a term of three or five years with contributions from colleagues of an amount between €12 and €500 per 
four-weekly period. Options are capable of being exercised at the end of the three or five-year period at a subscription price of not less than 80% of the 
average of the middle-market quotations of an ordinary share over the three dealing days immediately preceding the offer date.

iii) The Approved Executive Share Option Scheme (1994) was adopted on 17 October 1994. The exercise of options granted under this scheme will normally 
be conditional upon the achievement of a specified performance target related to the growth in earnings per share over a three-year period. No further 
options will be granted under this scheme and it has been replaced by the Discretionary Share Option Plan (2004). There were no discounted options  
granted under this scheme.

iv) The Unapproved Executive Share Option Scheme (1996) was adopted on 7 June 1996. The exercise of options granted under this scheme will normally be 
conditional upon the achievement of a specified performance target related to the growth in earnings per share over a three-year period. No further options 
will be granted under this scheme and it has been replaced by the Discretionary Share Option Plan (2004). There were no discounted options granted under 
this scheme.

v) The International Executive Share Option Scheme (1994) was adopted on 20 May 1994. This scheme permits the grant to selected non-UK executives  
of options to acquire ordinary shares on substantially the same basis as their UK counterparts. The exercise of options granted under this scheme will  
normally be conditional upon the achievement of a specified performance target related to the growth in earnings per share over a three-year period.  
No further options will be granted under this scheme and it has been replaced by the Discretionary Share Option Plan (2004). There were no discounted 
options granted under this scheme.

vi) The Executive Incentive Plan (2004) was adopted on 5 July 2004. This scheme permits the grant of options in respect of ordinary shares to selected senior 
executives. Options are normally exercisable between three and ten years from the date of grant for nil consideration. Full details of this plan can be found in 
the Directors’ remuneration report.

vii) The Performance Share Plan (2004) was adopted on 5 July 2004 and amended on 29 June 2007. This scheme permits the grant of options in respect  
of ordinary shares to selected executives. Options granted before 29 June 2007 are normally exercisable between four and ten years from the date of grant 
for nil consideration. Options granted after 29 June 2007 are normally exercisable between three and ten years from the date of grant for nil consideration. 
The exercise of options will normally be conditional upon the achievement of specified performance targets related to the return on capital employed over  
a three-year period. No further options will be granted under this scheme and it has been replaced by the Performance Share Plan (2011).

viii) The Performance Share Plan (2011) was adopted on 1 July 2011 and amended on 4 July 2011. This scheme permits the grant of options in respect of 
ordinary shares to selected executives. Options are normally exercisable between three and ten years from the date of grant for nil consideration. The exercise 
of options will normally be conditional upon the achievement of specified performance targets related to the return on capital employed and earnings per 
share over a three-year period.

110 

Tesco PLC Annual Report and Financial Statements 2014 

Note 25 Share-based payments continued

ix) The Discretionary Share Option Plan (2004) was adopted on 5 July 2004. This scheme permits the grant of approved, unapproved and international 
options in respect of ordinary shares to selected executives. Options are normally exercisable between three and ten years from the date of grant at a price 
not less than the middle-market quotation or average middle-market quotations of an ordinary share for the dealing day or three dealing days preceding the 
date of grant. The exercise of options will normally be conditional upon the achievement of a specified performance target related to the annual percentage 
growth in earnings per share over a three-year period. There were no discounted options granted under this scheme.

x) The Group New Business Incentive Plan (2007) was adopted on 29 June 2007. This scheme permits the grant of options in respect of ordinary shares to 
selected executives. Options will normally vest in four tranches: four, five, six and seven years after the date of grant and will be exercisable for up to two  
years from the vesting dates for nil consideration. The exercise of options will normally be conditional upon the achievement of specified performance  
targets related to the return on capital employed over the seven-year plan.

The following tables reconcile the number of share options outstanding and the weighted average exercise price (‘WAEP’):

For the year ended 22 February 2014

Savings-related 
Share Option Scheme

Irish Savings-related
Share Option Scheme

Approved Share  
Option Scheme

Unapproved
Share Option Scheme

International Executive
Share Option Scheme

Nil cost share  
option schemes

Options

WAEP

Options

WAEP

Options

WAEP

Options

WAEP

Options

WAEP

Options WAEP

127,212,551
29,258,434
(24,352,865)
(9,515,992)

338.85
322.00
365.89
314.96

4,886,834
1,294,873
(1,081,476)
(200,710)

338.78
322.00
353.68
318.29

12,592,329
–
(3,785,217)
(654,147)

399.01
–
418.07
306.38

80,439,020
–
(21,694,176)
(5,940,411)

382.62
–
419.27
302.00

53,665,107
–
(17,704,212)
(3,374,535)

387.64
–
415.76
322.10

19,778,825 0.00
7,003,764 0.00
(2,458,290) 0.00
(3,225,216) 0.00

122,602,128

331.31

4,899,521

331.89

8,152,965

397.59

52,804,433

376.63

32,586,360

379.15

21,099,083 0.00

15,894,484

353.09

837,652

370.38

8,145,517

397.58

52,801,878

376.63

32,546,360

379.12

4,206,723 0.00

311.00
to
410.00

311.00
to
386.00

253.25
to
473.75

253.25
to
473.75

253.25
to
473.75

0.00

0.44

0.44

3.63

3.78

3.88

4.18

Outstanding at  
23 February 
2013
Granted
Forfeited
Exercised
Outstanding at  
22 February 
2014

Exercisable as 

at 22 
February 
2014

Exercise price 
range 
(pence)
Weighted 

average  
remaining 
contractual  
life (years)

For the year ended 23 February 2013 

Savings-related 
Share Option Scheme

Irish Savings-related
Share Option Scheme

Approved Share  
Option Scheme

Unapproved Share 
Option Scheme

International Executive
Share Option Scheme

Nil cost share  
option schemes

Options

WAEP

Options

WAEP

Options

WAEP

Options

WAEP

Options

WAEP

Options WAEP

131,921,033
32,771,389
(25,049,015)
(12,430,856)

350.28
282.00
333.25
321.54

4,975,203
1,407,939
(1,055,775)
(440,533)

352.95
282.00
336.01
323.97

13,668,564
–
(604,143)
(472,092)

395.47
–
410.43
281.87

87,418,835
–
(3,130,086)
(3,849,729)

377.80
–
401.30
257.90

59,751,420
–
(4,379,756)
(1,706,557)

385.37
–
397.07
284.22

17,801,914 0.00
7,369,204 0.00
(3,064,780) 0.00
(2,327,513) 0.00

127,212,551

338.85

4,886,834

338.78

12,592,329

399.01

80,439,020

382.62

53,665,107

387.64

19,778,825 0.00

16,192,212

381.09

709,010

360.40

9,319,436

391.70

61,754,447

371.37

39,218,022

328.00
to
410.00

328.00
to
410.00

197.50 
to 
473.75

197.50 
to 
473.75

375.74

197.50
to
473.75

5,630,056 0.00

0.00

0.43

0.43

4.59

4.71

4.90

5.24

Outstanding at 
25 February 
2012
Granted
Forfeited
Exercised
Outstanding at 
23 February 
2013

Exercisable as 

at 23 
February 
2013

Exercise price 
range 
(pence)
Weighted 

average 
remaining  
contractual  
life (years)

Share options were exercised on a regular basis throughout the financial year. The average share price during the financial year ended 22 February 2014 was 
349.48p (2013: 328.39p).

Tesco PLC Annual Report and Financial Statements 2014 

111

Other informationGovernanceFinancial statementsStrategic report 
Notes to the Group financial statements continued

Note 25 Share-based payments continued

The fair value of share options is estimated at the date of grant using the Black-Scholes option pricing model. The following table gives the assumptions 
applied to the options granted in the respective periods shown. No assumption has been made to incorporate the effects of expected early exercise.

Expected dividend yield (%)
Expected volatility (%)
Risk-free interest rate (%)
Expected life of option (years)
Weighted average fair value of options granted (pence)
Probability of forfeiture (%)
Share price (pence)
Weighted average exercise price (pence)

Savings-
related 
share option 
schemes
4.6%
21 – 23%
1.2 – 1.8%
3 or 5
47.64
14 – 16%
362.00
322.00

 Executive 
share option 
schemes
–
–
–
–
– 
–
–
–

2014

Nil cost 
option 
schemes
0.0%
27%
1.7%
6
364.85
0%
364.85
0.00

Savings-
related 
share option 
schemes
5.0%
21 – 28%
0.7 – 1.0%
3 or 5
43.45
14 – 16%
312.00
282.00

 Executive 
share option 
schemes
–
–
–
–
– 
–
–
–

2013

Nil cost 
option 
schemes
0.0%
27%
1.3%
6
317.72
0%
317.72
0.00

Volatility is a measure of the amount by which a price is expected to fluctuate during a period. The measure of volatility used in the Group’s option pricing 
models is the annualised standard deviation of the continuously compounded rates of return on the share over a period of time. In estimating the future 
volatility of the Company’s share price, the Board considers the historical volatility of the share price over the most recent period that is generally 
commensurate with the expected term of the option, taking into account the remaining contractual life of the option.

Share bonus schemes
Eligible UK colleagues are able to participate in Shares In Success, an all-employee profit-sharing scheme. Each year, shares may be awarded to colleagues  
as a percentage of earnings, up to a statutory maximum of £3,000 per annum. Eligible Republic of Ireland colleagues are able to participate in a Share Bonus 
Scheme, an all-employee profit-sharing scheme. Each year, colleagues receive an award of either cash or shares based on a percentage of their earnings.

Selected executives participate in the Group Bonus Plan, a performance-related bonus scheme. The amount paid to colleagues is based on a percentage of 
salary and is paid partly in cash and partly in shares. Bonuses are awarded to selected executives who have completed a required service period and depend 
on the achievement of corporate targets.

Selected senior executives participate in the Management Performance Share Plan. Awards made under this plan will normally vest three years after the date 
of the award for nil consideration. Vesting will normally be conditional on the achievement of specified performance targets related to the return on capital 
employed over a three-year performance period. No further awards will be granted under this scheme and it has been replaced by the Performance Share 
Plan (2011).

Selected executives participate in the Performance Share Plan (2011). Awards made under this plan will normally vest three years after the date of the award 
for nil consideration. Vesting will normally be conditional on the achievement of specified performance targets related to the return on capital employed and 
earnings per share over a three-year performance period.

Selected executives also participate in the US Long-Term Incentive Plan (2007), which was adopted on 29 June 2007. The awards made under this plan will 
normally vest in four tranches: four, five, six and seven years after the date of award, for nil consideration. 

The Executive Directors participate in short-term and long-term bonus schemes designed to align their interests with those of shareholders. Full details of 
these schemes can be found in the Directors’ remuneration report.

The fair value of shares awarded under these schemes is their market value on the date of award. Expected dividends are not incorporated into the fair value 
except for awards under the US Long-Term Incentive Plan.

The number and weighted average fair value (‘WAFV’) of share bonuses awarded during the financial year were:

Shares In Success
Irish Share Bonus Scheme
Executive Incentive Scheme
Performance Share Plan
US Long-Term Incentive Plan

Note 26 Post-employment benefits

Number of
 shares 
14,776,516
96,668
598,842
30,506,080
–

2014

WAFV 
pence
383.55
384.55
375.18
361.13
–

Number of
 shares 
–
110,234
4,591,717
27,025,617
178,914

2013

WAFV 
pence
–
301.08
301.13
317.34
314.91

Pensions
The Group operates a variety of post-employment benefit arrangements, covering both funded and unfunded defined benefit schemes and funded defined 
contribution schemes. The most significant of these are the funded defined benefit pension schemes for the Group’s employees in the UK, the Republic of 
Ireland, Thailand and South Korea. Of these schemes, the UK represents 95% of the defined benefit obligation (2013: 95%). 

Defined contribution plans
The contributions payable for defined contribution schemes of £32m (2013: £19m) have been recognised in the Group Income Statement. 

112 

Tesco PLC Annual Report and Financial Statements 2014 

Note 26 Post-employment benefits continued

Defined benefit plans
United Kingdom
The principal plan within the Group is the Tesco PLC Pension Scheme (the ‘Scheme’), which is a funded defined benefit pension scheme in the UK, the assets 
of which are held as a segregated fund and administered by the Trustee. 

The Scheme is established under trust law and has a corporate trustee that is required to run the Scheme in accordance with the Scheme’s Trust Deed and 
Rules and to comply with the Pension Scheme Act 1993, Pensions Act 1995, Pensions Act 2004 and all the relevant legislation. Responsibility for governance 
of the Scheme lies with the Trustee. The Trustee is a company whose directors comprise of:

i) representatives of the Group; and
ii) the Scheme participants,
in accordance with its articles of association and UK pension law.

All members are eligible to join the Career Average section of the Scheme (‘Pension Builder’), where benefits are based on a member’s salary and their length 
of service. There is a Final Salary section of the Scheme which was closed to new entrants in 2001.

Towers Watson Limited, an independent actuary, carried out the latest triennial actuarial assessment of the scheme as at 31 March 2011, using the projected 
unit method. 

At 31 March 2011, the actuarial deficit was £934m. The market value of the schemes’ assets was £5,587m and these assets represented 86% of the benefits 
that had accrued to members, after allowing for expected increases in earnings and pensions in payment. 

The scheme has a duration of 22 years.

Scheme Liabilities as at 31 March 2011
The table below shows a breakdown of the liabilities held by the Scheme as at 31 March 2011, the date of the last triennial valuation.

Active
Deferred
Pensioner

The table below shows a breakdown of the liabilities for active members held by the Scheme as at 31 March 2011

Pension Builder
Final Salary

Overseas
The most significant overseas schemes are the funded defined benefit schemes which operate in the Republic of Ireland, Thailand and South Korea.  
An independent actuary, using the projected unit method, carried out the latest actuarial assessment of the Republic of Ireland scheme as at 1 April 2010, 
Thailand as at 23 February 2013 and South Korea as at 22 February 2014. 

The valuations used for IAS 19 have been based on the most recent actuarial valuations and updated by Towers Watson Limited to take account of the 
requirements of IAS 19 in order to assess the liabilities of the schemes as at 22 February 2014. The schemes’ assets are stated at their market values as at  
22 February 2014. Towers Watson Limited have updated the most recent Republic of Ireland, Thailand and South Korea valuations. The liabilities relating  
to retirement healthcare benefits have also been determined in accordance with IAS 19.

%
55
19
26

%
49
51

Principal assumptions 
The major assumptions, on a weighted average basis, used by the actuaries were as follows:

Discount rate
Price inflation
Rate of increase in deferred pensions*
Rate of increase in salaries
Rate of increase in pensions in payment*
Benefits accrued before 1 June 2012
Benefits accrued after 1 June 2012
Rate of increase in career average benefits
Benefits accrued before 1 June 2012
Benefits accrued after 1 June 2012

2014 
%
4.7
3.3
2.3
3.4

3.1
2.3

3.3
2.3

2013 
%
5.1
3.3
2.3
3.4

3.1
2.3

3.3
2.3

* 

In excess of any Guaranteed Minimum Pension (‘GMP’) element.

UK mortality assumptions 
The Group conducts analysis of mortality trends under the Tesco PLC Pension Scheme in the UK as part of the triennial actuarial valuation of the Scheme.  
At the latest triennial actuarial valuation as at 31 March 2011 the following assumptions were adopted for funding purposes:

Base tables: 
90% of the SAPS normal male pensioners for male staff and 80% of the SAPS all male pensioners light for male senior managers. 
105% of the SAPS normal female pensioners for female staff and 90% for female senior managers.

These assumptions were used for the calculation of the pension liability as at 22 February 2014 for the main UK scheme.

Tesco PLC Annual Report and Financial Statements 2014 

113

Other informationGovernanceFinancial statementsStrategic report 
Notes to the Group financial statements continued

Note 26 Post-employment benefits continued

The mortality assumptions used are based on tables that have been projected to 2009 with long cohort improvements. In addition, the allowance for future 
mortality improvements from 2009 is in line with medium cohort projections with a minimum annual improvement of 1% per annum.

The following table illustrates the expectation of life of an average member retiring at age 65 at the reporting date and a member reaching age 65 at reporting 
date +25 years.

Retiring at reporting date at age 65:

Retiring at reporting date +25 years at age 65:

Male
Female
Male
Female

Risks 
The Group bears a numbers of risks in relation to the Scheme, which are described below:

2014 
Years
22.9
24.4
25.2
26.6

2013 
Years
22.8
24.3
25.2
26.5

Investment risk – The Scheme’s IAS 19 liabilities are calculated using a discount rate set with reference to corporate bond yields. If the return on the Scheme’s 
assets underperform this rate, the IAS 19 deficit will increase. The Trustee and the Group regularly monitor the funding position and operate a diversified 
investment strategy. 

Inflation risk – The Scheme’s benefit obligations are linked to inflation therefore higher inflation will lead to higher liabilities. This will be partially offset by an 
increase in any Scheme assets that are linked to, or correlate with, inflation. Changes to future benefits were introduced in June 2012 to reduce the Scheme’s 
exposure to inflation risk by changing the basis for calculating the rate of increase in pensions to CPI (previously RPI). 

Changes in bond yields – A decrease in corporate bond yields will increase the Scheme’s liabilities. However, this may be partially offset by an increase in the 
capital value of the Scheme’s assets that have similar characteristics.

Life expectancy risk – The Scheme’s obligations are to provide benefits for the life of the member and so increases in life expectancy will lead to higher 
liabilities. To reduce this risk, changes to future benefits were introduced in June 2012 to increase the age at which members can take their full pension  
by two years. Furthermore the Group has the ability to change this in the future if there are further unexpected changes in life expectancy.

An Audit & Risk Pensions Committee was established to further strengthen our Trustee Governance and provide greater oversight and stronger internal 
control over our risks. Further mitigation of the risks is provided by external advisors and the Trustee who consider the funding position, fund performance, 
and impacts of any regulatory changes. 

A different approach is used to calculate the triennial actuarial liabilities and the IAS 19 liabilities. The key difference is that IAS 19 requires the discount rate  
to be set using corporate bonds whilst the actuarial liabilities discount rate is based on expected returns of Scheme assets.

Sensitivity analysis of significant actuarial assumptions

Change in UK defined benefit obligation from a 0.1% increase in discount rate 
Increase in UK defined benefit obligation from a 1% increase in pensions in payment
Increase in UK defined benefit obligation from a 1% increase in salary growth
Increase in UK defined benefit obligation from each additional year of longevity assumed

2014 
£m
240
1,210
320
350

2013
£m
210
1,060
280
310

The method and assumptions used to determine sensitivity and their limitation is the effect of varying the assumption whilst holding all other assumptions constant. 

Plan Assets
The table below shows a breakdown of the combined investments held by the Group’s schemes 

Equities
UK
Europe
Rest of the World

Bonds
Government
Corporates – Investment grade
Corporates – Non-investment grade

Property
UK
Rest of the World

Alternative Assets
Hedge Funds
Private Equity
Other

Cash
Total Market Value of Assets

114 

Tesco PLC Annual Report and Financial Statements 2014 

2014
£m

476
891
3,029
4,396

280
744
170
1,194

519
247
766

586
472
75
1,133
635
8,124

2013
£m

302
655
3,048
4,005

332
732
469
1,533

513
229
742

545
362
–
907
19
7,206

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Note 26 Post-employment benefits continued

At the year end, 77% (2013: 76%) of investments were quoted on a recognised stock exchange or held in cash or assets readily convertible to cash and are 
therefore considered to be liquid. 

The plan assets include £3m (2013: £2m) of the Group’s transferable financial instruments. In addition, the plan assets include £158m (2013: £289m) relating 
to property used by the Group. In addition, Group property with net carrying value of £416m (2013: £416m) has been held as security in favour of the Scheme.

Movement in pension deficit during the financial year 
Changes in the fair value of defined benefit pension assets are as follows:

Opening fair value of defined benefit pension assets
Interest income
Return on plan assets greater than discount rate
Contributions by employer
Additional contribution by employer**
Actual member contributions
Foreign currency translation
Benefits paid
Closing fair value of defined benefit pension assets

2014
£m
7,206
372
253
531
4
12
(14)
(240)
8,124

2013*
£m
6,169
338
219
486
180
10
9
(205)
7,206

* 

** 

 Restated – As per Note 1, the amended IAS 19 requires retrospective restatement of net interest amount to be calculated by applying the discount rate to the net defined 
benefit liability. There is no movement in the pension asset as asset outperformance is taken to return on plan assets greater than discount rate.
 The contributions are agreed by the Company and Trustees at each triennial valuation. As part of the 2011 triennial valuation, the Company agreed with the Trustee to 
increase security and, on top of the normal contributions, made an additional contribution of £180m to the Scheme on 30 March 2012. 

Changes in the present value of defined benefit pension obligation are as follows:

Opening defined benefit pension obligation
Current service cost
Interest cost
Losses on change of financial assumptions 
Losses on change of demographic assumptions
Experience (losses)/gains
Foreign currency translation
Benefits paid
Actual member contributions
Closing defined benefit pension obligation

2014
£m
(9,584)
(542)
(478)
(938)
(6)
(22)
25
240
(12)
(11,317)

2013
£m
(8,041)
(482)
(411)
(830)
–
1
(16)
205
(10)
(9,584)

The amounts that have been charged to the Group Income Statement and Group Statement of Comprehensive Income for the year ended 22 February 2014 
are set out below:

Analysis of the amount charged to operating profit:
Current service cost
Total charge to operating profit
Analysis of the amount (charged)/credited to finance (cost)/income: 
Interest on defined benefit pension assets
Interest on defined benefit pension obligation
Net pension finance cost (Note 5)
Total charge to the Group Income Statement
Analysis of the amount recognised in the Group Statement of Comprehensive Income: 
Return on plan assets greater than discount rate
Experience (losses)/gains on defined benefit pension obligation
Demographic assumption losses on defined benefit pension obligation
Financial assumption losses on defined benefit pension obligation
Foreign currency translation
Total losses recognised in the Group Statement of Comprehensive Income

2014
£m

2013*
£m

(542)
(542)

372
(478)
(106)
(648)

253
(22)
(6)
(938)

11
(702)

(482)
(482)

338
(411)
(73)
(555)

219
1
–
(830)

(7)
(617)

* 

 Restated – As per Note 1, the amended IAS 19 requires retrospective restatement of net interest amount to be calculated by applying the discount rate to the net defined 
benefit liability. There is no movement in the pension asset as asset outperformance is taken to return on plan assets greater than discount rate.

Tesco PLC Annual Report and Financial Statements 2014 

115

Other informationGovernanceFinancial statementsStrategic report 
 
Notes to the Group financial statements continued

Note 26 Post-employment benefits continued

Summary of movements in deficit during the financial year

Deficit in schemes at beginning of the year
Current service cost
Net pension finance cost
Contributions by employer
Additional contribution by employer
Foreign currency translation
Remeasurements
Deficit in schemes at the end of the year
Deferred tax asset (Note 6)
Deficit in schemes at the end of the year net of deferred tax

2014
£m
(2,378)
(542)
(106)
531
4
11
(713)
(3,193)
634
(2,559)

2013*
£m
(1,872)
(482)
(73)
486
180
(7)
(610)
(2,378)
539
(1,839)

* 

 Restated – As per Note 1, the amended IAS 19 requires retrospective restatement of net interest amounts, to be calculated by applying the discount rate to the net defined 
benefit liability. There is no movement in the pension deficit as asset outperformance is taken to actuarial gains/losses.

History of movements 
The historical movement in defined benefit pension schemes’ assets and liabilities and history of experience gains and losses are as follows:

Total market value of assets
Present value of liabilities relating to unfunded pension schemes
Present value of liabilities relating to partially funded pension schemes
Pension deficit

Remeasurements on defined benefit pension assets
Experience (losses)/gains on defined benefit pension obligation

2014
£m
8,124
(111)
(11,206)
(3,193)

253
(22)

2013
£m
7,206
(91)
(9,493)
(2,378)

94
1

2012
£m
6,169
(60)
(7,981)
(1,872)

(168)
43

2011
£m
5,608
(65)
(6,899)
(1,356)

278
(25)

2010
£m
 4,696
 (54)
 (6,482)
 (1,840)

733
 (1)

Post-employment benefits other than pensions 
The Group operates a scheme offering post-retirement healthcare benefits. The cost of providing these benefits has been accounted for on a similar basis to 
that used for defined benefit pension schemes.

The liability as at 22 February 2014 of £12m (2013: £12m) was determined in accordance with the advice of independent actuaries. During the year, £1m 
(2013: £1m) has been charged to the Group Income Statement and £1m (2013: £1m) of benefits were paid. 

Expected contributions 
The Company expects to make normal cash contributions of approximately £579m to defined benefit schemes in the financial year ending 28 February 2015.

Note 27 Called up share capital

Allotted, called up and fully paid:
At beginning of the year
Share options exercised
Share bonus awards issued
At end of the year

2014
Ordinary shares of 5p each
£m

Number

2013
Ordinary shares of 5p each
£m

Number

8,054,054,930
19,662,145
22,104,016
8,095,821,091

403
1
1
405

8,031,812,445
18,632,251
3,610,234
8,054,054,930

402
1
–
403

During the financial year, 20 million (2013: 19 million) ordinary shares of 5p each were issued in relation to share options for an aggregate consideration of 
£61m (2013: £57m). 

During the financial year, 22 million (2013: 4 million) ordinary shares of 5p each were issued in relation to share bonus awards for an aggregate consideration 
of £1.1m (2013: £0.2m).

Between 23 February 2014 and 11 April 2014 options over 942,705 ordinary shares were exercised under the terms of the Savings-related Share Option 
Scheme (1981) and the Irish Savings-related Share Option Scheme (2000). Between 23 February 2014 and 11 April 2014, options over 2,207,051 ordinary 
shares were exercised under the terms of the Executive Share Option Schemes (1994 and 1996) and the Discretionary Share Option Plan (2004). 

As at 22 February 2014, the Directors were authorised to purchase up to a maximum in aggregate of 806.5 million (2013: 804.0 million) ordinary shares.

The holders of ordinary shares are entitled to receive dividends as declared from time to time and are entitled to one vote per share at general meetings of  
the Company.

116 

Tesco PLC Annual Report and Financial Statements 2014 

 
Note 28 Related party transactions

Transactions between the Company and its subsidiaries, which are related parties, have been eliminated on consolidation and are not disclosed in this note. 
Transactions between the Group and its joint ventures and associates are disclosed below: 

Trading transactions

Joint ventures
Associates

Sales to  
related parties

Purchases from 
related parties

Amounts owed
 by related parties

Amounts owed
to related parties

2014
£m
366
7

2013
£m
303
2

2014
£m
533
18

2013
£m
516
952

2014
£m
19
–

2013
£m
13
–

2014
£m
6
17

2013
£m
21
12

Sales to related parties consists of services/management fees and loan interest. 

Purchases from related parties include £412m (2013: £387m) of rentals payable to the Group’s joint ventures (including those joint ventures formed as part of 
the sale and leaseback programme) and £nil (2013: £952m) of fuel purchased from Greenergy International Limited. In addition, duty on the fuel purchases 
paid by the Group to Greenergy International Limited was £nil (2013: £1,056m).

Non-trading transactions

Joint ventures
Associates

Sale and  
leaseback of assets

Loans to 
related parties

Loans from
 related parties

Injection of
equity funding

2014
£m
–
46

2013
£m
493
503

2014
£m
218
37

2013
£m
459
21

2014
£m
16
–

2013
£m
16
–

2014
£m
3
7

2013
£m
24
132

Transactions between the Group and the Group’s pension plans are disclosed in Note 26. 

A number of the Group’s subsidiaries are members of one or more partnerships to whom the provisions of the Partnerships (Accounts) Regulations 2008 
(‘Regulations’) apply. The accounts for those partnerships have been consolidated into these accounts pursuant to Regulation 7 of the Regulations.

During the year, the Group completed one sale and leaseback transaction involving property assets in Thailand. On 24 January 2014, one trading mall was 
sold to the Tesco Lotus Growth Fund, an associated entity of the Group, for a consideration of £46m. 

Transactions with key management personnel
Members of the Board of Directors and Executive Committee of Tesco PLC are deemed to be key management personnel. 

Key management personnel compensation and their transactions with Tesco Bank are disclosed below:

Salaries and short-term benefits
Pensions
Share-based payments
Loss of office costs

2014
£m
16
3
2
1
22

2013
£m
13
3
2
3
21

Of the total remuneration to key management personnel, £16m (2013: £7m) relates to Executive Committee members who are not on the PLC Board.

Transactions of key management personnel with Tesco Bank during the financial year were as follows: 

At 22 February 2014
At 23 February 2013

Credit card and personal 
loan balances

Saving deposit accounts

Number of key 
management 
personnel
12
12

Number of key 
management 
personnel
4
5

£m
–
–

£m
–
–

Tesco PLC Annual Report and Financial Statements 2014 

117

Other informationGovernanceFinancial statementsStrategic report 
 
 
 
 
Notes to the Group financial statements continued

Note 29 Reconciliation of profit before tax to cash generated from operations

Profit before tax
Net finance costs (Note 5)
Share of post-tax profits of joint ventures and associates (Note 13)
Operating profit of continuing operations
Operating loss of discontinued operations
Depreciation and amortisation
Profits/losses arising on one-off property-related items from continuing operations
Profits/losses arising on other property-related items from continuing operations
Profits/losses arising on property-related items from discontinued operations
Loss arising on sale of non property-related items
Profit arising on sale of subsidiaries and other investments
Impairment of goodwill (Note 10)
Impairment of other investments
Net charge of impairment of property, plant and equipment and intangible assets not included in property-related items
Adjustment for non-cash element of pensions charges
Additional contribution into pension scheme
Share-based payments (Note 25)
Tesco Bank non-cash items included in profit before tax
Increase in inventories
Increase in development stock
Increase in trade and other receivables
Increase/(decrease) in trade and other payables
(Decrease)/increase in provisions
Tesco Bank increase in loans and advances to customers (Note 17)
Tesco Bank (increase)/decrease in trade and other receivables
Tesco Bank increase in customer and bank deposits and trade and other payables
Tesco Bank increase in provisions
Increase in working capital
Cash generated from operations

*  Restated for amendments to IAS 19 as explained in Note 1.

2014
£m
2,259
432
(60)
2,631
(925)
1,567
(98)
(134)
162
(1)
1
540
42
715
11
(4)
47
76
(115)
(8)
(33)
509
(73)
(1,432)
(31)
867

2
(314)
4,316

2013 
(restated*)
£m
2,057
397
(72)
2,382
(1,451)
1,590
580
(419)
288
–
35
575
–
629
(4)
(180)
53
54
(54)
(40)
(104)
(112)
309
(1,220)
359
579

24
(259)
3,873

The increase in working capital includes the impact of translating foreign currency working capital movements at average exchange rates rather than year end 
exchange rates.

Included in (decrease)/increase in provisions are movements in respect of provisions for onerous contracts relating to continuing operations of £(46)m 
(2013: £129m) which are included in property-related items as per the Group Income Statement, and relating to discontinued operations of £(37)m (2013: 
£47m) which are included in property-related items as per Note 7.

Note 30 Analysis of changes in net debt 

Cash and cash equivalents
Short-term investments
Joint venture loans and other receivables
Bank and other borrowings
Finance lease payables
Net derivative financial instruments
Net debt of the disposal group
Net debt

At
23 February 
2013
£m
1,457
522
434
(10,066)
(128)
1,172
12
(6,597)

Tesco Bank at
23 February
2013
£m
1,055
–
42
(638)
–
(31)
–
428

Cash flow
£m
378
494
(96)
(818)
9
36
–
3

Business 
combinations 
£m
9
–
–
–
–
–
–
9

Other
non-cash
movements
£m
(105)
–
10
148
5
(470)
–
(412)

Net debt 
of disposal 
group 
£m
(288)
–
(136)
282
(7)
–
149
–

Elimination
of Tesco Bank
£m
(485)
–
(34)
486
–
5
–
(28)

At
22 February 
2014
£m
2,021
1,016
220
(10,606)
(121)
712
161
(6,597)

Net debt excludes the net debt of Tesco Bank but includes that of the discontinued operations. Movements and balances related to Tesco Bank are included 
within this analysis and the Reconciliation of net cash flow to movement in net debt note to allow reconciliation between the Group Balance Sheet and the 
Group Cash Flow Statement. These movements and balances relating to Tesco Bank are subsequently eliminated to arrive at closing net debt.

Note 31 Business combinations and other acquisitions

During the current financial year, the Group completed business combination transactions with total cash consideration of £49m (2013: £30m), which are not 
considered material to the Group individually or in aggregate.

118 

Tesco PLC Annual Report and Financial Statements 2014 

Note 32 Commitments and contingencies

Capital commitments
At 22 February 2014, there were commitments for capital expenditure contracted for, but not provided for of £270m (2013: £1,278m), principally relating to 
store development.

Contingent liabilities
Tesco PLC has irrevocably guaranteed the liabilities of the following Irish subsidiary undertakings for the financial year ended 22 February 2014, which undertakings 
have been exempted pursuant to Section 17(1) of the Companies (Amendment) Act 1986 of Ireland from the provisions of Section 7 (other than subsection (1)(b)) 
of that Act:

Monread Developments Limited; Edson Properties Limited; Edson Investments Limited; Cirrus Finance (2009) Limited; Commercial Investments Limited; 
Chirac Limited; Clondalkin Properties Limited; Golden Island Management Services Limited; Tesco Ireland Pension Trustees Limited; Orpingford; Tesco 
Trustee Company of Ireland Limited; WSC Properties Limited, Thundridge; Pharaway Properties Limited; R.J.D. Holdings; Nabola Development Limited;  
PEJ Property Investments Limited; Cirrus Finance Limited; Tesco Ireland Limited; Wanze Properties (Dundalk) Limited; Valiant Insurance Company;  
Tesco Ireland Holdings Limited.

For details of assets held under finance leases, which are pledged as security for the finance lease liabilities, see Note 11. There are a number of contingent 
liabilities that arise in the normal course of business which if realised are not expected to result in a material liability to the Group. The Group recognises 
provisions for liabilities when it is more likely than not that a settlement will be required and the value of such a payment can be reliably estimated. 

Tesco Bank
At 22 February 2014, Tesco Bank had commitments of formal standby facilities, credit lines and other commitments to lend, totalling £9.7bn (2013: £8.0bn). 
The amount is intended to provide an indication of the potential volume of business and not of the underlying credit or other risks.

During the year to 22 February 2014 a change was made to a methodology by which the Group measures undrawn credit card commitments to exclude both 
the credit limits on cancelled cards and any overpayments made by customers. The impact of this change in the prior year is a reduction in undrawn credit 
card commitments of £0.5bn.

Note 33 Tesco Bank capital resources 

The following tables analyse the regulatory capital resources of Tesco Personal Finance PLC (‘TPF’), being the regulated entity at the balance sheet date:

Tier 1 capital: 
Shareholders’ funds and non-controlling interests, net of tier 1 regulatory adjustments
Tier 2 capital: 
Qualifying subordinated debt
Other interests
Total tier 2 regulatory adjustments
Total regulatory capital

2014
£m

2013*
£m

913

705

235
33
(21)
1,160

372
25
(64)
1,038

Following the publication of the Capital Requirements Directive (‘CRD’) IV rules in the year, the Prudential Regulation Authority (‘PRA’) issued a policy 
statement on 19 December 2013 detailing how the rules will be enacted within the UK with corresponding timeframes for implementation. The CRD IV  
rules will be phased in over the course of the next five years. 

The movement of tier 1 capital during the financial year is analysed as follows:

At beginning of the year
Share capital and share premium
Profit attributable to shareholders
Other reserves
Ordinary dividends
Movement in material holdings
Increase in intangible assets
At end of the year, excluding CRD IV adjustments
CRD IV adjustments
Deferred tax liabilities related to intangible assets
Movement in material holdings
At end of the year, including CRD IV adjustments

2014
£m
705
140
115
1
(100)
11
(30)
842

32

39
913

2013*
£m
744
45
93
(1)
(105)
(11)
(60)
705

–

–
705

* 

 During the year the Group has amended its Tesco Bank capital resources to reflect the industry standard approach of including annual profits in full within capital resources 
for the year to which they relate. The 2013 capital resources have been represented on a consistent basis with the current year presentation. Previously, annual profits were 
only included within capital resources at the point at which they were deemed verified by the Group’s auditors. 

It is TPF’s policy to maintain a strong capital base, to expand it as appropriate and to utilise it efficiently throughout its activities to optimise the return  
to shareholders while maintaining a prudent relationship between the capital base and the underlying risks of the business. In carrying out this policy,  
TPF has regard to the supervisory requirements of the PRA.  

Tesco PLC Annual Report and Financial Statements 2014 

119

Other informationGovernanceFinancial statementsStrategic report 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Notes to the Group financial statements continued

Note 34 Leasing commitments

Finance lease commitments – Group as lessee
The Group has finance leases for various items of plant, equipment, fixtures and fittings. There are also a small number of buildings which are held under 
finance leases. The fair value of the Group’s lease obligations approximate to their carrying value.

Future minimum lease payments under finance leases and hire purchase contracts, together with the present value of the net minimum lease payments,  
are as follows:

Minimum lease payments

Present value of net
minimum lease payments

Within one year
Greater than one year but less than five years
After five years
Total minimum lease payments
Less future finance charges
Present value of minimum lease payments

Analysed as:
Current finance lease payables
Non-current finance lease payables

2014
£m
12
49
185
246
(125)
121

6
115
121

2013
£m
13
52
212
277
(149)
128

6
122
128

Operating lease commitments – Group as lessee
Future minimum rentals payable under non-cancellable operating leases are as follows:

Within one year
Greater than one year but less than five years
After five years
Total minimum lease payments

Future minimum rentals payable under non-cancellable operating leases after five years are analysed further as follows:

Greater than five years but less than ten years
Greater than ten years but less than fifteen years
After fifteen years
Total minimum lease payments – after five years

2014
£m
6
14
101
121

2013
£m
6
15
107
128

2014
£m
1,334
4,676
9,911
15,921

2014
£m
4,250
2,894
2,767
9,911

2013
£m
1,404
4,999
10,867
17,270

2013
£m
4,756
3,128
2,983
10,867

Future minimum rentals payable under non-cancellable operating leases associated with the discontinued operations in China are excluded from the 2014 
figures in the above tables (2013: £1,633m). See Note 7 for further details on discontinued operations.

Operating lease payments represent rentals payable by the Group for certain of its retail, distribution and office properties and other assets such as motor 
vehicles. The leases have varying terms, purchase options, escalation clauses and renewal rights. Purchase options and renewal rights, where they occur,  
are at market value. Escalation clauses are in line with market practices and include inflation linked, fixed rates, resets to market rents and hybrids of these.

The Group has lease break options on certain sale and leaseback transactions, which are exercisable if an existing option to buy back leased assets at market value  
at a specified date is also exercised. No commitment has been included in respect of the buy-back option as the option is at the Group’s discretion. The Group is  
not obliged to pay lease rentals after that date, therefore minimum lease payments exclude those falling after the buy-back date. The current market value of these 
properties is £5.4bn (2013: £5.2bn) and the total lease rentals, if they were to be incurred following the option exercise date, would be £4.2bn (2013: £4.1bn) using 
current rent values.

Operating lease commitments with joint ventures and associates 
Since 1988 the Group has entered into several joint ventures and associates and sold and leased back properties to and from these joint ventures and 
associates. The Group entered into a property sale and leaseback transaction with an associate in this financial year. The terms of these sale and leasebacks 
vary, however, common factors include: the sale of the properties to the joint venture or associate at market value; options within the lease for the Group to 
repurchase the properties at market value; market rent reviews; and 20 to 30 full-year lease terms. The Group reviews the substance as well as the form of  
the arrangements when determining the classification of leases as operating or finance. All of the leases under these arrangements are operating leases.

Operating lease receivables – Group as lessor
The Group both rents out its properties and also sublets various leased buildings under operating leases. At the balance sheet date, the following future 
minimum lease payments are contractually receivable from tenants: 

Within one year
Greater than one year but less than five years
After five years
Total minimum lease receivables

2014
£m
193
256
196
645

2013
£m
258
348
260
866

Future minimum lease payments that are contractually receivable from tenants associated with the discontinued operations in China are excluded from the 
2014 figures in the above tables (2013: £153m).

120 

Tesco PLC Annual Report and Financial Statements 2014 

 
Note 35 Events after the reporting period

On 21 March 2014, the Group entered into an agreement with Trent Limited, part of the Tata Group, to form a 50:50 Joint Venture in Trent Hypermarket 
Limited (‘THL’) which operates the Star Bazaar retail business in India. The Group’s investment is £85 million.

On 2 April 2014 the Group, through its subsidiary Dunnhumby Limited, acquired Sociomantic Labs (‘Sociomantic’), a Berlin-based global leader in digital 
advertising solutions, for £124m. Sociomantic operates in 14 countries worldwide, with clients in retail, financial services and travel services.

Tesco PLC Annual Report and Financial Statements 2014 

121

Other informationGovernanceFinancial statementsStrategic report 
Tesco PLC – Parent Company balance sheet

Non-current assets
Investments
Derivative financial instruments

Current assets
Derivative financial instruments
Debtors
Short-term investments
Cash and cash equivalents

Creditors – amounts falling due within one year
Borrowings
Derivative financial instruments
Other creditors

Net current assets
Total assets less current liabilities
Creditors – amounts falling due after more than one year
Borrowings
Derivative financial instruments

Net assets
Capital and reserves
Called up share capital
Share premium
Profit and loss reserve
Total equity

22 February
2014
£m

23 February
2013
£m

Notes

 5
10 

10
 6
 7

 9
10
 8

 9
 10

13
 14
14

13,691
1,430
15,121

64
12,536
1,016
106
13,722

(1,705)
(130)
(8,953)
(10,788)
2,934
18,055

(7,953)
(703)
(8,656)
9,399

405
5,080
3,914
9,399

14,540
1,913
16,453

198
12,017
522
5
12,742

(292)
(91)
(8,218)
(8,601)
4,141
20,594

(9,436)
(694)
(10,130)
10,464

403
5,020
5,041
10,464

The notes on pages 123 to 130 form part of these financial statements.

Philip Clarke 

Directors 
The Parent Company financial statements on pages 122 to 130 were authorised for issue by the Directors on 2 May 2014 and are subject to the approval of 
the shareholders at the Annual General Meeting on 27 June 2014.

Tesco PLC 
Registered number 00445790

122 

Tesco PLC Annual Report and Financial Statements 2014 

 
 
 
 
 
 
Notes to the Parent Company financial statements

Note 1 Accounting policies

Basis of preparation
The Parent Company financial statements have been prepared on a going 
concern basis using the historical cost convention modified for the 
revaluation of certain financial instruments and in accordance with generally 
accepted accounting principles (‘UK GAAP’) and the Companies Act 2006.

Financial instruments
Financial assets and financial liabilities are recognised on the Company’s 
Balance Sheet when the Company becomes party to the contractual 
provisions of the instrument.

The financial year represents the 52 weeks to 22 February 2014  
(prior financial year 52 weeks to 23 February 2013).

A summary of the Company’s significant accounting policies is set out below.

Exemptions
The Directors have taken advantage of the exemption available under 
Section 408 of the Companies Act 2006 and not presented a Profit  
and Loss Account for the Company alone.

The Company has taken advantage of the FRS 29 ‘Financial Instruments: 
Disclosures’ exemption and not provided derivative financial instrument 
disclosures of the Company alone.

The Company has also taken advantage of the exemption from preparing  
a Cash Flow Statement under the terms of FRS 1 ‘Cash Flow Statement’.  
The cash flows of the Company are included in the Tesco Group  
financial statements.

The Company is also exempt under the terms of FRS 8 ‘Related Parties’  
from disclosing related party transactions with entities that are part of the 
Tesco Group.

Short-term investments
Short-term investments relate to money market deposits which are 
recognised initially at fair value, and subsequently at amortised cost. 
All income from these investments is included in the Profit and Loss  
Account as interest receivable and similar income.

Investments in subsidiaries and joint ventures
Investments in subsidiaries and joint ventures are stated at cost less,  
where appropriate, provisions for impairment.

Foreign currencies
Assets and liabilities that are denominated in foreign currencies are 
translated into Pounds Sterling at the exchange rates prevailing at the 
balance sheet date of the financial year.

Share-based payments
The fair value of employee share option plans is calculated at the grant  
date using the Black-Scholes model. The resulting cost is charged to the 
Profit and Loss Account over the vesting period. The value of the charge is 
adjusted to reflect expected and actual levels of vesting.

Where the Company awards shares or options to employees of subsidiary 
entities, this is treated as a capital contribution.

Debtors
Debtors are recognised initially at fair value, and subsequently at amortised 
cost using the effective interest rate method, less provision for impairment. 

Financial liabilities and equity instruments
Financial liabilities and equity instruments are classified according to 
the substance of the contractual arrangements entered into. An equity 
instrument is any contract that gives a residual interest in the assets of the 
Company after deducting all of its liabilities. Equity instruments issued by  
the Company are recorded as the proceeds received, net of direct issue costs.

Borrowings
Interest-bearing bank loans and overdrafts are initially recognised at  
the value of the amount received, net of attributable transaction costs. 
Subsequent to initial recognition, interest-bearing borrowings are stated  
at amortised cost with any differences between cost and redemption value 
being recognised in the Company Profit and Loss Account over the period  
of the borrowings on an effective interest basis.

Other creditors
Other creditors are recognised initially at fair value, and subsequently 
at amortised cost using the effective interest rate method.

Derivative financial instruments and hedge accounting
The Company uses derivative financial instruments to hedge its exposure  
to foreign exchange and interest rate risks arising from operating, financing 
and investing activities. The Company does not hold or issue derivative 
financial instruments for trading purposes.

Derivative financial instruments are recognised and stated at fair value. 
Where derivatives do not qualify for hedge accounting, any gains or losses  
on remeasurement are immediately recognised in the Company Profit and 
Loss Account. Where derivatives qualify for hedge accounting, recognition  
of any resultant gain or loss depends on the nature of the hedge relationship 
and the items being hedged.

In order to qualify for hedge accounting, the Company is required to 
document from inception, the relationship between the item being hedged 
and the hedging instrument. The Company is also required to document and 
demonstrate an assessment of the relationship between the hedged item 
and the hedging instrument, which shows that the hedge will be highly 
effective on an on-going basis. This effectiveness testing is performed at  
each reporting date to ensure that the hedge remains highly effective.

Derivative financial instruments with maturity dates of more than one 
year from the balance sheet date are disclosed as falling due after more  
than one year.

Tesco PLC Annual Report and Financial Statements 2014 

123

Other informationGovernanceFinancial statementsStrategic report 
Notes to the Parent Company financial statements continued

Note 1  Accounting policies continued

Fair value hedging
Derivative financial instruments are classified as fair value hedges when they 
hedge the Company’s exposure to changes in the fair value of a recognised 
asset or liability. Changes in the fair value of derivatives that are designated 
and qualify as fair value hedges are recorded in the Company Profit and Loss 
Account, together with any changes in the fair value of the hedged item that 
is attributable to the hedged risk.

Cash flow hedging
Derivative financial instruments are classified as cash flow hedges when they 
hedge the Company’s exposure to variability in cash flows that are either 
attributable to a particular risk associated with a recognised asset or liability, 
or a highly probable forecasted transaction.

Pensions
The Company participates in the Tesco PLC Pension Scheme and cannot identify 
its share of the underlying assets and liabilities of the scheme. Accordingly, as 
permitted by FRS 17 ‘Retirement Benefits’, the Company has accounted for 
the scheme as a defined contribution scheme, and the charge for the period 
is based upon the cash contributions payable.

Taxation
Corporation tax payable is provided on the taxable profit for the year, using 
the tax rates enacted or substantively enacted by the Balance Sheet date.

The company will surrender group relief to Group companies and 
consequently there may be no tax charge in the Profit and Loss Account.

The effective element of any gain or loss from remeasuring the derivative 
instrument is recognised directly in equity.

The associated cumulative gain or loss is removed from equity and 
recognised in the Company Profit and Loss Account in the same period 
during which the hedged transaction affects the Company Profit and Loss 
Account. The classification of the effective portion when recognised in the 
Company Profit and Loss Account is the same as the classification of the 
hedged transaction. Any element of the re-measurement criteria of the 
derivative instrument which does not meet the criteria for an effective  
hedge is recognised immediately in the Company Profit and Loss Account.

Deferred tax is recognised in respect of all timing differences that have 
originated but not reversed at the Balance Sheet date and would give rise to  
an obligation to pay more or less tax in the future. Deferred tax assets are 
recognised to the extent that they are recoverable. They are regarded as 
recoverable to the extent that on the basis of all available evidence, it is 
regarded as more likely than not that there will be suitable taxable profits 
from which the future reversal of the underlying timing differences can be 
deducted. Deferred tax is measured on a non-discontinued basis at the tax 
rates that are expected to apply in the periods in which the timing differences 
reverse, based on tax rates and laws that have been substantively enacted by 
the Balance Sheet date.

Hedge accounting is discontinued when the hedging instrument  
expires or is sold, terminated or exercised, or no longer qualifies for hedge 
accounting or is de-designated. At that point in time, any cumulative gain  
or loss on the hedging instrument recognised in equity is retained in equity 
until the forecasted transaction occurs or the original hedged item affects 
the Company Profit and Loss Account. If a forecasted hedged transaction is  
no longer expected to occur, the net cumulative gain or loss recognised in 
equity is transferred to the Company Profit and Loss Account.

124 

Tesco PLC Annual Report and Financial Statements 2014 

Note 2 Auditor remuneration 

Fees payable to the Company’s auditor for the audit of the Company and Group financial statements

Note 3 Employment costs, including Directors’ remuneration

Wages and salaries*
Social security costs
Other pension costs
Share-based payment expense**

2014
£m
0.8

2013
£m
0.8

2014
£m
21
2
2
1
26

2013
£m
20
2
2
6
30

*  The wages and salaries expense includes a recharge from Tesco Stores Limited for Board-related functions.
**  The share-based payment expense in 2013 includes an amount of £3m relating to liabilities of Tesco Japan that were not transferred to the acquiring company on disposal.

The average number of employees (all Directors of the Company) during the financial year was 10 (2013: 13). 

The Schedule V requirements of SI 2008/410 for Directors’ remuneration are included within the Directors’ remuneration report on pages 41 to 61.

Note 4 Dividends

For details of dividends see Note 8 in the Group financial statements.

Note 5 Investments

Cost 
At 23 February 2013 
Additions
Disposals
Transfers
At 22 February 2014

Impairment
At 23 February 2013 
Impairment
At 22 February 2014

Net carrying value
At 22 February 2014
At 23 February 2013

Shares 
in Group
undertakings
£m

Shares in 
joint  
ventures
£m

15,598
632
(1)
(489)
15,740

1,074
991
2,065

13,675
14,524

16
–
–
–
16

–
–
–

16
16

Total
£m

15,614
632
(1)
(489)
15,756

1,074
991
2,065

13,691
14,540

For a list of the Company’s principal operating subsidiary undertakings and joint ventures see Note 13 in the Group financial statements.

The £991m impairment relates to the Company’s investments in the Group’s Chinese retail operations. During the period, the Group entered into definitive 
agreements with China Resources Enterprise, Limited to combine their respective Chinese retail operations. The definitive agreements allow for the exchange 
of the Group’s Chinese retail and property interests plus cash of HK$4,325m for a 20% interest in the combined businesses. Consequently, the Directors have 
written-down the Company’s investments in China to the value consolidated in the Group financial statements, which reflects the fair value for disposal. 
Please refer to Note 7 in the Group financial statements for further details.

Tesco PLC Annual Report and Financial Statements 2014 

125

Other informationGovernanceFinancial statementsStrategic report 
 
Notes to the Parent Company financial statements continued

Note 6 Debtors

Amounts owed by Group undertakings*
Amounts owed by joint ventures and associates**
Other debtors
Deferred tax asset***

2014
£m
12,378
127
11
20
12,536

2013
£m
11,823
173
17
4
12,017

Amounts owed by Group undertakings are either interest-bearing or non-interest bearing depending on the type and duration of debtor relationship.

*  Debtors include amounts owed by Group undertakings of £65m (2013: £nil) due after more than one year.
**  Of the amounts owed by joint ventures and associates, £125m (2013: £112m) is due after more than one year. 
*** The deferred tax asset recognised by the Company, and the movements thereon, during the financial year are as follows:

At 23 February 2013
Charge to the Profit and Loss Account for the year
Movement in reserves for the year
At 22 February 2014

Note 7 Short-term investments

Short-term investments

Note 8 Other creditors

Amounts falling due within one year:
Amounts owed to Group undertakings
Other creditors
Taxation and social security
Accruals and deferred income

Financial 
instruments 
£m
4
(2)

18
20

2014
£m
1,016

2013
£m
522

2014
£m

8,898
50
1
4
8,953

2013
£m

8,167
47
1
3
8,218

Amounts owed to Group undertakings are either interest-bearing or non-interest bearing depending on the type and duration of creditor relationship.

126 

Tesco PLC Annual Report and Financial Statements 2014 

 
Note 9 Borrowings

Bank loans and overdrafts
Loans from joint ventures
5% MTN
2% USD Bond
5.125% MTN
4% RPI MTN*
5.875% MTN
2.7% MTN
5.5% USD Bond
3.375% MTN
5.5% MTN
6.125% MTN
5% MTN
3.322% LPI MTN**
6% MTN
5.5% MTN
1.982% RPI MTN***
6.15% USD Bond
4.875% MTN
5.125% MTN
5.2% MTN
Other MTNs
Other loans

Par value
 –
 –
£600m
$500m
€600m
 £299m
€1,039m
$500m
 $850m
€750m
 £350m
£900m
£389m
 £309m
 £200m
 £200m
£252m
$1,150m
 £173m
€600m
 £279m
 –
–

Maturity
year
–
–
2014
2014
2015
2016
2016
2017
2017
2018
2019
2022
2023
2025
2029
2033
2036
2037
2042
2047
2057
–
–

2014
£m
658
10
628
300
528
304
1,011
299
595
620
352
948
401
310
242
241
256
792
174
605
274
110
–
9,658

2013
£m
58
10
642
328
566
295
1,071
328
674
653
352
948
404
299
255
251
248
911
174
641
274
122
224
9,728

*  The 4% RPI MTN is redeemable at par, including indexation for increases in the RPI over the life of the MTN.
**   The 3.322% LPI MTN is redeemable at par, including indexation for increases in the RPI over the life of the MTN. The maximum indexation of the principal in any one year is 5%,  

with a minimum of 0%.

*** The 1.982% RPI MTN is redeemable at par, including indexation for increases in the RPI over the life of the MTN. 

Repayment analysis:
Amounts falling due within one year

Amounts falling due after more than one year:
Amounts falling due between one and two years
Amounts falling due between two and five years
Amounts falling due after more than five years

2014
£m

1,705
1,705

528
2,829
4,596
7,953
9,658

2013
£m

292
292

1,093
2,934
5,409
9,436
9,728

Tesco PLC Annual Report and Financial Statements 2014 

127

Other informationGovernanceFinancial statementsStrategic report 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Notes to the Parent Company financial statements continued

Note 10 Derivative financial instruments

The fair value of derivative financial instruments has been disclosed in the Company’s Balance Sheet as:

Amounts falling due within one year
Amounts falling due after more than one year
Total 

Fair value hedges
Interest rate swaps and similar instruments
Cross currency swaps
Cash flow hedges
Interest rate swaps and similar instruments
Cross currency swaps
Index-linked swaps
Forward foreign currency contracts

Derivatives in cash flow hedge and not  

in a formal relationship*

Cross currency swaps
Derivatives not in a formal hedge relationship
Index-linked swaps
Forward foreign currency contracts
Total 

Asset
£m
64
1,430
1,494

2014

Liability
£m
(130)
(703)
(833)

Asset
£m
198
1,913
2,111

Fair value
£m

Asset

Notional
£m

Fair value
£m

61
583

–
139
86
2

1,065
2,055

–
287
860
486

–
(25)

(110)
(103)
–
(1)

2014

Liability

Notional 
£m

–
551

400
782
–
196

Fair value
£m

Asset

Notional
£m

Fair value
£m

103
890

–
237
80
–

1,065
2,749

–
642
833
93

–
(34)

(126)
(31)
–
(1)

2013

Liability
£m
(91)
(694)
(785)

2013

Liability

Notional 
£m

–
249

400
531
–
72

10

308

–

–

–

–

(10)

325

583
30
1,494

3,354
828
9,243

(499)
(95)
(833)

3,339
2,085
7,353

603
198
2,111

3,089
2,630
11,101

(530)
(53)
(785)

3,589
919
6,085

* 

 These are designated as cash flow hedges and net investment hedges at Group level but for PLC financial statements are classified as cash flow hedges and ‘not in a formal 
hedge relationship’. 

Note 11 Share-based payments

The Company’s equity-settled share-based payment schemes comprise various share schemes designed to reward Executive Directors. For further 
information on these schemes, including the valuation models and assumptions used, see Note 25 in the Group financial statements.

Share option schemes 
The number of options and WAEP of share option schemes relating to the Company employees are:

For the year ended 22 February 2014 
Outstanding at 24 February 2013
Granted 
Forfeited
Exercised 
Outstanding at 22 February 2014
Exercisable as at 22 February 2014

Savings-related
Share Option Scheme
WAEP
Options
346.61
17,390
322.00
1,862
378.28
(6,292)
316.15
(3,852)
332.59
9,108
–
–

Exercise price range (pence) 

Weighted average remaining contractual life (years)

–
–

–
–

Approved
Share Option Scheme
WAEP
Options
367.22
57,184
–
–
392.90
(38,176)
–
–
315.65
19,008
315.65
19,008

312.75 to 
318.60
1.68

–
–

Unapproved
Share Option Scheme
WAEP
Options
384.66
13,988,866
–
–
424.36
(3,577,576)
338.40
(935,696)
374.24
9,475,594
374.24
9,475,594

Nil cost
share options
WAEP
0.00
0.00
0.00
0.00
0.00
0.00

Options
14,317,776
1,978,324
(2,550,724)
(3,030,439)
10,714,937
4,206,723

312.75 to 
473.75
3.57

–
–

–
–

0.00
4.18

128 

Tesco PLC Annual Report and Financial Statements 2014 

 
 
 
 
Note 11 Share-based payments continued

Savings-related
Share Option Scheme

Approved
Share Option Scheme

Unapproved
Share Option Scheme

Nil cost
share options

For the year ended 23 February 2013 
Outstanding at 26 February 2012
Granted
Forfeited
Exercised 
Outstanding at 23 February 2013
Exercisable as at 23 February 2013

Exercise price range (pence) 

Weighted average remaining contractual life (years)

Options
25,912
3,189
(11,711)
–
17,390
3,276

–

–

WAEP
355.62
282.00
348.94
–
346.61
410.00

410.00

0.20

Options
64,330
–
(7,146)
–
57,184
28,600

WAEP
373.06
–
419.80
–
367.22
314.68

Options
14,368,570
–
(379,704)
–
13,988,866
11,218,026

WAEP
385.59
–
419.80
–
384.66
375.98

Options
16,030,275
3,606,494
(2,991,480)
(2,327,513)
14,317,776
5,630,056

312.75 
to 318.60

2.51

–

–

312.75 
to 473.75

4.74

–

–

–

–

Share bonus schemes 
The number and WAFV of share bonuses awarded during the financial year relating to the Company employees are:

Shares In Success
Executive Incentive Scheme
Performance Share Plan

Note 12 Pensions

Shares
number
847
–
–

2014

WAFV
pence
383.55
–
–

Shares
number
–
37,424
649,113

WAEP
0.00
0.00
0.00
0.00
0.00
0.00

0.00

5.24

2013

WAFV
pence
–
308.25
317.10

The total cost of the pension scheme to the Company was £2.3m (2013: £1.5m). Further disclosure relating to the Tesco PLC Pension Scheme can be found in 
Note 26 of the Group financial statements.

Note 13 Called up share capital

Allotted, called up and fully paid:
At beginning of the year
Share options
Share bonus awards
At end of the year

2014

2013

Ordinary shares of 5p each

Ordinary shares of 5p each

Number

£m

Number

8,054,054,930
19,662,145
22,104,016
8,095,821,091

403 8,031,812,445
18,632,251
3,610,234
405 8,054,054,930

1
1

£m

402
1
–
403

During the financial year, 20 million (2013: 19 million) ordinary shares of 5p each were issued in relation to share options for an aggregate consideration of 
£61m (2013: £57m).

During the financial year, 22 million (2013: 4 million) ordinary shares of 5p each were issued in relation to share bonus awards for an aggregate consideration 
of £1.1m (2013: £0.2m).

Between 23 February 2014 and 11 April 2014 options over 942,705 ordinary shares were exercised under the terms of the Savings-related Share Option 
Scheme (1981) and the Irish Savings-related Share Option Scheme (2000). Between 23 February 2014 and 11 April 2014, options over 2,207,051 ordinary 
shares were exercised under the terms of the Executive Share Option Schemes (1994 and 1996) and the Discretionary Share Option Plan (2004).

As at 22 February 2014, the Directors were authorised to purchase up to a maximum in aggregate of 806.5 million (2013: 804.0 million) ordinary shares.

The holders of ordinary shares are entitiled to receive dividends as declared from time to time and are entitled to one vote per share at general meetings  
of the Company. 

Tesco PLC Annual Report and Financial Statements 2014 

129

Other informationGovernanceFinancial statementsStrategic report 
 
 
Notes to the Parent Company financial statements continued

Note 14 Reserves

Share premium account
At beginning of the year
Premium on issue of shares less costs
At end of the year

Profit and loss reserve
At beginning of the year
Share-based payments
Dividends authorised in the year 
Net movement on cash flow hedges
Profit after tax for the year
At end of the year

2014
£m

5,020
60
5,080

5,041
54
(1,189)
(78)
86
3,914

2013
£m

4,964
56
5,020

2,842
61
(1,184)
2
3,320
5,041

130 

Tesco PLC Annual Report and Financial Statements 2014 

Independent auditors’ report to the members of Tesco PLC

Report on the Parent Company financial statements
Our opinion

In our opinion the Parent Company financial statements, defined below:

•	  give a true and fair view of the state of the Parent Company’s affairs  

as at 22 February 2014;

Other matters on which we are required to report by exception
Adequacy of accounting records and information and  
explanations received

Under the Companies Act 2006 we are required to report to you if,  
in our opinion:

•	  have been properly prepared in accordance with United Kingdom 

•	 we have not received all the information and explanations we require for 

Generally Accepted Accounting Practice; and

•	 have been prepared in accordance with the requirements of the 

Companies Act 2006.

This opinion is to be read in the context of what we say in the remainder  
of this report.

What we have audited

our audit; or

•	 adequate accounting records have not been kept by the Parent Company, 
or returns adequate for our audit have not been received from branches 
not visited by us; or

•	 the Parent Company financial statements and the part of the Directors’ 

Remuneration Report to be audited are not in agreement with the 
accounting records and returns.

We have no exceptions to report arising from this responsibility.

The parent Company financial statements, which are prepared by Tesco PLC, 
comprise:

Directors’ remuneration

•	 the Parent Company Balance Sheet as at 22 February 2014; and
•	 the notes to the Parent Company financial statements, which  
include a summary of significant accounting policies and other 
explanatory information.

Under the Companies Act 2006 we are required to report to you if,  
in our opinion, certain disclosures of directors’ remuneration specified  
by law have not been made. We have no exceptions to report arising from 
this responsibility.

The financial reporting framework that has been applied in their preparation 
comprises applicable law and United Kingdom Accounting Standards (United 
Kingdom Generally Accepted Accounting Practice).

In applying the financial reporting framework, the directors have made a 
number of subjective judgements, for example in respect of significant 
accounting estimates. In making such estimates, they have made 
assumptions and considered future events.

Certain disclosures required by the financial reporting framework have  
been presented elsewhere in the Annual Report and Financial Statements 
(the “Annual Report”) rather than in the notes to the financial statements. 
These are cross-referenced from the financial statements and are identified 
as audited.

What an audit of financial statements involves

We conducted our audit in accordance with International Standards on 
Auditing (UK & Ireland) (“ISAs (UK & Ireland)”). An audit involves obtaining 
evidence about the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements 
sufficient to give reasonable assurance that the financial statements are free 
from material misstatement, whether caused by fraud or error. This includes 
an assessment of:

•	 whether the accounting policies are appropriate to the Parent  
Company’s circumstances and have been consistently applied  
and adequately disclosed;

•	 the reasonableness of significant accounting estimates made by  

the directors; and 

•	 the overall presentation of the financial statements. 

In addition, we read all the financial and non-financial information in  
the Annual Report to identify material inconsistencies with the audited 
Parent Company financial statements and to identify any information that  
is apparently materially incorrect based on, or materially inconsistent with, 
the knowledge acquired by us in the course of performing the audit. If we 
become aware of any apparent material misstatements or inconsistencies  
we consider the implications for our report.

Opinions on other matters prescribed by the Companies Act 2006

In our opinion:

•	 the information given in the Strategic Report and the Directors’ Report for 
the financial year for which the Parent Company financial statements are 
prepared is consistent with the Parent Company financial statements; and

•	 the part of the Directors’ Remuneration Report to be audited has been 

properly prepared in accordance with the Companies Act 2006. 

Other information in the Annual Report

Under ISAs (UK & Ireland), we are required to report to you if, in our opinion, 
information in the Annual Report is:

•	 materially inconsistent with the information in the audited Parent 

Company financial statements; or

•	 apparently materially incorrect based on, or materially inconsistent with, 

our knowledge of the Parent Company acquired in the course of 
performing our audit; or
•	 is otherwise misleading.

We have no exceptions to report arising from this responsibility.

Responsibilities for the financial statements and the audit

Our responsibilities and those of the directors

As explained more fully in the Directors’ Responsibilities Statement set out 
on page 64, the directors are responsible for the preparation of the Parent 
Company financial statements and for being satisfied that they give a true 
and fair view. 

Our responsibility is to audit and express an opinion on the Parent Company 
financial statements in accordance with applicable law and ISAs (UK & 
Ireland). Those standards require us to comply with the Auditing Practices 
Board’s Ethical Standards for Auditors. 

This report, including the opinions, has been prepared for and only for the 
Company’s members as a body in accordance with Chapter 3 of Part 16 of 
the Companies Act 2006 and for no other purpose. We do not, in giving 
these opinions, accept or assume responsibility for any other purpose or to 
any other person to whom this report is shown or into whose hands it may 
come save where expressly agreed by our prior consent in writing.

Other Matter

We have reported separately on the Group financial statements of Tesco PLC 
for the 52 weeks ended 22 February 2014. 

Mark Gill (Senior Statutory Auditor)
for and on behalf of PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP
Chartered Accountants and Statutory Auditors
London
2 May 2014

Tesco PLC Annual Report and Financial Statements 2014 

131

Other informationGovernanceFinancial statementsStrategic report 
Supplementary information (unaudited)

Tesco Bank income statement

Revenue
Interest receivable and similar income
Fees and commissions receivable

Direct costs
Interest payable
Fees and commissions payable

Gross profit

Other expenses:
Staff costs
Premises and equipment
Other administrative expenses

Depreciation and amortisation
(excluding amortisation of intangibles arising on acquisition)

Trading profit before provisions for bad and doubtful debts
Provisions for bad and doubtful debts
Trading profit

Deduct: Tesco Bank intangibles2
Deduct: IAS 17 Leasing charge
Movements on derivatives and hedge accounting
Net finance costs: interest
Share of profit of joint ventures and associates
Restructuring and other one-off items3
Deduct: management charges

Profit before tax

20141
£m

507
496
1,003

(149)
(29)
(178)
825

(146)
(87)
(266)

(71)

(570)
255
(61)
194

(12)
–
6
(6)
2
(63)
(1)

120

20131
£m

480
541
1,021

(172)
(26)
(198)
823

(134)
(78)
(276)

(62)

(550)
273
(82)
191

(15)
(1)
–
(9)
10
(85)
(1)

90

Notes
1  These results are for the 12 months ended 28 February 2014 and the previous year comparison is made with the 12 months ended 28 February 2013.
2  The non-cash amortisation of intangibles arising on acquisition. 
3 

 Restructuring and other one-off items includes year end provisions for PPI (2013/14: £20m; 2012/2013: £90m), CCA (2013/14: £43m; 2012/13: nil) and CCP (2013/14: nil; 
2012/13: £25m). Restructuring and other one-off items in 2012/13 includes a one-off credit of £30m.

The above is not a primary statement, nor a note to the financial statements and does not form part of the Group Income Statement. It is supplementary information to aid 
understanding of our non retail business. 

132 

Tesco PLC Annual Report and Financial Statements 2014 

Tesco Bank balance sheet

Non-current assets
Intangible assets
Property, plant and equipment
Investments in joint ventures and associates
Other investments
Loans and advances to customers
Derivative financial instruments

Current assets
Trade and other receivables
Loans and advances to customers
Derivative financial instruments
Current tax assets
Cash and cash equivalents

Current liabilities
Trade and other payables
Financial liabilities:

Derivative financial instruments
Customer deposits
Deposits by banks

Provisions

Net current liabilities
Non-current liabilities
Financial liabilities:
Borrowings
Derivative financial instruments
Customer deposits
Deposits by banks
Deferred tax liabilities
Net assets included within Tesco Group accounts2

20141
£m

446
93
77
850
3,210
35
4,711

209
3,705
2
1
485
4,402

20131
£m

428
94
95
819
2,465
33
3,934

186
3,093
–
36
1,055
4,370

(260)

(246)

(4)
(4,713)
(772)
(105)
(5,854)
(1,452)

(395)
(38)
(1,366)
(8)
(25)
1,427

(7)
(5,322)
(9)
(102)
(5,686)
(1,316)

(407)
(57)
(677)
(6)
(49)
1,422

Notes
1  As at 28 February 2014 with comparatives at 28 February 2013.
2 

 Intra-group liabilities of £94m (2012/13: £252m) have been eliminated on consolidation in preparing the Tesco PLC consolidated financial statements. Net assets  
of Tesco Bank are £1,357m (2012/13: £1,198m) including the intra-group liabilities and ATM commission.

The above is not a primary statement, nor a note to the financial statements and does not form part of the Group Balance Sheet. It is supplementary information to aid 
understanding of our non retail business.

Tesco PLC Annual Report and Financial Statements 2014 

133

Other informationGovernanceFinancial statementsStrategic report 
Supplementary information (unaudited) continued

Group cash flow

Profit before tax1
ATM commission
Statutory profit before tax
Net finance costs
Share of post-tax profits of joint ventures and associates
Operating profit

Operating loss of discontinued operations

Depreciation, amortisation and net property, plant and equipment and 

intangible assets impairment

(Profits)/losses arising on property-related items, including loss arising on 

property-related items from discontinued operations

(Profit)/loss arising on sale of non property-related items
Loss arising on sale of subsidiaries and other investments
Impairment of goodwill
Impairment of other investments
Adjustment for non-cash element of pensions charges
Additional contribution into pension scheme
Share-based payments
Tesco Bank non-cash items included in profit before tax
Cash flow from operations excluding working capital
(Increase)/decrease in working capital
Cash generated from/(used in) operations
Interest paid
Corporation tax paid
Net cash generated from/(used in) operating activities

Purchase of property, plant and equipment, investment property and  

intangible assets

Memo: Free cash flow

(Acquisition)/disposal of subsidiaries, net of cash acquired/(disposed)

Proceeds from sale of property, plant and equipment, investment property, 

non-current assets classified as held for sale

Proceeds from sale of intangible assets
Proceeds from sale of joint ventures and associates

Investments and net decrease/(increase) in loans to joint ventures  

and associates

Net (investments in)/proceeds from sale of short-term investments 
Net (investments in)/proceeds from sale of other investments
Dividends received from joint ventures and associates
Interest received
Net cash (used in)/from investing activities

Proceeds from issue of ordinary share capital
Net increase/(repayment) of borrowings, including finance leases
Purchase of non-controlling interests
Dividends paid, including those to non-controlling interests
Own shares purchased
Net cash from/(used in) financing activities

2014
£m
2,139
(24)
2,115
432
(58)
2,489

(925)

2,198

(70)

(1)
1
540
42
11
(4)
46
–
4,327
280
4,607
(490)
(612)
3,505

Retail

2013 
£m
1,967
(28)
1,939
388
(62)
2,265

(1,451)

2,142

449

4
35
575
–
(4)
(180)
54
–
3,889
(1)
3,888
(448)
(540)
2,900

(2,774)

(2,850)

731

(13)

568

2
–

42

(494)
(207)
47
121
(2,708)

62
1,183
–
(1,189)
–
56

50

(72)

1,351

–
68

(180)

721
–
51
85
(826)

57
(1,431)
(4)
(1,184)
–
(2,562)

Tesco Bank

Tesco Group

2013 
£m
90
28
118
9
(10)
117

–

77

–

(4)
–
–
–
–
–
(1)
54
243
(258)
(15)
(9)
(39)
(63)

(137)

(200)

–

–

–
–

(21)

–
706
–
–
548

–
197
–
–
–
197

2014
£m
2,259
–
2,259
432
(60)
2,631

(925)

2,282

(70)

(1)
1
540
42
11
(4)
47
76
4,630
(314)
4,316
(496)
(635)
3,185

2013 
£m
2,057
–
2,057
397
(72)
2,382

(1,451)

2,219

449

–
35
575
–
(4)
(180)
53
54
4,132
(259)
3,873
(457)
(579)
2,837

(2,881)

(2,987)

304

(13)

568

2
–

49

(494)
(268)
62
121
(2,854)

62
1,183
–
(1,189)
–
56

(150)

(72)

1,351

–
68

(201)

721
706
51
85
(278)

57
(1,234)
(4)
(1,184)
–
(2,365)

2014
£m
120
24
144
–
(2)
142

–

84

–

–
–
–
–
–
–
1
76
303
(594)
(291)
(6)
(23)
(320)

(107)

(427)

–

–

–
–

7

–
(61)
15
–
(146)

–
–
–
–
–
–

Intra-Group funding and intercompany transactions

104

207

(104)

(207)

–

–

Net increase/(decrease) in cash and cash equivalents
Cash and cash equivalents at the beginning of the period
Effect of foreign exchange rate changes
Cash and cash equivalents at the end of the period
Less cash held in disposal group2
Cash and cash equivalents not held in disposal group

957
1,476
(105)
2,328
(307)
2,021

(281)
1,731
26
1,476
(19)
1,457

(570)
1,055
–
485
–
485

475
580
–
1,055
–
1,055

387
2,531
(105)
2,813
(307)
2,506

194
2,311
26
2,531
(19)
2,512

Notes
1  Tesco Bank profit before tax is per Tesco Bank Income Statement. 
2  This relates to the cash held within our discontinued operations reported within assets of the disposal group.

The above is not a primary statement, nor a note to the financial statements. It does not replace the Group Cash Flow but is supplementary information to aid understanding.

134 

Tesco PLC Annual Report and Financial Statements 2014 

Retail cash flow

Operating profit

Depreciation and amortisation and net impairment of property,  

plant and equipment and intangible assets

(Profits)/losses arising on property-related items
(Profit)/loss arising on sale of non property-related items
Loss arising on sale of subsidiaries and other investments
Impairment of goodwill
Impairment of other investments
Adjustment for non-cash element of pensions charge
Additional contribution into pension scheme
Share-based payments
Cash flow from operations excluding working capital
Decrease/(increase) in working capital
Cash generated from operations
Interest paid
Corporation tax paid
Net cash generated from operating activities

Continuing operations

Discontinued operations

2014
£m
2,489

2,156

(232)
(1)
1
–
42
11
(4)
41
4,503
243
4,746
(475)
(594)
3,677

2013
£m
2,265

1,465

161
4
–
495
–
(4)
(180)
56
4,262
(253)
4,009
(421)
(521)
3,067

2014
£m
(925)

42

162
–
–
540
–
–
–
5
(176)
37
(139)
(15)
(18)
(172)

(274)

(446)

2013
£m
(1,451)

677

288
–
35
80
–
–
–
(2)
(373)
252
(121)
(27)
(19)
(167)

(291)

(458)

2014
£m
1,564

2,198

(70)
(1)
1
540
42
11
(4)
46
4,327
280
4,607
(490)
(612)
3,505

Retail

2013
£m
814

2,142

449
4
35
575
–
(4)
(180)
54
3,889
(1)
3,888
(448)
(540)
2,900

(2,774)

(2,850)

731

50

Purchase of property, plant and equipment, investment property  

and intangible assets

Memo: Free cash flow

(2,500)

(2,559)

1,177

508

The above is not a primary statement, nor a note to the financial statements. It does not replace the Group Cash Flow but is supplementary information to aid understanding.

Tesco PLC Annual Report and Financial Statements 2014 

135

Other informationGovernanceFinancial statementsStrategic report 
Supplementary information (unaudited) continued

UK sales performance (inc. VAT, exc. IFRIC 13)

Existing stores
Net new stores
Total

Inc. Petrol

Exc. Petrol

First Half 
2013/14
26 wks to 
24/08/13
%
(0.9)
2.0
1.1

Second Half 
2013/14
26 wks to 
22/02/14
%
(3.1)
1.9
(1.2)

Full Year 
2013/14
52 wks to 
22/02/14
%
(2.0)
1.9
(0.1)

Full Year 
2012/13
52 wks to 
23/02/13
%
(1.0)
2.8
1.8

First Half 
2013/14
26 wks to 
24/08/13
%
(0.5)
2.2
1.7

Second Half 
2013/14
26 wks to 
22/02/14
%
(2.2)
2.1
(0.1)

Full Year 
2013/14
52 wks to 
22/02/14
%
(1.3)
2.1
0.8

Full Year 
2012/13
52 wks to 
23/02/13
%
(0.3)
2.9
2.6

UK quarterly like-for-like sales growth (exc. Petrol, exc. VAT, exc. IFRIC 13)

h
t
w
o
r
g
%

1.0

0.5

0.0

(0.5)

(1.0)

(1.5)

(2.0)

(2.5)

(3.0)

(3.5)

Q1 11/12

Q2 11/12

Q3 11/12

Q4 11/12

Q1 12/13

Q2 12/13

Q3 12/13

Q4 12/13

Q1 13/14

Q2 13/14

Q3 13/14

Q4 13/14

UK sales area by size of store

Tesco store size
sq ft
0-3,000
3,001-20,000
20,001-40,000
40,001-60,000
60,001-80,000
80,001-100,000
Over 100,000

Dotcom only
Over 60,000
Other
One Stop (inc. Franchise)
Dobbies
Total (inc. Franchise)

February 2014

February 2013

No. of stores
1,648
319
300
170
117
45
9
2,608

6

730
34
3,378

Million sq ft
3.9
4.0
8.9
9.0
7.4
4.1
1.0
38.3

% of total sq ft
10.2%
10.5%
23.4%
23.5%
19.3%
10.6%
2.5%
100.0%

0.7

1.2
1.6
41.8

No. of stores
1,527
313
299
165
113
43
10
2,470

5

639
32
3,146

Million sq ft
3.6
4.0
8.9
8.7
7.1
3.9
1.1
37.4

% of total sq ft
9.7%
10.6%
23.9%
23.3%
19.1%
10.5%
2.9%
100.0%

0.6

1.0
1.5
40.5

136 

Tesco PLC Annual Report and Financial Statements 2014 

 
International sales performance (inc. Petrol, exc. IFRIC 13)

Sales growth (inc. VAT)

Revenue (exc. VAT)

Continuing operations

Constant rates

Actual rates

Like–for–like
%

Net new 
stores 
%

Total
%

Total
%

–
–

(4)
(5)

(6)
3

29
25

(4)
(7)

1
(1)

(3)
(4)

(5)
(1)

(4)
–

(6)
(1)

n/a
n/a

2
6

4
5

9
13

(2)
–

1
5

(2)
1

4
5

3
7

4
13

–
3

n/a
n/a

2
6

–
–

3
16

27
25

(3)
(2)

(1)
–

1
1

(2)
6

–
13

(6)
2

n/a
n/a

(1)
5

3
(1)

3
16

16
11

(4)
(10)

–
(9)

4
(5)

2
(1)

(9)
8

(2)
(5)

n/a
n/a

In local 
currency
 m

4,675
4,591

9,420,754
9,421,714

188,348
183,470

6,407
4,884

40,316
42,009

563,741
569,648

11,209
11,150

1,340
1,371

2,112
2,123

2,694
2,850

25
9

Average 
exchange 
rate

Closing 
exchange 
rate

5.021
4.900

1,721
1,774

49.10
49.03

94.22
85.68

31.06
30.98

353.0
354.7

4.962
5.124

1.182
1.231

3.110
2.850

1.182
1.231

1.182
1.231

5.509
4.733

1,792
1,656

54.38
45.57

103.9
82.84

33.26
29.38

376.9
337.7

5.047
4.797

1.215
1.154

3.644
2.736

1.215
1.154

1.215
1.154

£m

931
937

5,474
5,311

3,836
3,742

68
57

1,298
1,356

1,597
1,606

2,259
2,176

1,134
1,114

679
745

2,279
2,315

21
7

Malaysia

South Korea

Thailand

India

Czech Republic

Hungary1

Poland

Slovakia

Turkey

Republic of Ireland

Franchising2

Discontinued operations

China

TY
LY

TY
LY

TY
LY

TY
LY

TY
LY

TY
LY

TY
LY

TY
LY

TY
LY

TY
LY

TY
LY

TY
LY

(4)
(1)

5
7

1
6

5
9

14,502
14,307

1,504
1,431

9.642
10.00

10.18
9.526

Notes
1 

 Following the introduction of legislation preventing large retailers from selling tobacco in mid-July 2013, Hungary like-for-like growth is shown on an excluding  
tobacco basis.

2  Wholesale sales to F&F franchisees.

Tesco PLC Annual Report and Financial Statements 2014 

137

Other informationGovernanceFinancial statementsStrategic report 
Supplementary information (unaudited) continued

Group space summary

Number of stores

UK (exc. Franchise)
Asia2
Europe
International (exc. Franchise)
Group (exc. Franchise) 3
Franchise
Group (inc. Franchise)3

Memo:
China

Space – ‘000 sq ft

UK (exc. Franchise)
Asia2
Europe
International (exc. Franchise)
Group (exc. Franchise)3
Franchise
Group (inc. Franchise)3

Memo:
China

2013
year end
3,146
1,911
1,365
3,276
6,422
231
6,653

2014
year end
3,370
2,219
1,374
3,593
6,963
342
7,305

Net gain1
224
308
9
317
541
111
652

131

134

3

2013
year end
40,495
31,280
33,936
65,216
105,711
329
106,040

2014
year end
41,813
33,197
34,067
67,264
109,077
495
109,572

Net gain
1,318
1,917
131
2,048
3,366
166
3,532

Openings

H1
78
149
20
169
247
43
290

5

Openings

H1
549
721
282
1,003
1,552
46
1,598

H2
125
172
28
200
325
85
410

2

Acquisitions
33
–
–
–
33
–
33

Closures/ 
Disposals
(12)
(14)
(39)
(53)
(65)
(16)
(81)

Repurposing/
Extensions
2
 50
91
 141
 143
15
158

–

(4)

–

H2
884
1,172
310
1,482
2,366
148
2,514

Acquisitions
58
–
–
–
58
–
58

Closures/ 
Disposals
(132)
(31)
(251)
(282)
(414)
(20)
(434)

Repurposing/
Extensions
(41)
55
(210)
(155)
(196)
(8)
(204)

10,196

10,546

350

394

176

–

(220)

–

Notes
1  Extensions/Repurposed stores are not included in the net gain for ‘number of stores’, since they are expansions/reductions in the space of existing stores.
2  China is excluded from Asia’s store and space numbers.
3  China is excluded from Group store and space numbers.

138 

Tesco PLC Annual Report and Financial Statements 2014 

UK space summary

Number of stores

Extra
Homeplus
Superstore
Metro
Express
Dotcom only
Total Tesco (exc. Franchise)
One Stop 
Dobbies
Total UK (exc. Franchise)
Franchise – One Stop
Total UK (inc. Franchise)

Space – ‘000 sq ft

Extra
Homeplus
Superstore
Metro
Express
Dotcom only
Total Tesco (exc. Franchise)
One Stop
Dobbies
Total UK (exc. Franchise)
Franchise – One Stop
Total UK (inc. Franchise)

2013
year end
238
12
481
192
1,547
5
2,475
639
32
3,146
–
3,146

2013
year end
17,051
523
14,053
2,145
3,588
604
37,964
991
1,540
40,495
–
40,495

2014
year end
247
12
482
195
1,672
6
2,614
722
34
3,370
8
3,378

2014
year end
17,610
523
14,110
2,191
3,883
716
39,033
1,142
1,638
41,813
10
41,823

Net gain1
9
–
1
3
125
1
139
83
2
224
8
232

Net gain
559
–
57
46
295
112
1,069
151
98
1,318
10
1,328

Openings

H1
4
–
3
1
54
–
62
16
–
78
–
78

Openings

H1
295
–
92
9
125
–
521
28
–
549
–
549

H2
5
–
2
5
74
1
87
36
2
125
8
133

H2
305
–
60
61
178
112
716
70
98
884
10
894

Acquisitions
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
33
–
33
–
33

Acquisitions
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
58
–
58
–
58

Closures/ 
Disposals
–
–
(4)
(3)
(3)
–
(10)
(2)
–
(12)
–
(12)

Repurposing/
Extensions
2
–
–
–
–
–
2
–
–
2
–
2

Closures/ 
Disposals
–
–
(95)
(24)
(8)
–
(127)
(5)
–
(132)
–
(132)

Repurposing/
Extensions
(41)
–
–
–
–
–
(41)
–
–
(41)
–
(41)

Note
1  Extensions/Repurposed stores are not included in the net gain for ‘number of stores’, since they are expansions/reductions in the space of existing stores.

For a list of UK store openings, information can be found within the Analyst pack on our website at www.tescoplc.com. 

Tesco PLC Annual Report and Financial Statements 2014 

139

Other informationGovernanceFinancial statementsStrategic report 
Supplementary information (unaudited) continued

Asia space summary

Number of stores

Malaysia

Thailand

South Korea

Hypermarket
Other
Hypermarket
Other
Hypermarket
Other
Hypermarket
Other
Total Asia (exc. Franchise) Total
Franchise
Total Asia (inc. Franchise) Total

South Korea

Total Asia

2013  
year end
47
–
133
298
149
1,284
329
1,582
1,911
89
2,000

2014
year end
49
–
139
294
160
1,577
348
1,871
2,219
198
2,417

Net gain1
2
–
6
(4)
11
293
19
289
308
109
417

Memo: 
China

Hypermarket
Other

117
14

119
15

2
1

Space – ‘000 sq ft

Malaysia

Thailand

South Korea

Hypermarket
Other
Hypermarket
Other
Hypermarket
Other
Hypermarket
Other
Total Asia (exc. Franchise) Total
Franchise
Total Asia (inc. Franchise) Total

South Korea

Total Asia

2013  
year end
3,918
–
12,108
934
10,709
3,611
26,735
4,545
31,280
188
31,468

2014
year end
4,029
–
12,662
921
11,324
4,261
28,015
5,182
33,197
356
33,553

Net gain
111
–
554
(13)
615
650
1,280
637
1,917
168
2,085

Memo: 
China

Hypermarket
Other

10,165
31

10,490
56

325
25

Openings

H1
–
–
3
3
3
140
6
143
149
42
191

3
2

Openings

H1
–
–
280
7
142
292
422
299
721
45
766

366
28

H2
2
–
3
3
8
156
13
159
172
77
249

2
–

H2
111
–
274
7
405
375
790
382
1,172
137
1,309

175
1

Acquisitions
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–

Closures/ 
Disposals
–
–
–
(11)
–
(3)
–
(14)
(14)
(9)
(23)

Repurposing /
Extensions
–
–
–
1
5
44
5
45
50
(1)
49

–
–

(3)
(1)

–
–

Acquisitions
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–

Closures/ 
Disposals
–
–
–
(28)
–
(3)
–
(31)
(31)
(13)
(44)

Repurposing /
Extensions
–
–
–
1
68
(14)
68
(13)
55
(1)
54

–
–

(216)
(4)

–
–

Note
1 

 Extensions/Repurposed stores are not included in the net gain for ‘number of stores’, since they are expansions/reductions in the space of existing stores. South Korea and 
Franchise totals include one store conversion that is therefore included in the net gain for ‘number of stores’.

140 

Tesco PLC Annual Report and Financial Statements 2014 

Europe space summary

Number of stores

Czech Republic

Hungary

Poland

Slovakia

Turkey

Republic of Ireland

Total Europe

Hypermarket
Other
Hypermarket
Other
Hypermarket
Other
Hypermarket
Other
Hypermarket
Other
Hypermarket
Other
Hypermarket
Other
Total
Czech Republic

Total Europe (exc. Franchise)
Franchise
Total Europe (inc. Franchise) Total

Space – ‘000 sq ft

Poland

Slovakia

Hungary

Czech Republic

Hypermarket
Other
Hypermarket
Other
Hypermarket
Other
Hypermarket
Other
Hypermarket
Other
Hypermarket
Other
Hypermarket
Other
Total Europe (exc. Franchise) Total

Republic of Ireland

Total Europe

Turkey

2013  
year end
86
148
118
98
82
364
62
74
56
135
13
129
417
948
1,365
142
1,507

2013  
year end
4,627
1,324
6,753
576
5,737
3,689
2,960
862
3,351
602
821
2,634
24,249
9,687
33,936

2014
year end
86
125
118
102
86
369
63
87
56
136
14
132
423
951
1,374
136
1,510

2014
year end
4,474
1,230
6,704
584
5,958
3,756
2,980
920
3,335
649
880
2,597
24,331
9,736
34,067

Franchise

Czech 
Republic

141

129

Total Europe (inc. Franchise)  Total

34,077

34,196

Net gain1
–
(23)
–
4
4
5
1
13
–
1
1
3
6
3
9
(6)
3

Net gain
(153)
(94)
(49)
8
221
67
20
58
(16)
47
59
(37)
82
49
131

(12)

119

Openings

H1
–
–
–
2
3
2
–
7
–
6
–
–
3
17
20
1
21

Openings

H1
–
–
–
4
177
27
–
28
–
46
–
–
177
105
282

1

283

H2
–
1
–
2
1
6
1
6
1
3
1
6
4
24
28
–
28

H2
–
3
–
4
44
63
20
30
39
20
59
28
162
148
310

–

310

Acquisitions
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–

Acquisitions
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–

–

–

Closures/ 
Disposals
–
(24)
–
–
–
(3)
–
–
(1)
(8)
–
(3)
(1)
(38)
(39)
(7)
(46)

Closures/ 
Disposals
–
(88)
–
–
–
(23)
–
–
(55)
(19)
–
(66)
(55)
(196)
(251)

(6)

(257)

Repurposing /
Extensions
5
84
1
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
1
6
85
91
16
107

Repurposing /
Extensions
(153)
(9)
(49)
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
1
(202)
(8)
(210)

(7)

(217)

Note
1  Extensions/Repurposed stores are not included in the net gain for ‘number of stores’, since they are expansions/reductions in the space of existing stores. 

Tesco PLC Annual Report and Financial Statements 2014 

141

Other informationGovernanceFinancial statementsStrategic report 
Supplementary information (unaudited) continued

Earnings per share

Earnings
Profit before tax
Underlying profit before tax

Tax on profit3
Tax on underlying profit3

Minority interest
Basic earnings
Underlying earnings

TY ERT %
15.36%
15.36%

LY ERT %
25.72%
17.44%

Shares
Shares in issue at start of year
SAYE and Executive Share Option Schemes
Shares issued and own shares purchased
Less: weighted average shares in trust
Basic weighted average number of shares
Weighted average number of options
Average option price
Average share price
Dilutory number of shares
Diluted weighted average number of shares

Basic earnings per share – continuing operations
Diluted earnings per share – continuing operations
Underlying basic earnings per share – continuing operations
Underlying diluted earnings per share – continuing operations

Underlying diluted earnings per share – continuing operations 

(constant tax)

A
B
C
[A x (C-B)/C]

Million
Million
Million
Million
Million
Million
Pence
Pence
Million
Million

Pence
Pence
Pence
Pence

Pence

Continuing operations1

20142
£m
2,259
3,054

(347)
(469)

4
1,916
2,589

8,054
8
15
(9)
8,068
121
321
349
10
8,078

23.75
23.72
32.09
32.05

31.27

20132
£m
2,057
3,280

(529)
(572)

4
1,532
2,712

8,032
7
3
(9)
8,033
76
311
328
4
8,037

19.07
19.06
33.76
33.74

33.74

Notes
1  Continuing operations excludes China, the US and Japan as discontinued operations.
2 

 For the UK and the Republic of Ireland the results are for the 52 weeks ended 22 February 2014 (prior financial year 52 weeks ended 23 February 2013). For all other 
operations the results are for the financial year ended 28 February 2014 (prior financial year ended 28 February 2013).
 Effective rate of tax on profit before tax for 2012/13 has been restated on a continuing operations basis. 

3 

The above is not a note to the financial statements. It does not replace Note 9 Earnings per share and diluted earnings per share but is supplementary information to  
aid understanding.

142 

Tesco PLC Annual Report and Financial Statements 2014 

Financial calendar

Financial year end 2013/14 

Final ex-dividend date

Final dividend record date

Q1 Interim Management Statement 

Annual General Meeting

Final dividend payment date

Half-year end 2014/15

Interim Results

Q3 Interim Management Statement

Financial year end 2014/15

Please note that these dates are provisional and subject to change.

The 2014/15 financial year will comprise of 53 weeks.

Glossary

22 February 2014

30 April 2014

2 May 2014

4 June 2014

27 June 2014

4 July 2014

23 August 2014

1 October 2014

3 December 2014

28 February 2015

Adjusted net debt
Net debt plus the deficit in the pension schemes plus the present value of 
future minimum rentals payable under non-cancellable operating leases 
(discounted at 7%).

Capex % of sales
Capital expenditure as defined below, divided by Group sales including  
VAT and excluding IFRIC 13. 

Capital expenditure
The additions to property, plant and equipment, investment property and 
intangible assets (excluding assets acquired under business combinations).

Colleagues being trained for their next role
The proportion of colleagues who are receiving training for their next role.

Colleague retention
The proportion of colleagues with over one year’s service who have worked 
for Tesco in the UK throughout the year.

Constant tax rate  
Using the prior year’s effective tax rate.

Donation of pre-tax profits to charities and good causes
Our contribution to charities and good causes through direct donations, 
cause-related marketing, gifts-in-kind, staff time and management costs.

EBITDAR
Operating profit before depreciation, amortisation, rent and movements  
in impairments of property, plant and equipment, investment property and 
intangible assets.

Fixed charge cover
The ratio of EBITDAR (excluding Tesco Bank EBITDAR) divided by financing 
costs (net interest including capitalised interest and excluding IAS 32 and 39 
impacts and pension finance costs) plus operating lease expenses.

Gearing
Net debt divided by total equity.

Net debt
Net debt excludes the net debt of Tesco Bank but includes that of the 
discontinued operations. Net debt comprises bank and other borrowings, 
finance lease payables, net derivative financial instruments, joint venture 
loans and other receivables and net interest receivables/payables, offset by 
cash and cash equivalents and short-term investments.

Reduction in CO2e emissions from existing stores and distribution centres
The year-on-year reduction in greenhouse gas emissions per square foot from 
our stores and distribution centres across the Group against a 2006/07 baseline.

Return on capital employed
Return divided by the average of opening and closing capital employed. 

Return: Profit (excluding the impact of one-off property and customer 
redress charges) before interest after tax (applied at the effective rate of tax).

Capital employed: Net assets (excluding the impact of current year one-off 
property and customer redress charges) plus net debt plus dividend creditor 
less net assets held for resale and discontinued operations.

Return on capital employed (proforma)
In the year, a proforma return on capital employed has been presented as 
defined below:

Return divided by the average of opening and closing capital employed. 

Return: Profit (excluding the impact of one-off property and customer 
redress charges) before interest after tax (applied at the effective rate of tax) 
including Chinese operations (excluding fair value re-measurement 
adjustments), excluding US operations.

Capital employed: Net assets (excluding the impact of current year one-off 
property and customer redress charges) plus net debt plus dividend creditor 
less net assets held for resale, including Chinese operations (excluding fair 
value re-measurement adjustments), excluding US operations.

Total shareholder return
The notional annualised return from a share, measured as the percentage 
change in the share price, plus the dividends paid with the gross dividends 
reinvested in Tesco shares. This is measured over both a one and five-year 
period. For example, five-year total shareholder return for 2013/14 is the 
annualised growth in the share price from 2008/09 and dividends paid and 
reinvested in Tesco shares, as a percentage of the 2008/09 share price.

Trading profit
Trading profit is an adjusted measure of operating profit and measures the 
performance of each segment before profits/losses arising on property-related 
items, the impact on leases of annual uplifts in rent and rent-free periods, 
intangible asset amortisation charges and costs arising from acquisitions, and 
goodwill impairment and restructuring and other one-off costs. The IAS 19 
pension charge is replaced with the ‘normal’ cash contributions for pensions. 
An adjustment is also made for the fair value of customer loyalty awards.

Net indebtedness
The ratio of adjusted net debt divided by EBITDAR (excluding Tesco Bank 
EBITDAR) from continuing operations.

Underlying diluted earnings per share
Underlying profit less tax at the effective tax rate and minority interest divided 
by the diluted weighted average number of shares in issue during the year.

Partner viewpoint
The partner viewpoint survey is our annual survey of suppliers. In this report 
we have stated the percentage of positive scores from respondents when we 
asked whether Tesco treats them with respect.

Underlying profit before tax
Underlying profit before tax excludes the impact of non-cash elements of IAS 
17, 19, 32 and 39 (principally the impact of annual uplifts in rents and rent-free 
periods, pension costs, and the marking to market of financial instruments); 
the amortisation charge on intangible assets arising on acquisition and 
acquisition costs, and the non-cash impact of IFRIC 13. It also excludes profits/
losses on property-related items and restructuring and other one-off costs.

Tesco PLC Annual Report and Financial Statements 2014 

143

Other informationGovernanceFinancial statementsStrategic report 
Five-year record

Financial statistics (£m)
Sales including VAT excluding IFRIC 13
Revenue excluding IFRIC 13
UK
Europe
Asia
US
Tesco Bank
Group revenue excluding IFRIC 13
Trading profit
UK
Europe
Asia
US
Tesco Bank
Group trading profit
Operating profit4
Operating profit margin4
Share of post-tax profits of joint ventures and associates
Net finance costs
Profit before tax
Taxation
Profit for the year from continuing operations
Discontinued operations
Profit for the period
Attributable to:
 Owners of the parent
Non-controlling interests
Underlying profit before tax – continuing operations5

Other financial statistics
Diluted earnings per share – continuing operations
Underlying diluted earnings per share – continuing operations
Dividend per share6
Return on capital employed (‘ROCE’)7
Total shareholder return8
Net debt (£m)
Enterprise value (£m)11

Group retail statistics
Number of stores
Total sales area – 000 sq ft13
Average employees
Average full-time equivalent employees

UK retail statistics
Number of stores
Total sales area – 000 sq ft13
Average full-time equivalent employees
Revenue per employee – £16
Weekly sales per sq ft – £17
1 

2010 

20113

20122

20131

20141

62,537

67,074

71,402

70,712

70,894

39,104
8,724
8,465
349
860
57,502

2,413
474
440
(165)
250
3,412
3,457
6.0%
33
(314)
3,176
(840)
2,336
–
2,336

2,327
9
3,39518

29.19p
31.66p
13.05p
12.1%
9.5%
7,929
41,442

40,766
9,192
9,802
495
919
61,174

2,504
527
605
(186)
264
3,714
3,917
6.4%
57
(333)
3,641
(864)
2,777
(106)
2,671

2,655
16
3,85318

34.25p
36.26p
14.46p
12.9%9
6.7%
6,790
39,462

4,83614
95,23115
472,094
366,413

5,26512
103,17212
488,347
382,049

2,507
34,237
196,604
198,897
25.22

2,715
36,722
200,966
202,850
24.95

42,803
9,866
10,828
–
1,044
64,541

2,478
529
737
–
225
3,969
4,182
6.5%
91
(235)
4,038
(874)
3,164
(350)
2,814

2,806
8
4,14918

39.23p
40.31p
14.76p
14.7%10
 (3.0)%
6,838
32,324

6,049
110,563
514,615
401,791

2,979
39,082
205,852
207,931
24.86

43,582
9,319
10,045
–
1,021
63,967

2,272
329
733
–
191
3,525
2,382
3.7%
72
(397)
2,057
(529)
1,528
(1,504)
24

28
(4)
3,280

19.06p
33.74p
14.76p
14.5%19 
2.1%
6,597
36,578

6,653
106,040
506,856
388,375

3,146
40,495
213,304
204,319
24.15

43,570
9,267
10,309
–
1,003
64,149

2,191
238
692
–
194
3,315
2,631
4.1%
60
(432)
2,259
(347)
1,912
(942)
970

974
(4)
3,054

23.72p
32.05p
14.76p
13.6%19 
3.7%
6,597
33,597

7,305
109,572
510,444
391,868

3,378
41,823
217,158
200,637
23.33

2 
3 
4 
5 
6 
7 

 During the financial year, the Group decided to sell its operations in China. Accordingly, these operations have been treated as discontinued in 2014.  
The 2013 values have been re-presented to be consistent with 2014 and they have also been represented to account for the impact of IAS 19. Prior years have not been 
re-presented.
 Excludes Japan and the US.
 Excludes Japan.
 Operating profit includes restructuring costs and profit arising on sale of fixed assets. Operating margin is based upon revenue excluding IFRIC 13.
 See glossary for definitions. 
 Dividend per share relating to the interim and proposed final dividend.
 Return on capital employed is profit before interest and tax less tax at the effective rate of tax divided by the calculated average of opening and closing net assets plus net 
debt plus dividend creditor less net assets held for resale.
  See glossary for definitions. Measured over a 5 year period.
Includes Japan and the US.

8 
9 
10  Includes the US.
11  Market capitalisation plus net debt.
12  Includes franchise stores but excludes Japan.
13  Store sizes exclude lobby and restaurant areas. 
14  Restated to include Dobbies stores. 
15  Restated to include Dobbies stores and account for a space restatement of 109,000 sq ft driven by a comprehensive remeasurement of One Stop stores.
16  Based on average number of full-time equivalent employees in the UK and revenue excluding IFRIC 13.
17  Based on weighted average sales area and average weekly sales, excluding Dobbies stores.
18  Includes Profits/Losses on property-related items.
19  Excludes China.

144 

Tesco PLC Annual Report and Financial Statements 2014