Quarterlytics / Consumer Cyclical / Specialty Retail / Tesco

Tesco

tsco · LSE Consumer Cyclical
Claim this profile
Ticker tsco
Exchange LSE
Sector Consumer Cyclical
Industry Specialty Retail
Employees 10,000+
← All annual reports
FY2018 Annual Report · Tesco
Sign in to download
Loading PDF…
T

e

s

c

o

P

L

C

A

n

n

u

a

l

R

e

p

o

r

t

a

n

d

F

i

n

a

n

c

i

a

l

S

t

a

t

e

m

e

n

t

s

2

0

1

8

Serving shoppers  
a little better every day.

Annual Report and Financial Statements 2018

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Welcome to 
our Annual 
Report.

The screen icon indicates where further 
information is available online. We have  
also produced a number of short videos,  
available at www.tescoplc.com/ar2018.

Tesco at a glance

As a leading retailer, our 440,000(a) colleagues 
serve around 80 million customers every 
week, in more than 6,800(b) stores and online.

+2.3%

£51.0bn∆(c)

Group sales
(2016/17: £49.9bn)

+2.8%

£57.5bn(c)

Statutory revenue  
(2016/17: £55.9bn)

+28.4%

£1,644m∆(c)

Group operating profit before 
exceptional items  
(2016/17: £1,280m)

+80.6%

£1,837m(c)

Operating profit  
(2016/17: £1,017m)

+62.7%

11.88p∆(c)

Diluted EPS pre-exceptional items, 
IAS 19 finance costs and IAS 39 fair 
value remeasurements  
(2016/17: 7.30p)

+>100%

12.08p(c)

Statutory diluted EPS  
(2016/17: 0.81p)

+21.7%

£2,773m∆

Retail operating cash flow
(2016/17: £2,278m)

+795.2%

£1,298m(c)

Statutory profit before tax
(2016/17: £145m)

29.6%
down

£(2.6)bn∆(d)

Net debt
(2016/17: £(3.7)bn)

3.0p

Dividend per share
(2016/17: 0.0p)

Contents

Strategic report:
Tesco at a glance 1
Introduction 2
Chairman’s statement 3
Group Chief Executive’s statement 4
The six strategic drivers 8
Our business model and Big 6 KPIs 10
Financial review 12
Little Helps Plan 16
Principal risks and uncertainties 22

Corporate governance:
Corporate governance report 26
– Chairman’s introduction 26
– Board of Directors 28
- Executive Committee 30
- Governance framework 32
- Nominations and Governance Committee 38
- Corporate Responsibility Committee 39
- Audit Committee 40
Directors’ remuneration report 45
Directors’ report 65
Statement of Directors’ responsibilities 67

∆ Alternative performance measures (APM)
Measures with this symbol ∆ are defined in the Glossary  
section of the Annual Report on pages 150 to 153.
(a)  Based on an actual year-end headcount.
(b)  Includes franchise stores.
(c)  Reported on a continuing operations basis.
(d) Excludes the net debt of Tesco Bank.

Financial statements:
 Independent auditor’s report to the members of Tesco PLC 68 
Group income statement 74
 Group statement of comprehensive income/(loss) 75
Group balance sheet 76
Group statement of changes in equity 77
Group cash flow statement 78
 Notes to the Group financial statements 79
 Tesco PLC – Parent Company balance sheet 132
 Tesco PLC – Parent Company statement of changes in equity 133
 Notes to the Parent Company financial statements 134
 Related undertakings of the Tesco Group 140

Other information:
Registered office addresses 146
Supplementary information (unaudited) 147
Glossary (including APM definitions) 150
Five-year record 154
Shareholder information 155

•73538_Tesco_AR18_Text pages_Bk_180420_HR.indb   1

1

20/04/2018   15:42

Tesco PLC Annual Report and Financial Statements 2018Strategic reportIntroduction

Serving 
shoppers  
a little better 
every day.

With our turnaround firmly on track, we continue to deliver value for every 
stakeholder in our business.

We have taken important decisions to help our customers through the year  
– from reformulating thousands of products to reduce salt, fat and sugar,  
to launching great value exclusive food brands.

Thanks to these efforts, our offer is more competitive, and more customers  
are shopping at Tesco as a result. 

At the same time, we are also focused on new opportunities for growth.  
Most significantly, our merger with Booker allows us to become the UK’s  
leading food business.

This report sets out what we have achieved in the year, and gives an update  
on our medium-term ambitions – our six strategic drivers.

We are making strong progress, and firmly believe that by serving shoppers  
a little better every day, the momentum in our business will continue.

2

•73538_Tesco_AR18_Text pages_Bk_180420_HR.indb   2

20/04/2018   15:42

Tesco PLC Annual Report and Financial Statements 2018Chairman’s statement

A platform for growth.

Following completion of the merger, I am delighted 
to welcome two new Directors to the Board: 
Charles Wilson and Stewart Gilliland.

Charles has been appointed to the role of CEO  
for our retail and wholesale operations in the  
UK & ROI, while Stewart has joined the Board  
as a Non-executive Director. 

Both Charles and Stewart bring substantial levels 
of experience and expertise, and I know that our 
business will benefit greatly from their talents. 

I would also like to take the opportunity here  
to welcome the very many new shareholders  
in Tesco, who took up our shares as part of the 
merger. I look forward to meeting many of you over 
the coming months, and to hearing your views. 

Throughout the year, the Board has dedicated 
significant time to overseeing the merger process, 
as well as continuing its close involvement in 
matters of strategy.

The Board has also supported the development  
of our corporate responsibility strategy for the 
Group, which culminated in the launch of the 
Little Helps Plan in October 2017. 

The plan sets out how we will make a positive 
contribution to our colleagues, customers and 
communities – as a sustainable business that  
also takes a lead on issues of societal importance, 
such as health and tackling food waste.  
More details on the Little Helps Plan, and the 
commitments we have made, can be found  
starting on page 16 of the Strategic report. 

Finally, I would like to pay tribute to every 
colleague at Tesco. I firmly believe that the retail 
industry, and Tesco in particular, have an important 
role in helping people to develop fulfilling and 
successful careers. Almost a quarter of our most 
senior leaders began their careers in stores and,  
as I travel around our business, I am constantly 
impressed by the calibre and experience of the 
colleagues I meet, from a very diverse range  
of backgrounds. Tesco is a powerful engine of 
social mobility, and creating opportunities for 
colleagues to get on in their careers is a focus  
for us at every level of our business. 

We have made substantial progress this year,  
as we position our business for new growth.

The management team has built solid foundations 
– and operating profit before exceptional items  
for the Group is up 28.4% to £1,644m  
(2016/17: £1,280m), with statutory profit before  
tax of £1,298m (2016/17: £145m). 

This greatly improved performance has also 
allowed us to make a return to paying dividends, 
for the first time since 2014. 

‘ I would like to pay tribute to 
every colleague at Tesco.’

John Allan
Non-executive Chairman

Watch our videos.  
Visit www.tescoplc.com/ar2018  
to hear more from John Allan.

The decision to reinstate the dividend was a 
particularly important one, and reflects the 
conviction that the Board and I have in Dave  
and his team, and the progress we are seeing.

It is our colleagues’ dedication, and relentless 
focus on doing the right thing for our customers, 
that has enabled us to build the strong platform 
we have today.

So it is from this strong position that we also look 
ahead to the new opportunities presented by our 
merger with Booker Group.

I am confident that the Board and management 
team have the right plans in place to build from 
that platform and continue to grow. 

Shortly after the end of our financial year, and 
following regulatory and shareholder approval,  
we completed that merger.

That will be our collective focus for the coming 
year, and beyond, as we create long-term value 
for every stakeholder in our business.

Work is already well underway to unlock the 
substantial synergies that are now available  
to the combined Group. Bringing together 
knowledge and skills from across retail and 
wholesale is both allowing us to trial innovative  
new concepts and to move faster with existing 
strategies, for example in rapidly growing the 
fresh food offer available to Booker’s customers.

John Allan
Non-executive Chairman

•73538_Tesco_AR18_Text pages_Bk_180420_HR.indb   3

3

20/04/2018   15:42

Strategic reportTesco PLC Annual Report and Financial Statements 2018Group Chief Executive’s statement

Delivering on our commitments.

This has been another significant year for  
our business.

After three years of turnaround, the results  
we’ve shared for this year show that we are firmly 
on track, and delivering on our commitments.  
I am pleased with the progress we have made, 
and excited by the opportunities ahead.

We have seen nine consecutive quarters of sales 
growth in our core UK business, with Group sales 
up 2.3% for the year. Group operating profit 
before exceptional items is up 28.4% to £1,644m 
(2016/17: £1,280m), and we are generating more 
cash – with Retail operating cash flow up 21.7% 
to £2.8bn (2016/17: £2.3bn). 

We are also making good progress towards the 
margin ambition we set out in October 2016, with 
Group operating margin reaching 3.0% in the 
second half of the year. At the same time, we have 
strengthened our balance sheet, with Net debt 
down 29.6% to £2.6bn (2016/17: £3.7bn).

The external environment remains challenging: 
consumers are feeling the impact of economic 
uncertainty, and the pressures I described in last 
year’s Annual Report, such as business rates in 
the UK and competitive market conditions in 
Central Europe, have not eased. 

‘ I’m pleased with the progress 
we have made, and excited 
by the opportunities ahead.’

Dave Lewis
Group Chief Executive

Watch our videos.  
Visit www.tescoplc.com/ar2018  
to hear more from Dave Lewis.

However, the journey we are on to simplify and 
grow our business puts us in a strong position  
to deal with these challenges. By keeping our 
focus, we are creating value for our customers, 
colleagues, suppliers and shareholders.

Customers
We are helping customers in the areas that 
matter most to them, and bringing them more 
sustainable, affordable, healthy food.

As a result, our net promoter score has increased 
by 5 points as more customers recommend Tesco 
as a place to shop; loyalty is growing, and in the UK 
260,000 more shoppers are shopping at Tesco. 

In the first half of the year, we took a strategic 
decision to protect our customers and hold back 
the inflationary pressure we were seeing in the 
rest of the UK market. 

We’ve also looked at other ways to add value  
for our customers, with a series of little helps 
through the year, including:

 – covering the cost of the ‘tampon tax’ on 
women’s sanitary products in the UK;

 – removing barriers to eating healthily with our 
‘little helps to healthier living’ campaign in the 
UK, and taking 4,100 tonnes of sugar out of our 
Own Brand soft drinks in Central Europe; 

 – launching our Clubcard app in Thailand, making  
it easier for customers to manage their points; 
 – passing on an interest rate increase to savers at 

Tesco Bank, following the Bank of England’s 
base rate rise in November; and

 – running regular ‘Weekly Little Helps’ in the UK, 
helping customers save money on everything 
from fresh food to fuel.

As a business with food at our heart, improving our 
Own Brand food ranges is a particularly important 
part of our plans. This year we have relaunched 
many of these ranges – bringing our customers  
the best quality products at the very best prices.

We have looked at each of the three tiers of our 
Own Brand offer – ‘good’, ‘better’ and ‘best’ – and 
are strengthening some brands, like our Tesco 
core range, and redesigning others, like Tesco 
finest*. Where our customers want the best value, 
without any compromise on quality, we are adding 
to our range of entry-level brands that are 
exclusively available at Tesco.

New brands we have launched for Tesco 
customers include prepared meals, pasta and 
sauces from the Hearty Food Co. and bakery 
products from H. W. Nevill’s. As part of this work, 
we have already relaunched 1,300 products in the 
year, with thousands more to follow – and our 
brand perception measures of quality and value 
have both increased.

Colleagues
The improvements we are making to our business 
are driven by our colleagues, as they serve our 
shoppers a little better every day.

This year, we announced a 10.5% increase in 
hourly pay for our UK store colleagues over the 
next two years, and our Colleague Bonus Plan 
continues to reward colleagues in the UK for  
their contribution to our turnaround.

4

•73538_Tesco_AR18_Text pages_Bk_180420_HR.indb   4

20/04/2018   15:42

Tesco PLC Annual Report and Financial Statements 2018Some of the changes we have made to simplify 
our business have had a significant impact on 
colleagues, including the closure of our Customer 
Engagement Centre in Cardiff, and changes to our 
operational structures in stores, and I am grateful 
for the professionalism and integrity of our 
colleagues at these difficult times. 

Over the summer, we also began to move to a new 
service model in our offices in the UK, followed by 
similar changes in Central Europe, in order to 
simplify the way we organise ourselves, reduce 
duplication and cost, and invest in serving 
shoppers better. 

In a simpler business, it’s particularly important 
that we still do everything we can to help colleagues 
develop their careers as they wish, and this year 
we have continued our apprenticeship programme 
in the UK, as well as running a Career Academy in 
our Thai business, for around 150 students. 

We’re also committed to building a team which is 
diverse, and reflects the communities we serve. 
We continue to develop an inclusive culture  
at every level of our organisation, helping our 
colleagues with the flexibility, skills and reward  
they need to get on.

Suppliers
With our suppliers, we are building even closer 
partnerships, working together to deliver great 
quality products for our customers and grow our 
mutual businesses.

•73538_Tesco_AR18_Text pages_Bk_180420_HR.indb   5

5

20/04/2018   15:42

Strategic reportTesco PLC Annual Report and Financial Statements 2018Group Chief Executive’s statement continued

Good.

Better.

In our most recent anonymous Supplier Viewpoint 
survey, 83% of our UK & ROI suppliers say they  
are treated fairly, and 94% say we pay promptly  
– and for the second year running, we topped the 
independently-run supplier Advantage Survey. 

By growing our business with our closest product 
partners, we have been able to launch new and 
exclusive products for our customers, and 
support our suppliers to invest in innovation.  
This year we have worked with our partners  
to launch new products including our Wicked 
Kitchen vegan range in the UK, Eat Fresh produce 
brand in Malaysia, and an extended Free From 
range in Central Europe. 

One example of particularly close partnership is 
our Tesco Sustainable Dairy Group, which has now 
paid an extra £300m to farmers above the market 
price of milk since it launched – helping them to 
manage the volatility in milk price experienced  
by the dairy industry. The group also incentivises  
our farmers to focus on quality, sustainability and 
productivity – and following this success, we have 
set up similar groups for other agricultural products 
including potatoes, lamb, poultry and eggs.

I’m also pleased that 25 of our largest food 
suppliers have agreed to join us in tackling food 
waste, by committing to targets on waste, 
publishing their data, and acting to stop good  
food going to waste.

Shareholders
With our business growing again, we resumed the 
payment of dividends to our shareholders this year 
– after a three-year absence while we stabilised 
our business.

We remain firmly on track to deliver the medium-
term ambitions we set out in October 2016: to 

reduce our costs by £1.5bn, generate £9bn  
of retail cash from operations and improve  
operating margins to between 3.5% and 4.0%  
by 2019/20.

By maintaining a disciplined approach to capital, 
and further reducing our debt – already down  
from £(8.5)bn in 2014/15 to £(2.6)bn today – we  
can continue to strengthen our balance sheet  
and return to investment grade credit metrics.

Our underlying philosophy for creating sustainable 
value for shareholders places increasing focus  
on cash profitability, free cash flow and  
earnings growth. 

An important driver of this growth will come  
from the benefits of our merger with Booker, 
which we completed on 5 March 2018. The 
combined business allows us to access new 
growth areas, and provide food wherever it is 
prepared or eaten – ‘in home’ or ‘out of home’.

As a result of the merger, I am also delighted to 
welcome Charles Wilson to the Executive team 
and Board as our UK & ROI CEO, responsible for 
both retail and wholesale.

A sustainable business
It is critically important that as our business delivers 
growth, we do so in a way which is sustainable.

In October 2017, we published our Little Helps 
Plan, which sets out how we will:

 – create a business where colleagues can get  

on, whatever their background;

 – help our customers make healthier choices 

and enjoy good quality, sustainable products, 
at affordable prices; and

 – help make sure no food that could be eaten  

is wasted, anywhere in our supply chain.

UK food market:  
food consumed ‘in home’

£110bn

UK food market:  
food consumed ‘out of home’

£85bn

More detail on our performance, including  
statutory results, can be found in our  
Financial review on page 12.

6

•73538_Tesco_AR18_Text pages_Bk_180420_HR.indb   6

20/04/2018   15:42

Tesco PLC Annual Report and Financial Statements 2018 
 
Best.

We have made good progress in all of these areas 
this year, and you can read more on pages 16  
to 21 of this report. 

I’m particularly proud of our efforts to stop good 
food going to waste – in the UK we have donated  
19 million meals from surplus this year to help 
feed people in need, with a further 2 million  
and 25 million meals from our businesses in  
the Republic of Ireland and Central Europe 
respectively.

Looking ahead 
With our business focused on growth, we will 
continue to deliver on the same plans for Tesco 
– our six strategic drivers – that have served us 
well in our turnaround so far. 

At the same time, we will begin to deliver the 
substantial synergies that our merger with Booker 
unlocks: bringing benefits to consumers and 
colleagues, creating a wider market opportunity 
for our suppliers and new career opportunities 
for our colleagues – as well as accelerating the 
growth of our combined business for shareholders.

In what has been a very significant year, I am 
grateful to every colleague in our business for 
everything they have done to keep serving 
shoppers better. 

It is their dedication and talent which drives all  
of our plans, and I look forward to continuing  
our work together as we grow the UK’s leading 
food business.

Dave Lewis
Group Chief Executive

Tesco and 
Booker merger.

The combined Tesco and Booker business allows us to bring 
together the retail and wholesale expertise of our two 
businesses, and access new opportunities for growth.

Together we employ over 310,000 colleagues in the UK, serve 117,000 
independent retailers, 441,000 catering businesses, 641,000 small 
businesses, and work with over 7,000 suppliers.

Through our merger, we will bring benefits to customers, suppliers, 
colleagues and shareholders:

 – We will delight consumers with better availability of quality food at attractive 
prices across retail and eating out locations, and serve better the faster 
growing ‘out of home’ food market.

 – We will help independent retailers, caterers and small businesses by further 
improving choice, price and service, with enhanced digital and delivery 
service options.

 – And for our suppliers, we will create a broader market opportunity, with 
strong growth prospects and a clear opportunity to develop better own 
brand and fresh ranges.

As our two businesses join forces, we are already beginning to deliver 
benefits. Importantly, there is no lengthy integration process, as we want  
to keep the complementary skills of retail and wholesale in our business,  
and start accessing growth opportunities as quickly as possible. 

For example, our trial of a new Chef Central format is well underway, with  
a first store in Bar Hill, Cambridge selling products in bulk to professional 
caterers and the public alongside our existing Tesco Extra store. And, where 
it’s right for our customers, we are offering catering-format products in a 
number of Tesco stores too.

These are just the early stages of the many exciting opportunities in front  
of us. As we look ahead, our combination of businesses uniquely positions  
us to better serve the large and growing food market in the UK.

•73538_Tesco_AR18_Text pages_Bk_180420_HR.indb   7

7

20/04/2018   15:42

Strategic reportTesco PLC Annual Report and Financial Statements 2018 
The six strategic drivers

An update on our six strategic drivers.

Our six strategic drivers will create  
long-term value for all of our stakeholders.

1.
A differentiated  
brand

2.
Reduce operating costs  
by £1.5bn

3.
Generate £9bn cash  
from operations

We continue to simplify our business and reduce 
costs, with in-year savings of £594m – and £820m 
of savings to date towards our £1.5bn ambition.

We have reviewed every aspect of our operation  
to identify opportunities for savings – with a 
particular focus on our store operating model, 
where we have delivered £541m of savings; 
logistics and distribution, with £104m of savings;  
and goods not for resale, where we have made 
savings of £174m.

We continue to encourage a cost-conscious 
culture, finding savings so that we can reinvest  
for the benefit of customers.

We have also simplified the shopping experience 
for customers, at the same time as reducing 
costs, for example by increasing availability of our 
Scan As You Shop self-scan handsets – now in 
over 500 UK stores and beginning to roll out in 
Central Europe – and making till receipts optional 
in our smaller stores, which has generated savings 
of around £3m. 

We have also made strong progress in reducing  
the costs of procuring goods and services not  
for resale, finding synergies across the Group.  
In particular, we have improved our services in 
facilities management, freight and media services, 
while also delivering savings of £50m.

Our focus on free cash generation continues,  
and Retail cash generated from operations 
increased by £495m to £2,773m this year, driven  
by improved profitability and strong working 
capital management.

One example of our work is in reducing 
stockholding, by improving the way we receive 
deliveries from our suppliers. 

To minimise our environmental impact, and 
reduce transport costs, we order full trucks  
of products from suppliers whenever we can 
– which sometimes means ‘rounding up’ an order.

However, by analysing our orders forensically,  
we have been able to sort stock between trucks  
and identify where we can eliminate a truck.  
This removes unnecessary journeys for our 
suppliers, and allows us to take out unnecessary 
‘rounded’ stock.

Because we are ordering only what’s needed  
to ensure great availability, our customers can  
buy what they want, and we can order less.

A strong and differentiated brand creates 
long-term value for every stakeholder in our 
business. Our purpose, to serve shoppers a little 
better every day, is at the heart of what our brand 
stands for.

Over the last year, we have continued to build 
trust, and have seen a 5 point improvement  
in customer recommendations of our brand.

We continue to focus on products and services 
which make the Tesco offer unique, and this year 
we have relaunched our core and finest* food 
ranges, as well as introducing new brands which 
are exclusive to Tesco, such as our Hearty Food 
Co. ready meals, and our Fox & Ivy homeware.

Food quality is a particularly powerful driver of 
supermarket choice, so strengthening customer 
perceptions of our food is a priority. Our Food 
Love Stories campaign has continued this year, 
celebrating the food our customers love to make, 
for the people they love – and helping increase 
customer perceptions of quality at Tesco, up 2.7 
points year-on-year. 

But the way customers feel about our brand is 
defined by more than just our products: it’s also 
about how we respond to the issues that matter 
to them, from healthy eating to reducing plastic 
packaging – and the value that Tesco creates 
for society.

In May 2017, we held our first ever health month 
for colleagues and customers, including helpful 
‘little swaps’ with products that are lower in 
saturated fat, salt and sugar, and recorded our 
highest ever score for customers saying that 
Tesco helps them lead healthier lives. 

8

•73538_Tesco_AR18_Text pages_Bk_180420_HR.indb   8

20/04/2018   15:42

Tesco PLC Annual Report and Financial Statements 2018 
4.
Maximise the mix to achieve  
a 3.5% - 4.0% margin

5.
Maximise value  
from property

6.
Innovation 

To achieve our 3.5% - 4.0% margin ambition by  
our 2019/20 financial year, we continue to build 
sustainable profitability across our businesses, 
channels and product ranges. By carefully 
managing the combination of volume, mix and 
cost-effectiveness in our business, Group 
operating margin for this year was 2.9%  
– up 57 basis points.

In Asia, our margin has grown to 6.0%, as we  
have stepped back from unprofitable bulk selling  
in Thailand. This was a deliberate decision that we 
took at the start of the year, allowing us to focus 
on serving our core retail customers better, and 
increase profitability.

In our online business, we are improving the 
economics of our offer, while giving customers 
greater choice and flexibility. For example, we 
have extended our delivery saver subscription 
service, to introduce new monthly plans – offering 
a great value option to our most loyal customers. 
We have also extended our Click & Collect options 
– including same-day collection – with slots at a 
range of prices so that customers can choose the 
service most convenient to them.

Our property portfolio across the Group is 
significant, and we are looking at opportunities  
to better use our space for the benefit of 
customers, while also releasing value where  
it’s the right thing to do for our business.

Over the last three years, we have released  
a cumulative £1.4bn of value from property 
proceeds, at the same time as increasing  
our proportion of freehold property in the  
UK & ROI from 41% to 52%. 

In the UK, we are exploring a small number  
of opportunities to work with a third-party to 
re-develop our store sites in high-value locations.  
Our Hackney store in London is one such example, 
where we have sold the site for a mixed-use 
development – allowing us to release value, while 
still retaining a store on the new site and with 
continuity of trade throughout.

We can also create value for our customers by 
using space in new ways, as we repurpose space  
in our larger stores – and this year, we have 
repurposed 1.1m sq. ft. of space. In Central Europe, 
we have worked with partners to bring a new offer 
to customers in a number of our stores – and this 
year, across the region, we opened ten shop units 
with H&M, and three with Decathlon.

To serve our shoppers a little better every day,  
it’s important we listen and respond to their needs, 
with innovation across every aspect of our offer, 
and a strong pipeline of ideas to come to market.

We have innovated in our product ranges – for 
example, with the launch of our exclusive Wicked 
Kitchen range of plant-based dishes, including 
new ingredients and exotic preparations such  
as carrot ‘pastrami’ and eryngii mushroom 
‘bolognese’. The range responds to increasing 
demand for vegetarian and vegan food, and since  
its January launch has proved extremely popular 
with customers.

As customers look for increasingly convenient 
options to do their shopping, this year we became 
the first retailer in the UK to offer same-day 
grocery deliveries nationwide, and in London  
– through our Tesco Now app – we can deliver 
within an hour.

And at Tesco Bank, our award-winning Tesco  
Pay+ digital wallet continues to prove popular  
with customers, with over 450,000 downloads  
of the app.

•73538_Tesco_AR18_Text pages_Bk_180420_HR.indb   9

9

20/04/2018   15:42

Tesco PLC Annual Report and Financial Statements 2018Strategic reportOur business model and Big 6 KPIs

Customers, Product, Channels.

Our business is organised around the three pillars of 
Customers, Product and Channels, and we measure our 
progress with six simple key performance indicators.

Customers

Tesco exists to serve customers – 
listening to them and acting on what  
is most important, however they  
choose to shop with us.

Reinvest

Our focus is always on making Tesco  
the best it can be for our customers. 
The better a job we do for customers,  
the more we will improve sales; the 
more our sales improve, the more we 
can reinvest in further improving 
the shopping trip.

Channels

To bring the best products to 
customers we work through a range  
of channels – from small shops to large 
shops, and our online business. Booker 
gives us access to new channels, 
including Business Centres and 
delivered wholesale.

Product

We build close and mutually-beneficial 
relationships with our supplier 
partners, to source the best possible 
products that meet and anticipate 
customers’ needs.

10

•73538_Tesco_AR18_Text pages_Bk_180420_HR.indb   10

20/04/2018   15:42

Tesco PLC Annual Report and Financial Statements 2018Grow sales

Customers recommend us  
and come back time and again

+0.6%

+5pts

2016/17

2017/18

£51.0bn∆(a) 

Group sales 
(2016/17: £49.9bn)

2016/17

2017/18

12pts
Group net promoter score(c)
(2016/17: 7pts)

Group sales continue to grow, with Q4 2017/18 marking our ninth 
consecutive quarter of like-for-like sales growth for the Group.

Customer feedback continues to improve, reflecting our work  
to serve shoppers a little better every day.

Deliver profit

Colleagues recommend us as  
a great place to work and shop

+25.9%

+0pts

2016/17

2017/18

£1,644m∆

Group operating profit 
before exceptional items(a)
(2016/17: £1,280m)

2016/17

2017/18

83%
Great place to work(d) 
(2016/17: 83%) 

49pts
Great place to shop(c)
(2016/17: 48pts)

Group operating profit before exceptional items increased  
by 25.9% at constant exchange rates, with Group operating 
margin reaching 3.0% in the second half of the year.

Every day our colleagues go the extra mile to serve our shoppers 
better, and more colleagues are recommending Tesco as a great 
place to shop.

Improve operating cash flow

We build trusted partnerships

+21.7%

-1.6pts

2016/17

2017/18

£2,773m∆

Retail operating  
cash flow(b)
(2016/17: £2,278m)

2016/17

2017/18

74.9%
Group supplier  
satisfaction(e) 
(2016/17: 77%)

Retail operating cash flow increased by £495m in the year,  
mainly driven by improved Group profitability.

We are committed to strong partnerships with our suppliers, built 
on open, fair and transparent relationships. Our supplier feedback 
score remains at a high level, despite inflationary challenges.

 Alternative performance measures (APM)

Measures with this symbol ∆ are defined in the Glossary section of the Annual Report on pages 150 to 153.

(a)  Reported on a continuing operations basis (excludes Turkey). Growth is at constant exchange rates, on a comparable days basis.
(b)  Reported on a continuing operations basis (excludes Turkey). Growth is at actual exchange rates.
(c)  Net Promoter Score (NPS) equals ‘fans’ (those scoring 9-10 out of 10) minus ‘critics’ (those scoring 0-6) on an 11 point scale question of 0-10.
(d)  Based on our internal ‘What Matters To You?’ survey. Chart shows the movement in ‘Great place to work’.
(e)  Based on the question “Overall, how satisfied are you with your experience of working with Tesco?” in our Supplier Viewpoint survey.

•73538_Tesco_AR18_Text pages_Bk_180420_HR.indb   11

11

20/04/2018   15:42

Tesco PLC Annual Report and Financial Statements 2018Strategic reportFinancial review

Another year of strong progress.

‘ This was another strong  
performance for Tesco, with profits 
ahead of expectations and a solid  
improvement in cash generation.’
Alan Stewart 
Chief Financial Officer

Visit www.tescoplc.com/ar2018 to find PDF  
and Excel downloads of our financial statements.

Group results 2017/18

52 weeks ended  
24 February 2018

On a continuing 
operations basis
Group sales  
(exc. VAT, exc. fuel)(a)
Fuel
Revenue  
(exc. VAT, inc. fuel)
Group operating 
profit before 
exceptional items(b)
UK & ROI
Central Europe
Asia
Tesco Bank
Include exceptional 
items
Group operating profit
Group profit before tax 
before exceptional 
items, IAS 19 finance 
costs and IAS 39 fair 
value remeasurements 
Group statutory  
profit before tax
Diluted EPS before 
exceptional items, 
IAS 19 finance costs 
and IAS 39 fair value 
remeasurements
Diluted EPS
Basic EPS
Dividend per share
Capex(c)
Net debt(d)(e)
Cash generated from 
retail operations(d)

Year-on-year 
change
(Constant 
exchange 
rates)
0.6%

Year-on-year 
change
(Actual 
exchange 
rates)
2.3%

2017/18

2016/17
£50,991m £49,867m

£6,500m
£6,050m
£57,491m £55,917m

7.1%
1.3%

7.4%
2.8%

£1,644m

£1,280m

25.9%

28.4%

£1,053m
£119m
£299m
£173m
£193m

£1,837m
£1,282m

£803m
£58m
£262m
£157m
£(263)m

£1,017m
£781m

30.3%
89.7%
7.6%
10.2%

76.6%

31.1%
105.2%
14.1%
10.2%

80.6%
64.1%

£1,298m

£145m

795.2%

11.88p

7.30p

12.08p
12.12p
3.0p
£1.1bn
£(2.6)bn
£2.8bn

0.81p
0.81p
–
£1.2bn
£(3.7)bn
£2.3bn

(a)  Group sales exclude VAT and fuel. Sales growth shown on a comparable days basis.
(b)   Excludes exceptional items by virtue of their size and nature in order to reflect 

management’s view of the performance of the Group.

(c)  Capex is shown excluding property buybacks.
(d)  Net debt and retail operating cash flow exclude the impact of Tesco Bank, in order 

to provide further analysis of the retail cash flow statement.
(e)  Net debt includes both continuing and discontinued operations. 

     The definition and purpose of the Group’s alternative performance measures,  
which includes like-for-like sales, are defined on pages 150 to 153. A detailed  
analysis of discontinued operations can be found in Note 7.

This was another strong performance for Tesco with results ahead of 
expectations. We grew sales by 0.6%, excluding VAT, excluding fuel, at constant 
exchange rates and experienced like-for-like sales growth of 0.7%. Group 
operating profit before exceptional items was £1,644m, up 28.4% on last  
year as we significantly strengthened our profitability, remaining firmly on 
track to deliver our medium-term ambitions. Our statutory profit before tax 
increased to £1,298m including £155m of exceptional items. We generated  
retail operating cash flow of £2.8bn, up 21.7% on last year, driven by the 
strong improvement in our operating profit. We reduced net debt  
(excluding Tesco Bank) by 29.6% to £(2.6)bn.

12

We are well placed to deliver our ambition of a Group operating margin  
of 3.5%-4.0% by the 2019/20 financial year. This ambition is underpinned  
by six strategic drivers, including the £1.5bn operating cost reductions  
which we are on track to secure, having delivered cumulative savings  
of £820m to date.

Reflecting our improved performance and confidence in future prospects, 
the Board has proposed the payment of a 2.0 pence per share final dividend 
following on from the interim dividend of 1.0 pence per share. We expect 
dividends to grow towards a target cover of around two times earnings 
per share over the medium term.

Segmental results
UK & ROI

On a continuing 
operations basis
Sales  
(exc. VAT, exc. fuel)
Like-for-like sales  
(exc. VAT, exc. fuel)
Revenue  
(exc. VAT, inc. fuel)
Revenue includes: fuel
Operating  
profit before 
exceptional items
Operating profit 
margin before 
exceptional items
Operating profit

Year-on-year 
change
(Constant 
exchange 
rates)
2.2%

Year-on-year 
change
(Actual 
exchange 
rates)
2.5%

30.3%

31.1%

2017/18

2016/17
£38,650m £37,692m

2.3%

0.9%

£44,908m £43,524m

£6,258m
£1,053m

£5,832m
£803m

2.34%

1.84%

49bp

50bp

£1,199m

£519m

In the UK and the Republic of Ireland (ROI), like-for-like sales grew by 2.3%. 
In the UK, like-for-like sales growth of 2.2% includes our ninth consecutive 
quarter of positive performance, despite an ongoing drag of (0.4)% from 
general merchandise as we take action to de-emphasise certain categories.  
We delivered a consistently strong performance in fresh food, outperforming 
the market in volume terms. During the fourth quarter we experienced some 
distribution-related disruption, following the administration of Palmer  
& Harvey, resulting in lost tobacco sales across December. Despite these 
challenges, which are now behind us, we continued to deliver positive sales 
momentum through the fourth quarter. 

Market conditions have remained challenging with continued cost price 
inflation. We have worked hard with our supplier partners throughout the  
year to mitigate price increases wherever possible, and made a significant 
investment in the first half to further hold back inflation and protect 
customers. We have continued to reduce promotional participation over  
the year, focusing instead on consistently offering the best value for 
customers on all of our products.

Our own brand ranges have performed very well, with like-for-like sales 
growing 4.2% year-on-year. We have embarked on a re-launch of over  
10,000 own brand products, across our entry, core and finest* ranges,  
with the initial focus on ready meals and Italian products. Our new, exclusive 
Hearty Food Co. range of ready meals and improved core Tesco products 
have proved particularly popular, contributing to an increase in overall own 
brand participation of nearly one percent. We have continued to refine our 
general merchandise range, reducing SKUs by 16%, as we focus on categories 
with more sustainable profitability. We have delivered 2.7% sales growth in 
our home category, following the launch of our new own brand Go Cook and 
Fox & Ivy ranges. These new brands have driven a 14% and 20% increase in 
customers to our cook and homeware ranges, respectively. Clothing 
performed well during the year with like-for-like sales growth of 2.6%,  
reflecting the strength of the F&F brand and quality of our range. 

All store formats and channels have achieved like-for-like growth, with our 
large store business growing at 1.9% and our online grocery sales growing 
5.1% with both higher order numbers and increased average basket size.

In ROI, like-for-like sales grew by 2.7%, improving steadily throughout the year  
as customers responded well to an even more competitive price position. 
The main driver of growth was a 4.2% increase in volume, ahead of market 
volume growth. Fresh food volumes were particularly strong, growing by 
5.2% year-on-year. 

•73538_Tesco_AR18_Text pages_Bk_180420_HR.indb   12

20/04/2018   15:42

Tesco PLC Annual Report and Financial Statements 2018Our full-year UK & ROI operating profit before exceptional items was 
£1,053m, up 31.1% on last year. Our efforts to reduce operating costs and 
improve efficiencies across our store estate and head office have delivered  
a significant increase in profitability, particularly during the second half when 
our operating margin reached 2.5%, up 67 basis points year-on-year. Further 
progress on maximising the mix within our business and driving volume more 
selectively, particularly in general merchandise, has aided margin expansion.

Central Europe

On a continuing 
operations basis
Sales  
(exc. VAT, exc. fuel)
Like-for-like sales  
(exc. VAT, exc. fuel)
Revenue  
(exc. VAT, inc. fuel)
Revenue includes: fuel
Operating  
profit before 
exceptional items
Operating profit  
margin before 
exceptional items
Operating profit

Year-on-year 
change
(Constant 
exchange 
rates)
(1.6)%

Year-on-year 
change
(Actual 
exchange 
rates)
6.1%

89.7%

105.2%

2017/18
£6,343m

2016/17
£5,977m

0.3%

0.9%

£6,585m

£6,195m

£242m
£119m

£218m
£58m

1.81%

0.94%

86bp

87bp

£212m

£190m

In Central Europe, like-for-like sales increased by 0.3% despite competitive 
market conditions. Our focus on improving the quality and breadth of the 
range in our stores has delivered positive results with fresh food sales 
growth of 1.2%. However, this growth was held back by declines in general 
merchandise and clothing. Our convenience formats delivered positive 
like-for-like growth across all countries. We have continued to exit from 
unprofitable stores in the region, with 28 store closures contributing to 
an overall sales reduction of (1.6)% at constant exchange rates. Legislative 
changes in the region are affecting our business, with Poland phasing in  
a gradual ban on Sunday trading from March 2018, which takes complete 
effect by 2020. 

Central Europe operating profit before exceptional items was £119m, up 
£61m year-on-year at actual exchange rates. We have made continued 
progress towards operating the four markets we serve as one combined 
region, helping to improve our customer offer. In the first half of the year  
we opened a new distribution centre in Galánta, Slovakia serving all four 
countries and benefiting from the best local practices in the region. The 
resulting benefits of more effective stock management combined with our 
other efforts on cost savings have more than offset the impact of inflation  
on the cost base and enabled us to improve profitability. 

Asia

On a continuing 
operations basis
Sales  
(exc. VAT, exc. fuel)
Like-for-like sales  
(exc. VAT, exc. fuel)
Revenue  
(exc. VAT, inc. fuel)
Revenue includes: fuel
Operating  
profit before 
exceptional items 
Operating profit 
margin before 
exceptional items
Operating profit

Year-on-year 
change
(Constant 
exchange 
rates)
(9.4)%

Year-on-year 
change
(Actual 
exchange 
rates)
(4.4)%

7.6%

14.1%

2017/18
£4,947m

2016/17
£5,186m

(10.0)%

1.8%

£4,947m

£5,186m

–
£299m

–
£262m

6.04%

5.04%

96bp

99bp

£277m

£231m

In Asia, our previously announced decision to withdraw from unprofitable 
bulk selling activities in Thailand and scale back mass couponing contributed  
to a (10.0)% decline in like-for-like sales. Adjusting for this impact, underlying 
like-for-like sales in the region were down (1.0)%, largely reflecting the 
deflationary effect of lowering our fresh food prices for customers. 

Asia operating profit before exceptional items was £299m, up 7.6%  
at constant exchange rates and up 14.1% at actual exchange rates. This 
improvement has been driven by refocusing on our core retail offer and 
continuing to reduce our cost base as part of the Group’s overall cost 
savings programme.

Tesco Bank

Revenue
Operating profit before  
exceptional items
Operating profit
Lending to customers
Customer deposits
Net interest margin
Risk asset ratio

2017/18
£1,051m
£173m

£149m
£11,522m
£9,245m
3.9%
19.3%

2016/17
£1,012m
£157m

£77m
£9,961m
£8,463m
4.0%
20.0%

Year-on-year 
change
3.9%
10.2%

93.5%
15.7%
9.2%
(0.1)%
(0.7)%

Tesco Bank celebrated twenty years of serving Tesco shoppers this year. 
Throughout the year, the Bank has continued to strengthen its product 
and service offering to customers, delivering growth of 4.1% in active 
customer account numbers across its primary products. During the year, 
we completed the roll-out of Tesco Pay+, the Group’s digital wallet offering,  
to every one of our stores in the UK. In July 2017, we celebrated the fifth 
anniversary of the launch of our mortgage product, which has now reached 
£3.0bn in balances.

Operating profit before exceptional items increased by 10.2% year-on-year 
to £173m. Lending growth in the year has been strong, driven by secured 
mortgage lending which now comprises 26% of the lending portfolio, versus  
22% last year. In addition, Money Services products such as our Travel Money 
offer have performed well overall as the Group continues to enhance the 
product range and expand the customer base. Exceptional items of £(24)m 
relating to Tesco Bank include an increase in the provision for customer 
redress and a credit received following the conclusion of negotiations  
with a third party in respect of previously recognised customer redress.

The balance sheet remains strong and well-positioned to support future 
lending growth from both a liquidity and capital perspective with a risk  
asset ratio of 19.3%.

Exceptional items in operating profit

Net restructuring and redundancy costs
Net impairment reversal/(charge) of non-current 
assets and onerous lease provisions
Provision for customer redress
Interchange settlement
Investment disposal
Property transactions
Disposal of opticians business
Amounts provided and released in relation  
to SFO and FCA obligations
Total exceptional items in operating profit

2017/18
£(102)m
£53m

£(24)m
–
£124m
£79m
£38m
£25m

2016/17
£(199)m
£(6)m

£(45)m
£57m
–
£165m
–
£(235)m

£193m

£(263)m

Exceptional items are excluded from our headline performance measures 
by virtue of their size and nature in order to reflect management’s view 
of the performance of the Group. In the current year, the net effect of 
exceptional items on operating profit is £193m.

Net restructuring and redundancy charges of £(102)m relate principally to 
structural changes to our business to simplify our operating model within 
stores and head office.

The net impairment reversal of non-current assets and onerous lease 
provisions of £53m includes a net reversal of £185m in property, plant and 
equipment and investment property, a net £(24)m charge in software and 
other intangible assets and a net charge of £(108)m of onerous lease provisions.

Provision for customer redress of £(24)m relating to Tesco Bank, includes  
an increase of £(35)m in the provision for Payment Protection Insurance (PPI), 
partially offset by a £1m Consumer Credit Act (CCA) provision release and a 
credit of £10m received following the conclusion of negotiations with a third 
party in respect of previously recognised customer redress.

The investment disposal profit of £124m reflects the sale of our remaining 
minority stake in the Lazada e-commerce platform, completed during the 
first half. The sale of our opticians business in the UK & ROI to Vision Express 
resulted in a £38m gain on disposal.

•73538_Tesco_AR18_Text pages_Bk_180420_HR.indb   13

13

20/04/2018   15:42

Tesco PLC Annual Report and Financial Statements 2018Strategic reportFinancial review continued

Two property-related transactions completed in the UK in the first half  
of the year account for the majority of the £79m property transactions  
within exceptional items.

impact of these items on the effective tax rate to reduce as our overall level 
of profitability continues to increase, and therefore we expect the effective 
tax rate to reduce to around 20% in the medium term.

In the prior year, we took an exceptional charge of £(235)m in respect  
of the Deferred Prosecution Agreement (DPA) between Tesco Stores  
Limited and the UK Serious Fraud Office (SFO) regarding historic accounting  
practices and an agreement with the UK Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) 
of a finding of market abuse in relation to the Tesco PLC trading statement 
announced on 29 August 2014. Included in this charge was £(85)m for the 
Shareholder Compensation Scheme. With the Compensation Scheme  
now being closed to new claimants, we have released £25m of the amounts  
provided. Outstanding claims submitted before the 22 February 2018 
deadline are still being processed.

Joint ventures and associates, interest and tax
Joint ventures and associates 
Our share of post-tax losses from joint ventures and associates before 
exceptional items was £(6)m, an improvement of £24m year-on-year due  
to reduced losses recognised in Gain Land, our joint venture in China.  
There were no exceptional items this year relating to our share of  
post-tax losses from joint ventures and associates. 

Finance income and costs

Interest payable on medium term notes,  
loans and bonds 
Interest receivable on associated derivatives
Net interest on medium term notes, loans and bonds
Other interest receivable and similar income
Other finance charges and interest payable
Capitalised interest
Net finance cost before exceptional charges,  
IAS 19 net pension finance costs and IAS 39  
fair value remeasurements
IAS 39 fair value remeasurements 
IAS 19 net pension finance costs
Exceptional charge – translation of Korea proceeds
Net finance costs

2017/18
£(363)m

2016/17
£(434)m

£31m
£(332)m
£44m
£(70)m
£2m
£(356)m

£23m
£(162)m
£(38)m
£(533)m

£6m
£(428)m
£42m
£(89)m
£6m
£(469)m

£61m
£(113)m
£(244)m
£(765)m

Net finance costs before exceptional charges, IAS 19 net pension finance 
costs and IAS 39 fair value remeasurements reduced by £113m year-on-year  
to £(356)m. This 24.1% decline year-on-year was mainly driven by a net £96m 
reduction in interest on interest-bearing liabilities. Debt maturities totalled 
£1.4bn during the year and we also undertook £1.3bn of bond tenders in  
two separate liability management exercises. These bond tenders during  
the year contributed to £23m lower interest costs and we expect an 
associated reduction in interest payable of c.£50m on an annualised basis.  
In cash interest terms, we were helped by a favourable timing benefit of 
£55m on our largest sterling-denominated bond, for which no annual coupon 
payment was made during the year owing to the timing of our year-end date. 

Net finance costs, which include non-cash items, were around 30% lower 
year-on-year. Fair value remeasurements are largely driven by changes in  
the market assessment of credit risk and various market indices which can 
fluctuate significantly.

Net pension finance costs increased by £(49)m year-on-year driven by a 
higher opening pension deficit part offset by a lower opening discount rate. 
Net pension finance costs are calculated by multiplying the opening deficit  
by the opening discount rate each year. For 2018/19, they are expected to 
decrease to c.£(95)m as the impact of a higher opening discount rate is  
more than offset by the year-on-year reduction in deficit.

The exceptional charge of £(38)m relating to the translation of the remaining 
proceeds from the sale of our business in Korea will not arise again since  
the funds have now been moved to a Sterling denominated entity within  
the Group. The proceeds had been held in GBP money market funds in a 
non-Sterling denominated subsidiary and the translation effect represents  
no economic cost to the Group. 

Group tax
Tax on profit before exceptional items was £(286)m, with an effective tax rate 
on profit before exceptional items for the Group of 25.0%. As previously 
indicated, this tax rate is higher than the UK statutory rate primarily due to  
the depreciation of assets that do not qualify for tax relief and the impact 
of the 8% supplementary tax surcharge on bank profits. We expect the 

14

The effective tax rate on profit before exceptional items for the 2018/19 
financial year is expected to be around 24%.

Earnings per share (on a continuing operations basis)
Diluted earnings per share before exceptional items were 11.88p, nearly  
63% higher year-on-year principally due to our stronger profit performance. 
Statutory basic earnings per share from continuing operations were 12.12p,  
up from 0.81p last year.

Summary of total indebtedness

Net debt (excludes Tesco Bank)
Discounted operating lease commitments
Pension deficit, IAS 19 basis (post-tax)
Total indebtedness

2017/18

2016/17
£(2,625)m £(3,729)m
£(6,931)m £(7,440)m
£(2,728)m £(5,504)m

Movement
£1,104m
£509m
£2,776m
£(12,284)m £(16,673)m £4,389m

Retail net debt reduced by £1.1bn to £(2.6)bn as retail operating cash flow and 
disposal proceeds were greater than capital expenditure and other charges. 
Within net debt, we used surplus cash to prepay £1.3bn of the Group’s  
long-dated bonds as part of an ongoing focus to strengthen the balance sheet.

We have a strong funding and liquidity profile underpinned by £4.2bn 
committed facilities and our key credit metrics, fixed charge cover and total 
indebtedness/EBITDAR, have improved to 2.7 times and 3.3 times respectively.

Discounted operating lease commitments have reduced by £509m,  
including the benefit from the buyback of 17 stores in the UK during the year. 
We anticipate rental savings of £26m on an annualised basis as a result of 
these property purchases.

On an IAS 19 basis, the pension deficit measure (net of deferred tax) has 
reduced from £5.5bn last year to £2.7bn at the end of the current year.  
The movement during the year was partly driven by an increase in yields  
on corporate bonds, which drive the discount rate used for accounting 
purposes and our decision at the half-year stage to update the discount  
rate model in line with developing market practice and following actuarial 
advice. In the Group’s view, it now more appropriately reflects expected 
yields on corporate bonds over the life of the scheme’s liabilities. At the same 
time, the application of latest industry life expectancy tables and favourable 
actual scheme experience have also contributed to the reduction. 

During the year, the triennial pension review was concluded, with the 
business and the Trustees agreeing that annual contributions will increase  
by £15m to £285m per annum from April 2018, with our framework for the 
long-term funding of the scheme unchanged. As at 31 March 2017, the 
actuarial deficit was £3.0bn, an increase of c.£0.25bn since the last  
triennial valuation.

Overall, total indebtedness has reduced by £4.4bn in the year. Net debt  
has reduced by almost £6bn over the last three years.

Summary retail cash flow
Retail operating cash flow increased by £495m to £2,773m in the year.  
This increase of 21.7% year-on-year, was mainly driven by improved Group 
profitability. Further improvements in working capital of £499m also 
contributed to the improvement in cash flow, although this includes £102m 
of timing benefits principally as a consequence of the failure of a supplier 
towards the end of the year.

Exceptional cash items increased year-on-year, largely driven by a cash 
outflow of £149m relating to payment of the SFO fine and initial Shareholder 
Compensation Scheme payments. We expect a further cash outflow of 
c.£60m relating to such claims. Other cash exceptional items totalling £169m 
include a £160m VAT refund from HMRC regarding the treatment of VAT on 
Clubcard rewards, which HMRC have appealed. This has no net effect  
in the Group income statement.

Cash capital expenditure of £(1.2)bn was up year-on-year due to the timing 
of payments relating to commitments made towards the end of the last 
financial year. 

Combined net cash interest and tax of £(428)m was £113m lower than last 
year largely as a result of debt maturities and bond tenders. We generated 
£253m of proceeds from property sales and completed the buyback of 
17 stores during the year, for a cash consideration of £393m.

•73538_Tesco_AR18_Text pages_Bk_180420_HR.indb   14

20/04/2018   15:42

Tesco PLC Annual Report and Financial Statements 2018Operating profit before exceptional items
Less: Tesco Bank operating profit before 
exceptional items
Retail operating profit from continuing 
operations before exceptional items
Less: Retail operating loss (discontinued operations)
Add back: Depreciation and amortisation
Other reconciling items
Pension deficit contribution
Underlying (increase)/decrease in working capital 
Retail cash generated from operations  
before exceptional items
Exceptional cash items:
Relating to prior years:
 –  SFO Fine and Shareholder Compensation 

Scheme Payments

 – Utilisation of onerous lease provisions
 – Restructuring payments
Relating to current year:
 – Restructuring payments(a)

Other(b)
Retail operating cash flow
Memo: Retail operating cash flow on continuing 
operations basis
Cash capex
Net interest & tax
Property proceeds
Property purchases – store buybacks
Disposals and dividends received
Retail free cash flow

2017/18
£1,644m
£(173)m

2016/17
£1,280m
£(157)m

£1,471m

£1,123m

–
£1,212m
£28m
£(245)m
£499m
£2,965m

£(15)m
£1,172m
£12m
£(248)m
£379m
£2,423m

£(192)m

£(145)m

£(149)m

–

£(92)m
£(53)m

£(111)m
£(54)m

£(67)m
£169m
£2,773m
£2,773m

£(1,190)m
£(428)m
£253m
£(393)m
£362m
£1,377m

£(75)m
£95m
£2,278m
£2,279m

£(963)m
£(541)m
£509m
£(365)m
£369m
£1,287m

(a)  In addition to cash outflows of £(67)m relating to current year restructuring, exceptional 

items charged to profit include a net restructuring provision of £(35)m, resulting in  
a total exceptional restructuring charge to operating profit of £(102)m. 

(b)  Other exceptional cash items include VAT recovered in relation to the appeal against 

HMRC regarding the treatment of VAT on Clubcard rewards of £160m and working capital 
acquired of £9m from the unwind of the Group’s joint venture with British Land Co PLC 
(British Land) (2016/17: legal settlement of £57m in respect of interchange fees, 
development stock disposal of £36m and discontinued operations of £2m).

Finally, cash inflows of £362m relating to disposals and dividends received 
includes consideration of £196m from the sale of our remaining minority 
stake in the Lazada online business, a dividend of £50m from Tesco Bank, 
and proceeds of £45m relating to the disposal of our opticians business in  
the UK to Vision Express, in addition to a number of smaller transactions. 

Retail free cash flow of £1,377m is up 7.0% year-on-year. This is lower than the 
rate of growth in retail operating cash flow principally due to timing of cash 
capital expenditure and lower property proceeds.

Capital expenditure

UK & ROI
Central Europe
Asia
Tesco Bank
Group

2017/18
£676m
£133m
£239m
£50m
£1,098m

2016/17
£731m
£141m
£261m
£46m
£1,179m

On an accrued basis, capital expenditure (excluding buybacks) of £1.1bn was 
£0.1bn lower than last year reflecting our disciplined approach to capital 
spending and focus on delivering attractive returns. Our capital expenditure  
in the UK focused on maintaining and replacing essential assets, alongside 
programmes to refresh and repurpose the estate, enhancing our store 
operations. New store capex has mainly been allocated to our new store 
opening programme in Thailand, with a limited number of Express store 
openings and a net gain of one new superstore in the UK. Our capital expenditure 
in Central Europe relates mainly to repurposing of existing stores. We expect 
capital expenditure to remain within a range of £1.1bn-£1.4bn. There was a net 
reduction of (1.2)m square feet, including (1.1)m square feet of space repurposed 
to a range of complementary partners such as Arcadia Group and H&M. 

Across the Group, our repurposing programme has focused on improving 
the ease and relevance of our large-store shopping trip for customers.  
In the UK & ROI, we have repurposed 75,000 square feet across 20 stores. 
Within the year, we opened over 50 concessions within our stores including 

Arcadia Group, Holland & Barrett, Dixons Carphone and Next. A brand new 
Booker ‘Chef Central’ concept store was also opened within the Tesco Extra 
store at Bar Hill, Cambridge in February 2018. The store primarily serves 
professional caterers but is open to all customers. In Central Europe, we  
have primarily been partnering with other clothing brands in repurposed 
store space including H&M and Decathlon. In Asia, we have worked with  
a range of different partners across a variety of brands including MR. DIY  
and Major Cineplex.

Property
The estimated market value of our fully owned property has increased by 
£0.8bn to £20.7bn, with a surplus of £2.5bn over the net book value (NBV).  
Our Group freehold property ownership percentage, by value, has  
increased to 58% from 57% last year, driven by the UK & ROI. We regained 
ownership of 17 stores in the UK during the year, increasing our proportion  
of freehold ownership by value in the UK & ROI to 52%. This repurchase of 
stores will result in an annualised rental saving of £26m. We continue to  
seek opportunities to further reduce our exposure to index-linked and  
fixed-uplift rent inflation where the economics are attractive.

Dividend
We propose to pay a final dividend of 2.0 pence per ordinary share.  
The proposed final dividend was approved by the Board of Directors on  
10 April 2018 and is subject to the approval of shareholders at the Annual 
General Meeting to be held on 15 June 2018. This takes the total dividend for 
the year to 3.0 pence per ordinary share following the payment of an interim 
dividend of 1.0 pence per ordinary share in November 2017. We anticipate  
a split of broadly one-third to two-thirds between next year’s interim and 
final dividends and intend to reach our targeted cover of around two times 
earnings in the medium term.

Merger with Booker Group
We completed our merger with Booker Group on 5 March 2018, after the  
end of the Tesco financial year. Our ‘Joining Forces’ integration programme  
is well underway and we are focused on delivering the £200m recurring 
run-rate synergies identified during the merger process by the end of the 
third year post-completion. 

Booker Q4 results show a continued strong performance, with customer 
satisfaction up 0.3% to 85.7% and like-for-like sales up 9.9%. While Booker’s  
full year results are still subject to audit approval, operating profit before 
exceptional items for the financial year to 30 March 2018 is c.£195m and net 
cash is c.£120m.

Transaction costs of £(26)m relating to our merger with Booker were included  
in Tesco’s UK & ROI operating profit before exceptional items in the 2016/17 
financial year. Further costs and fees of £(21)m arising in the 2017/18 financial 
year have been treated in a consistent fashion. A similar amount, consisting 
of stamp duty costs directly arising from the completion of the merger, will 
be charged to underlying profit in the 2018/19 financial year. As outlined in 
our merger prospectus, we anticipate up to £(145)m of integration costs  
over three years, which will be treated as exceptional. 

Looking ahead 
We remain firmly on track to deliver the medium-term ambitions we set out  
in October 2016; to reduce our costs by £1.5bn, to generate £9bn of retail 
cash from operations and to improve operating margins to between 3.5% 
and 4.0% by 2019/20. In addition, by further reducing debt and maintaining  
a disciplined approach to capital we can continue to strengthen the balance 
sheet and generate an increasing level of free cash flow. Our intention 
remains to return to an investment grade credit rating, with our key metrics 
being fixed charge cover and total indebtedness/EBITDAR.

The integration of Booker is well underway and we are focused on delivering 
the identified synergies to create value for all stakeholders. We anticipate a 
synergy benefit of c.£60m in the first year, growing to a cumulative c.£140m 
in the second year and reaching a recurring run-rate of c.£200m per year by 
the end of the third year.

As we look to capitalise on the enhanced opportunities for growth available 
to the combined Group, we will place increasing focus on growth in earnings 
and free cash flow generation, in order to deliver strong, sustainable returns 
for shareholders. 

Alan Stewart
Chief Financial Officer

•73538_Tesco_AR18_Text pages_Bk_180420_HR.indb   15

15

20/04/2018   15:42

Tesco PLC Annual Report and Financial Statements 2018Strategic reportLittle Helps Plan

Working together to make a big difference.

Our approach

‘Every little help makes a big difference’ is our third 
value and emphasises our belief that small actions can 
add up to make a big difference. Our Little Helps Plan 
identifies the most pressing social and environmental 
challenges facing the business, our customers and our 
communities, and outlines our commitments to help 
tackle these.

People

The 440,000 colleagues who work for us around 
the world are at the forefront of serving our 
shoppers better every day. We want to give them  
a great experience of working at Tesco and be  
a place where everyone can get on, whatever 
their ambitions. 

To do this, we are investing in training so colleagues 
are supported to develop their careers and to 
build skills for their future. We are committed to 
building an inclusive culture and ensuring these 
opportunities are available to all colleagues. We 
are also trialling a number of innovative solutions 
that will offer colleagues greater flexibility over 
their own work schedules. 

Our target 
To help our colleagues succeed by providing 
them with the flexibility, skills and reward they 
need to get on.

The Little Helps Plan outlines how Tesco works in partnership with others, 
including suppliers, NGOs, governments and other retailers, to make a 
positive contribution and work towards shared global ambitions.

The plan builds on the progress we have made so far and covers three areas 
core to the long-term success of our business: people, products and places.

Our Three Pillars

People

Products

Places

In October 2017, we shared targets and actions under each of  
these three pillars. More information on these can be found at 
www.tescoplc.com/littlehelpsplan.

The Little Helps Plan covers our retail businesses in the UK, Republic  
of Ireland, Central Europe and Asia. However, with the majority of our 
customers being in the UK, implementation of the plan and reporting  
will begin with the UK business. We have committed to sharing our  
progress along the way and will next update in October 2018.

Accountability for the Little Helps Plan is led at an Executive level by Jane 
Lawrie, Group Communications Director, and at the Board level by Dave Lewis, 
Group Chief Executive. Our Corporate Responsibility Committee, chaired by 
Lindsey Pownall, Non-executive Director, governs the plan. More information on 
the activities of the Corporate Responsibility Committee can be found in the 
Corporate governance report on page 39.

For the full list of our targets and actions see our  
Little Helps Plan at www.tescoplc.com/littlehelpsplan.

16

•73538_Tesco_AR18_Text pages_Bk_180420_HR.indb   16

20/04/2018   15:43

Tesco PLC Annual Report and Financial Statements 2018Products

Places

Foundations

We are proud to be a valued part of over 6,000 
communities around the world and want to help 
them thrive. We bring social and economic 
benefits through the local people we employ,  
the local businesses we work with and the local 
projects we support.

We support causes important to colleagues and 
customers. We deliver this through our community 
donation programmes, strategic partnerships 
with charities and support for food banks.

Our target
To help our local communities thrive by positively 
contributing both socially and economically.

Underpinning all the pillars of the Little Helps  
Plan are a number of areas where it is vital to do  
the right thing. It remains a priority for us to ensure 
our products are safe, that we have a strong 
health and safety culture for customers and 
colleagues, and that we stay on track with our 
ambitious plan to become a zero-carbon business.

We recognise that these areas and strong 
corporate governance are equally important to 
ensuring our business is having a positive impact  
on society. They are core expectations and are 
embedded in the way we do business.

Sourcing 
Our customers should have peace of mind that 
the products that they buy at Tesco are sourced 
with respect for both the environment and the 
people who make or grow them. Building strong, 
trusted relationships with our suppliers plays a  
key role in achieving this.

Health
Our customers and colleagues tell us that they 
want to make healthier choices, but sometimes it 
can be difficult. We want to make it easier to lead a 
healthier life and we are focused on offering simple, 
practical actions that lead to sustainable changes.

Packaging
We know packaging plays an important role in 
preserving and protecting products but we are  
taking action to reduce its overall impact on the 
environment. We are working with the industry  
to develop a closed loop system which can be 
applied to all key packaging materials.

Food waste
We have a responsibility and commitment  
to lead reduction of food waste from farm to  
fork. Through our Group Chief Executive’s 
Chairmanship of the international Champions  
12.3 coalition, we are committed to accelerating 
progress towards the UN Sustainable Development 
Goal target to halve per capita global food waste 
by 2030.

Our targets
To help make sustainable products accessible 
and affordable for all. 

To support all of our colleagues to live healthier 
lives and help our customers make healthier 
food choices every time they shop with us.

To ensure we never use more packaging than  
is needed, and that what we do use is from 
sustainable sources and goes on to be reused 
or recycled.

To help halve global food waste, farm to fork, 
by 2030.

•73538_Tesco_AR18_Text pages_Bk_180420_HR.indb   17

17

20/04/2018   15:43

Tesco PLC Annual Report and Financial Statements 2018Strategic report 
Little Helps Plan continued

Products

Sourcing with care
In our UK supply chains, we are prioritising the 
environmental and social risks associated with 20 
of our most important products and ingredients 
– from beef and coffee, to wild fish and cotton.  
To view the full top 20 list and some of the actions 
we are taking, visit www.tescoplc.com/top20. 

Collaboration with suppliers, industry organisations, 
government bodies and civil society is vital for us 
to make progress. 

For example, we know that soil 
degradation is a key issue facing 
agricultural products and the 
environment. We analysed the most vulnerable 
regions we sourced from and in 2017 we 
started a new project in partnership with the 
Broads Authority and with the support of the 
Rivers Trust, National Farmers Union (NFU) and 
the Environment Agency. To raise awareness of 
the impact of water run-off with potato growers 
in East Anglia, we tested new technologies that 
help retain valuable top soil and reduce the 
amount of fertiliser entering local waterways. 
Working with partners, we will share the 
learnings in other key sourcing regions.

This year, as part of our human rights due diligence 
approach, we have engaged stakeholders and 
other businesses to further understand the risks 
of forced labour in palm oil supply chains. 100%  
of the palm oil used in our Own Brand products in 
the UK is certified by the Roundtable on Sustainable 
Palm Oil but we want to take further action to 
mitigate the social challenges associated with 
palm oil production. Our engagement has helped 
us identify and understand the areas of greatest 
risk, and we are working collaboratively through 
the Consumer Goods Forum to tackle this 
challenge as an industry. 

Visit www.tescoplc.com/sourcing  
for more information and  
www.tescoplc.com/modernslavery  
for our latest Modern Slavery Statement.

A healthier place to work and shop 
For many years we’ve worked hard to help 
colleagues and customers make healthier  
food choices. We are also continuing to work  
with our suppliers to reduce the amount of sugar,  
fat and salt in thousands of products. In Central 
Europe in 2017 we reviewed 120 Own Brand soft 
drinks and introduced a new standard to limit  
the sugar to less than 1 teaspoon per 100ml.  
This follows the UK business which, by November 
2016, had reduced the sugar in all Own Brand soft 
drinks to below the threshold for the government 
levy. We’ve also helped increase consumption  
of fruit and vegetables by introducing new, great 
value ranges such as Farm Brands and Perfectly 
Imperfect. Our Free Fruit for Kids initiative 
remains popular in the UK and since 2016, we  
have given out 50 million pieces of free fruit in  
800 stores. 

In May 2017 we held our first ever in-store health 
event in the UK. As part of this we reduced the 
price of 200 healthier products and highlighted 
in-store and online products which are lower in 
sugar, fat or salt. As a result, we saw the biggest 
monthly improvement in the health of our customers’ 

18

In 2017/18, the 10 million tonnes of  
food sold in the UK retail operations 
generated 73,340 tonnes (0.7%) of 
surplus. 53,126 tonnes (0.5%◊) was wasted, 
which we sent for energy recovery. Of this,  
just 19,898 tonnes (0.2%) was safe for human 
consumption. In September 2017 we also 
shared our 2016/17 food waste data for the 
Republic of Ireland and Central Europe for the 
first time. The page opposite gives a breakdown 
on our food surplus and waste in all these 
markets for 2017/18.

In 2016, we made the commitment that no food 
that is safe for human consumption will go to 
waste from our UK retail operations by the  
end of 2017/18. We have worked hard to deliver 
our target through the launch of new industry 
leading initiatives. Surplus food safe for humans  
is offered to local charities through Community 
Food Connection. Food not taken by charities  
is offered to colleagues through our ‘colleague 
shops’ which have been rolled out to all stores. 
We send any suitable remaining surplus to animal 
feed. We have achieved huge progress in ensuring 
more good food goes to charity and we are now 
introducing a further programme of work to ensure 
no food safe for human consumption goes to waste.

Our other markets share the same ambition  
and food redistribution programmes are now  
in all stores in the Republic of Ireland and all 
hypermarkets in Bangkok and Malaysia. In Central 
Europe over 600 stores (out of a total 961) are 
already donating surplus food and all remaining 
stores will be donating by 2020. 

We are also working in partnership with our 
suppliers to offer customers the food they love  
with less waste. 

In 2017/18, we introduced resealable 
salad bags across our most popular 
salad lines and became the first UK 

supermarket to start selling perfectly ripe green 
satsumas and clementines that stay fresher for 
longer. In Central Europe, we introduced our 
Perfectly Imperfect range which has helped 
save over 6,000 tonnes of ‘wonky’ fruit and 
vegetables from going to waste.

With 25 of our largest suppliers, we have 
announced a joint commitment to adopt  
UN Sustainable Development Goal target 12.3, 
measure and publish food waste data for their 
own operations and act to reduce food waste farm 
to fork. We are planning to build on this work over 
the coming year across more of our supply chains 
and communicate with customers on how they can 
reduce food waste in the home.

To view further analysis  
of all our food waste figures visit  
www.tescoplc.com/foodwaste.

shopping baskets outside of seasonal changes. 
For colleagues we have given out free fruit and 
offered mini health checks throughout our health 
events. In 2017/18 we also made mental wellbeing 
training available for all colleagues and brought 
together a group of colleague Health Heroes to 
share their stories and inspire others to make 
healthier choices.

In January 2018, we announced a 
groundbreaking new five-year strategic 
partnership with the British Heart 

Foundation, Cancer Research UK and Diabetes 
UK. The aim of the partnership is to help reduce 
the risk of heart and circulatory disease, cancer 
and diabetes. The partnership will support 
colleagues, customers and their families to 
make sustainable lifestyle changes and adopt 
healthier habits.

For more information visit  
www.tescoplc.com/health.

Packaging
We continue to make changes to our packaging  
to help reduce our impact on the environment. 
87% of our Own Brand packaging by weight is 
currently widely recyclable.

We have made significant changes  
to the packaging of our wet wipes, 
resulting in a 20% reduction in the 

material used and thereby removing 57 tonnes 
of plastic. This material saving is enough to 
make over 10 million more packs.

We recognise that we can do more in partnership 
with government and industry to help establish  
a robust, closed loop approach to recover and 
reuse all key packaging materials. We have three 
strategic priorities to help reduce packaging 
waste and boost recycling across the UK:

1.  Materials and design: In collaboration with  

our suppliers we are reducing packaging and 
restricting the number of materials we accept 
so that less packaging is used and packaging is 
easier to recycle.

2.  Recovery and recycling: We believe a holistic 
approach is required to create an integrated 
national recovery and recycling system.  
We support developing a cost-effective 
Deposit Return System (DRS) as one aspect  
of this approach. 

3.  Changing customer behaviour: Once consistent 
recycling infrastructure is in place, we can  
help customers recycle more with simple,  
clear information.

For more information visit  
www.tescoplc.com/packaging.

Tackling food waste 
Five years ago, we made a commitment to lead on 
reducing global food waste in our own operation, 
supply chains, and in our customers’ homes.
Food waste is a global challenge and through 
our international markets and Dave Lewis’s 
Chairmanship of the international Champions 12.3 
coalition, we are committed to driving progress 
towards the UN Sustainable Development Goal 
target to halve per capita global food waste  
by 2030.

•73538_Tesco_AR18_Text pages_Bk_180420_HR.indb   18

20/04/2018   15:43

Tesco PLC Annual Report and Financial Statements 2018Food surplus (total of food not sold)

2017/18 sales tonnage vs surplus tonnage
(Not to scale)

UK

Total food sales

10,023,559 
tonnes

Ireland

Total food sales

557,317 
tonnes

Central Europe

Total food sales

3,227,655 
tonnes

 Total food surplus

73,340	tonnes

Total food surplus

7,762	tonnes

Total food surplus

51,579	tonnes

2017/18 food surplus safe for human consumption (tonnes)

337

Colleague
shops

7,975

Donated

10,688

Animal
feed

19,898

Disposal*

*	 Disposal	=	energy	recovery	and	waste	management.	

Food waste (food surplus wasted)

2017/18 food waste as % of sales

976

Donated

3,520

Disposal*

10,639

Donated

2,510

Animal
feed

11,169

Disposal*

0.5%◊

1.2%◊

1.2%◊

2017/18 food waste by category(a)
(% do not total 100% due to rounding)

5% 2%

6%

10%

11%

53,126
tonnes◊
(waste)

35%

3% 2%

5%

31%

6,786
tonnes◊
(waste)

8%

10%

15%

15%

16%

25%

7%

8%

10%

5% 2%

7%

34%

38,054
tonnes◊
(waste)

26%

Bakery

Beers, Wine and Spirits 

Dairy

Grocery 

Impulse

Meat, Fish and Poultry

Prepared Foods

Produce

◊	 KPMG	LLP	were	engaged	to	provide	independent	limited	assurance	over	the	selected	food	waste	data	highlighted	in	this	report	with	a	◊	using	the	assurance	standard	ISAE	3000.	 

KPMG	has	issued	an	unqualified	opinion	over	the	selected	data.	KPMG’s	full	assurance	statement	is	available	at:	www.tescoplc.com/foodwastefigures.

(a)	 Total	food	waste	is	made	up	of	both	food	safe	for	human	consumption	and	food	that	is	not	safe	for	human	consumption	which	has	been	disposed	of.

19

Tesco PLC Annual Report and Financial Statements 2018Strategic reportLittle Helps Plan continued

People

Places

Colleagues have told us how important flexibility 
and certainty are in order for them to reach their 
ambitions both inside and outside of work. In 
2017/18 we started to trial a new app in the UK 
that allows colleagues to see their shifts, manage 
overtime and request holiday. In time the app will 
also give the option to swap shifts, request shift 
changes and even take shifts in different stores 
– providing them with genuine flexibility and  
control over their hours. We have committed  
to rolling out this app in all our markets and have 
already started to introduce a simplified version  
in our Asian stores.

In 2017/18 we have continued to support 
communities through our community donation 
initiatives. We have established programmes  
in the UK (Bags of Help), Republic of Ireland 
(Community Fund) and Central Europe (You 
Choose, We Help). All of these programmes  
put the power in the hands of our customers  
to choose the local projects that Tesco supports 
financially. In Central Europe one in every four 
customers voted in ‘You Choose, We Help’.  
Through these programmes we have distributed 
over £51m and supported more than 24,000  
local projects to date. 

Wherever we operate we also work closely with 
food banks and local charities to help feed people  
in need in local communities. In 2017/18 we donated 
the equivalent of 46 million meals to help feed 
people in need across the UK, Republic of Ireland, 
and Central Europe through our food surplus 
redistribution programmes. In January 2018,  
all our stores in Malaysia also participated in a 
campaign which enabled customers to donate 
food to 100 local charities supporting vulnerable 
families and homeless people. In Thailand, 
customer fundraising meant that underprivileged 
children were able to have nutritious lunches 
throughout February 2018.

For more information visit  
www.tescoplc.com/places.

Our UK apprenticeship programme aims 
to give over 1,000 colleagues, of all ages 
and all levels of experience, the 

opportunity to continue their education and 
build skills for their future. With technology 
transforming society, we are also developing  
a training programme to ensure that all our 
colleagues have the digital competence and 
confidence to succeed.

Inclusivity and creating a culture where everyone 
has equal opportunity remains integral to our 
business. In January 2018 we pledged support to 
the UN standards promoting the rights of Lesbian, 
Gay, Bisexual, Transgender and Intersex (LGBTI) 
people. More recently we signed up to the 30% 
Club, demonstrating our commitment to having 
strong female representation within our senior 
leadership team by 2020. The ratio of male to 
female colleagues at 2017/18 year-end is outlined  
in the table below. Further analysis of our gender 
pay gap can also be found in the Corporate 
governance report on page 47 or online.

For more information visit  
www.tescoplc.com/people.

Gender diversity (based on actual year-end headcount)
Board of Directors
Senior managers – Directors
Senior managers – Directors and managers
All employees

Male

10
353
2,646
189,097

77%
75%
63%
43%

Female
3
117
1,524
251,561

23%
25%
37%
57%

‘ Tesco is an important part of 
the town, with four large and 
seven convenience stores in 
and around the area. We’re 
one of the biggest employers  
in Oldham and have become 
an integral part of the 
community by taking part  
in many charitable projects.’

Marie Toora 
Store Manager, Oldham Chadderton Superstore

‘ The biggest advantage of  
‘You Choose, We Help’ is the 
close relationship we develop 
with local communities. Local 
people decide which of the 
nominated projects should 
receive grants.’

Urszula Wiśniewska
Manager of Możesz więcej Poland (beneficiary)

20

•73538_Tesco_AR18_Text pages_Bk_180420_HR.indb   20

20/04/2018   15:43

Tesco PLC Annual Report and Financial Statements 2018Foundations

Climate change
In May 2017, we announced the new science-based 
targets on the right, which are aligned with the 
Paris Climate Agreement recommendation of a  
1.5 degree global warming trajectory. They will  
also enable us to meet our ambition to become  
a zero-carbon business by 2050. 

Our carbon footprint is calculated according to  
the Greenhouse Gas Protocol and our net carbon 
footprint in 2017/18 was 3.4 million tonnes of 
CO2e. For our own operations absolute carbon 
emissions we achieved a 13% reduction compared  
to last year and 26% compared to 2015/16. To help 
us achieve our new targets, we have committed 
to source 100% of our electricity from renewable 
sources by 2030. In 2017/18, 55% of our electricity 
across the Group was from renewable sources 
and in the UK we have already switched to 100% 
renewable purchased electricity, supported by 
renewable energy certificates. This, in addition  

to investments in energy efficiency, has enabled 
us to reduce our net carbon intensity per sq. ft. of 
retail and distribution floor space by 6% compared 
with last year, and 15% since 2015/16.

Our targets
Reduce absolute carbon emissions from our 
operations from 2015/16 levels: 35% by 2020, 
60% by 2025 and 100% by 2050.

Source 65% of our electricity from renewable 
sources by 2020 and 100% by 2030.

Anti-bribery and fraud 
We are committed to maintaining the highest 
standards of ethics and integrity in the way we  
do business around the world. We adopt a zero 
tolerance approach to bribery and fraud at Tesco 
and expect our business partners to do the same.

Our Code of Business Conduct outlines our most 
important legal obligations and the policies that 
guide the conduct of all our colleagues in areas 

including health and safety, information security, 
bribery and fraud. In February 2018, we refreshed 
all our communications on the Code and held an 
internal campaign to encourage colleagues to 
speak up if they have any concerns the Code  
is not being followed. 

To support this culture, we also provide an 
independent and confidential whistleblowing 
service – Protector Line – that enables our 
colleagues, suppliers and their staff around  
the world to raise concerns. We use e-learning  
to support compliance with the Code and 
anti-bribery and anti-fraud training is included  
in our annual refresher training for all relevant 
colleagues. Everyone in the business must comply 
with the Code and we have implemented annual 
Code compliance declarations which are reviewed 
by our Group Risk and Compliance Committee.

For more information visit  
www.tescoplc.com/foundations.

Scope 1
Scope 2(a)

Market-based method 
Location-based method

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

Global tonnes of CO2e

2017/18 
1,306,985*

2016/17 
1,236,980

Base year 2015/16
1,301,746

1,136,325*
2,077,528*
21.23*

975,312*
3,418,677*
1,134*
3,417,543*
29.70*

1,582,275
2,357,245
22.95

1,073,721
3,892,977
1,154
3,891,822
31.69

2,004,992
2,528,323
26.33

1,097,491
4,404,230
1,513
4,402,717
35.06

*   KPMG LLP were engaged to provide independent limited assurance over the selected greenhouse gas emissions data 
highlighted in this report with a * using the assurance standards ISAE 3000 and 3410. KPMG has issued an unqualified 
opinion over the selected data. KPMG’s full assurance statement is available at: www.tescoplc.com/carbonfigures.
(a)  Tesco uses the market-based method for calculating Scope 2 emissions for our total emissions to account for our 

efforts in generating and purchasing low carbon energy. The location-method impact is provided for disclosure only  
and all intensity, net and gross emissions shown are calculated using the market-based method.

•73538_Tesco_AR18_Text pages_Bk_180420_HR.indb   21

21

20/04/2018   15:43

Tesco PLC Annual Report and Financial Statements 2018Strategic reportPrincipal risks and uncertainties

A robust review.

‘ The Board considers these  
to be the most significant 
risks faced by the Group that 
may impact the achievement 
of our six strategic drivers.’

We have an established risk management process 
to identify, assess and monitor the principal risks 
that we face as a business. We have performed  
a robust review of those risks that we believe 
could seriously affect the Group’s performance, 
future prospects, reputation or its ability to 
deliver against its priorities. This review included  
an assessment of those risks that we believe 
would threaten the Group’s business model, 
future performance, solvency or liquidity.

Following the review of the principal risks and our 
strategic drivers we have included two additional 
shorter-term risks. These relate to the ongoing 
uncertainty and approach to Brexit, and the timely 
synergy realisation and integration of Booker  
into the wider Group, set out on pages 24 and 25. 
Additionally, we have reframed our product safety 
and supply chain risks, currently reflected at the 
business unit level to form a new principal risk 
responsible sourcing and supply chain, set out  
on page 24. This risk relates to the social and 
environmental challenges facing our business, our 
customers and our communities. Our approach is 
outlined in our Little Helps Plan on pages 16 to 21.

The risk management process relies on our 
assessment of the risk likelihood and impact  
and on the development and monitoring of 
appropriate internal controls. Our process for 
identifying and managing risk is set out in more 
detail on page 43. 

We maintain risk registers for the principal risks 
faced by the Group and this is an important 
component of our governance framework and 
how we manage our business. As part of our 
risk management process, risks are reviewed as 
a top down and bottom up activity at the Group 
and the business unit level. The content of the risk 
registers are considered and discussed through 
regular meetings with senior management and 
reviewed by the Executive Committee. Each 
principal risk is reviewed at least annually by 
the Board. 

The table opposite sets out our principal risks, 
their link to our strategic drivers, their movement 
during the year and a summary of key controls 
as well as any mitigating factors. The Board 
considers these to be the most significant 
risks faced by the Group that may impact the 
achievement of our six strategic drivers as set 
out on pages 8 and 9. They do not comprise all 
of the risks associated with our business and are  
not set out in priority order. Additional risks not 
presently known to management, or currently 
deemed to be less material, may also have an 
adverse effect on the business. 

Strategic drivers

1

2

   A differentiated brand 

   Reduce operating costs 

 by £1.5bn 

3

   Generate £9bn cash  from 

operations 

4

   Maximise the mix to achieve   

a 3.5% - 4.0% margin 

5

  Maximise value from property 

6

  Innovation

Risks

Customer

Tesco Bank

Transformation

Brexit

Liquidity

Oversight

Board
Overall responsibility for risk 
management, engages directly  
with risk assessment, mitigations  
and risk appetite.

Audit Committee
Oversight of the risk framework  
and controls on behalf of the Board.

Booker  
synergy  
realisation and 
integration

Responsible 
 sourcing and 
 supply chain

Principal risks

Competition
and markets

Brand,
reputation
and trust

Group Chief Executive   
and Executive Committee 
The Group Chief Executive has 
overall accountability for control  
and the management of risk. 
Individual members, reporting 
to the Group Chief Executive, are 
accountable for specific risks.

People

Technology

Health and 
Safety

Political, 
 regulatory and 
 compliance

Data   
security and 
 data privacy

Group Risk and  
Compliance Committee
Oversight of key regulatory  
and compliance risks on behalf  
of the Executive Committee, 
reporting biannually to the  
Audit Committee.

  Indicates a new risk.

22

•73538_Tesco_AR18_Text pages_Bk_180420_HR.indb   22

20/04/2018   15:43

Tesco PLC Annual Report and Financial Statements 2018 
 
 
 
 
 
A robust review.

Key to risk movement

 Risk increasing 

 No risk movement 

 Risk decreasing 

 Link to strategic drivers on page 22 

Principal risk
Customer† 
Failure to have a coherent, connected and 
engaging customer journey and in-store 
experience will lead us to be less competitive 
and lose market share.

1

3

4

6

Risk movement
Ongoing fragmentation of 
our customer engagement 
channels exposes us to an 
increased risk of diluting 
our customer experience 
and ability to differentiate 
our brand.

Transformation† 
Failure to achieve our transformation 
objectives due to poor prioritisation, 
ineffective change management and a failure  
to understand and deliver the technology 
required, resulting in an inability to progress 
sufficiently quickly to maintain or increase 
operating margin and generate sufficient 
cash to meet business objectives.

Achieving our 
transformation goals 
continues to demand 
further effort and 
investment, especially 
with regard to technology 
changes, as both internal 
and external expectations 
have increased.

3

4

6

Liquidity† 
Failure of our business performance to deliver 
cash as expected; access to funding markets  
or facilities is restricted; failures in operational 
liquidity and currency risk management; Tesco 
Bank cash call; or adverse changes to the 
pension deficit funding requirement, create 
calls on cash higher than anticipated, leading to 
impacts on financial performance, cash liquidity 
or the ability to continue to fund operations.

3

4

5

We have a disciplined and 
policy-based approach to 
treasury management.  
We have reduced our debt 
levels and have improving 
debt metrics. Liquidity 
levels and sources of cash 
are regularly reviewed  
and the Group maintains 
access to committed 
credit facilities. 

Competition and markets† 
Failure to deliver an effective, coherent 
and consistent strategy to respond to our 
competitors and changes in macroeconomic 
conditions in the operating environment, 
resulting in a loss of market share and failure 
to improve profitability.

We continue to face  
the ongoing challenge  
of a changing competitive 
landscape and price 
pressure across most  
of our markets.

1

2

6

Brand, reputation and trust† 
Failure to create brand reappraisal 
opportunities to improve quality, value 
and service perceptions thus failing to 
rebuild trust in our brand.

1

A broad range of factors 
impact our brand, 
reputation and trust  
in the year and, on  
balance, the level of risk 
remains unchanged.

Technology 
Failure of our IT infrastructure or key IT systems 
result in loss of information, inability to operate 
effectively, financial or regulatory penalties and 
negatively impacts our reputation.
Failure to build resilience capabilities at 
the time of investing in and implementing 
new technology.

1

6

Our technology 
landscape continues 
to require further  
investment as external 
threats increase and 
the challenges around 
securing the right 
capability to deliver 
change continues.

Key controls and mitigating factors
We now have a more consistent approach to building impactful customer 
propositions, offering high quality, competitive value, while improving the 
customer experience. Propositions are now developed across channels 
and geographies to ensure consistency in the engagement with customers. 
Group-wide customer insight management is undertaken to understand  
customer behaviour, expectations and experience, and leverage more  
consistently across the different parts of the business.
We monitor the effectiveness of our processes by regular tracking of our 
business, and those of our competitors, against measures that customers  
tell us are important to their shopping experience. We have well established 
product development and quality management processes, which keep the  
needs of our customers central to our decision making.

We have multiple transformation programmes underway to simplify our business 
with clear market strategies and business plans in place. Our service model 
processes provide a framework for implementing change. We have appropriate 
executive level oversight for all the transformation activities.
Transformation programmes are supported by experienced resources from 
within the business and externally as required. 

We maintain an infrastructure of systems, policies and reports to ensure discipline 
and oversight on liquidity matters, including specific treasury and debt-related 
issues. Our treasury policies are communicated across the Group and are 
regularly reviewed by the Board, Executive Committee and management. 
The Group’s funding strategy is approved annually by the Board and includes 
maintaining appropriate levels of working capital, undrawn committed facilities 
and access to the capital markets. The Audit Committee reviews and approves 
annually the viability and going concern statements and reports into the Board.
There is a long-term funding framework in place for the pension deficit and there  
is ongoing communication and engagement with the Pension Trustees.
While recognising that Tesco Bank is financially separate from Tesco PLC, there 
is ongoing monitoring of the activities of Tesco Bank that could give rise to risks 
to Tesco PLC.

Our Board actively develops and regularly challenges the strategic direction of 
our business and we actively seek to be competitive on price, range and service, 
as well as developing our online and multiple formats to allow us to compete in 
different markets.
Our Executive Committee and operational management regularly review markets, 
trading opportunities, competitor strategy and activity and, additionally, we engage 
in market scanning and competitor analysis to refine our customer proposition.

We continue to develop communication and engagement programmes to listen 
to our customers and stakeholders and reflect their needs in our plans. This 
includes the supplier viewpoint programme and the integration of local community 
and local marketing programmes. We continue to maximise the value and impact 
of our brand with the advice of specialist external agencies and in-house marketing 
expertise. Maintaining a differentiated brand is one of our strategic priorities and 
our Group processes, policies and our Code of Business Conduct sets out how  
we can make the right decisions for our customers, colleagues, suppliers, 
communities and investors. Our Corporate Responsibility Committee is in place  
to oversee all corporate responsibility activities and initiatives ensuring alignment 
with customer priorities and our brand. Further details can be found on page 39.

We continue to assess our technology resilience capabilities and have identified 
opportunities to make significant enhancements. We are progressing greater 
adoption of cloud computing technologies to provide further resilience. 
We have combined governance processes covering both technology disaster 
recovery and business continuity to ensure alignment. 
Our technology security programme is designed to continuously strengthen 
our infrastructure and Information Technology General Controls. 

† 

Indicates that the principal risk has been included as part of the longer term viability scenarios.

•73538_Tesco_AR18_Text pages_Bk_180420_HR.indb   23

23

20/04/2018   15:43

Tesco PLC Annual Report and Financial Statements 2018Strategic reportPrincipal risks and uncertainties continued

Principal risk
Data security and data privacy† 
Failure to comply with legal or regulatory 
requirements relating to data security or data 
privacy in the course of our business activities, 
results in reputational damage, fines or other 
adverse consequences, including criminal 
penalties and consequential litigation, adverse 
impact on our financial results or unfavourable 
effects on our ability to do business.

1

6

Risk movement
We continue to enhance 
our data security to keep 
pace with increasing 
threats on a global scale. 
As a retail organisation we 
hold a large amount of data 
and are working to ensure 
we comply with the 
General Data Protection 
Regulations.

Political, regulatory and compliance† 
Failure to comply with legal and other 
requirements as the regulatory environment 
becomes more restrictive, due to changes in 
the global political landscape, results in fines, 
criminal penalties for Tesco or colleagues, 
consequential litigation and an adverse impact 
on our reputation, financial results, and/or 
our ability to do business. 
Long-term changes in the global political 
environment mean that in some markets 
there is a push towards greater regulation 
of foreign investors and a favouring of  
local companies. 

1

We continue to monitor 
and improve our controls  
to ensure we comply 
with legal and regulatory 
requirements across 
the Group. Given the 
ongoing uncertainty 
around Brexit, we have 
separated this out as an 
independent risk for the 
current year.

Health and safety 
Failure to meet safety standards in relation 
to workplace, resulting in death or injury 
to our colleagues or third parties.

We continue to focus our 
efforts on controls which 
ensure colleague and 
customer safety.

1

People 
Failure to attract and retain the required 
capability and continue to evolve our culture 
could impact delivery of our purpose and 
strategic drivers.

1

6

Responsible sourcing and supply chain 
Failure to meet product safety standards 
resulting in death, injury or illness to customers.
Failure to ensure that products are sourced 
responsibly and sustainably across the supply 
chain (including fair pay for workers, adhering  
to human rights, clean and safe working 
environments and that all social and 
environmental standards are met), leading 
to breaches of regulations, illness, injury 
or death to workers and communities.

1

6

Booker synergy realisation and integration  
Failure to successfully integrate Booker  
is dependent upon a number of factors, 
leading to a risk to our planned synergy 
commitments and value creation. 

We continue to operate 
in a fast changing and 
complex legislative 
environment. Market 
competitiveness and 
volatility affects our 
ability to attract and 
retain key specialist talent 
thereby increasing this risk.

New principal risk.

New principal risk.

Key controls and mitigating factors
Our multi-year data security programme has been driving the enhancement  
of our security capabilities. We continue to work towards meeting regulatory 
requirements and regularly report the status of the security programme to 
governance and oversight committees.
We have established a team to detect, report and respond to security incidents 
in a timely fashion. We have a third-party supplier assurance programme focusing 
on data security and privacy risks. 
We are making significant investment across the Group to ensure we comply with 
the requirements of the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) in Europe, and 
any other relevant legislation globally. We put our customers and our colleagues 
at the heart of all decisions we make in relation to the processing of personal data. 
Our privacy compliance programme, driven by the Group Privacy Officer continues 
to drive compliance throughout our global business.
Wherever we operate, we aim to ensure that the impact of political and regulatory 
changes is incorporated in our strategic planning. We manage regulatory risks 
through the use of our risk management framework and we have implemented 
compliance programmes to manage our most important risks (e.g. bribery and 
competition law).
Our compliance programmes ensure that sustainable controls are implemented  
to mitigate the risk and we conduct assurance activities for each risk area.
Our Code of Business Conduct is supported by new starter and annual compliance 
training and other tools such as our whistleblowing hotline. 
The engagement of leadership and senior management is critical in the successful 
management of this risk area and leaders provide clear tone from the top 
for colleagues.

We have a business-wide, risk-based safety framework which defines how we 
implement safety controls to ensure that colleagues, contractors and customers 
have a safe place to work and shop. 
Each business is required to maintain a Safety Improvement Plan to document  
and track enhancements. Overall governance is provided by the Group Risk and 
Compliance Committee, with each business unit operating their own Health  
and Safety Committee.
Our annual colleague survey programme allows us to measure safety behaviour 
improvements Group-wide. The survey results alongside other inputs through the 
year, informs the delivery of safety initiatives and targeted communications.

We seek to understand and respond to colleagues’ needs by listening to their 
feedback from open conversations, social media, colleague surveys and 
performance reviews. 
Talent planning and people development processes are well established across  
the Group. Talent and succession planning is discussed annually by the Board and 
three times a year at the Executive Committee and Nominations and Governance 
Committee. The Remuneration Committee agrees objectives and remuneration 
arrangements for senior management, and the current remuneration policy is  
due for review at this year’s Annual General Meeting. 
There is a change programme in place, supported by Executive Committee and 
Audit Committee governance, to deliver technology and processes that are 
simple, helpful and trusted to all our markets.
We have product standards, policies and guidance covering both food and 
non-food, as well as goods and services not for resale, ensuring that products 
are safe, legal and of the required quality, and that the human rights of workers  
are respected and environmental impacts are managed responsibly. Refer to 
pages 16 to 21 for specific actions highlighted under our Little Helps Plan.
Supplier audit programmes are in place to monitor product safety, traceability  
and integrity, human rights and environmental standards, including unannounced 
specification inspections of suppliers and facilities.
We run colleague training programmes on food and product safety, responsible 
sourcing, hygiene controls and provide support for stores. We also provide 
targeted training for colleagues and suppliers dealing with specific challenges 
such as modern slavery. Our store audit programme seeks to ensure we comply 
with safety and legal requirements.
A detailed synergy realisation and integration plan is being implemented  
with period-end reporting and tracking of targeted benefits and key 
performance indicators.
For further information on the Tesco and Booker merger see page 7. 

1

† 

3

4

5

6

Indicates that the principal risk has been included as part of the longer term viability scenarios.

24

•73538_Tesco_AR18_Text pages_Bk_180420_HR.indb   24

20/04/2018   15:43

Tesco PLC Annual Report and Financial Statements 2018Principal risk
Brexit† 
Failure to prepare for the UK’s departure from 
the EU causes disruption to and creates 
uncertainty around our business including:  
our ability to recruit; as well as impacting  
our relationships with existing and future 
customers, suppliers and colleagues.  
These disruptions and uncertainties could 
have an adverse effect on our business, 
financial results and operations.

1

Tesco Bank 
Tesco Bank is exposed to a number of risks, 
the most significant of which are operational 
risk, regulatory risk, credit risk, capital risk, 
funding and liquidity risk, market risk and 
business risk.

1

Risk movement
New principal risk.

Key controls and mitigating factors
The nature of the UK’s future trading relationship with the EU is still to be 
determined. We continue to contribute to important public policy discussions  
and engage with government, regulatory bodies and industry.
As further details of the terms of our departure from the EU emerge, we will 
continue to assess and monitor the potential risks and impacts of these on  
Tesco customers, colleagues and shareholders and take appropriate measures.

The Bank continues to 
actively manage the risks 
to which it is exposed.

The Bank has a defined risk appetite, which is approved and reviewed regularly by 
both the Bank’s Board and the Tesco PLC Board. The risk appetite defines the type 
and amount of risk that the Group is prepared to accept to achieve its objectives 
and forms a key link between the day-to-day risk management of the business and 
its strategic priorities, long-term plan, capital planning and liquidity management. 
Adherence to risk appetite is monitored through a series of ratios and limits. 
The Bank operates a risk management framework that is underpinned by governance, 
policies, processes and controls, reporting, assurance and stress testing. 
There is Bank Board risk reporting throughout the year, with updates to the Tesco 
PLC Audit Committee by the Bank’s Chief Financial Officer, Chief Risk Officer and 
Audit Committee Chairman. A member of the Tesco PLC Board is also a member  
of the Bank’s Board.

† 

Indicates that the principal risk has been included as part of the longer term viability scenarios.

Longer term viability statement

1. The context for assessment
The aim of the viability statement is for the Directors to report on the 
assessment of the prospects of the Company meeting its liabilities over 
the assessment period, taking into account the current financial position, 
outlook and principal risks. 

The Directors have based their assessment of viability on the Group’s 
current strategic plan, which is updated and approved annually by the 
Board, delivering the Group’s purpose of ‘serving shoppers a little better 
every day’ and underpinned by the six strategic drivers (detailed on pages  
8 and 9). The strategic plan necessarily makes assumptions relating to: 
the prevailing economic climate and global economy; the structural 
challenges facing our sector; competitor actions; market dynamics; 
changing customer behaviours; and the costs associated with delivering  
the strategy. Strategic plans also address and respond to the Group’s 
principal risks. 

2. The assessment period
The Directors have assessed the viability of the Company over a 
three-year period to February 2021. The Directors have determined 
that a three-year period is an appropriate timeframe for assessment, 
given the dynamic nature of the retail sector and product offering, 
and is in line with the Company’s strategic planning period.

Scenario
Competitive 
pressure

Data security  
or regulatory 
breach

Brexit impact

Associated  
principal risks
 – Brand, reputation  

and trust 
 – Competition  
and markets 

 – Customer

 – Brand, reputation  

and trust

 – Data security  

and data privacy
 – Political, regulatory  

and compliance

 – Competition  
and markets

 – Political, regulatory  

and compliance

 – Brexit

Reduction in  
cost savings and 
cash generation

 – Transformation
 – Liquidity

Description
Failure to respond to fierce 
competition and changes in the 
retail market drives sustained 
significant like-for-like volume 
decline in core food categories 
with no offsetting price  inflation, 
putting pressure on margins.
A serious data security or 
regulatory breach results  
in a significant monetary penalty 
and a loss of reputation among 
customers.

Brexit continues to drive higher 
UK domestic inflation and 
increased import costs from a 
weaker Sterling, compounded by 
new import duties and tariffs, with 
a consequential economic impact.
Failure to achieve the Group’s 
transformation objectives, 
resulting in an inability to progress 
sufficiently quickly to maintain or 
increase operating margin and 
generate sufficient cash to meet 
business objectives.

3. Assessment of viability
The viability of the Company has been assessed taking into account the 
Company’s current financial position, including external funding in place 
over the assessment period, and after modelling the impact of certain 
scenarios arising from the principal risks which have the greatest potential 
impact on viability in that period.

Four scenarios have been modelled, considered severe but plausible, 
that encompass these identified risks. None of these scenarios individually 
threaten the viability of the Company, therefore the compound impact 
of these scenarios has been evaluated as the most severe stress scenario. 

These scenarios assumed that external debt is repaid as it becomes due 
and includes consolidation of the Booker business and associated synergies. 

The scenarios above are hypothetical and purposefully severe for the 
purpose of creating outcomes that have the ability to threaten the viability  
of the Group. In the case of these scenarios arising, various options are 
available to the Group in order to maintain liquidity so as to continue in 
operation such as: accessing new external funding early; more radical 
short-term cost reduction actions; and reducing capital expenditure.  
None of these actions are assumed in our current scenario modelling.

4. Conclusion
Based on these severe but plausible scenarios, the Directors  
have a reasonable expectation that the Company will continue to  
operate and meet its liabilities as they fall due over the three-year  
period considered.

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.

Robert Welch 
Group Company Secretary
10 April 2018

•73538_Tesco_AR18_Text pages_Bk_180420_HR.indb   25

25

20/04/2018   15:43

Tesco PLC Annual Report and Financial Statements 2018Strategic reportCorporate governance report

Chairman’s introduction.

‘ Your Board firmly believes that  
a sound governance framework is 
essential in supporting management 
in delivery of the Group’s strategy 
to drive business success.’
John Allan  
Non-executive Chairman

Board effectiveness review
The Board carries out an annual evaluation of its effectiveness. Having 
undertaken an external review in 2015/16 and an internal review overseen by 
me in 2016/17, the 2017/18 review was overseen by Deanna Oppenheimer, our 
Senior Independent Director, which encompassed the areas recommended 
for improvements in 2016/17. The results of the review are set out on page 
35, together with information about our progress against the 2016/17  
review actions.

Dear Shareholder
At Tesco, we recognise the importance of good corporate governance  
in supporting the long-term success and sustainability of our business.  
We strive to maintain a robust and effective governance framework which 
supports the application and execution of our strategy and remains 
consistent with our values. 

Board role and effectiveness
The core objective of the Board is to create and deliver the long-term  
success of the Company and long-term returns for shareholders. This 
requires the Board to set the Company’s strategic aims, ensure that the 
necessary financial and human resource structures are in place to achieve 
the Company’s objectives, provide oversight of management’s performance  
in delivering against strategy on a day-to-day basis and set the Company’s 
risk appetite. The Board is aware of its obligations to the Company’s 
shareholders and other stakeholders and responds to their needs by 
transparent reporting and active engagement.

My role as Chairman is to lead the Board and to ensure that Tesco has a 
Board which works effectively in all aspects of its role. A key part of that  
role is to ensure the Board works collaboratively with the executive team, 
providing support and guidance to complement and enhance the work 
undertaken, constructively challenge management when necessary and 
exercise an appropriate level of rigorous enquiry and intellectual debate. 
This involves having Directors with the right range and balance of skills, 
experience and attributes, including a broad diversity of perspectives,  
for the Board and for Tesco. I believe we have this on our Board, enhanced  
by the appointments of Stewart Gilliland and Charles Wilson in March 2018 
following the successful completion of the Booker Group Merger.

Governance
We are committed to maintaining high standards of corporate governance 
within Tesco. Over the last few years, we have worked hard to ensure that 
good governance is part of our way of thinking and working, and underpins 
how we conduct ourselves every day. Our governance framework ensures 
robust, informed and transparent decision-making processes and the  
Board encourages open discussion and constructive challenge. 

There has been much focus on corporate governance recently and the 
standards continue to change and evolve. To ensure sufficient time is devoted  
to understanding and discussing governance matters, during the year we 
enhanced the remit of the Nominations Committee to include the oversight  
of the Group’s governance framework and renamed it the Nominations and 
Governance Committee. The Committee has reviewed the FRC’s proposals  
to revise the UK Corporate Governance Code and we will report further on 
the changes to Tesco’s governance framework in next year’s Annual Report,  
in anticipation of the revised Code becoming effective in the 2019/20  
financial year.

Succession planning
While much of the scrutiny of succession plans for the levels of management 
immediately below Executive Committee has been delegated to the 
Nominations and Governance Committee, the Board remains focused  
on ensuring that our talent pipeline is managed to support our long-term 
strategy. The Board allocates significant time to discuss succession planning  
and talent development of the Executive Committee. During the year, the 
Board further increased its engagement with talent development and 
conducted a comprehensive review of the Executive Committee talent 
pipeline, focusing on their specific development needs against the future 
plans and requirements for our business. The Board reviewed assessments  
of a number of senior leaders and discussed their leadership qualities, 
strengths and areas for development. From this review, we have developed  
our medium and long-term succession plans. 

Remuneration
Our approach to reward aims to establish a framework that is fair and 
balanced, and provide a clear and demonstrable link between remuneration  
and delivery of the Group’s key strategic objectives, while delivering 
long-term and sustainable returns to shareholders. This year, we will be 
seeking shareholder support for a new remuneration policy, which will 
formally apply, subject to shareholder approval, from the date of the  
2018 AGM.

Culture
At Tesco we recognise that culture plays a fundamental role in the delivery  
of strategy and the Board is ultimately responsible for ensuring that our 
activities reflect the culture we wish to instil in our colleagues and other 
stakeholders to drive the right behaviours. The Board is committed to 
promoting a strong and positive culture and upholding our well-established  
core values that underline how we run our business:

 – Nobody tries harder for our customers.
 – We treat people how they want to be treated.
 – Every little help makes a big difference.

One of my goals as Chairman is to build a culture in which we fully understand 
our stakeholders – customers, colleagues, suppliers, shareholders and our 
communities – and what matters to them, and then act by changing and 
innovating to meet their needs. At the Board, there is a clear emphasis on 
setting the tone from the top and leading by example. 

The Board receives reports throughout the year on stakeholder issues  
and concerns, including details of our Group-wide employee engagement 
surveys, which include data on whether colleagues recommend us as a great 
place to work and shop, results of our supplier satisfaction surveys and 
statistics on our customers recommending Tesco as a great place to shop 
and coming back time and again, which are three of the Big 6 KPIs set out  
in the Strategic report. We engage also with our shareholders through a full 
calendar of events and meetings, including the AGM and General Meeting on 
the Booker Group merger, and the Board receives details of our impact on our 
communities through the Corporate Responsibility Committee. The Board 
places great importance on these reports, which help inform our decisions, 
track progress and monitor culture.

26

•73538_Tesco_AR18_Text pages_Bk_180420_HR.indb   26

20/04/2018   15:43

Tesco PLC Annual Report and Financial Statements 2018Diversity and inclusion
The Board has previously highlighted that it is an advocate of diversity  
in its broadest sense in the boardroom and a supporter of the Hampton-
Alexander report, which aims to raise the proportion of women on UK Boards  
to at least one-third by the end of 2020, and the Parker report on ethnic 
diversity on the Board. We have also become a member of the 30% Club, 
which is an organisation that encourages businesses to achieve 30% female 
representation on their Boards and also in their senior leadership teams.

Board membership reflects a wide range of skills and business experience 
drawn from a number of industries, which is critical for bringing both the 
expertise required, and to enable different perspectives to be brought to 
Board discussions. The combination of these factors mean that the Board 
benefits from a diverse range of competencies, perspectives and thoughts, 
providing an ability to challenge on strategic issues and a dynamic 
environment for decision-making.

The Board remains of the opinion that appointments to the Board should  
be made on merit relative to a number of different criteria including diversity  
of gender, cultural background, independence and personal attributes, 
alongside the appropriate skill set, experience and expertise. Although we 
have not established a formal policy, the Board intends to continue with this 
approach to diversity in all aspects, while maintaining the principle that all 
future appointments to the Board must also complement the balance of 
skills that the Board already possesses. The role of succession planning in 
promoting diversity is acknowledged and the Group has a range of policies  
to help provide mentoring and development opportunities.

The Board recognises the need to create the conditions that foster talent  
and encourage all employees to achieve their full career potential in the 
Group. As part of our overall approach to inclusion we have established an 
External Advisory Panel to help guide our inclusion agenda and implemented  
an Inclusion Strategy which aims to ensure that everyone is welcome at 
Tesco. We also have a number of well-established colleague networks, 
including Women at Tesco, BAME at Tesco, Armed Forces at Tesco, Disability  
at Tesco and Out at Tesco, which provide support to allow colleagues to be 
themselves at work and develop within Tesco.

Further details of the Group’s approach to diversity can be found online at 
www.tescoplc.com.

Conclusion
Looking forward to 2018/19, the Board and I will continue to focus on  
the effective oversight of the Company and progress against our purpose  
of serving shoppers a little better every day.

John Allan
Non-executive Chairman

Tesco PLC Annual Report and Financial Statements 2018

27

Corporate governanceCorporate governance report continued

Board of Directors.

Stewart Gilliland 
Independent Non-executive Director 
Appointed 5 March 2018 

Skills and experience
Stewart has significant business and management 
experience in international markets, specifically 
those in Europe, having previously held roles with 
leading consumer-facing companies, including 
Whitbread and Interbrew. He held the position  
of Chief Executive of Muller Dairies UK and Ireland 
until 2010. Prior to joining Tesco, he was Chairman  
of Booker Group plc.

External appointments 
 – Senior Independent Director of Mitchells  

& Butlers plc; 

 – Non-executive director of C&C Group plc;
 – Non-executive director of Curious Drinks Ltd; and
 – Director of Nature’s Way Foods Ltd. 

John Allan CBE  
Non-executive Chairman  N R C   
Appointed 1 March 2015  
Tenure 3 years 
Board meeting attendance 6/6

Skills and experience
John has significant board, retail and financial 
experience gained from both the commercial and 
financial sectors. He was CEO of Exel PLC and when 
it was acquired by Deutsche Post in 2005 he joined 
the board of Deutsche Post, becoming CFO in 2007 
until his retirement in 2009. John was Chairman of 
Dixons Retail plc during its turnaround period, and 
following its merger with Carphone Warehouse was 
Deputy Chairman and Senior Independent Director 
of Dixons Carphone until 2015. He was also previously 
a non-executive director of Worldpay Group PLC, 
National Grid plc, the UK Home Office Supervisory 
Board, 3i plc, PHS Group plc, Connell plc, Royal Mail 
plc, Wolseley plc and Hamleys plc. 

External appointments 
 – Chairman of Barratt Developments PLC;
 – Chairman of London First; and
 – Vice President of the Confederation  

of British Industry.

Steve Golsby  
Independent Non-executive Director  R C
Appointed 1 October 2016  
Tenure 1.5 years 
Board meeting attendance 6/6

Skills and experience
Steve has a wealth of knowledge of operating 
internationally, specifically significant leadership 
experience in Asia. He has a strong background in 
consumer marketing and held senior executive 
positions with Bristol Myers Squibb and Unilever, 
before being appointed President of Mead Johnson 
Nutrition, a leading global infant nutrition company, 
in 2004. He was President and CEO from 2008 to 
2013 and a non-executive director from 2013 to 2017. 
He was also previously a non-executive director of 
Beam Inc. 

External appointments 
 – Non-executive director of RMA Group;
 – Advisor to Thai Union Group PLC, a global  

leader in the seafood industry; and 

 – Honorary Investment Advisor to the Thailand 

Board of Investment.

Byron Grote  
Independent Non-executive Director 
Appointed 1 May 2015 
Tenure 3 years 
Board meeting attendance 6/6

AN

R

Mark Armour  
Independent Non-executive Director  A
Appointed 2 September 2013 
Tenure 4.5 years 
Board meeting attendance 6/6

Skills and experience
Mark has significant strategic planning and financial 
expertise, as well as experience of executive 
leadership. He was CFO of Reed Elsevier Group plc 
(now RELX Group plc) and its two parent companies, 
Reed Elsevier PLC and Reed Elsevier NV, from 1996  
to 2012. This role has provided him with considerable 
experience of digital business transition and operating 
in a multi-channel environment. Prior to joining 
Reed Elsevier, he was a partner at Price Waterhouse 
in London. He was previously a non-executive 
director and chair of the audit committee of 
SABMiller PLC. 

External appointments 
 – Non-executive director of the Financial 

Reporting Council; and

 – Member of the Takeover Panel (from 1 May 2018).

28

Skills and experience
Byron brings broad financial and international 
experience to the Board, having worked across  
BP PLC in a variety of commercial, operational  
and executive roles covering numerous geographies. 
Byron’s strategic focus and financial experience 
complements the balance of skills on the Board and 
makes him ideal for the role of Chair of the Audit 
Committee. He served on the BP PLC board from 
2000 until 2013 and was BP’s CFO during much  
of that period. He was previously a non-executive 
director of Unilever PLC. 

External appointments 
 – Vice Chairman of the Supervisory Board 

of Akzo Nobel NV; 

 – Non-executive director of Anglo American  

PLC; and 

 – Non-executive director of Standard  

Chartered PLC.

Dave Lewis  
Group Chief Executive  
Appointed 1 September 2014 
Tenure 3.5 years 
Board meeting attendance 6/6

Skills and experience
Dave has significant experience in brand marketing, 
customer management and general management. 
Prior to joining Tesco, he worked for Unilever for 
nearly 30 years in a variety of different roles across 
Europe, Asia and the Americas. He has experience 
across many sectors in the UK and overseas, and 
has been responsible for a number of business 
turnarounds. He was previously a non-executive 
director of Sky PLC. 

External appointments 
 – Member of the Governance Committee  
of the Consumer Goods Forum; and 

 – Chair of Champions 12.3, a UN programme 

seeking to add momentum to the achievement  
of the UN Sustainable Development Target 12.3  
by 2030.

Mikael Olsson  
Independent Non-executive Director  R C
Appointed 1 November 2014  
Tenure 3.5 years 
Board meeting attendance 6/6 

Skills and experience
Mikael joined the Tesco Board after an extensive 
career at IKEA Group, holding a variety of senior 
roles including being a member of the executive 
committee from 1995 until 2013 and holding the 
position of CEO and President from 2009 until  
2013. He brings a wealth of retail and value chain 
experience as well as knowledge of sustainability, 
people and strategy in an international environment. 

Tesco PLC Annual Report and Financial Statements 2018 
 
  
  
  
He was previously a non-executive director  
and vice chairman of Volvo Cars AB.

External appointments 
 – Non-executive director of Ikano S.A.;
 – Non-executive director of Lindengruppen AB; 
 – Non-executive director of The Royal  

Schiphol Group; and

 – Member of the Nominations Committee  

of Volvo Cars AB.

External appointments 
 – Managing Director of Silver Lake Partners,  
a leading global technology investment firm;

 – Board member of Dell and FlixBus;
 – Trustee of the Natural History Museum; and 
 – Trustee of the Royal Foundation of the Duke  
and Duchess of Cambridge and Prince Harry.

Alison Platt  
Independent Non-executive Director  R
Appointed 1 April 2016 
Tenure 2 years 
Board meeting attendance 6/6 

Skills and experience
Alison has extensive experience of the property 
sector and customer service delivery through her 
role as Chief Executive of Countrywide plc, which 
she held until January 2018. She also has significant 
business-to-business and international commercial 
experience, having held a number of senior 
positions at Bupa. Alison’s experience as a CEO 
enables her to provide challenge and advice to  
the Board across a range of issues. Alison was 
previously Chair of Opportunity Now, which seeks 
to accelerate change for women in the workplace, 
as well as a non-executive director of the Foreign  
& Commonwealth Office and Cable & Wireless 
Communications PLC. 

Lindsey Pownall OBE  
Independent Non-executive Director  C
Appointed 1 April 2016 
Tenure 2 years 
Board meeting attendance 6/6

Skills and experience
Lindsey has substantial experience in food,  
grocery and retail brand development, having 
enjoyed a career of over 20 years at Samworth 
Brothers, the leading UK supplier of premium  
quality chilled and ambient foods. She joined  
the Samworth Board in 2001 and served as Chief 
Executive between 2011 and 2015. Lindsey is a 
passionate advocate of supplier relationships, 
customers, colleagues and sustainability which 
directly support Tesco’s strategy and her role as 
Chair of the Corporate Responsibility Committee.

External appointments 
 – Non-executive director of Meadow  

Foods Limited; 

 – Non-executive director of Story 

Contracting Limited; and

 – Non-executive director of Story 

Homes Limited.

Deanna Oppenheimer  
Senior Independent Director  N R C
Appointed 1 March 2012 
Tenure 6 years 
Board meeting attendance 6/6

Skills and experience
Deanna has significant marketing, brand 
management and consumer knowledge and 
experience, bringing a broad perspective to the 
Board. She held several senior roles at Barclays plc, 
including Chief Executive of UK Retail and Business 
Banking and Vice Chair of Global Retail Banking. 
Deanna was appointed as Chair of Hargreaves 
Lansdown plc in February 2018. She is also currently  
a non-executive director of the US fresh-prepared 
food company, Joshua Green Corporation and is 
the founder of advisory firm, CameoWorks LLC, 
which provides bespoke support to early stage 
companies. Deanna was previously a non-executive 
director of NCR Corporation and Worldpay, Inc.  
Her extensive board, investor and commercial 
experience makes her a strong Senior Independent 
Director and Chair of the Remuneration Committee. 

External appointments 
 – Chair of Hargreaves Lansdown plc;
 – Non-executive director of AXA Group;
 – Non-executive director of Whitbread PLC;
 – Non-executive director of Joshua Green Corp; 
 – Founder of consumer-focused boutique advisory 

firm, CameoWorks LLC; and

 – Senior advisor to Bain & Company.

Simon Patterson  
Independent Non-executive Director  A
Appointed 1 April 2016 
Tenure 2 years 
Board meeting attendance 6/6

Skills and experience
Simon has extensive knowledge of and years  
of experience in finance, technology and global 
operations gained in various management and 
leadership roles. He was a member of the founding 
management team of the logistics software 
company Global Freight Exchange and has worked 
at the Financial Times and McKinsey & Company.  
He has previously served on the boards of Skype, 
MultiPlan, Cegid Group, Intelsat, Gerson Lehrman 
Group and N Brown Group. 

Alan Stewart  
Chief Financial Officer  
Appointed 23 September 2014 
Tenure 3.5 years 
Board meeting attendance 6/6 

Skills and experience
Alan brings to the Board significant corporate 
finance and accounting experience from a variety  
of highly competitive industries, including retail, 
banking and travel, as well as executive leadership 
experience within a listed company environment. 
Prior to joining Tesco, he was UK CEO and CFO of 
Thomas Cook Holdings, Group Finance Director  
of WHSmith plc and CFO for AWAS and Marks & 
Spencer plc. He was previously a non-executive 
director of Games Workshop Group plc. 

External appointments 
 – Non-executive director of Diageo plc; 
 – Non-executive director of Tesco Bank; 
 – Member of the Advisory Board, Chartered 
Institute of Management Accountants; and 
 – Member of the Main Committee and Chairman  
of the Pension Committee of the 100 Group  
of Finance Directors.

Charles Wilson  
CEO, UK & ROI  
Appointed 5 March 2018

Skills and experience
Charles started his career in 1986 with Procter  
& Gamble following which he was a consultant 
with OC&C Strategy Consultants and a director  
of Abberton Associates. In 1998 he became an 
executive director of Booker Group plc which 
merged with Iceland plc in 2000. In 2001 he became 
an executive director of Arcadia Group plc and in 
2004 he became an executive director of Marks  
& Spencer plc. In 2005 he was appointed as  
Chief Executive of Booker Group plc.

Committee membership (at 10 April 2018)

N   Nominations and Governance Committee

A   Audit Committee

R   Remuneration Committee

C   Corporate Responsibility Committee

  Chair of Committee

  Independent Board member

29

Tesco PLC Annual Report and Financial Statements 2018Corporate governance  
  
 
 
Corporate governance report continued

Executive Committee.

Alessandra Bellini 
Chief Customer Officer
Alessandra joined the Executive Committee on 1 March 2017. 

Alison Horner 
Chief People Officer
Alison joined the Executive Committee on 1 March 2011. 

Responsibilities
Alessandra is responsible for building the Tesco brand globally and putting  
the customer at the heart of everything that we do. 

Responsibilities
Alison is responsible for setting the people strategy and plans at Tesco,  
including reward, colleague experience and capability. 

Skills and experience
Prior to Tesco, Alessandra worked at Unilever for over 21 years, latterly as  
Vice President for the Food Category in North America and Food General 
Manager for the USA. Previously, she had a 12-year career in advertising, 
working both in Italy and the UK. An international executive, Alessandra has 
held roles in North America, the UK, Italy and Central and Eastern Europe.

Skills and experience
Alison joined Tesco in 1999 as a Personnel Manager, and was promoted  
to Personnel Director for Tesco’s UK stores in 2000. After that she worked  
running stores and leading change programmes before her promotion  
to Chief People Officer in 2011. Alison is a Tesco Pension Trustee and  
a member of the Manchester Business School Advisory Board. 

Tony Hoggett 
CEO, Asia 
Tony joined the Executive Committee on 1 April 2017.

Jane Lawrie 
Group Communications Director 
Jane joined the Executive Committee on 10 October 2016.

Responsibilities
Tony is responsible for Tesco’s businesses in Thailand and Malaysia, as well  
as its joint ventures in India and China. He also leads our business partnerships 
across the region.

Skills and experience
Tony joined Tesco in 1990 and has served in a range of leadership roles in  
the UK and Asia over the last three decades. Between 2007 and 2011 he held  
the roles of VP South China, as well as President North China, before moving  
to Turkey as Chief Operating Officer for Tesco Kipa. In 2011, Tony returned to 
the UK as Managing Director for Superstores, before becoming Managing 
Director, Tesco Extra and a board member of Tesco Mobile in 2012. In 2014,  
he joined the UK Leadership Team as Retail Director and then was appointed 
Chief Operating Officer UK in 2016. In April 2017, Tony was appointed to his 
current role of CEO, Asia.

Responsibilities
Jane is responsible for rebuilding trust in the Tesco brand and its businesses. 

Skills and experience
Jane has over 25 years’ experience of corporate, financial, colleague and 
digital communications. She joined Tesco from Coca-Cola, where she led 
European public affairs and communications. She has significant experience  
in advising businesses on trust and corporate reputation through previous 
roles at Diageo and Boots.

Dave Lewis 
Group Chief Executive 
Dave joined the Board and the Executive Committee on 1 September 2014.  
His full biography appears on page 28.

30

Tesco PLC Annual Report and Financial Statements 2018Adrian Morris 
Group General Counsel 
Adrian joined the Executive Committee on 6 September 2012. 

Jason Tarry 
Chief Product Officer
Jason joined the Executive Committee on 1 January 2015. 

Responsibilities
Adrian is responsible for the legal, company secretarial, government  
relations, regulatory and compliance functions across Tesco. 

Skills and experience
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 and prior to that at Centrica PLC, initially as European Group 
General Counsel and then as General Counsel for British Gas.

Responsibilities
Jason is responsible for setting the strategy and policy for the planning,  
ranging, sourcing and supply of the products we sell across the Group.  
In addition, he has direct responsibility for managing this for the UK. 

Skills and experience
Jason joined Tesco in October 1990 on the graduate recruitment programme. 
He has held a number of positions in the UK and internationally across both  
food and non-food divisions. Jason became CEO for clothing across the Group  
in 2012 before being appointed as Chief Product Officer in January 2015.

Matt Simister 
CEO, Central Europe
Matt joined the Executive Committee on 1 April 2017.

Responsibilities
Matt is responsible for all of Tesco’s businesses in the Czech Republic,  
Hungary, Poland and Slovakia. 

Skills and experience
Matt joined Tesco in 1996 as a marketer. He built on his UK experience  
with three years as Commercial Director for our Czech and Slovak businesses. 
Following which, he returned to the UK to set up our Group Food capability, 
managing our regional fresh food and Tesco Brand sourcing, buying and 
inbound supply chains for the UK, ROI, Central Europe and Asia. In April 2017, 
Matt was appointed to his current role of CEO, Central Europe.

Charles Wilson 
CEO, UK & ROI
Charles joined the Board and the Executive Committee on 5 March 2018. 
His full biography appears on page 29.

Alan Stewart
Chief Financial Officer
Alan joined the Board and the Executive Committee on 23 September 2014. 
His full biography appears on page 29.

31

Tesco PLC Annual Report and Financial Statements 2018Corporate governanceCorporate governance report continued

Governance framework

The Board and Executive Committee operate within a wider governance 
framework at Tesco. This ensures that decisions are taken at the right level 
of the business by the colleagues best placed to take them. Our framework 
provides clear direction on decision-making without creating burdensome 

processes that could impede progress. We retain the agility to get on with 
running our business while maintaining high standards of governance. The 
Governance Framework is designed to safeguard and enhance long-term 
shareholder value and provide a platform to realise the Group’s strategy.  
Our system of internal control and risk management arrangements are 
integral to our Governance Framework.

Roles and  
responsibilities

• Setting the Group’s culture, standards and 
values, and ensuring that its obligations to 
shareholders and other stakeholders are 
understood and met.

• Determining strategic direction and  
demonstrating leadership.

• Focusing on matters that consistently add value  
for our shareholders and other stakeholders.

• The governance and stewardship of the Group.

• Board and Committee appointments.

• Ensuring that management maintains  
a system of internal control and risk 
management arrangements.

Matters reserved for the  
Board’s decision

• Group’s strategic and operating plans.

• Risk appetite.

• Long-term plans and budgets.

• Financial results, viability statement  
and governance.

• Material contracts.

• Capital and liquidity matters.

• Major acquisitions, mergers and disposals. 

The Board

Chairman 

• Leads the Board  and 
promotes a culture of open 
debate between Executive  
and Non-executive Directors.

• Promotes high standards of 
corporate governance.

• Ensures the effectiveness  
of the Board.

• Available to investors.

Senior 
Independent Director

• Acts as a sounding board for  
the Chairman and appraises  
his performance.

• Serves as a trusted intermediary 
for other Non-executive Directors 
and shareholders, as required.

• Available to investors.

Non-executive Directors

• Provide sound judgement, 
objectivity and experience to 
Board deliberations.

• Contribute to developing strategy.

• Scrutinise and constructively 
challenge the performance  of 
management in the  execution  
of our strategy.

Chief Executive

Executive leadership and 
day-to-day management  
of Tesco to ensure delivery  
of the strategy determined  
by the Board.

Remuneration Committee

Read more on page 45

Audit Committee 

Read more on page 40

Nominations and Governance 
Committee

Read more on page 38

Corporate Responsibility 
Committee

Read more on page 39

Disclosure Committee

To verify the integrity of  
material information and ensure 
compliance with regulations.

Risk and Compliance  
Committee

Set and monitor the 
implementation and effectiveness 
of risk and compliance standards 
across the Group.

Executive Committee

Make and implement operational 
decisions, while running Tesco’s 
day-to-day business.

32

Tesco PLC Annual Report and Financial Statements 2018UK Corporate Governance Code compliance
The Board confirms that throughout the year ended 24 February 2018  
the Company applied the main principles and complied with the relevant 
provisions set out in the UK Corporate Governance Code (Code) issued  
by the Financial Reporting Council (FRC) in April 2016. The Code can be  
found on the FRC website www.frc.org.uk.

Leadership

Our Board and Committees
The Board has a collective responsibility to promote the long-term success  
of the Company and is accountable to shareholders for ensuring that the 
Group is appropriately managed and achieves the strategic objectives it 
sets, in a way that is supported by the right culture, values and behaviours 
throughout the Group. In this performance of its duties, it has due regard  
to the interests of other key stakeholders and is aware of the potential 
impact of the decisions it makes. To support the Board’s role in establishing 
the strategic objectives and policies of the Group, it has a well-defined 
Governance Framework as shown on page 32.

Board activity
The Board is the decision-making body for those matters that are 
considered of significance to the Group owing to their strategic, financial  
or reputational implications or consequences. To retain control of these  
key decisions, certain matters have been identified that only the Board  
may approve and there is a formal schedule of powers reserved to the 
Board, as shown in the Governance Framework on page 32. 

Specific responsibilities have been delegated to the Board Committees,  
each of which is responsible for reviewing and dealing with matters within  
its own terms of reference. Each Committee reports to, and has its terms  
of reference approved by, the Board. The Committee papers and minutes 
are shared with all Directors. 

Board activity in 2017/18

At Board meetings, we receive and consider papers and presentations  
from the Executive Directors on relevant topics and senior management  
are regularly invited to attend meetings for specific items. This enables the 
Non-executive Directors to engage with colleagues from across the Group. 
Effective review and decision-making is supported by providing the Board  
with high quality, accurate, clear and timely information, including input  
from advisers where necessary. If a Director were to have any material 
concerns, these would be recorded in minutes of meetings, and on resignation 
any Non-executive Director having such concerns would provide a written 
statement to the Chairman and the Board.

Board meetings are structured around the following areas:

 – financial performance and risk;
 – strategy development and planning;
 – reviews of our businesses; and
 – other corporate activities, including stakeholders.

Details of the proportion of time spent by the Board in 2017/18 in these  
areas are set out below. 

Division of responsibilities
The Board has agreed a clear division of responsibilities between the running  
of the Board and running the business of the Group. The responsibilities  
of the Chairman, Group Chief Executive, Senior Independent Director and 
other Directors are clearly defined, as shown in our Governance Framework 
on page 32, so that no individual has unrestricted powers of decision.

The Group Chief Executive is supported by the Executive Committee,  
and the Group’s senior management structure has been designed to  
support management’s decision-making responsibilities, aligned to personal 
accountability and delegated authority, while embedding risk and control  
in business decision-making.

20%

28%

23%

29%

Financial performance
and risk

Strategy development 
and planning

 – Risk management
 – Review of internal controls
 – Financial results
 – Annual and half-yearly reports
 – Dividend
 – CFO reports

 – Strategy day
 – Portfolio update
 – Competitors
 – Maximising property value
 – Technology update
 – Brexit
 – Customer insight

Reviews of 
our businesses

 – UK & ROI
 – Central Europe
 – Asia
 – Joint ventures
 – Tesco Mobile
 – Tesco Bank
 – F&F
 – dunnhumby

Other corporate activities, 
including stakeholders

 –  Customers, Colleagues, 
Suppliers & Shareholders
 – Succession planning and 

talent management

 – CEO reports
 – Litigation reports
 – Committee reports
 – Board effectiveness
 – Health and Safety

33

Tesco PLC Annual Report and Financial Statements 2018Corporate governanceCorporate governance report continued

Non-executive Directors 
The Non-executive Directors provide a strong independent element to  
the Board and a solid foundation for good corporate governance. Although 
all Directors are equally accountable under law for the stewardship of the 
Company’s affairs, the Non-executive Directors fulfil a vital role in corporate 
accountability. They have responsibility for constructively challenging the 
strategies proposed by the Executive Directors, scrutinising the performance 
of management in achieving agreed goals and objectives, as well as playing  
a leading role in the functioning of the Board Committees. Between them, 
the current Non-executive Directors have the appropriate balance of skills, 
experience, knowledge and independent judgement gained through 
experience in a variety of business sectors. 

Diversity and inclusion
The Board continues to recognise that an appropriate mix of diversity and 
skills is key for introducing different perspectives into Board debate and  
for better anticipating the risks and opportunities in building a long-term 
sustainable business. As set out in their biographies on pages 28 and 29 and 
in the charts below, each member of the Board offers a range of core skills 
and experience that is relevant to the successful operation of the Group. In 
addition, we believe it is helpful to maintain a blend within the Non-executive 
group where some are in full-time employment and others are pursuing a 
Non-executive portfolio career path.

Board Committees
The four principal Committees of the Board are: Audit; Corporate 
Responsibility; Nominations and Governance; and Remuneration. Board 
Committee members are appointed by the Board upon the recommendation 
of the Nominations and Governance Committee, which reviews the 
composition of each Committee regularly. The Committee memberships  
are spread between the Non-executive Directors, drawing on each of their 
relevant skills and experience. 

Membership details for the Committees can be found in the respective 
Committee reports.

Board expertise (no. of directors)

Financial

Retail

Strategy

Marketing

Technology

1

Gender split
Gender split

6

6

23% 77%
27% 73%

30% 70%

57% 43%

Board

Executive Committee

Colleagues

Male

Female

Tenure

Nationalities of the Board

15% 15%

38%

31%

1

1
2

9

0-1 yrs

2-4 yrs

1-2 yrs

4-6 yrs

UK

Europe

North America
Asia*

*  Based on residency.

34

Effectiveness

Board balance
Effective management and good stewardship are led by the Board. The  
Board is currently composed of the Chairman, who was independent on 
appointment, three Executive Directors and nine Non-executive Directors. 
The balance of Directors on the Board ensures that no individual or small 
group of Directors can dominate the decision-making process and that the 
interests of shareholders are protected. Charles Wilson and Stewart Gilliland 
joined the Board on 5 March 2018, following completion of the Booker Group 
Merger. Charles Wilson also joined the Executive Committee.

Board independence
Independent Non-executive Directors form a majority of the Board.  
The Board considers each of its current Non-executive Directors to be 
independent in character and judgement. In reaching its determination  
of independence, the Board has concluded that there are no relationships 
or circumstances likely to affect, or could appear to affect, the judgement  
of our nine Non-executive Directors. Each continues to provide objective 
challenge to management and is willing to stand up and defend his or her 
own beliefs and viewpoints in order to support the ultimate good of  
the Company.

Attendance at Board meetings
Directors are expected to attend all Board and relevant Committee 
meetings. The Nominations and Governance Committee assesses the 
external commitments of Board members to ensure that they each have 
sufficient time and energy to devote to their role with Tesco. The Board is 
currently satisfied that the number of appointments held by each Director in 
addition to their position with Tesco is appropriate to allow them to fulfil their 
obligations to the Group. Following Deanna Oppenheimer’s appointment as 
Chair of Hargreaves Lansdown plc in February 2018, she stepped down as 
non-executive director of Worldpay, Inc. and she has confirmed that she will 
relinquish a further directorship by mid-2018, which will be announced at the 
appropriate time. Details of the Directors’ attendance at Board meetings can 
be found in their biographies on pages 28 and 29.

In addition to the six scheduled meetings of the Board during the year,  
there was one further meeting held in respect of the Booker Group Merger.  
A number of additional meetings on the merger were held after the year end.

During the year, the Chairman met frequently with Non-executive  
Directors without Executive Directors being present. 

Development
The Chairman regularly discusses training requirements with the Board and 
arranges meetings or asks for information to be provided, as appropriate.  
As part of the ongoing development of Directors, key site visits are arranged 
and Directors are provided with the opportunity for, and encouraged to 
attend, training to ensure they are kept up to date on relevant legal, 
regulatory and financial developments or changes in best practice. 

Information and support
The Group Company Secretary, through the Chairman, is responsible for 
advising the Board on all governance matters and for ensuring that Board 
procedures are followed, applicable rules and regulations are complied with, 
and that due account is taken of relevant codes of best practice. The Group 
Company Secretary is also responsible for ensuring communication flows 
between the Board and its Committees, and between senior management 
and Non-executive Directors. All Directors have access to the advice of the 
Group Company Secretary and, in appropriate circumstances, may obtain 
independent professional advice at the Company’s expense. In addition,  
a Directors’ and Officers’ Liability Insurance policy is maintained for all 
Directors and each Director has the benefit of a Deed of Indemnity.

The appointment and removal of the Group Company Secretary is a matter 
reserved for the Board as a whole.

7

8

As Charles Wilson and Stewart Gilliland were not appointed until  
5 March 2018, they did not attend any meetings in the year, however  
they have attended all Board meetings since their appointment. 

Tesco PLC Annual Report and Financial Statements 2018Conflicts of interest
In accordance with the Companies Act 2006 and the Company’s Articles of Association, Directors are required to report actual or potential conflicts  
of interest to the Board for consideration and, if appropriate, authorisation. If such conflicts exist, Directors excuse themselves from consideration  
of the relevant matter. The Company maintains a register of authorised conflicts of interest which is reviewed annually by the Nominations and  
Governance Committee. 

Induction
All new Directors receive a comprehensive induction programme tailored to their needs. The Chairman and Group Company Secretary are responsible for 
delivering an effective induction programme for newly appointed Directors. The programme is designed to include briefings from senior managers on  
key areas of the business, including internal control and risk management processes, the key risks facing the business, financial data, site visits and corporate 
governance. The programme is designed to facilitate their understanding of Tesco, the six strategic drivers, the Company’s corporate governance practices  
and procedures, as well as providing them with appropriate training and guidance as to their duties, responsibilities and liabilities as a director of a public 
limited company.

The Group has put in place tailored induction programmes for Charles Wilson and Stewart Gilliland. 

Performance evaluation
The Board undertakes an annual evaluation of its own performance as well as that of its Committees and individual Directors. This provides an opportunity to 
consider ways of identifying greater efficiencies, maximising strengths and highlighting areas for further development, as well as checking that each Director 
continues to demonstrate commitment to his or her role and each has sufficient time to meet his or her commitments to the Company. Following an external 
review in 2015/16 by Independent Board Evaluation, who has no connection to the Group, and an internal review led by the Chairman in 2016/17, the 2017/18 
internal review was led by the Senior Independent Director with the support of the Group Company Secretary and Lintstock Ltd. The 2017/18 evaluation was 
carefully structured but pragmatic, designed to bring about a genuine debate on issues that were relevant, check on progress against matters identified in 
the previous evaluation and assist in identifying any potential for improvement in the Company’s processes.

The 2017/18 performance evaluation process is set out below.

2017/18 performance evaluation

Stage 1
Completion of a detailed 
questionnaire to assess  
the effectiveness of the  
Board, its Committees and 
individual Directors.

Stage 2
Senior Independent 
Director conducts 
one-to-one interviews with 
each Director based on the 
results of the questionnaire.

Stage 3
Preparation of a  
composite report.

Stage 4
Results presented and 
discussed at Board and 
Committee meetings.

Stage 5
Action plan and key areas  
of focus approved by  
the Board.

The results of the 2017/18 evaluation were presented to the Board in February 2018. Having assessed the findings of the evaluation, the Directors were 
satisfied that the Board and each of its Committees were performing well, with high scores recorded across a range of performance measures.

Details of the outcomes of the 2016/17 and 2017/18 evaluations, as well as the actions taken in 2017/18 to address the 2016/17 outcomes are shown below.  
Details of the actions taken to address the 2017/18 outcomes will be disclosed in next year’s Annual Report.

2016/17 evaluation outcomes

2017/18 actions

Create more opportunities for the testing and 
development of strategy.

Further increase the oversight of  
succession planning.

Consider ways to improve the focus of the 
Corporate Responsibility Committee.

Through the year a number of updates were 
provided on strategic developments agreed at the 
Board strategy sessions.

During the year the Board and Nominations and 
Governance Committee reviewed succession plans 
and the talent pipeline for the Board, Executive 
Committee and the level below the Executive 
Committee. Regular reviews are incorporated into 
forward planning agendas.

In October 2017, the Corporate Responsibility 
Committee approved the Little Helps Plan, setting 
out a number of targets and actions.

2017/18 evaluation outcomes

Further improve the oversight of risk.

Ensure the effective monitoring of the  
integration of Booker Group.

Identify ways to further engage on  
technology issues.

The Senior Independent Director also led the Non-executive Directors in evaluating the performance of the Chairman, with the Chairman continuing  
to show effectiveness in leadership.

In accordance with the UK Corporate Governance Code, the 2018/19 review will be conducted by an external consultant.

Election and re-election of Directors
In accordance with best practice and the UK Corporate Governance Code, all Directors will submit themselves for election or re-election at the  
forthcoming AGM, including Charles Wilson and Stewart Gilliland. More information is provided in the Notice of Meeting.

Code of Business Conduct
All colleagues are required to comply with the Code of Business Conduct, which is intended to help them put Tesco’s principles into practice. This clarifies 
the basic rules and standards colleagues are expected to follow and the behaviour expected of them. Colleagues must complete mandatory Code of Business 
Conduct training and annually attest to compliance with the Code. Designated colleagues are required to complete additional mandatory training, including on 
anti-bribery and corruption laws, data protection laws and supplier legislation.

35

Tesco PLC Annual Report and Financial Statements 2018Corporate governanceCorporate governance report continued

Relations with our stakeholders

The Board recognises its responsibility to take into consideration the needs and concerns of our stakeholders as part of its discussion and decision-making 
processes. The Board understands that maintaining strong stakeholder relationships is the key to building a sustainable business. 

The following provides an insight into the ways in which the Board is engaged with our stakeholders:

Shareholders 
The Board is committed to maintaining  
open and constructive dialogue with our 
shareholders, whether institutional, private  
or employee shareholders. The Board takes 
ultimate responsibility for ensuring that  
such engagement takes place.

More information can be found opposite.

Customers 
The Board is dedicated to ensuring that we 
maintain our core purpose to serve shoppers a 
little better every day. Ensuring that customers 
recommend us and come back time and again 
is one of our six key performance measures, 
which the Board monitors closely through 
regular reporting.

Suppliers 
The Board recognises that building trusted 
partnerships with our suppliers is critical and 
this is one of the six key performance measures 
for the whole business. The Board maintains 
engagement through regular reporting of the 
results of our supplier viewpoint surveys, to 
ensure that the progress we have made over 
the past three years continues.

The Board’s 
 stakeholder   
 engagement.

Community 
The Board is mindful of the impact that our 
business has on the communities it operates in. 
During the year, the Corporate Responsibility 
Committee launched our new strategy, the Little Helps 
Plan, which sets out how Tesco plans to follow our  
core value ‘every little help makes a big difference’ in 
three main areas: our people; our products; and our 
places. In addition, members of the Board have 
undertaken visits to beneficiaries of both the Tesco 
Bags of Help scheme and the Tesco Community  
Food Connection, to see the work being 
undertaken as a result of Tesco  
supporting these initiatives.

Colleagues 
Our colleagues are the heart of our business 
and help to communicate the values of our 
business to our customers every day. We have 
various tools to ensure that our Board is fully 
engaged with our colleagues, including our 
Group-wide employee engagement surveys, 
the results of which are monitored by the 
Board, and members of the Board  
regularly visit our stores to engage  
directly with colleagues.

36

Tesco PLC Annual Report and Financial Statements 2018Shareholder engagement

During the year numerous activities were undertaken to engage with our shareholders:

Meetings, roadshows and conferences.

Website and shareholder communications. 

The Executive Directors, Chairman and Senior Independent Director held 
regular meetings with institutional investors throughout the year, to discuss 
the governance and strategy of the Group. These meetings are in addition  
to the roadshows organised following our full-year and half-year results.

All Non-executive Directors are able to attend scheduled meetings with 
major shareholders and do so if requested.

The Investor Relations team held further investor meetings throughout the 
year and attended a number of store tours and conferences.

The Board receives regular updates from the Investor Relations team on 
investor sentiment and analyst commentary to ensure that all Non-executive 
Directors develop an understanding of the views of major shareholders. 

In October 2017 we held a stakeholder event to launch our Little Helps Plan.

We also engaged socially responsible investors by holding calls to discuss 
various issues and responding to queries.

Our website www.tescoplc.com provides information to shareholders  
on understanding the business, results and financial performance, and 
shareholder meetings.

Video recordings of the Group Chief Executive and Chief Financial  
Officer commenting on results statements were uploaded to our website 
during the year, along with the results presentations and transcripts of 
analysts’ calls.

Following the announcement of the Booker Group Merger, a dedicated 
section of our website was made available containing details of the terms  
of the merger and presentations.

Consultation and engagement. 

Results and routine announcements. 

The Chairman and the Chair of the Remuneration Committee held  
meetings and calls to consult with major investors on our proposed 
Remuneration Policy.

We invited our institutional shareholders and analysts to attend 
presentations following our full-year and half-year results announcements.  
The presentation slides and a webcast of the presentations were made 
available at www.tescoplc.com along with transcripts of all the results 
presentations and trading statement conference calls.

Shareholder meetings. 

Debt investors. 

The AGM was held on Friday 16 June 2017 at the ExCeL Centre in London.  
At the meeting, all shareholders were given an opportunity to question  
the Board on the business being proposed. The results of voting at the AGM 
were published on our website www.tescoplc.com.

The AGM for this year will be held at 2.00pm on Friday 15 June 2018 at the 
ExCeL Centre in London. Full details are included in the Notice of Meeting.

On Wednesday 28 February 2018, we held a General Meeting at etc.venues  
St Paul’s in London to approve the share and cash merger with Booker Group 
plc. Shareholders were given the opportunity to question the Board on the 
merger. The results of voting at the General Meeting were published on our 
website www.tescoplc.com.

The Treasury team holds biannual formal review meetings with all of our 
relationship banks and maintains regular contact with them. In addition,  
it held calls with the three credit rating agencies following the results 
announcements and the Chief Financial Officer and Group Treasury  
Director met with each of the credit rating agencies during the year.

Following the full-year and half-year results, the Chief Financial Officer  
and Group Treasury Director held conference calls with fixed income investors.

37

Tesco PLC Annual Report and Financial Statements 2018Corporate governanceCorporate governance report continued

Nominations and Governance Committee.

‘We recognise the importance of a 
diverse and inclusive culture to the 
delivery of the Group’s strategy.’
John Allan  
Non-executive Chairman

Nominations and Governance Committee attendance 

Member
John Allan
Deanna Oppenheimer
Byron Grote

Number of scheduled  

meetings eligible to attend
3
3
3

Meetings 
attended
3
3
3

Nominations and Governance Committee responsibilities
The responsibilities of the Nominations and Governance Committee include:

Nominating and succession
 – review of the structure, size and composition (including skills, knowledge, 
experience and diversity) of the Board and its Committees and make 
recommendations to the Board regarding any changes;

 – identification and nomination of candidates for appointment to the Board; and
 – review of succession planning and talent management over the longer term 

for Directors and senior management.

Governance
 – review and approve changes to the Group’s Governance Framework, 
including monitoring the Group’s compliance with applicable legal, 
regulatory and listing requirements;

 – make recommendations to the Board on the independence of  

Non-executive Directors;

 – keep under review the time commitment expected from the Chairman  

and Non-executive Directors; and

 – ensure an effectiveness review is conducted annually of the Board,  

its Committees and Directors.

The Committee’s terms of reference are available at www.tescoplc.com

Dear Shareholder
During the year the Committee went through a significant transformation 
in terms of its focus and responsibilities. In light of the increased focus on 
corporate governance matters, it was agreed to extend the Committee’s remit 
to include oversight of the Group’s corporate governance framework and 
rename it the Nominations and Governance Committee. The terms of reference 
of the Committee were updated to reflect these additional responsibilities.

The Committee held three scheduled meetings during the year, which  
were attended by all members, primarily focusing on diversity, succession 
planning, talent management, inclusion and corporate governance. 

Our policy for the composition of the Board is to support diversity in its 
widest sense. We wish to attract Board members with a diverse range of 
backgrounds who will contribute a wealth of knowledge, understanding  
and experience of the communities where Tesco operates. The Committee 
strongly believes that diversity throughout the Group and at Board and 
senior management level is a driver of business success. Our gender diversity 
policy for the Board is to aim to have at least 33% female representation on 
the Board by 2020. During the year we had 27% female representation on the 
Board, until the appointment of Stewart Gilliland and Charles Wilson in March 
2018, when it declined to 23%. We will look to address this in line with our 
policy. We ensure that diversity is considered as part of any shortlist process 
drawn up by external search consultants.

Proper planning for Board and senior management succession, and refreshing 
and selecting the right individuals for the Board and senior management 
positions from a diverse talent pool are key issues for the Committee.  
It is essential in ensuring a continuous level of quality in management, in 
avoiding instability by helping mitigate the risks which may be associated with 
unforeseen events, such as the departure of a key individual, and in promoting 
diversity. During the year, the Committee reviewed the status of succession 
planning for the Non-executive Directors and the Executive Committee, 
as well as the pipeline of talent below the Executive Committee.

In March 2018, we welcomed Charles Wilson and Stewart Gilliland onto the 
Board, following the successful completion of the Booker Group Merger. 
They both bring a wealth of commercial and retail experience to the Board, 
specifically in the wholesale sector, and will bolster the capabilities and 
effectiveness of the Board.

The Committee also reviewed the independence of each Non-executive 
Director, all Directors’ conflicts of interest, the time commitments of each 
Non-executive Director and the balance of skills, knowledge, experience  
and diversity on the Board prior to recommending to the Board that each 
Director stand for election or re-election at the forthcoming AGM. 

During the year, the Committee received regular updates on developments  
in corporate governance reform. The Committee was provided with detailed 
reports on the revised UK Corporate Governance Code issued by the 
Financial Reporting Council for consultation in December 2017 and proposals  
for the Group’s approach to the changes. We will report further on the 
changes to Tesco’s governance framework in next year’s report, following  
the anticipated publication of a revised UK Corporate Governance Code  
in June 2018, which will become effective for the 2019/20 financial year.

Having undertaken an external evaluation of the Board in 2015/16, the 
Committee agreed that the 2017/18 Board evaluation should be conducted 
internally. A questionnaire was sent out in December 2017 by the Group 
Company Secretary. The Senior Independent Director also conducted 
one-to-one interviews with Directors as well as conducting the annual 
evaluation of the Chairman. Having assessed the findings at the February 
2018 Board meeting, the Directors were satisfied that the Board and each  
of its Committees continue to operate effectively. More details on the 
evaluation are set out on page 35 of the Corporate governance report.

John Allan
Nominations and Governance Committee Chair

Key activities
During 2017/18, the Committee considered, amongst other matters, 
the following:

 – succession planning for the Non-executive Directors and  

Executive Committee;

 – reviewing the time commitments and independence of the  

Non-executive Directors;

 – assessing the Group’s diversity and inclusion strategies;
 – monitoring developments in corporate governance reform;
 – the extension of Mikael Olsson’s appointment following three years  
of service on the Board, in accordance with Non-executive Directors’ 
letters of appointment;

 – making a recommendation to the Board regarding the election and 

re-election of Directors at the 2018 AGM;

 – reviewing the results of the annual performance evaluation of the 

Committee; and

 – reviewing and updating the Committee’s terms of reference.

38

Tesco PLC Annual Report and Financial Statements 2018Corporate Responsibility Committee.

‘The Little Helps Plan aligns with our 
core value ‘every little help makes a big 
difference’ and recognises the unique 
opportunity that Tesco has through  
its global reach to make a difference  
to our customers, colleagues and 
communities around the world.’
Lindsey Pownall  
Non-executive Director

Corporate Responsibility Committee attendance

Member
Lindsey Pownall
John Allan
Steve Golsby
Mikael Olsson
Deanna Oppenheimer

Number of scheduled  

meetings eligible to attend
3
3
3
3
3

Meetings 
attended
3
3
3
3
3

At the invitation of the Committee Chair the Group CEO and the Group 
Communications Director attended all of the Committee meetings. 

Corporate Responsibility Committee responsibilities
The responsibilities of the Corporate Responsibility Committee include:

 – approving and monitoring a strategy for discharging the Group’s corporate 
and social responsibilities in such a way as to build trust and command 
respect and confidence;

 – overseeing the Group’s conduct with regard to its corporate and societal 

obligations as a responsible corporate citizen;

 – overseeing the creation of appropriate policies and supporting measures;
 – identifying and monitoring those external developments that are likely  

to have a significant influence on the Group’s reputation and/or its ability  
to conduct its business appropriately as a good corporate citizen and  
review how best to protect that reputation or that ability; and

 – overseeing the Group’s engagement with external stakeholders and  

other interested parties.

The Committee’s terms of reference are available at www.tescoplc.com

Dear Shareholder
I became Committee Chair in July 2017 and I am pleased to report on the 
significant progress that has been made this year in developing our new 
corporate responsibility strategy, the Little Helps Plan. 

The Little Helps Plan sets out how Tesco plans to follow the philosophy that 
small actions add up to make a big difference, which is expressed through 
the Group’s core value ‘every little help makes a big difference’. The Little 
Helps Plan is made up of three pillars: our people, our products and our 
places and is underpinned by our foundation commitments on packaging, 
climate change, health and safety, business ethics, data security and data 
privacy. These areas are core to our business model and the delivery of the 
plan is embedded in the day-to-day business operations. We recognise that 
the Little Helps Plan is interlinked with the principal risks faced by the 
business and is integral to the long-term success of the Group. 

The Committee reviewed an initial draft of the plan in July 2017 and received 
regular updates on the plan’s progress, prior to approving it in October 2017.  
I attended an event to launch the Little Helps Plan in October 2017 with some 
of Tesco’s key stakeholders. It was positive to see so many stakeholders 
attend and engage with the business on the ideas and ambitions behind the 
Little Helps Plan. 

Throughout the year the Committee has received presentations from 
subject matter specialists within the business to understand the work that  
is already being done and will be done on each of the Little Helps Plan pillars 
and foundations. Due to the diverse background and experience of the 
Committee members, we have been able to provide a global perspective  
and insights to discussions on the development and roll-out of the strategy, 
in particular sharing experiences of different social, political and economic 
landscapes relevant to our international markets. It is acknowledged that, 
with the majority of the Group’s customers being in the UK, progress against 
the plan will begin in the UK and this is reflected in how some of the KPIs  
have been set with appropriate country-specific plans to be developed as 
necessary. Nevertheless, we are committed to making progress on all areas  
of the Little Helps Plan in all of our markets and I look forward to the Committee 
helping to shape and monitor the business’ progress over the next year. 

It is recognised that we need to work together across society to build a  
truly sustainable future and the business fully supports global efforts to build 
this future, including the UN Sustainable Development Goals and the Paris 
Climate Agreement. The leadership that Dave Lewis has shown as Chair of 
Champions 12.3 demonstrates the commitment by the business to work with 
stakeholders to reach the UN Sustainable Development Goal target of halving 
global food waste by 2030. I am proud that in September we announced that 
24 of our largest food suppliers had agreed to adopt this goal and to start to 
publish food waste data for their own operations within the next 12 months.  
In 2017, the business announced tougher new science-based climate change 
targets. The new targets ensure that our supply chain and operations 
support the Paris Climate Agreement to limit global temperature rises  
to 1.5 degrees Celsius this century, as well as our long-term ambition to 
become a zero-carbon business. 

The Committee has agreed an ongoing programme to regularly review  
areas of the Little Helps Plan through deep-dive sessions and measuring 
performance against the plan’s targets. It is also intended that the 
Committee will experience the work being done by the business through 
off-site visits and by meeting stakeholders in the future. 

More information on the Little Helps Plan is provided on pages 16 to 21 
of this report and online at www.tescoplc.com/littlehelpsplan. 

Lindsey Pownall
Corporate Responsibility Committee Chair

Key activities
A summary of some of the key areas considered at each meeting is set out below:

July 2017
 – Little Helps Plan roadmap and KPIs – The Committee gave feedback on the 

draft Little Helps Plan and the individual targets.

 – Health month – The Committee reviewed the initiative launched in May 2017 

to encourage helpful little swaps for customers and employees.

 – Food waste – The Committee reviewed the business’ progress on delivering 

the UK food waste target and progress being made in Central Europe, 
Thailand and Malaysia on food waste.

October 2017
 – Packaging – The Committee received information on this foundation area  
of the Little Helps Plan and the strategy to achieve the packaging targets. 
 – Responsible sourcing – The Committee reviewed the business’ ambition to 
lead the industry in addressing the sustainability challenges in our supply chain. 

 – Local campaigns – The Committee received information on the impact of 
the Group’s engagement with local communities, in particular on the 
success of the Bags of Help scheme in the UK and the similar schemes being 
operated in the ROI and Central Europe. 

February 2018
 – Climate change – The Committee received information on this foundation  

of the Little Helps Plan.

 – Funding for key projects – The Committee reviewed the use of the funds 
released by the forfeiture of Tesco PLC shares undertaken in 2017 and 
designated for corporate responsibility activities. 

Terms of reference
In July 2017, Tesco PLC adopted new terms of reference for the Committee. 
The number of meetings increased to three per year and the scope of the 
Committee was expanded to include reviewing:

 – progress of the corporate responsibility strategy against agreed 

performance measures; and

 – expenditure and other commitments by the Group on corporate donations, 

community programmes and charitable support.

Committee effectiveness review
It was concluded that the Committee continued to operate effectively. 

39

Tesco PLC Annual Report and Financial Statements 2018Corporate governanceCorporate governance report continued

Audit Committee.

‘The Committee has continued to 
play a key role within the Tesco PLC 
governance framework to support 
the Board in matters relating to 
financial reporting, internal control 
and risk management.’
Byron Grote  
Non-executive Director

Audit Committee attendance 

Member
Byron Grote
Mark Armour
Simon Patterson

Number of scheduled  

meetings eligible to attend
6
6
6

Meetings 
attended
6
6
6

Audit Committee responsibilities
The Committee’s terms of reference were updated in April 2018, and its 
responsibilities include:

 – monitoring the Group’s financial reporting processes;
 – review, and challenge where necessary, of the actions and judgements  

of management in relation to the interim and annual financial statements 
before submission to the Board;

 – review of the interim and annual financial statements and announcements 

relating to the financial performance of the Group;

 – consideration of the appointment of the external auditor, their reports  
to the Committee and their independence, including an assessment  
of their appropriateness to conduct any permitted non-audit work in 
accordance with the Group’s non-audit services policy, review of policy  
and appropriateness;

 – review and agreement with the external auditor as to the nature  

and scope of the external audit and approving the audit fee;
 – review of the Group’s declaration of any proposed interim and  

final dividends;

 – review and monitoring of the internal controls and risk management 

processes of the Group, including key financial, operational and compliance 
controls, and their effectiveness;

 – review of the internal audit programme and ensuring that the Internal  
Audit function is adequately resourced and has appropriate standing  
within the Group;

 – review of the Group’s arrangements by which employees and contractors 

may, in confidence, raise concerns about possible improprieties in financial 
reporting or other matters;

 – consideration of management’s response to any major external or internal 

audit recommendations; and

 – review of business continuity plans and processes for the prevention  

of fraud, bribery and corruption.

The Committee’s terms of reference are available at www.tescoplc.com

Dear Shareholder
The Committee has continued to play a key role within the Tesco PLC 
governance framework to support the Board in matters relating to financial 
reporting, internal control and risk management. As well as the key activities 
undertaken or overseen by the Audit Committee during the year through  
a periodic and structured rolling forward-looking planner, this report  
shares insights into our discussions. Full details of the matters discussed  
at Committee meetings is set out later in this report. Looking ahead,  
these areas will remain a key focus in 2018/19. 

Byron Grote 
Audit Committee Chair

40

Audit Committee membership 
The Committee comprises Byron Grote, as Chairman, Mark Armour  
and Simon Patterson. All of the Committee members are independent 
Non-executive Directors and the Board is satisfied that Byron Grote and 
Mark Armour have significant, recent and relevant financial experience for  
the purposes of the Code and are competent in accounting and auditing.

In addition, and as required by the revised Code which was issued in  
April 2016 and applied to the Company from its 2017/18 financial year, the 
Board considers that the Committee members as a whole have competence 
relevant to the Company’s sector, in addition to general management and 
commercial experience. The expertise and experience of the members of 
the Committee is set out in each of their biographies on pages 28 and 29. 

Robert Welch is appointed as Secretary to the Committee. Other  
regular attendees at Committee meetings include the Chairman, Group  
Chief Executive, Chief Financial Officer, Chief Audit and Risk Officer,  
Group Planning and Reporting Director and representatives of  
the external auditor.

Audit Committee meetings 
The Committee met six times in the 2017/18 financial year, with each meeting 
having a distinct agenda to reflect the annual financial reporting cycle of  
the Group and particular matters for the Committee’s consideration.  
The Committee has a forward-looking planner, which is designed to ensure 
that its responsibilities are discharged in full during the year. This planner is 
developed with the Group Company Secretary and its content regularly 
reviewed with management and Deloitte. It is developed to meet the 
changing needs of the Group as the year progresses. 

The Chairman of the Committee reports to the Board following each meeting 
and Committee meetings are generally scheduled close to Board meetings in 
order to facilitate an effective and timely reporting process.

Committee members met in private following each Committee meeting  
and also held separate private sessions with the Chief Audit and Risk Officer 
and the external auditor, in order to provide additional opportunity for  
open dialogue and feedback without management present. The Committee 
Chairman also meets with the Chief Financial Officer on an ad hoc basis and 
prior to each Committee meeting.

Key activities
A summary of the key matters considered at each meeting, is set out below:

April 2017
 – preliminary results and Annual Report 2016/17, including confirmation 
of Code compliance and a comprehensive report from the Group’s 
Disclosure Committee on fair, balanced and understandable reviews
 – viability statement and going concern review, including the underlying 

models, assumptions and scenario testing

 – key accounting judgements relating to the 2016/17 financial results
 – external audit: Deloitte year-end final report and non-audit services 
 – external and internal audit effectiveness reviews 
 – Group compliance and whistleblowing update, including GSCOP update 
 – Tesco Bank update
 – internal audit update
July 2017
 – key accounting matters, including IFRS 9 and exceptional items 

approach update

 – treasury, funding and corporate simplification update
 – technology: IT and information security controls update
 – transformation and service model update
 – privacy compliance update, including privacy transformation plans
 – insurable risk review
 – Group Treasury Policy update 
 – external audit: audit plan, approval of audit fee, non-audit services, 

management letter observations from 2016/17 audit

 – internal audit update, including Tesco Bank

Tesco PLC Annual Report and Financial Statements 2018September 2017
 – interim results statement and going concern review, including a 
comprehensive report from the Group’s Disclosure Committee  
and validation of management’s representations to Deloitte

 – dividend proposal 
 – key accounting matters, including key financial controls update and the 

Group’s preparations for new reporting requirements, i.e. IFRS 9 ‘Financial 
Instruments’; IFRS 15 ‘Revenue from contracts with customers’; and IFRS 16 
‘Leases’ implementation and basis of adoption as further described in  
Note 1 to the financial statements

 – Group compliance update, including whistleblowing, anti-bribery and 
fraud, gifts and entertainment, privacy transformation plans, GSCOP 
compliance and progress towards General Data Protection Regulation 
compliance by May 2018

 – UK and ROI and International Finance Director reports and key financial 

controls update

 – treasury, funding and corporate simplification update, including the  

review and consideration of the bond buy-back programme

 – risk, control and assurance framework, risk appetite and internal control 
effectiveness, including in-depth review of specific principal risk areas 

 – external audit: Deloitte interim report and non-audit services
 – internal audit update
November 2017
 – risk, control and assurance update, including principal risk review process and 
the development of our three new principal risks set out on pages 22 to 25

 – IFRS 16 update
 – pensions review
 – tax update, disclosures and transparency publication, including country  

by country reporting and UK tax strategy

 – technology: IT and information security controls update
 – transformation and service model update
 – viability statement: modelling and assumptions
 – treasury, funding and corporate simplification update 
 – internal and external audit updates including Deloitte non-audit services
 – non-audit fees policy update
 – policy on employment of former auditor employees
 – internal audit charter and 2018/19 plan
 – external audit: Deloitte update on audit plan and non-audit services
January 2018
 – consideration of the Group’s cash and share merger with the Booker Group, 
specifically, to review and approve: the profit forecast for the Group and 
financial expectations for the combined group; risk factors; pro-forma 
financial information & reconciliation; operations and financial review;  
and quantified financial benefits statements reports and confirmations

February 2018
 – risk, control and assurance framework update, comprising principal risks 
review, risk roadmap, risk management and controls update, risk appetite 
statement, Code compliance and internal control effectiveness review, 
further detail can be found on page 43 of this report

 – Group tax update
 – technology update
 – finance transformation update
 – key accounting judgements relating to the 2017/18 financial results
 – treasury: solvency and liquidity funding plan
 – corporate simplification update 
 – internal audit update, including Tesco Bank
 – external audit: Deloitte early warning report and non-audit services
 – Committee effectiveness review
April 2018
 – preliminary results and Annual Report 2017/18, including confirmation 
of Code compliance and a comprehensive report from the Group’s 
Disclosure Committee on fair, balanced and understandable reviews
 – viability statement and going concern review, including the underlying 

models, assumptions and scenario testing

 – dividend proposal 
 – key accounting judgements relating to the 2017/18 financial results,  

including IFRS 16 and controls update

 – external audit: Deloitte year-end final report and non-audit services 
 – external and internal audit effectiveness reviews 
 – review of the Committee’s terms of reference
 – Group compliance and whistleblowing update, including GSCOP update 
 – Booker integration update
 – Tesco Bank update
 – service model update
 – property valuation update
 – internal audit update

The Committee is responsible for assisting the Board’s oversight of the 
quality and integrity of the Company’s financial reporting and the Company’s 
accounting policies and practices. During the year, the Committee has 
continued to receive updates regarding the Group’s ongoing finance 
transformation programme and the actions taken to address observations 
raised by Deloitte in its letter to management following completion of the 
2016/17 audit. Recommendations have been implemented to further 
enhance the Group’s financial reporting systems and controls environment.  
The Committee has also received regular updates, including from Group  
Audit and Advisory and the UK and ROI and International Finance Directors,  
on the development and effectiveness of the Group’s key internal  
financial controls.

The Committee continues to focus on commercial income and inventory 
controls and receives regular updates from Group Audit and Advisory on the 
work that is being undertaken to review and strengthen the Group’s 
processes in these areas. 

In relation to the financial statements, the Committee reviewed and 
recommended approval of the half-year results and these annual financial 
statements, considered impairment reviews, the viability and going concern 
statements and their underlying assumptions, reviewed proposed dividend 
levels, reviewed corporate governance disclosures and monitored the 
statutory audit. As part of its review of the financial statements, the 
Committee considered, and challenged as appropriate, the accounting 
policies and significant judgements and estimates underpinning the financial 
statements. Details regarding the significant financial reporting matters and  
how they were addressed by the Committee are set out later in this report. 

The Committee also reviewed the disclosures regarding the Company’s 
alternative performance measures (APMs) having regard, in particular, to  
the Guidelines on Alternative Performance Measures issued by the European 
Securities and Markets Authority (ESMA) in October 2015. The Company’s 
2017 Annual Report was selected by the Financial Reporting Council (FRC)  
for a thematic review into the use of APMs in corporate reporting. The  
FRC raised no issues in relation to the Group’s APM disclosures and extracts  
of the Company's 2017 Annual Report were selected for inclusion in their 
November 2017 report as examples of best practice. The Committee 
reviewed the FRC’s findings and continues to monitor FRC and ESMA  
guidance on APM disclosure.

The Committee carried out a number of in-depth reviews of specific 
principal risk areas this year and reported its findings and recommendations  
to the Board. The Committee received updates from management in relation 
to the Group’s transformation, technology, information security, data 
privacy, treasury, tax, pensions, insurance and key compliance risks and  
the controls and mitigating actions employed in each of these areas. The 
Committee has assessed the effectiveness of the Group’s whistleblowing 
arrangements and reviewed compliance with the Groceries Supply Code  
of Practice (GSCOP).

The Committee received update reports during the year from the  
Tesco Bank Audit Committee, the Disclosure Committee and the Group  
Risk and Compliance Committee. Group Audit and Advisory provided regular 
updates on its work, including findings from its internal audit programme  
and the status of management actions to address such findings. Reports 
from Deloitte, as external auditor, were also presented and considered at  
each Committee meeting.

Reports were also requested on ad hoc matters as they arose. One key 
matter considered by the Committee this year was the merger with the 
Booker Group and the inclusion of Booker synergy realisation and integration  
as one of our principal risks. Further details regarding this risk can be found  
in the principal risks and uncertainties section on page 24.

41

Tesco PLC Annual Report and Financial Statements 2018Corporate governanceIssue
Recognition and 
disclosure of 
commercial income

Exceptional items

New accounting 
standards

How the issue was addressed by the Committee
The Committee reviewed management’s assessment  
of the controls that exist over the recognition of 
commercial income. See Notes 1 and 20 to the  
financial statements.
The Committee considered the presentation of the 
Group financial statements and, in particular, the 
appropriateness of the presentation of exceptional 
items. The Committee reviewed the nature of items 
identified and concurred with management that  
the treatment was even-handed and consistently 
applied across years and appropriately presented. 
Consideration was also given to the quality of  
earnings within underlying results. See Note 4 to  
the financial statements.
The Committee considered the implementation of  
IFRS 9 ‘Financial Instruments’, IFRS 15 ‘Revenue from 
contracts with customers’, and IFRS 16 ‘Leases’, 
considering project approach and progress, transition 
approach and impact assessments as known to date. 

Corporate governance report continued

Audit Committee continued

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

Issue
Going concern basis  
for the financial 
statements and  
viability statement

Fixed asset impairment 
and onerous lease 
provisions

Goodwill impairment

Valuation of  
China associate and 
India joint venture

Pensions

Business and  
property disposals

How the issue was addressed by the Committee
The Committee reviewed management’s assessment  
of going concern and long-term viability with 
consideration of forecast cash flows, including 
sensitivity to trading and expenditure plans and 
potential mitigating actions. The Committee also 
considered the Group’s financing facilities and  
future funding plans. 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, and recommended the 
approval of the viability statement.
The Committee reviewed and challenged 
management’s impairment testing of property 
and technology assets and estimate of onerous  
lease provisions. The Committee considered the 
appropriateness of key assumptions and methodologies 
for both value in use models and fair value 
measurements. This included challenging projected 
cash flows, growth rates, discount rates and the use  
of independent third party valuations and considering 
any impacts of the uncertainties arising from Brexit. 
The Group has recognised a £182m net reversal of 
impaired PPE assets, together with an onerous lease 
provision net charge of £108m and a £24m net loss  
for software and other intangible assets. See Note 10  
to the financial statements for software and other 
intangible assets impairment, Note 11 for fixed assets 
impairment and Note 25 for property provisions.
The Committee reviewed management’s process for 
testing goodwill for potential impairment and ensuring 
appropriate sensitivity disclosure. This included 
challenging the key assumptions: principally cash  
flow projections, growth rates and discount rates.  
The Group has not recognised any goodwill impairment  
in the year. See Note 10 to the financial statements.
The Committee reviewed management’s  
assessment of the valuation of the Group’s China 
associate, Gain Land, and India joint venture,  
Trent Hypermarket Limited, covering the methodology 
and assumptions used by management, including 
latest market information, in determining the fair value 
of the investment. This included review of Gain Land’s  
and Trent’s projected cash flows, growth rates  
and discount rates used and the external market 
indicators to include in the valuation. The carrying 
value was supported by the valuation. See Note 13  
to the financial statements.
The Committee reviewed and challenged the 
estimates used by management in valuing pension 
liabilities, principally the discount rate, including  
the change in methodology for calculation of the 
discount rate adopted in the year. See Note 27 to  
the financial statements.
The Committee considered the key judgements made  
by management in accounting for a number of property 
transactions including the unwind of the joint venture 
with British Land, the disposal of the Kipa business in 
Turkey and Opticians business in the UK. See Notes 1,  
7 and 31 to the financial statements.

Contingent liabilities 

Business combinations The Committee considered the presentation and  
work performed on documents published as part  
of the Booker merger, including the profit forecast, 
working capital report, financial position and 
prospects report, quantified forecast benefits 
statement and sections of the prospectus including  
the pro-forma financial information.
The Committee further considered management’s 
assessment of the status of the ongoing regulatory 
investigations and litigation relating to prior periods. The 
Committee concurred with management’s assessment 
that due to the stage of the remaining matters and the 
uncertainties regarding the outcomes, no provision was 
required, and disclosure as contingent liabilities at  
the year-end was appropriate. See Note 32 to the 
financial statements.

42

Tesco PLC Annual Report and Financial Statements 2018Internal audit – Group Audit and Advisory (GAA)
GAA is an independent assurance function within Tesco as a service to the 
Board and all levels of management. Its remit is to provide independent and 
objective advice to facilitate, influence and help the organisation to achieve 
its priorities. It helps the organisation accomplish its objectives by bringing  
a systematic, disciplined approach to evaluating and improving the 
effectiveness of risk management, control and governance processes. 

GAA’s responsibilities include supporting management in the assessment 
and mitigation of risks to protect the business, as well as reporting on  
the effectiveness of the systems of internal control. Management are 
responsible for: establishing and maintaining an appropriate system of risk 
identification and internal control; and for the prevention and detection  
of irregularities and fraud. GAA facilitate the Group’s risk management 
processes with the Audit Committee and the Board.

In April 2018, the Committee considered an assessment of the effectiveness 
of the GAA function in protecting the business. This assessment included 
consideration of the structure and scope of GAA’s work, their capabilities, 
independence, the adequacy of the audit plan and their engagement  
with stakeholders. This assessment was facilitated by Lintstock Ltd, an 
independent company, who distributed a questionnaire based assessment 
to key stakeholders, collated the responses and provided the assessment 
reports. The quality of the audits in providing assurance was also assessed 
alongside the quality of the audit reports to the Committee and other 
stakeholders, GAA’s relationships, collaboration with the business and  
its impact on the organisation was also reviewed. 

The Committee discussed the approach and findings of the assessment  
in which no significant failings or weaknesses were identified. The Committee 
was satisfied that GAA remains effective and is adequately resourced.  
There were some suggested areas of improvement highlighted, including  
a recommendation that GAA enhances its capability in the area of technology 
going forward to keep pace with technology advances and reduce reliance on 
third-party assurance. The Committee reviewed and agreed to the planned 
next steps. The Committee reviewed the GAA Charter in November 2017  
and approved its continued use. The Internal Audit Plan for 2018/19 was 
presented and agreed by the Committee. The Internal Audit Plan will be  
kept under review to adapt to the changing needs of the business. 

Key elements of the risk management process 
The risk management process facilitates the identification and prioritisation  
of risks through workshops and discussions with business leaders, facilitated  
by GAA and assigned business risk roles. During the year the significant  
risks have been reviewed as a top down and bottom up process at both  
the business unit and the Group level to ensure awareness, agreement and 
appropriate prioritisation. A risk that can seriously affect the performance, 
future prospects or reputation of the Group is termed a principal risk  
and these risks are aligned to the Group’s strategic drivers set out on  
pages 8 and 9. Details of the Group’s significant risks are documented  
and maintained in risk registers by the business. 

Risks are assessed to determine the potential impact and likelihood of 
occurrence, after taking into account key controls and mitigating factors. 
Additional mitigating actions are identified and agreed with relevant  
business owners. 

The Group Chief Executive has overall accountability for the control  
and management of the risks Tesco face, with the Board having overall 
responsibility for risk management. Individual risks are managed at the 
business unit level on an ongoing basis with follow up through the year by  
GAA and assigned business risk roles. All risks are assigned to an appropriate  
risk owner and the Group level principal risks are assigned to an executive 
owner. Each principal risk is reviewed at least annually by the Board. Our 
principal risks are detailed on pages 22 to 25, showing the risk movement,  
a summary of key controls, high level mitigating factors and links to the 
Group's strategic drivers. 

Internal control 
The Board monitors the key elements of the Group’s internal control 
framework throughout the year and has conducted a review of the 
effectiveness of the Group’s risk management and internal control systems.  
To support the Board’s annual assessment, GAA prepared a report on the 
Group’s risk and internal control effectiveness, which described the risk 
management systems and arrangements in place for internal control, as well 
as work conducted in the year to improve the risk and control environment.

The internal control framework is intended to manage rather than eliminate 
the risk of failure to achieve business objectives and can only provide 
reasonable but not absolute assurance against material misstatement or loss.

The Group’s transformation programmes are intended to increase the 
overall level of control environment maturity and improve consistency 
across the Group. As part of this, there has been progress on the risk 
roadmap to mature our risk management. The technology, people and 
finance transformation programmes remain a challenge, but continue to 
progress towards delivery of a strengthened control environment.

External audit
Deloitte continued as our external auditors with Panos Kakoullis as the lead 
partner after their initial appointment in the 2015/16 financial year. This is  
in line with our intention of putting the external audit out to tender every  
10 years and to rotate the lead partner every five years. Panos Kakoullis will 
rotate as the lead partner following the audit of the 2019/20 financial year.

The Committee considers the effectiveness of the external auditor on  
an ongoing basis during the year, considering its independence, objectivity, 
appropriate mindset and professional scepticism, through its own observations 
and interactions with the external auditor, and having regard to the:

 – experience and expertise of the external auditor in their direct 

communication with, and support to, the Committee;

 – content, quality of insights and added value of their reports;
 – fulfilment of the agreed external audit plan;
 – robustness and perceptiveness of the external auditor in their handling  

of key accounting and audit judgements;

 – the interaction between management and the external auditor, including 
ensuring that management dedicates sufficient time to the audit process;

 – provision of non-audit services, as set out below; and
 – review and consideration of the results of the evaluation  

of the effectiveness of the external auditor.

The Committee considered an audit effectiveness review of Deloitte in  
April 2018, which was facilitated by an independent company, Lintstock Ltd, 
who distributed a questionnaire based assessment to key stakeholders, 
collated the responses and provided the assessment reports. The review 
concluded that the external auditor was effective and the Committee 
recommended to the Board the reappointment of Deloitte at the 2018 AGM.

The FRC’s Audit Quality Review (AQR) team selected for review the audit  
of the Group’s financial statements for the year ended 25 February 2017  
and Tesco Bank’s standalone financial statements for the period ended  
28 February 2017 as part of their 2017/18 annual inspection of audit firms.  
In relation to the review of the Group’s financial statements, the FRC’s review 
covers the audit work at the Group level and the audit work of the UK 
component. The Group report did not identify any significant areas for 
improvement. In relation to the review of Tesco Bank’s standalone financial 
statements, this review is in its final stages, and some matters have been 
identified as requiring improvement. In response, Deloitte developed an 
action plan to ensure that the matters identified by the AQR had been 
addressed in the audit of Tesco Bank’s financial statements for the period 
ended 28 February 2018. The Committee is satisfied that there is nothing 
within the report which might have a bearing on the audit appointment.

The Committee also considered the findings of the FRC’s 2017 Audit Quality 
Review of Deloitte as a whole and the actions being taken by Deloitte to 
address the matters raised. 

Deloitte contribute a further independent perspective on certain aspects  
of the Group’s financial control systems arising from their work, and report 
both to the Board and the Committee.

The process for approving all non-audit work provided by our external 
auditor is overseen by the Committee in order to safeguard the objectivity  
and independence of the auditor. Where Deloitte have been chosen,  
this is as a result of their demonstrating that they have the relevant skills  
and experience to make them an appropriate supplier to undertake the  
work in a cost-effective manner. 

Our policy for non-audit services reflects the EU regulations (as of  
17 June 2016) that prohibits the provision of certain non-audit services,  
e.g. payroll services, by the external auditor and introduces a cap on 
non-audit fees. In line with the regulations, the Group is required to cap the 
level of non-audit fees paid to its external auditor at 70% of the average audit 
fees paid in the previous three consecutive financial years. The 70% cap will 
first apply to the Group for the period ending February 2021. The non-audit  
fees policy is compliant with new Ethical Standards for Auditors. 

43

Tesco PLC Annual Report and Financial Statements 2018Corporate governanceAppointment of auditor statement
Following a formal tender process, Deloitte were appointed as our external 
auditor with effect from the 2015 AGM. The Company is in compliance with  
the requirements of The Statutory Audit Services for Large Companies 
Market Investigation (Mandatory Use of Competitive Tender Processes  
and Audit Responsibilities) Order 2014, which relates to the frequency  
and governance of external audit tenders and the setting of a policy on  
the provision of non-audit services. The Committee reviews and makes  
a recommendation to the Board with regard to the reappointment of the 
external auditor each year. In making this recommendation, the Committee 
considers auditor effectiveness and independence, partner rotation and  
any other factors that may impact the Committee’s judgement regarding  
the external auditor. 

Fair, balanced and understandable statement 
The Committee advised the Board on whether the Annual Report  
and Financial Statements 2018, taken as a whole, are fair, balanced and 
understandable and provide the necessary information to assess the 
Company’s position and performance, business model and strategy.  
The Committee concluded that the disclosures, and the processes and 
controls underlying their production, were appropriate and recommended  
to the Board that the Annual Report and Financial Statements 2018 are fair, 
balanced and understandable.

Committee effectiveness review 
The effectiveness of the Committee was evaluated this year as part of the 
Board evaluation process. Further details can be found on pages 34 and 35. 
The review found that the Committee was operating effectively and that its 
broad role and remit remained appropriate for the current needs of the 
business. In order to identify opportunities for further improvement, 
members discuss how the Committee is functioning in the private sessions 
that follow each meeting.

Corporate governance report continued

Audit Committee continued

In 2017/18, Deloitte received total fees of £13.5m (2016/17: £11.8m),  
consisting of £6.8m of audit fees (2016/17: £5.5m), and £6.7m for non-audit  
and audit-related services (2016/17: £6.3m), which is an increase of £1.7m in  
total fees versus the previous period. The total of Deloitte’s non-audit and 
audit-related fees in the year equated to 99% of the audit fees. Fees paid  
to Deloitte are set out in Note 3 to the financial statements and details  
of the significant non-audit work undertaken this year are set out in the  
table below.

In the period, Deloitte was appointed to report under the court approved 
Deferred Prosecution Agreement with Tesco Stores Limited. Safeguards 
were put in place to mitigate any threats to Deloitte’s independence by 
ensuring that work was conducted by individuals not directly involved in  
the external audit. 

The Committee determined that it was appropriate for the external auditor  
to continue to provide transactional services in respect of our merger with  
the Booker Group. The appointment was also subject to an ethics review by 
Deloitte in 2016 and in the current financial year, which concluded that the 
proposed services were consistent with the FRC’s Revised Ethical Standards 
2016 and that there were appropriate safeguards in place to preserve 
Deloitte’s independence as external auditor.

We continue to take steps to reduce the level of non-audit fees going 
forward to ensure compliance with the 70% non-audit fee cap rules.

Level of 
fees in 
2017/18  
(£m)
1.9

Level of 
fees in 
2016/17  
(£m)
1.9

Safeguards to  
preserve independence
Engagement team separate to  
the audit team with independent 
reviews and working with informed 
management.

Engagement team separate to the 
audit team. The service is limited  
to the provision of administrative 
support. Decision-making 
accountability remained with 
management.
Careful consideration of the scope 
of services to ensure the advocacy 
and management threats are 
mitigated, together with working 
with informed management. Clear 
separation of the engagement 
teams has also been established.
Under the Deferred Prosecution 
Agreement Deloitte were 
appointed to conduct independent 
reviews by individuals not directly 
involved in the commercial 
income audits.
Careful consideration of the 
scope of services to ensure  
the advocacy and management 
threats are mitigated, together 
with working with informed 
management. Clear separation  
of the engagement teams has also 
been established where required.
From March 2017, no tax services 
have been provided to entities 
within the EU as required by the 
applicable Ethical Standards.
The interim review is considered 
a non-audit service under the 
applicable Ethical Standards, 
although the objectives of the 
review are aligned with those  
of the audit.

1.5

1.5

1.8

1.2

0.8

–

0.2

1.2

0.5

0.5

6.7

6.3

Nature  
of service
Provision of transactional 
services: including 
quantified financial 
benefits synergy, working 
capital and profit forecast 
reporting, relating to the 
Group’s merger with  
the Booker Group
Retail consultancy: 
provision of administrative 
support relating to the 
Group’s markdown price 
optimisation process 

Forensic services: 
provision of data 
repository services for 
information needed by  
the Group and the SFO

SFO Monitor role: Deloitte 
has been appointed as 
Monitor by the SFO under 
the Deferred Prosecution 
Agreement agreed with 
Tesco Stores Limited
Other non-audit services: 
tax compliance and 
advisory projects relating  
to businesses outside  
of the EU and other 
miscellaneous risk and 
compliance services

Interim review performed 
under International 
Standards of Review 
Engagements  
(UK and Ireland) 2410

Total

44

Tesco PLC Annual Report and Financial Statements 2018Directors’ remuneration report

Annual statement from the 
Remuneration Committee Chair.

‘Tesco aims to be more competitive 
for customers, simpler for 
colleagues and a better partner for its 
suppliers, while continuing to create 
long-term value for shareholders. 
Tesco’s reward principles directly  
align to these objectives.’
Deanna Oppenheimer 
Remuneration Committee Chair

Remuneration Committee attendance 

Member
Deanna Oppenheimer (Chair)
John Allan
Steve Golsby (from 2 October 2017)
Byron Grote
Mikael Olsson
Alison Platt

Number of scheduled  

meetings eligible to attend
4
4
2
4
4
4

Meetings 
attended
4
4
2
4
4
4

Remuneration Committee responsibilities
The responsibilities of the Remuneration Committee include:

 – determining and recommending to the Board a framework for executive 
remuneration that is fair and balanced and ensures the most talented 
leaders are recruited, retained and motivated;

 – determining the terms of employment and remuneration for Executive 
Directors and senior managers, including recruitment and termination 
arrangements;

 – approving the design, targets and outturns of the annual bonus plan  

for Executive Directors and senior managers; and

 – agreeing the design, targets and annual awards for share incentive plans, 

and the subsequent achievement of targets.

The Committee’s terms of reference are available at www.tescoplc.com

Dear Shareholder
I am pleased to present the Directors’ remuneration report for 2017/18. 
Three years after the current Remuneration Policy was approved by 96.5%  
of shareholders and following a thorough review, the Committee will be 
proposing a new Remuneration Policy for the next three years at the 2018 
Annual General Meeting. The revised policy has been subject to consultation 
with major investors and proxy voting advisers.

Strategic remuneration review 
The underlying principle applied to the review was that remuneration should  
align with, and incentivise delivery of, Tesco’s strategic plan in a relevant  
and simple way. Tesco has previously shared its intent to reduce costs by 
£1.5bn, generate £9bn of retail cash from operations and improve operating 
margins to between 3.5% and 4.0% by 2019/20. As a result, Tesco will deliver 
significant free cash flow which will improve shareholder returns, strengthen 
the balance sheet and allow reinvestment in the business. This will create 
long-term, sustainable performance and increase shareholder value. 

The Committee was satisfied that the current remuneration structure 
remained appropriate and the review focused on ensuring performance 
metrics were aligned with the next phase of the strategy. This includes a 
strengthened focus on profit and cash flow, while continuing to support 
Tesco’s volume-led recovery and stakeholder focus.

The Committee has also taken account of changes in regulation and shareholder 
expectations since the last Remuneration Policy was approved. This has led 
to the introduction of a post-vesting holding period and reduction in pension 
contribution for new hires. The Committee is also mindful of their 
responsibility to ensure prudent management of executive remuneration 
and the need for fair employment practices for the whole workforce.

The key features of the new policy are:

Annual bonus – No change to the quantum and the financial metrics remain 
sales growth and Group operating profit before exceptional items, with a  
Group operating profit before exceptional items underpin. Having reviewed 
the weighting applied to each metric, the Committee concluded that while  
the combined weightings of the two financial metrics should remain at 80%  
of bonus maximum they should be split evenly, with each representing 40%  
of bonus maximum (previously sales growth 50% and Group operating profit 
before exceptional items 30%). The final 20% will be driven by outcomes 
against strategic objectives, including key stakeholder measures relating  
to customers, suppliers and colleagues. Half of the bonus awarded will 
continue to be deferred into Tesco shares for three years.

Performance Share Plan – No change is proposed to the quantum of 
awards. The Committee has reviewed the PSP performance metrics and 
simplified them from three to two, providing clear line of sight to the delivery  
of the strategic plan. The proposed performance metrics are:

 – an earnings per share (EPS) metric, representing 50% of an award, which 
replaces the current total shareholder return (TSR) metric. The EPS 
measure will ensure management are better aligned with the delivery  
of the Group’s operating margin target of 3.5% to 4%; and

 – a free cash flow metric, representing the remaining 50% of an award, 
which replaces the current cumulative operating cash flow metric, to  
help ensure balance sheet discipline is maintained as earnings grow and 
management are aligned with the targets to generate £9bn of retail cash 
from operations and reduce operating costs by £1.5bn.

As set out above, stakeholder metrics will in future feature in the annual 
bonus so they can be tailored to the responsibility of each executive.

During its consultation on the new Remuneration Policy the Committee heard 
differing views on TSR as a performance metric. What became clear was that 
no decision on inclusion or exclusion would satisfy everyone. The decision 
taken by the Committee is therefore the one that it believes is right for Tesco 
and will be understood and supported by the vast majority of its shareholders.

The reasons for moving away from TSR as a metric are:

 – key competitors for Tesco are now either market disruptors for whom 
retail is a small proportion of their business or not listed companies. 
In addition, with the completion of the Booker merger, the constituents  
of the primary part of the TSR peer index group has reduced to four 
companies which is too concentrated;

 – EPS and free cash flow measures are relevant, readily understood  

metrics aligned directly to Tesco’s strategy. TSR does not provide this  
clear line of sight; and

 – alignment with shareholders, often mentioned as the reason for including 

TSR, is maintained in the proposed Remuneration Policy through significant 
shareholding requirements, the newly introduced holding period on PSP 
vested shares and stretching goals for annual bonus and PSP targets. In 
addition, the Committee will retain its discretion to make adjustments to 
vesting levels should there be significant divergence between variable pay 
outcomes and shareholder experience.

Holding period – From the 2018 grant onwards, PSP awards will be subject  
to a two-year holding period post vesting. The earliest an executive could sell 
PSP shares, other than to satisfy tax obligations, would be five years after grant.

Pension – Pension provision will reduce to 15% of base salary (from 25%)  
for new Executive Directors and Executive Committee members.

Shareholding requirement – Current levels of shareholding requirement  
will remain in place, see page 52 for further details. However, the way of 
meeting this requirement will change, so that senior management will need  
to retain all shares that vest to them, net of any tax liabilities, until the 
requirement is satisfied. The Committee believes this is a more demanding  
but fairer approach as it reflects shares earned by senior management.

‘Good leaver’ treatment under the PSP – Tesco’s practice on PSP good 
leavers will be aligned to wider market practice. From the 2018 grant 
onwards, any subsisting PSPs will vest based on performance over the 
relevant performance period and will then be pro-rated for the portion  
of the performance period worked. Under the current policy, the 2017  
PSP award would lapse and the other two ‘in flight’ awards would vest at  
their usual vesting date, taking into account current performance levels.

Phasing and mitigation – Explicit requirements on phasing and mitigation  
of notice periods and any non-statutory payments on departure will be 
introduced for new joiners at the most senior grades (approximately the  
top 300 executives).

45

Tesco PLC Annual Report and Financial Statements 2018Corporate governance 
Directors’ remuneration report continued

Annual statement from the Remuneration Committee Chair continued

New appointments to the Board
Following the completion of the merger with Booker Group plc on 5 March 
2018, Charles Wilson, former CEO of Booker, joined the Tesco Board as an 
Executive Director and Stewart Gilliland, former Chairman of Booker, joined 
as a Non-executive Director.

The remuneration arrangements for both of them were approved by the 
Committee and are in line with the approved Remuneration Policy. The key 
elements of Charles Wilson’s remuneration package are detailed on page 49. 
Stewart Gilliland will receive a fee in accordance with his role as a member  
of the Board, which is set out on page 62.

Overview of performance in 2017/18 
During the year, Tesco continued to make strong progress against the six 
strategic drivers:

 – brand health strengthened further and Tesco was voted ‘Britain’s favourite 

supermarket’ for the third consecutive year;

 – cost savings of £594m were achieved in the year generating a total of £820m 

towards the £1.5bn medium-term target;

 – £2.8bn of retail operating cash was generated;
 – operating margins improved to 2.9%, remaining on track to achieve between 

3.5% and 4.0% by 2019/20;

 – a further £290m of value was released from properties, with 109 properties 

sold and 1.1m sq. ft. of space repurposed; and

 – innovation continued, with contactless Clubcard, Tesco Pay+, nationwide 
roll-out of the same-day delivery service and the start of the roll-out of  
our new Own Brand range of products.

The way in which the current Remuneration Policy aligns with and supports 
Tesco’s strategy and delivery of the Big 6 KPIs is set out below and further 
information is available on page 11.

Annual  
bonus 
performance 
measure

PSP 
performance 
measure

Big 6 KPIs

Group sales(a)∆
Group operating  
profit before 
exceptional items(b)∆
Retail cash generated 
from operations(b)∆
Customers 
recommend us  
and come back  
time and again
Colleagues 
recommend us as a:
Great place to work
Great place to shop
Supplier satisfaction

2017/18

Year-on-
year 
2016/17
change
2.3%
£51.0bn £49.9bn
£1,644m £1,280m 28.4%

£2.8bn

£2.3bn

21.7%

12pts

7pts

+5pts

83%
49pts
75%

83%
48pts
77%

Nil
+1pt
(2)%

∆  These measures and other measures in this section are defined in the alternative 

performance measures section of the Annual Report on pages 150 to 152.

(a)  Reported on a continuing operations basis at actual exchange rates, excluding fuel.
(b)  Reported on a continuing operations basis at actual exchange rates.

2017/18 incentive outcomes 
Tesco’s annual bonus and PSP plans reward achievement of Group, 
stakeholder and personal targets, provided performance is delivered within 
the Company’s risk framework and appetite. The Committee scrutinises 
performance targets, which are based on the Board approved Long Term Plan, 
to ensure they are sufficiently challenging. Stretching performance ranges are 
then agreed by the Committee at the start of the performance period. 

Annual bonus outcomes for 2017/18 have been determined based on Tesco’s 
performance over the year in sales growth (50% weighting), Group operating 
profit before exceptional items (30% weighting) and Individual Objectives 
(20% weighting). For consistency, sales and operating profit are translated  
at constant exchange rates, resulting in sales of £50.1bn and operating profit 
of £1,611m. 

These outcomes are between the target and stretch performance levels. 
This was a strong performance in a challenging external environment and 
was delivered against a background of intense competition. The Committee 
also reviewed the performance of the Executive Directors against their 
Individual Objectives. As a result, the Committee determined that 72.8% and 
73.9% of the maximum bonus opportunity should be awarded for Dave Lewis 
and Alan Stewart, respectively. A summary break-down of the targets and 
performance assessments is provided in At a glance on page 48.

The 2015 PSP was the first award in which Dave Lewis and Alan Stewart 
participated. The performance period ran to the end of the 2017/18 financial 
year. Performance was measured against two metrics, with 70% subject  
to Tesco’s relative TSR performance and the remaining 30% subject to 
cumulative cash generated from operations. Performance was as follows:

 – Tesco’s TSR ranked below median in the bespoke comparator group.  

This element vested at nil. The Committee noted that the below-median 
outcome was driven by the inclusion of global FMCG companies, Unilever, 
Diageo and Reckitt Benckiser, in the peer group and that performance was 
above median against the retail comparators. However, the Committee did 
not consider it appropriate to exercise any discretion in this regard; and
 – cumulative cash generated from operations over three years of £7.9bn was 

ahead of stretch performance of £7.3bn. This element vested in full.

The approved vesting level was therefore 30% of the maximum potential  
for Executive Directors and senior managers.

As reported previously, buyout awards were made to Alan Stewart to 
compensate him for awards forfeited on leaving his previous employer.  
The buyout award due to vest in July 2017 lapsed in its entirety as the award  
it replaced did not vest. The final tranche of Alan Stewart’s buyout awards 
are due to vest in July 2018. 

Implementation of remuneration in 2018/19 
For 2018/19, other than the changes to policy described overleaf, the 
Committee intends to implement remuneration arrangements for the 
Executive Directors, in line with previous years. In particular:

 – no salary increases will be made to Executive Directors in 2018/19; 
 – the maximum annual bonus opportunity will continue to be 250% of base 
salary for the Group Chief Executive, 225% of base salary for the Chief 
Financial Officer and 200% of base salary for the CEO, UK & ROI, with 50%  
of any bonus awarded deferred into shares for three years. From 2018, the 
sales growth and Group operating profit metrics will each be weighted 40%  
of bonus maximum. Full details of the targets set by the Committee, and 
performance against these will be disclosed in next year’s Directors’ 
remuneration report; 

 – the maximum annual PSP opportunity will continue to be 275% of base salary 
for the Group Chief Executive, 250% of base salary for the Chief Financial 
Officer and 225% of base salary for the CEO, UK & ROI. From 2018,  
subject to shareholder approval, the new PSP performance measures, 
EPS (50%) and free cash flow (50%), will apply; and

 – malus and clawback will continue to apply to both the annual bonus  

and PSP awards. 

Gender diversity
Throughout the year, the Committee considered the Group’s approach to 
gender pay and the reporting of such information. Details of Tesco’s gender 
pay report for the year to April 2017 and actions to reduce the gender pay 
gap are set out opposite.

Shareholder engagement
The Committee is committed to an open and transparent dialogue with 
shareholders on executive remuneration and considers these engagements 
vital to ensuring its remuneration strategy remains aligned with the 
long-term interests of Tesco’s shareholders.

I have appreciated the time major shareholders and proxy voting advisers 
have given to help the Committee develop the proposed Remuneration 
Policy. Together with the rest of the Board, I look forward to hearing your 
views on the proposed policy and would ask for your support at the 
forthcoming Annual General Meeting.

Deanna Oppenheimer
Remuneration Committee Chair

46

Tesco PLC Annual Report and Financial Statements 2018Reward principles.

The principles of a fair workplace
At Tesco our purpose is to serve shoppers a little better every day. To  
live up to that purpose our colleagues need to reflect and represent the 
communities we serve. Tesco wants to be a place where colleagues can get 
on, as they wish, no matter what their background. We are proud of our long 
history of helping people develop their careers from the shop floor to the 
leadership team.

To continue building an inclusive culture where everyone feels welcome it  
is important that colleagues feel fairly rewarded. We have clear principles 
against which we measure ourselves. When we are successful Tesco 
colleagues can expect:

 – a total reward package that provides flexibility and choice, and is 

competitive in the markets in which Tesco operates and from which it 
recruits for talent;

 – to share in Tesco’s success through variable pay that is transparent and 

rewards performance;

Gender pay
Tesco has a long-standing commitment to transparency on gender pay  
and has monitored the interaction between gender and pay since 2002. 
Tesco’s gender pay report for the year to April 2017, published in February 
2018, showed a median gender pay gap across Tesco’s UK retail business of 
8.7% (substantially below the UK median gender pay gap of 18.4%), and a 
mean gap of 12.0%. A key reason for the gap is the different work pattern 
choices colleagues are making. Male colleagues are choosing to work 
premium hours (Sundays, bank holidays and night work), which attract higher 
rates of pay, more often than female colleagues. If these premium hour 
payments were to be removed from the calculation, Tesco’s median gender 
pay gap would reduce to just 2.7%. 

Tesco believes in offering colleagues opportunity, choice and flexibility  
and will continue to support them in choosing work patterns that best suit 
their personal situation and preferences. At the same time, we will work to 
identify and remove any gender-related barriers to making those choices.

 – the opportunity to plan and save for the future; 
 – to make wellbeing and lifestyle choices, having access to a range of benefits 

So more remains to be done, including building more gender-balanced  
senior teams, where female participation is lower than we would wish.

Further information on what Tesco is doing to address the gender pay  
gap is set out in the Little Helps Plan on page 20 and online at  
www.tescoplc.com/people.

and flexibility over working hours and place of work; 

 – to have access to career opportunities and accredited training to develop 

to their potential whatever their age or background; and

 – through Tesco’s consultative forums and trade union partnerships to have 
their voice heard and represented at all levels, and access to information 
about what is happening in the business. 

Rewarding our colleagues
We provide colleagues across the Group with a competitive reward package. 
In Tesco’s UK business at Work Levels 1-5 colleagues receive the following 
reward and benefits package and we want all colleagues to have the 
potential to earn upper quartile reward against the relevant pay benchmark. 

Salary

Annual 
bonus

PSP

Benefits

Pension

Grade

Executive Committee
Work Levels 4-5
Work Levels 1-3

Over the last year Tesco has continued to focus on building a fair workplace, 
providing colleagues with the flexibility, skills and reward to ‘get on’. This  
has included:

 – Investing in pay – In June 2017, Tesco announced its biggest investment in 
UK store pay for colleagues for a decade. Pay is being increased by 10.5% 
over two years for hourly paid store colleagues. 

 – Investing in training – Last year a new apprenticeship scheme was 

introduced offering UK colleagues across stores, distribution and the 
office, 2,500 new apprenticeship places in skill areas such as HGV driving, 
project management and technology.

 – Investing in flexibility – As part of our commitment to flexible working,  

a new app has been trialled in the UK allowing colleagues to see their shifts, 
manage overtime, request holiday and see how much they will be paid.  
This app will be rolled out in the UK first before being introduced to all 
international markets. A start has been made in Asia where a simplified 
version of the app with similar functionality has been introduced.

 – Investing in healthier living – In May last year our first ever health event  

for colleagues and customers was held. For colleagues, this included making 
fruit available for free, mental health awareness training and working to help 
our national charity partners, with over £1m raised. Our investment in 
healthier lives for colleagues and customers will continue. 

47

Tesco PLC Annual Report and Financial Statements 2018Corporate governanceDirectors’ remuneration report continued

Annual report on remuneration  
– at a glance.

This part of the report and the Annual report on remuneration, which together form the Annual Report on Remuneration, have been prepared in accordance 
with Part 3 of The Large and Medium-sized Companies and Groups (Accounts and Reports) (Amendment) Regulations 2013 and Rule 9.8.6 of the Listing Rules. 
The Annual Report on Remuneration and the Annual statement from the Remuneration Committee Chair will be put to an advisory shareholder vote at the 
Annual General Meeting on 15 June 2018.

What our Executive Directors earned in 2017/18

Single total figure of remuneration – Executive Directors (audited)
The following table provides a summary single total figure of remuneration for 2017/18 and 2016/17 for the Executive Directors. Further details are set out in 
the Annual report on remuneration on pages 56 and 57.

Dave Lewis

Alan Stewart

Year

2017/18
2016/17

2017/18
2016/17

Base salary
(£’000)

Benefits
(£’000)

Pension
(£’000)

Short-term annual 
bonus (£’000)

1,250
1,250

750
750

65
223

53
46

313
313

188
188

2,275
2,361

1,248
1,252

Long-term 
Performance Share 
Plan 
(£’000)

971
–

530
–

Total 
(£’000)

4,874
4,147

2,769
2,236

Annual bonus outcomes (audited)
The Committee assessed each discrete element of the annual bonus separately to form a rounded assessment of performance of the Executive Directors  
at the end of the financial year. This resulted in 72.8% and 73.9% of the maximum bonus opportunity being awarded to Dave Lewis and Alan Stewart, 
respectively. Performance against each of the objectives for 2017/18 was assessed as follows:

Financial performance in 2017/18 (80% of bonus maximum)

Measures (% maximum)
Sales growth(a) (50%)
Group operating profit before 
exceptional items(a) (30%)

Underpin

Threshold

Target

Stretch

Threshold

Target

Stretch

performance

Performance targets

Vesting level

Actual  

Payout 
(% maximum)

n/a
£1,280m

£49,556m £50,057m £50,559m
£1,663m
£1,472m

£1,280m

30%
0%

50%
50%

100%
100%

£50,149m
£1,611m

29.6
26.0

(a)  Reported on a continuing operations basis at constant exchange rates.

Performance for the financial elements of the annual bonus has been strong, with sales growth and Group operating profit before exceptional items 
performance being between target and stretch.

Individual performance in 2017/18 (20% of bonus maximum) (audited)
The Committee carefully reviewed the performance of the Executive Directors against their Individual Objectives set at the beginning of the financial year. 
Details of how their performance towards these objectives was assessed is set out in the table below. Further details are provide on page 57.

Individual Objective

Weighting

Actual achievement

Dave Lewis

Alan Stewart

Obtain CMA clearance of the Booker Merger on the best terms 
Complete service model process and organisation changes
Accelerate cost reduction programme
Obtain CMA clearance of the Booker Merger on the best terms

Reduce net interest payable
Delivery of the Finance Transformation Programme and reduce costs of  
Goods Not For Resale

6.67%
6.67%
6.67%

6.67%

6.67%
6.67%

6.67%
5.00%
5.55%

6.67%

6.67%
5.00%

Payout

17.2%

18.3%

PSP vesting (audited)
The PSP award granted in 2015 will vest in July 2018 based on performance up to and including the 2017/18 financial year. The performance outcome was  
as follows:

Performance targets

Measures (% maximum)
Relative TSR(a) (70%)

Threshold
Median 
performance

Target

Stretch
Upper  
quartile 
performance

Threshold
25%

Cash generation (30%)

£6.6bn

£7.0bn

£7.3bn

25%

Vesting level

Target
Straight-line  
vesting between 
threshold and 
stretch
50%

Stretch
100%

Actual 
Performance
Below 
median

Payout
(% maximum)
0%

Number of shares to vest(b)

Dave Lewis Alan Stewart

100%

£7.9bn

30%

472,621

257,793

(a)  TSR was assessed against a bespoke group of FTSE 100 consumer business and services companies comprising Associated British Foods, Compass, Diageo, Dixons Carphone, Kingfisher, 

M&S, Morrisons, Next, Reckitt Benckiser, J Sainsbury, Unilever and Whitbread.

(b)  For the equivalent value in cash see the Single total figure of remuneration table above.

48

Tesco PLC Annual Report and Financial Statements 2018Directors’ remuneration policy  
– at a glance.

This part of the report and the Directors’ remuneration policy section commencing on page 50 set out the Remuneration Policy and have been prepared  
in accordance with The Large and Medium-sized Companies and Groups (Accounts and Reports) (Amendment) Regulations 2013. 

What are the key elements of remuneration packages for 2018/19

Summary of key elements of 2018/19 remuneration packages
A summary of the proposed 2018/19 remuneration packages for the Executive Directors is set out below.

Element of remuneration

Base salary
Pension

Annual bonus

Annual bonus deferral
Performance Share Plan (PSP)

PSP term
Shareholding requirement

Alan Stewart
£750,000
Cash allowance in lieu of pension  
of 25% of base salary
Maximum of 225%  
of base salary

Dave Lewis
£1,250,000
Cash allowance in lieu of pension  
of 25% of base salary
Maximum of 250%  
of base salary
50% of bonus awarded deferred into Tesco shares for three years
Maximum of 275%  
of base salary
Three year performance period and two year post-vest holding period
400%

Maximum of 250%  
of base salary

300%

Charles Wilson
£575,000
Cash allowance in lieu of pension  
of 20% of base salary
Maximum of 200%  
of base salary

Maximum of 225%  
of base salary

200%

How our proposed Remuneration Policy differs from our current policy

Summary of Remuneration Policy and proposed amendments
A summary of the proposed Remuneration Policy and its changes is shown below. The full policy is set on pages 50 to 55.

Base salary
Main features of proposed policy
 – Executive 

Benefits

 – Executive 

Directors receive 
a number of core 
benefits such as 
company car, life 
assurance and 
health care 
insurance.

Directors receive a 
base salary based 
on the size and 
scope of their 
responsibilities and 
their experience.

 – Salaries are 

normally reviewed 
annually, with 
changes being 
effective from  
1 July.

 – Pay decisions are 
informed, but not 
driven, by external 
benchmarking and 
market data.

Pension 

Annual bonus

Performance Share Plan (PSP)

Shareholding requirements

 – Executive 

Directors receive 
a cash allowance 
in lieu of pension, 
the maximum 
opportunity is 25% 
of base salary for 
current Executive 
Directors and 15% 
for new joiners.

 – Executive Directors 
can be awarded an 
annual bonus of up  
to 250% of base salary.

 – 50% of any bonus 

earned is deferred  
into Tesco shares  
for three years.
 – Performance is 

measured against 
financial metrics and 
non-financial metrics.
 – Clawback and malus 
provisions apply.

 – Executive Directors can 

participate in a PSP with a 
maximum grant value of 350%  
of base salary (2018/19 grants 
are 275% for the Group Chief 
Executive, 250% for the Chief 
Financial Officer and 225% for 
the CEO, UK & ROI). 

 – Performance is measured 

against financial metrics and 
non-financial metrics over a 
three-year performance period.  
A subsequent two-year holding 
period applies post vesting.

 – Clawback and malus  

provisions apply.

 – The Group Chief 
Executive, Chief 
Financial Officer and 
CEO, UK & ROI are 
subject to a minimum 
shareholding 
requirement of 400%, 
300% and 200%  
of base salary, 
respectively.

Key changes from previous policy
 – No change.

 – No change.

 – The cash 

 – No change.

 – Performance measures have 

 – The Executive 

allowance in lieu 
of pension has 
been reduced to 
15% of base salary 
for new joiners.

been simplified and may 
comprise a balance of financial 
and non-financial measures.
 – Stakeholder measures have 

been removed from the PSP, but 
included in the annual bonus. 
 – A two-year post-vesting holding 
period has been introduced.

Directors will now  
be required to retain 
all shares that vest  
to them until the 
shareholding 
requirement is met.

Key

  Fixed annual remuneration (salary + benefits + pension)

  Short-term annual bonus

  Long-term incentive plan

  Shareholding requirements

49

Tesco PLC Annual Report and Financial Statements 2018Corporate governanceDirectors’ remuneration report continued

Directors’ remuneration policy.

Policy report
The policy has been developed taking account of the principles of the UK Corporate Governance Code in relation to remuneration. The Committee also  
takes significant account of guidelines issued by the Investment Association, ISS, Glass Lewis and other shareholder bodies when setting the remuneration 
framework. It also seeks to maintain an active and constructive dialogue with investors on developments in the remuneration aspects of corporate 
governance generally and any changes to the Company’s executive pay arrangements in particular.

The proposed Remuneration Policy will be put to a binding shareholder vote at the Annual General Meeting on 15 June 2018 and, subject to receiving majority 
shareholder support, the policy will operate from the date of approval and is intended to remain applicable for the following three years. Information on how  
the Company intends to implement the proposed Remuneration Policy for the current financial year is set out in the Annual report on remuneration.

Remuneration policy and strategy
The Committee’s underlying principle is that remuneration should align with, and incentivise delivery of, the strategic plan, which aims to create long-term, 
sustainable performance and increased shareholder value. 

The proposed Remuneration Policy aligns to the strategic plan, particularly in terms of the targets chosen to incentivise management in the annual bonus  
and PSP and the weighting of those targets. It builds on arrangements put in place in 2015 that clearly link to, and have helped to incentivise delivery of, 
Tesco’s turnaround plan. The limited changes to the current Remuneration Policy now proposed are intended to enhance further the link between strategic 
delivery and remuneration outcomes.

Tesco needs to pay competitively, allowing it to attract and retain the talent capable of delivering its strategy and providing clear leadership. There is  
also a strong link between pay and performance, and consideration is given to environmental, social and governance risks when determining Director 
remuneration. Base salaries are normally set taking into account market median practice, while colleagues have the potential to earn total compensation  
at a market upper quartile level where sustained business and personal outperformance can be demonstrated. Equally, where performance does not meet 
business and personal targets then variable pay outcomes will be reduced, ultimately to zero. Further details of our Reward principles are set out on page 47.

Policy table

The following sets out the proposed Remuneration Policy. 

Base salary
Purpose

Operation

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.
The Committee sets base salary taking 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; and
 – 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.

Maximum Executive Directors’ salary increases will normally be in line with the typical level of increase awarded to other employees in the Group.

Measure
Change
Benefits
Purpose
Operation

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 Director gains experience; or

 – 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.
n/a
No change from previous policy.

To provide a market-competitive level of benefits for Executive Directors and to assist them in the performance of their roles.
The Committee sets 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 car benefits, security costs, health insurance and life assurance. Other appropriate benefits may be 
provided from time to time but will not be significant.
Executive Directors shall be reimbursed for all reasonable expenses and the Company may settle any tax incurred in relation to these.
All-employee share plans – Executive Directors are eligible to participate in the Company’s all-employee share schemes on the same terms  
as other colleagues.
Mobility policy – Where an Executive Director is required to relocate to perform their role, they may be offered appropriate relocation allowances 
and international transfer-related benefits where required.

Maximum 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.
n/a
No change from previous policy.

Measure
Change
Pension
Purpose
Operation
Maximum Maximum cash in lieu of pension or contribution of 15% of base salary for any newly hired Executive Director.

To provide an appropriate level of retirement benefits as a part of a holistic benefit package.
Executive Directors receive a cash allowance in lieu of pension or a contribution into a Defined Contribution scheme.

Measure
Change

Maximum cash in lieu of pension or contribution of 25% of base salary for Dave Lewis and Alan Stewart and 20% of base salary for Charles Wilson 
under previous arrangements.
n/a
The policy has been amended to reflect the fact that new Executive Directors receive a maximum of 15% of base salary as contribution and/or  
cash in lieu of pension.

50

Tesco PLC Annual Report and Financial Statements 2018Change
Performance Share Plan
Purpose

Annual bonus
Purpose

Operation

To reward Executive Directors for the delivery of Tesco’s annual financial, operational and strategic goals. Deferral into Tesco PLC shares provides 
alignment with shareholders.
The annual bonus is normally delivered:
 – 50% in cash; and
 – 50% in shares which are deferred for three years.
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.

Maximum Maximum annual bonus opportunity of 250% of base salary.

Measures

For details of award levels for 2017/18 see the Annual report on remuneration on pages 56 and 57.
The annual bonus may be based on a mix of financial, operational, strategic and individual performance measures. At least 70% of the bonus will  
be based on financial performance.
Payment of the annual bonus 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.
No change from previous policy.

To reward Executive Directors for achieving Tesco’s long-term strategy and creating sustainable shareholder value aligning the economic interests  
of Executive Directors and shareholders.

Operation Awards normally vest based on performance over a period of not less than three years (unless the Committee determines otherwise).

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.
All vested shares, net of any tax liabilities, will be subject to a further two-year holding period after the vesting date.

Maximum The maximum annual award that can be granted under the PSP is 350% of base salary.

Measures

Change

For details of award levels for 2018/19 see the Annual report on remuneration on page 58.
Awards vest based on financial or strategic performance conditions (the satisfaction of which is determined by the Committee).  
At least 50% of the PSP will be based on financial metrics.
The current measures are diluted EPS from continuing operations (50%) and free cash flow (50%) as set out on page 58. 
Any substantial or significant change to measures will be subject to shareholder consultation.
For threshold levels of performance up to 25% 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.
The policy has been amended to introduce diluted EPS as a performance measure for the PSP instead of relative TSR, free cash flow has been 
introduced as a performance measure instead of retail cash generated from operations and stakeholder metrics have been removed and 
incorporated into the annual bonus.
The policy has been amended to add a two-year holding period to the PSP post vesting. Executive Directors may sell sufficient shares to satisfy the  
tax liability on exercise, but must retain the net number of shares until the end of the two-year period. 

51

Tesco PLC Annual Report and Financial Statements 2018Corporate governanceDirectors’ remuneration report continued

Directors’ remuneration policy continued

Information supporting the policy table

Shareholding guidelines
Tesco operates shareholding guidelines of 400% of base salary for the Group Chief Executive, 300% for the Chief Financial Officer, and 200% for the  
CEO, UK & ROI and members of the Executive Committee. Executive Directors are required to retain all shares that vest to them, net of any tax liability, whether 
from the annual bonus or the PSP, until the relevant shareholding guideline is satisfied. The Committee may waive this requirement for certain exceptional  
personal circumstances.

Dividend equivalents
Dividend equivalents are payable on deferred annual bonus and PSP awards that vest.

Clawback and malus provisions
The Committee has the discretion to scale back deferred share awards and PSP awards prior to the satisfaction of such 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 their conduct  
has amounted to serious misconduct or fraud.

Where PSP awards are settled prior to the fifth anniversary of the grant of the award, the Committee shall have the discretion to clawback awards up to the  
fifth anniversary of the grant of awards in the circumstance described above.

Cash bonus payments can also be ‘clawed back’ in the circumstances described above up to the third anniversary of payment.

Timing of target disclosure
Targets for the PSP are disclosed on or before the grant date of the award. Targets and performance against these for the annual bonus are disclosed  
in the year following the start of the performance period.

Terms of share awards
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 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 or event 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 and be no less challenging to achieve.

Payments outside policy
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 proposed Remuneration 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.

External appointments
Executive Directors are permitted to hold one approved non-executive directorship of another company and to retain the fees earned from such appointment.

Minor changes
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.

Remuneration outcomes in different performance scenarios

The total remuneration opportunity for Executive Directors is strongly performance based and weighted to the long term. The charts below illustrate the 
total remuneration of Executive Directors under three assumed performance scenarios:

Group Chief Executive – Dave Lewis

Chief Financial Officer – Alan Stewart

CEO, UK & ROI – Charles Wilson

£8,190k

42%

38%

£4,909k

35%

32%

£1,628k

100%

33%

20%

£4,560k

41%

37%

22%

£2,772k

34%

30%

36%

£991k

100%

£1,971k

33%

29%

38%

£749k

100%

£3,193k

41%

36%

23%

Minimum

On-target

Maximum

Minimum

On-target

Maximum

Minimum

On-target

Maximum

Fixed pay

Annual bonus

Long-term incentive

52

Tesco PLC Annual Report and Financial Statements 2018Performance scenarios

Annual bonus (% of base salary)
PSP (% of base salary)
Minimum

On-target performance

Maximum performance

Chief Financial Officer
225
250

Group Chief Executive
250
275
 No annual bonus payout
 No vesting under the Performance Share Plan
 50% annual bonus payout
 50% Performance Share Plan vesting
 100% annual bonus payout
 100% Performance Share Plan vesting

CEO, UK & ROI
200
225

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:

Group Chief Executive – Dave Lewis (£’000)
Chief Financial Officer – Alan Stewart (£’000)
CEO, UK & ROI – Charles Wilson (£’000)

Base salary
1,250
750
575

Benefits (a)

Pension

65
53
59

313(b)
188(b)
115(c)

Total fixed pay
1,628
991
749

(a)  Benefits for Dave Lewis and Alan Stewart are as set out in Single total figure of remuneration on page 48 and for Charles Wilson are an average of Dave Lewis’ and Alan Stewart’s figures. 
(b)  25% of base salary.
(c)  20% of base salary.

Remuneration policy for new hires

When hiring a new Executive Director, the Committee would generally seek to align the remuneration package with the Remuneration Policy outlined in  
this section. The Committee will set base salary taking 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. Incentive opportunity will be in line with the policy maximums (i.e. total 
maximum incentive opportunity of 600% of base salary).

The Committee may make additional awards when appointing an Executive Director to ‘buy out’ remuneration terms forfeited on leaving a previous employer. 
The Committee will look to do so on a ‘like-for-like’ basis with the awards forfeited, taking 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.

To facilitate buyout awards in the event of recruitment, the Committee may grant awards to a new Executive Director under 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.

The Company will pay legal fees incurred by any new Executive Directors in respect of their appointment.

In the event that an internal candidate were to be 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 Chair or Non-executive Director, remuneration arrangements will reflect the policy outlined on page 55.

53

Tesco PLC Annual Report and Financial Statements 2018Corporate governanceDirectors’ remuneration report continued

Directors’ remuneration policy continued

Executive Director service agreements 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.

The following table summarises Tesco’s policy in relation to Executive Director service agreements and payments in the event of loss of office.

Provision
Notice period

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)

Other information

Current service agreements
Up to 12 months’ notice by the Company and 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 up to 12 months after the initial 12 months of employment.
Dave Lewis, Alan Stewart and Charles Wilson entered into service agreements with Tesco PLC on 19 July 2014,  
9 July 2014 and 5 March 2018, respectively.
These are rolling service agreements with no fixed expiry date.
Dave Lewis and Alan Stewart are entitled to 12 months’ notice and Charles Wilson six months’ notice by the Company, 
and are themselves required to give six months’ notice.
If the Company terminates an Executive Director’s agreement without full notice or it is terminated by an Executive 
Director in response to a serious contractual breach by the Company, then the Executive Director has the right to  
a termination payment to reflect the unexpired term of the notice.
Any termination payment in lieu of notice will be based on base salary and benefits only, plus any statutory rights.
Termination payments will normally be subject to mitigation and paid in instalments. The Company’s obligation  
to continue making phased termination payments will cease when the Executive Director commences  
alternative employment.
The Committee may require an Executive Director to work during their notice period, or may choose to place him  
or her on garden leave.
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 he or she worked. The Committee will determine the level of bonus taking into 
account time in active employment and performance.
The Company may reimburse for reasonable legal expenses in the event the Executive Director leaves by mutual consent.
Directors and Officers insurance for a specified period following the Executive Director termination date may be provided.
Where an Executive Director has been recruited from overseas, the Company may pay for repatriation. 

Service agreements of the Executive Directors 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 for good leavers, all awards will normally lapse except for good leavers. 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. Where an Executive Director 
leaves as a result of summary dismissal, they will forfeit outstanding share incentive awards.

‘Good leavers’ are those who have left the Company due to injury, ill-health or disability, death, 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.

Share plan
Executive Incentive Plan 2014  
(deferred bonus shares)
Performance Share Plan 2011

Good leavers as determined by the Committee in accordance with the plan rules
 – Unvested awards vest at cessation. Committee has discretion to defer vesting to the normal vesting date.

 – Unvested awards normally vest on the normal date, pro-rated for time, and will take into account performance achieved.
 – Shares in the holding period will continue to be held until the end of the two-year holding period or the second 

anniversary of the departure date, whichever is sooner, with the exception of death, in which case shares will be 
released to the estate.

All-employee share plans

 – Leaver provisions under all-employee share plans are determined in accordance with HMRC approved provisions.

Other vesting circumstances
Awards may also vest early to the extent determined by the Committee if:

1.  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 or her 

award (under the PSP and Executive Incentive Plan 2014); or

2.  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 dividend in specie).

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  
Executive Incentive Plan 2014) awards will vest in full.

54

Tesco PLC Annual Report and Financial Statements 2018Remuneration policy for Non-executive Directors

Approach to setting fees
 – 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.
 – Fees are set taking into account the following factors:

 • the time commitment required to fulfil the  

role; and

 • typical practice at other companies of a similar 

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 and the Committee 

at appropriate intervals.

 – 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.

Basis of fees
 – Non-executive Director fees policy is to pay:
 • a basic fee for membership of the Board;
 • an additional fee for the Chair of a Committee 

and the Senior Independent Director to take into 
account the additional responsibilities and time 
commitment of the role; and

 • an additional fee for membership of a Committee 
to take into account the additional responsibilities 
and time commitment of the role.

 – Additional fees may be paid to reflect additional 

Board or Committee responsibilities as appropriate.

 – Non-executive Directors 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 Chairman receives 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.

Other items
 – The Non-executive Directors are not entitled to 
participate in the annual bonus or Performance 
Share Plan.

 – The Non-executive Directors have the benefit  

of Directors’ and Officers’ liability insurance and 
provision of an 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 may have 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 may reimburse the Non-executive 

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 reasonable legal fees  

for advice in relation to terms of engagement.
 – If a Non-executive Director is based overseas  
then the Company would meet travel and 
accommodation expenditure as required to  
fulfil non-executive duties and may settle any  
tax incurred in relation to these.

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. The unexpired term of Non-executive Directors’ appointments can be found on page 62. 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. Non-executive Directors’ letters of appointment are available for shareholders to view at the Company’s registered office. 

Considering colleagues’ views
While the Committee has not consulted colleagues directly when developing the proposed Remuneration Policy, a significant portion of colleagues  
are shareholders so are able to express their views in the same way as other shareholders.

The Company undertakes an employee engagement survey, which occurs annually across Tesco’s global operations and semi-annually for colleagues  
in the UK. This survey asks for feedback and comments on many aspects of employment with Tesco, including employee reward and benefits. This insight, 
combined with feedback gleaned from social media channels, forms a key part of shaping future plans and taking action to improve.

The Committee reviews information regarding the typical remuneration structure and reward levels for other UK-based employees to provide context  
when determining the proposed Remuneration Policy.

Considering shareholders’ views
The Committee believes that it is very important to maintain an open dialogue with shareholders on remuneration matters. The Committee regularly  
consults major 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 major shareholders in advance of making any material changes to remuneration arrangements for 
Executive Directors.

55

Tesco PLC Annual Report and Financial Statements 2018Corporate governanceDirectors’ remuneration report continued

Annual report on remuneration.

The following pages and the At a glance section, which together form the Annual Report on Remuneration, have been prepared in accordance with Part 3  
of The Large and Medium-sized Companies and Groups (Accounts and Reports) (Amendment) Regulations 2013 and Rule 9.8.6 of the Listing Rules. The Annual 
Report on Remuneration and the Annual Statement from the Remuneration Committee Chair will be put to an advisory shareholder vote at the Annual General 
Meeting on 15 June 2018.

Fixed remuneration

Salary
The Committee considered the Group Chief Executive’s and Chief Financial Officer’s base salaries during 2017/18 taking into account pay review budgets across 
the Group. As a result, the Committee determined that the base salaries for Dave Lewis and Alan Stewart would remain unchanged in 2018/19. The base salaries 
of Dave Lewis and Alan Stewart have remained unchanged since their dates of appointment in 2014.

Base salary
Increase in year (%)
Annual base salary (£’000)
Base salary received in year (£’000)

Dave Lewis

Alan Stewart

2018/19
Nil
1,250
1,250

2017/18
Nil
1,250
1,250

2018/19
Nil
750
750

2017/18
Nil
750
750

Benefits
Each Executive Director received a car or cash allowance and the benefit of a driver. The Company also provided health insurance and life assurance, and 
security costs (to Dave Lewis). In 2016/17 Dave Lewis received relocation support of £142,000 (2017/18: nil). Details of benefits paid in 2017/18 are set out in  
At a glance on page 48.

Pension
Dave Lewis and Alan Stewart received a cash allowance in lieu of pension of 25% of base salary.

Pension
Annual cash allowance in lieu of pension (% of base salary)
Annual cash allowance in lieu of pension (£’000)

2017/18 variable remuneration

Dave Lewis

Alan Stewart

2017/18
25%
313

2016/17
25%
313

2017/18
25%
188

2016/17
25%
188

2017/18 annual bonus payouts for the Executive Directors
In determining the final level of bonus payable, the Committee considered the wider performance of the Group and noted that management were continuing to 
make fundamental improvements in the way we serve customers, made strong progress against the six strategic drivers, completed the merger with Booker 
and reinstated the dividend. On this basis, the annual bonus will pay out at 72.8% of the maximum for Dave Lewis and 73.9% of the maximum for Alan Stewart.  
In accordance with the approved Remuneration Policy, 50% of the payouts will be deferred into Tesco shares for three years, subject to continued employment.

Total annual bonus payout in 2017/18 (audited)
Stretch bonus opportunity (% of base salary)
Actual bonus (% of maximum)
Actual bonus (% of base salary)
Actual bonus (£’000)
Deferred into shares (50% of actual bonus) (£’000)

Executive Directors

Dave Lewis
250%
72.8%
182%
2,275
1,137.5

Alan Stewart
225%
73.9%
166%
1,247
623.5

56

Tesco PLC Annual Report and Financial Statements 20182017/18 achievement of individual objectives

Executive Director
Dave Lewis 

Booker
In December 2017, the Booker merger 
received clearance from the Competition 
and Markets Authority (CMA). Clearance  
from the CMA, which was the measure  
for this element of bonus, was achieved 
unconditionally. As a result of this 
performance the maximum payout  
was achieved of 6.67%.

Executive Director
Alan Stewart

Booker
As above, maximum payout of 6.67%.

Organisation changes
Action taken this year to simplify the 
business included moving to a new service 
model in our offices in the UK followed by 
similar changes in Central Europe and the 
successful organisation restructure in stores, 
engagement centres and Head Office. The  
completion of these changes was ahead of 
target of completion by December 2017 but 
below stretch of completion by September 
2017, and led to a payout of 5.00%.

Balance sheet
During the year, an annual interest saving 
of £50.5m was generated primarily through 
the early repayment of bonds. This was 
ahead of target of £30m and stretch of 
£50m, and resulted in a maximum payout  
of 6.67%.

Costs
During the year, cost savings of £594m were 
generated towards the £1.5bn medium-term 
target. This was above target of £557m but 
below stretch of £613m, and resulted 
in a payout of 5.55%.

Financials
The Finance Transformation programme 
remains on track, with costs below budget.  
This element resulted in performance 
between target and stretch.
Cost savings generated from Goods Not  
For Resale of £136m were slightly below 
stretch of £141m, but above target of £120m.
Payout between target and stretch was 
achieved of 5.00%.

(a)  Details of the outturn of the financial performance metrics for the 2017/18 annual bonus are set out in At a glance on page 48.

2017 PSP award grant (audited)
The following summarises the PSP awards made to Dave Lewis and Alan Stewart in 2017/18.

Dave Lewis 

Alan Stewart

Type of award
Nil cost options subject to 
performance conditions 
and continued employment 
Nil cost options subject to 
performance conditions 
and continued employment

Date of award
11/05/17

Gross number  
of shares
1,909,722

Face value
(% of base salary)
275%

Face value(a)

(£)
3,437,500

Threshold 
vesting  
(% of face value)
 20% 

Stretch vesting  
(% of face 
value)
100%

End of  

vesting period
11/05/20

11/05/17

1,041,666

250%

1,874,999

 20% 

100% 

11/05/20 

(a)  The face value has been calculated using the closing price on grant of 180p (11 May 2017). The range of the Company’s share price for the year was 166p to 214p.
(b)  The table shows the maximum number of shares that could be released if awards were to vest in full.
(c)  Details of the performance measures and targets applying to the awards were set out in last year’s annual report.

Implementation of policy in 2018/19

2018/19 salary
The base salaries of Dave Lewis, Alan Stewart and Charles Wilson will remain unchanged in 2018/19 at £1,250,000, £750,000 and £575,000, respectively.

2018/19 annual bonus awards
The maximum annual bonus opportunity and performance measures for each of the Executive Directors for 2018/19 are as follows:

Executive Director
Dave Lewis
Alan Stewart
Charles Wilson

Measures
Sales growth
Group operating profit before exceptional items
Strategic Objectives, including stakeholder measures
Group operating profit before exceptional items

Maximum opportunity
250%
225%
200%

Weighting
40%
40%
20%
Underpin

The strategic objectives for Dave Lewis, Alan Stewart and Charles Wilson include stakeholder measures relating to colleagues, customers and suppliers. 
Bonus targets are considered by the Board to be commercially sensitive as they could inform Tesco’s competitors of its budgeting. Therefore, we do not 
publish details of the targets on a prospective basis. However, we will provide full and transparent disclosure of the targets and the performance against 
these targets on a retrospective basis in next year’s Annual Report at the same time that the bonus outcome is reported.

In relation to exchange rates, the 2018/19 targets were set based on 2017/18 average actual foreign exchange rates. Performance against these targets  
will be measured based on the same rates in order to ensure consistent treatment of foreign exchange in both targets and actual performance. To ensure 
that Executive Directors are not incentivised to grow sales at the expense of satisfactory profitability, a Group operating profit underpin will continue to 
be applied to the annual bonus below which no portion of the bonus will be paid. The impact of the merger with Booker Group on the Group’s performance 
has been incorporated into the 2018/19 annual bonus targets. 

57

Tesco PLC Annual Report and Financial Statements 2018Corporate governanceDirectors’ remuneration report continued

Annual report on remuneration continued

2018 PSP award grant
As set out in the proposed Remuneration Policy commencing on page 50, the value of the PSP awards to be granted to each Executive Director in 2018 and 
corresponding performance measures are as follows:

Executive Director
Dave Lewis
Alan Stewart

Charles Wilson

Maximum opportunity
275%
250%

225%

Performance measure

Definition of measure

EPS

Free cash flow

Diluted earnings per share from continuing operations before exceptional items, net pension finance costs and fair 
value remeasurements on financial instruments.

Free cash flow includes all cash flows from operating and investing activities, and the market purchase of shares  
in relation to share schemes. The following items are excluded: investing cash flows that increase/decrease items 
within Group net debt, and cash flows from major corporate acquisitions and disposals. This measure reflects the  
cash available to shareholders.

Both financial measures are defined in the same manner as the reported alternative performance measures as set out on pages 150 to 152.

The corresponding incentive targets over the three-year performance period are:

Performance measure
EPS
Free cash flow

Weighting
50%
50%

Threshold

Target

Stretch

Vesting level
25%
25%

Performance
required
18.0p
£3.7bn

Vesting level
50%
50%

Performance
required
21.2p
£4.6bn

Vesting
level
100%
100%

Performance
required
24.4p
£5.5bn

Performance targets are set taking into account internal budget forecasts, the Long Term Plan, external expectations and the need to ensure that targets 
remain motivational. The impact of the merger with Booker Group on the Group’s performance has been incorporated into the 2018 PSP targets. 

2018 PSP award grant
Awards made to Dave Lewis, Alan Stewart and Charles Wilson in 2018 will be reported in next year’s Annual Report.

Dividend equivalents
Awards will 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 will assume reinvestment of those dividends in Company shares on a cumulative basis.

Outstanding PSP awards
Following completion of the merger with Booker Group on 5 March 2018, the Committee will consider amendments to the targets of outstanding PSP awards 
to reflect the impact of the merger on the Tesco business going forward and to ensure targets remain suitably stretching. 

58

Tesco PLC Annual Report and Financial Statements 2018Performance graph
The following chart illustrates the performance of Tesco measured by Total Shareholder Return (share price growth plus dividends paid) against the FTSE 100, 
which is a broad market index of which Tesco is a constituent, over a period of nine years. An additional line to illustrate the Company’s performance 
compared with the FTSE 350 Food and Drug Retailers index over the previous nine years is also included. 

TSR performance graph
(Value of hypothetical £100 investment)

168

130

129

145

130

125

100

191

131

130

172

111

106

214

135

121

225

107

93

205

91

69

254

264

100

72

110

78

300

250

200

150

100

50

0

02/2009

02/2010

02/2011

02/2012

02/2013

02/2014

02/2015

02/2016

02/2017

02/2018

Tesco

FTSE 350 Food & Drug

FTSE 100

Source: Datastream

While Total Shareholder Returns have been increasing for Tesco in recent years, the period covered by the chart reflects a period of significant corporate 
change, including the decision to make a significant reinvestment in our customer offer and withdraw the dividend in 2015, in order to focus on improving the 
competitiveness of the core UK business and protecting and strengthening the balance sheet. The sector more broadly has faced a number of challenges in 
recent years, including consumer uncertainty, significant price competition and cost inflation. Tesco is in a strong position to deal with these challenges and, 
reflecting improving performance and confidence in the future prospects for the Company, the Board reinstated the dividend during the current financial year.

Managing executive pay 
Tesco focuses on executive pay in the context of the overall spend on remuneration across the Group. The table below sets out a key trend since the current 
Executive Directors joined the business in 2014, reflecting both a reduction in the numbers of those serving on the Executive Committee and a focus on 
costs.

Executive remuneration and all colleague costs
(Indexed change over time)

120

100

80

60

01/07/2014

28/02/2015

28/02/2016

28/02/2017

28/02/2018

Average cost of total reward – all colleagues

Executive Committee base salaries as a % of total Group wage costs

The table shows that over the period from July 2014 to the end of February 2018:

 – Executive Committee base salary costs as a proportion of the total Group spend on remuneration fell by a third from 0.18% to 0.12%; and
 – the average total reward package for each colleague across the Group, inclusive of variable pay outcomes, rose by around 1.5%.

Tesco will continue to focus on the relationship between executive pay and the wider workforce in the period ahead and we intend to develop further  
our disclosure on this topic.

59

Tesco PLC Annual Report and Financial Statements 2018Corporate governanceDirectors’ remuneration report continued

Annual report on remuneration continued

Executive Directors’ interests in shares and shareholding guidelines (audited)
The table below sets out shares held by the Executive Directors and their connected persons (including beneficial interests) and a summary of outstanding 
share awards. 

Ordinary 
shares
beneficially 
owned  

at 25/02/17
101,870
51,813

Ordinary 
shares 
beneficially 
owned  

at 24/02/18
103,346
53,033

Unvested 
deferred 
annual bonus 
options 
subject to 
continued 
employment
1,604,104
859,948

Unvested PSP 
awards 
subject to 
performance 
conditions
5,668,394
3,091,849

Vested but 
unexercised 
nil cost 
options, not 
subject to 
performance 
conditions
2,151,647
838,158

Unvested nil 
cost options 
not subject to 
performance 
conditions
–
57,255

Current 
shareholding  
(% of base 
salary)
344%
269%

Shareholding 
requirement  
(% of base 
salary)
400%
300%

Executive Director
Dave Lewis
Alan Stewart

(a)  Value of Executive Directors’ shareholdings based on the three-month average share price to 24 February 2018 of 205p.
(b)  Vested and unvested options include dividend equivalents added since the date of grant.
(c)  Shares used to determine the shareholding guideline are shares beneficially owned and shares held in plans which are not subject to performance conditions on a net of tax basis.
(d)  Between 25 February and 10 April 2018, Dave Lewis and Alan Stewart both acquired 68 partnership shares under the all-employee Share Incentive Plan. No other changes in Executive 

Director share interests occurred in the period.

In accordance with the approved shareholding guidelines, Dave Lewis and Alan Stewart have five years to meet the guidelines (i.e. until 1 September and  
23 September 2019, respectively). Since appointment, Dave Lewis and Alan Stewart have made material progress towards meeting the guidelines and are 
expected to meet them within the allotted time period. Under the proposed Remuneration Policy, Executive Directors will be required to retain all shares 
that vest, net of any tax liabilities, until the requirement is met.

Executive Committee members are required to build up a shareholding of 200% of base salary in Tesco shares within five years of appointment to the 
Executive Committee. As at the date of this report, this had been met by all Executive Committee members, except Jane Lawrie, Alessandra Bellini and  
Matt Simister who were appointed on 10 October 2016, 1 March 2017 and 1 April 2017, respectively. In line with the Executive Directors, under the proposed 
Remuneration Policy, Executive Committee members will be required to retain all shares that vest until the requirement is met. 

As at 10 April 2018, Charles Wilson held 113,675,542 Tesco shares significantly exceeding his shareholding guideline of 200% of base salary. In accordance  
with the terms of his Lock-up Agreement these shares will be held by him for five years from 5 March 2018.

Executive Directors’ interests in share awards

Financial year awards vesting in

2014/15

2015/16

2016/17

2017/18

2018/19

2019/20

2020/21

Dave Lewis
Vested awards
Options subject to service
Options subject to performance and service (PSP)
SAYE options (exercise price £1.51)
Alan Stewart
Vested awards
Options subject to service
Options subject to performance and service (PSP)
SAYE options (exercise price £1.51)

454,694
–
–
–

–
–
–
–

611,205
–
–
–

254,231
–
–
–

613,365
–
–
–

328,841
–
–
–

472,383
–
–
–

255,086
–
–
–

–
–
1,566,987
11,920

–
56,950
854,720
11,920

–
939,720
2,161,405
–

–
507,449
1,178,948
–

–
655,815
1,909,722
–

–
347,906
1,041,666
–

(a)  No options lapsed or were exercised by Dave Lewis in 2017/18.
(b)  308,543 nil cost options granted to Alan Stewart on 24 October 2014 as part of a buy out agreement for share options forfeited on leaving his previous employer lapsed in 2017/18. 

No options were exercised by him in 2017/18.

(c)  All options lapse 10 years after grant.
(d)  Vested awards include dividend equivalents added since the date of grant.

Change in Group Chief Executive remuneration compared with changes in colleague remuneration
In the UK, the total reward package for a typical customer assistant is ahead of the voluntary Living Wage on a national basis and the same hourly rate is paid 
to all colleagues regardless of age. The Company is committed to rewarding colleagues with a total reward package that provides them with choice and that 
they really value.

The table below shows the percentage change in remuneration for the Group Chief Executive and the average UK colleague from 2016/17 to 2017/18. 
The Committee decided to use UK colleagues as the appropriate comparator group as pay changes across the Group depending on local market conditions, 
UK colleagues constitute the majority of Tesco’s colleagues and the Group Chief Executive is predominantly based in the UK, albeit with a global role  
and responsibilities.

Group Chief Executive
Average UK colleague

Salary  
(% change from  

2016/17 to 2017/18)
0%
5.25%

Benefits  
(% change from  

2016/17 to 2017/18)
(71)%
0%

Bonus  
(% change from  

2016/17 to 2017/18)
(3.6)%
(13)%

Bonuses for 2017/18 for UK eligible colleagues paid out on average at 69% of the maximum bonus opportunity (2016/17: 82%).

60

Tesco PLC Annual Report and Financial Statements 2018Group Chief Executive remuneration history

Group Chief Executive single  
figure of remuneration (£’000)
Annual bonus outturn  
(% of maximum award) 
PSP vest (% of maximum award) 
Share option vesting  
(% of maximum award) 

2009/10

Sir Terry
Leahy 
7,100

2010/11

Sir Terry 
Leahy 
7,150

2011/12

Philip
Clarke 
4,595

Philip
Clarke 
1,280

Philip
Clarke 
1,634

Philip
Clarke
764

Dave
Lewis(b)
4,133

2012/13

2013/14

2014/15

2015/16

2016/17

2017/18

89%

75%

0%(a) 

83% 
100% 

75% 
100% 

 46.5% 
100%

0% 

0% 
0%

0%

0%
n/a

0%

0%
n/a

n/a

n/a
n/a

Dave
Lewis
4,632

96%

n/a
n/a

Dave
Lewis
4,147

76%

n/a
n/a

Dave
Lewis
4,874

73%

30%
n/a

(a)  Philip Clarke elected not to take a bonus for 2011/12 and left the Board on 1 September 2014.
(b)  The single figure total for 2014/15 includes one-off buyout awards made to Dave Lewis to compensate him for awards forfeited from his previous employer. The awards were made 
based on the expected value of the awards forfeited, taking into account performance at his previous employer and delivered in restricted shares which vest subject to continued 
employment by Tesco. Since these were awards related to previous employment, and not subject to Tesco performance conditions, there is no direct alignment with Tesco’s 
performance in 2014/15. The awards had no impact on the single figure for 2015/16 or any future years.

Relative importance of spend on pay
The chart shows total colleague pay compared with distributions to shareholders and for further context, Group operating profit before exceptional items. 
Tesco’s colleagues are essential to how the Company does business and meets the needs of its customers. In 2017/18, Tesco employed, on average, 448,988 
colleagues across the Group (2016/17: 464,520).

(£m)

7,362

7,233

1,280

1,644

0

82

2016/17

2017/18

2016/17

2017/18

2016/17

2017/18

Total
employee pay

Distributions
to shareholders

Group operating profit
before exceptional items

Total employee pay includes wages and salaries, social security, pension and share-based costs at actual exchange rates (£7,233m in 2017/18 and £7,362m  
in 2016/17 – see Note 3 of the financial statements). Distributions to shareholders include interim and final dividends paid in respect of each financial year  
(£nil in 2016/17 and £82m in 2017/18) (see Note 8 of the financial statements). There were no share buy-backs in 2016/17 or 2017/18. 

Further information on remuneration in 2017/18

Payments to former Directors and for loss of office (audited)
There were no payments made to former Directors that exceeded the de minimis threshold of £10,000 set by the Company. There were no payments for loss  
of office made to Directors in the year.

Risk management
When developing the remuneration structures, the Committee considered whether any aspect of these might encourage risk taking or inappropriate 
behaviours that are incompatible with Tesco’s values and the long-term interests of shareholders. If necessary, the Committee would take appropriate  
steps to address this. The Committee also has the discretion to apply malus and clawback in certain circumstances.

Outside appointments
In 2017/18, Alan Stewart received £92,000 (2016/17: £92,000) in fees and a product allowance of £1,250 as a non-executive director of Diageo plc. He does not 
receive any fees as a Director of Tesco Personal Finance Group Limited (Tesco Bank). 

Funding of equity awards
Executive Director 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 Investment Association dilution guidelines on their issue. The current dilution usage of discretionary plans is 2.6% of shares in 
issue. Where shares are purchased in the market, these may be held by Tesco Employees’ Share Scheme Trustees Limited or Tesco International Employee 
Benefit Trust in which case the voting rights relating to the shares are exercisable by the Trustees in accordance with their fiduciary duties. At 24 February 2018, 
the Trusts held 13,311,503 shares.

61

Tesco PLC Annual Report and Financial Statements 2018Corporate governanceDirectors’ remuneration report continued

Annual report on remuneration continued

Implementation of remuneration policy for Non-executive Directors in 2017/18

Non-executive Directors’ dates of appointment

Director
John Allan 
Mark Armour 
Stewart Gilliland
Steve Golsby
Byron Grote 
Mikael Olsson 
Deanna Oppenheimer
Simon Patterson 
Alison Platt 
Lindsey Pownall 

Date of appointment 
1 March 2015 
2 September 2013 
5 March 2018 
1 October 2016 
1 May 2015 
1 November 2014
1 March 2012 
1 April 2016 
1 April 2016 
1 April 2016 

Notice period
None
None
None
None
None
None
None
None
None
None

Appointment end date in accordance  
with letter of appointment
AGM 2018
AGM 2018
AGM 2018
AGM 2018
AGM 2018
AGM 2018
AGM 2018
AGM 2018
AGM 2018
AGM 2018

Non-executive Director fees
Non-executive Director fees are reviewed periodically by the Board, with the last increase taking effect from 1 March 2017. Non-executive Director fees will be 
reviewed in 2018/19, with any changes taking effect from 1 March 2019. The structure of fees paid to Non-executive Directors in 2018/19 will remain unchanged 
from the prior year as set out below. 

Basic fee 
Additional fees:
Senior Independent Director
Chairs of the Audit, Corporate Responsibility or Remuneration Committees 
Membership of Audit, Corporate Responsibility, Nominations and Governance or Remuneration Committees 

£72,000 p.a.

£27,000 p.a.
£31,000 p.a.
£12,500 p.a. for each Committee

The Company reimburses the Directors for reasonable expenses in performing their duties and may settle any tax incurred in relation to these. The Company  
will pay reasonable legal fees for advice in relation to terms of engagement. For Non-executive Directors based overseas the Company meets travel and 
accommodation expenditure as required to fulfil their duties.

Chairman’s fee
John Allan was appointed as Non-executive Chairman with effect from 1 March 2015. He receives a fee of £650,000 p.a. inclusive of all Board fees, which  
was fixed for a period of three years and will be reviewed in 2018/19. He may have the benefit of home security, colleague discount and healthcare for himself  
and his partner. 

Fees paid during 2017/18 (audited)
The following table sets out the fees paid to the Non-executive Directors for the year ended 24 February 2018. Non-executive Directors are not paid  
a pension and do not participate in any of the Company’s variable incentive schemes. 

Director
John Allan

Mark Armour 

Steve Golsby

Byron Grote 

Mikael Olsson 

Deanna Oppenheimer

Simon Patterson

Alison Platt

Lindsey Pownall

Date
2017/18
2016/17
2017/18
2016/17
2017/18
2016/17
2017/18
2016/17
2017/18
2016/17
2017/18
2016/17
2017/18
2016/17
2017/18
2016/17
2017/18
2016/17

Fees  

(£’000)
650
650
84
82
89
28
128
124
97
94
155
127
84
71
84
71
95
71

Taxable expenses 
 (£’000)
10
13
–
–
9
6
–
–
4
5
14
13
–
–
2
3
6
15

Total
(£’000)
660
663
84
82
98
34
128
124
101
99
169
140
84
71
86
74
101
86

(a)  John Allan also received benefits of £3,000 (2016/17: £3,000) made up of security costs and healthcare insurance. The Non-executive Directors’ taxable expenses comprised travel, 

hotel and subsistence expenses related to their role and have been grossed up for tax, where applicable.

(b)  Steve Golsby joined the Board on 1 October 2016.

62

Tesco PLC Annual Report and Financial Statements 2018Beneficial share ownership (audited)
The table below outlines the current share interests of the Non-executive Directors. Shareholdings include shares held by connected persons. Non-executive 
Directors are subject to the same share dealing policy as Executive Directors and there were no changes to their share interests between 25 February and  
10 April 2018.

Non-executive Director
John Allan(a)
Mark Armour 
Steve Golsby
Byron Grote(b)
Mikael Olsson 
Deanna Oppenheimer(b) 
Simon Patterson
Alison Platt 
Lindsey Pownall

Ordinary shares held at 24 February 2018
284,082
50,000
42,296
243,000
20,101
109,041
100,000
11,242
20,000

Ordinary shares held at 25 February 2017
224,349
25,000 
–
173,700
5,000 
103,500
–
–
–

(a)  John Allan also held 398,000 bonds in the Company at 24 February 2018 (298,000 bonds at 25 February 2017).
(b)  Byron Grote and Deanna Oppenheimer held their shares in the form of American Depositary Receipts. Each ADR is equivalent to three Ordinary shares of 5p each in the Company.
(c)  On his appointment to the Board on 5 March 2018, Stewart Gilliland held 43,050 Ordinary shares.

The Remuneration Committee in 2017/18

Operation of the Remuneration Committee
The Committee schedules meetings two years in advance. During the year, it held four scheduled meetings and three ad hoc meetings. Ad hoc meetings were 
convened to consider matters in relation to the Booker merger and the Remuneration Policy. The Directors’ biographies can be found on pages 28 and 29.  
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. Steve Golsby joined the Committee on 2 October 2017. Steve has attended all scheduled meetings subsequent to his appointment.

Robert Welch, Group Company Secretary, is Secretary to the Committee and the Group Chief Executive attends meetings at the invitation of the Committee. 
The Group Chief Executive is not present when his own remuneration is being discussed. The Committee is supported by Alison Horner (Chief People Officer) 
as well as the Reward, Corporate Secretariat and Finance functions.

Relations with Tesco Bank
As required by the Financial Conduct Authority, Tesco Bank has a separate, independent remuneration committee. The 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.

Remuneration Committee activities 2017/18
The following provides a summary of the key areas of focus of the Committee during the year: 

Strategy and policy

Appointments and cessations

Pay
Short-term incentives

Long-term incentives

Governance and other matters

Assessed the external environment in respect of the Company’s current remuneration arrangements.
Reviewed remuneration arrangements below Board level.
Reviewed external market developments and best practice in remuneration.
Approved the remuneration of Charles Wilson, CEO, UK & ROI.
Approved cessation terms for Matt Davies.
Reviewed Executive Directors’ and senior managers’ base salaries.
Reviewed performance against targets and determined annual bonus outturn.
Considered the design, metrics and approach to targets for the 2017/18 annual bonus.
Reviewed performance against targets and determined 2014 PSP outturn.
Considered the approach to be taken for the 2018 PSP award.
Monitored performance of outstanding PSP awards against targets.
Consulted with leading shareholders and representative bodies on the proposed Remuneration Policy.
Reviewed shareholder feedback on 2017 Annual Report.
Considered institutional investors’ guidelines on executive remuneration.
Reviewed shareholding guidelines and progress of Executive Directors and Executive Committee members.
Approved the 2016/17 Directors’ remuneration report.
Received report from Tesco Bank remuneration committee.
Reviewed the Committee’s performance and terms of reference.

63

Tesco PLC Annual Report and Financial Statements 2018Corporate governanceDirectors’ remuneration report continued

Annual report on remuneration continued

Committee advisers
The Committee has authority to obtain the advice of external independent remuneration consultants. It is solely responsible for their appointment, retention 
and termination and for approval of the basis of their fees and other terms. PwC was appointed adviser to the Committee in 2015 following a comprehensive 
selection process. The Chair of the Committee agrees the protocols under which PwC provides advice. PwC is a member of the Remuneration Consultants 
Code of Conduct and adheres to this Code in its dealings with the Committee. Willis Towers Watson also provided the Committee with benchmarking data and 
assessments during the year and fees for this were £41,000 (2016/17: £49,000).

During the year, PwC provided independent advice and commentary on a range of topics including remuneration trends, corporate governance, review of 
the Remuneration Policy and consulting with major shareholders. PwC fees for advice provided to the Committee were £166,000 (2016/17: £155,000). Fees are 
charged on a time and materials basis. PwC also provided general consultancy services to management during the year. Separate teams within PwC provided 
unrelated advisory services in respect of corporate tax compliance, technology consulting and internal audit services during the year. However, the 
Committee is satisfied that these activities do not compromise the independence or objectivity of the advice it has received from PwC.

Compliance
In carrying out its duties, the Committee gives full consideration to best practice, including investor guidelines. The Committee was constituted and operated 
throughout the period in accordance with the principles outlined in the Listing Rules of the Financial Conduct Authority. The auditor’s report, set out on 
pages 68 to 73, covers the disclosures referred to in this report that are specified for audit by the Financial Conduct Authority.

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 
taken in response in the next Directors’ remuneration report.

Voting outcome for 2016/17 Remuneration Report 

AGM resolution % of votes
Remuneration Report(a)

For
90.6% 

Against
9.4%

(a)  6,358,332 votes were withheld. Votes withheld are not counted in the votes for or against a resolution but would be considered by the Committee in the event of a significant number  

of votes being withheld.

Voting outcome for Remuneration Policy (at 2015 AGM when the current policy was approved)

For
96.5% 

Against
3.5%

AGM resolution % of votes
Remuneration Policy(a)

(a)  473,362,689 votes were withheld.

Approved by the Board
10 April 2018

Deanna Oppenheimer
Remuneration Committee Chair

64

Tesco PLC Annual Report and Financial Statements 2018Directors’ report

The Directors present their report, together with the audited accounts  
for the 52 weeks ended 24 February 2018.

Dividends
Reflecting Tesco’s improved performance and the Board’s confidence  
in its future prospects, on 4 October 2017 the Company announced  
the restoration of its dividend and on 24 November 2017 paid an interim  
dividend of 1.0p per ordinary share (this follows payment of no dividend  
in the 52 weeks ended 25 February 2017 and 27 February 2016 and  
payment of a dividend of 1.16p per ordinary share in the 53 weeks ended  
28 February 2015). The Board expects a broadly one-third, two-thirds split 
between the interim and final dividend and is intending to pay a final dividend  
for the 52 weeks ending 24 February 2018 of 2.0p per ordinary share  
(subject to shareholder approval), with dividends expected to grow from 
2017, with the aim of achieving a target cover of approximately two times 
earnings per share over the medium term.

Certain nominee companies representing our employee benefit trusts hold 
shares in the Company in connection with the operation of the Company’s 
share plans and evergreen dividend waivers remain in place on shares held 
by them that have not been allocated to employees.

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 28 on page 126. In accordance 
with the terms of the cash and share merger with Booker Group plc 
approved by shareholders on 28 February 2018 (the Merger), Tesco PLC 
issued 1,547,854,846 ordinary shares on 5 March 2018 to holders of  
Booker Group plc ordinary shares.

No shareholder holds securities carrying special rights with regards to 
control of the Company. Except for the Lock Up Agreement (described 
further below), which the Company has entered into with Charles Wilson, 
CEO UK & ROI, there are no other 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.

On 27 January 2017, Charles Wilson entered into a Lock up Agreement as part  
of the Merger under which he agreed not to (subject to certain customary 
carve-outs) dispose of his holding of 24,533 ordinary shares in the Company. 
In an extension to the Lock up Agreement, Charles Wilson recorded his 
intention not to dispose of the entire 113,675,542 ordinary shares in the 
Company he received as a Booker shareholder pursuant to the Merger without 
Tesco’s consent during the lock-up period of five years from 5 March 2018.

The Company was authorised by shareholders at the 2017 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  
and in line with the recommendations of the Pre-emption Group.

Shares held by the Company’s Share Incentive Plan Trust, International 
Employee Benefit Trust, Employees’ Share Scheme Trust and Tesco Ireland 
Share Bonus 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.

Share forfeiture
The Company implemented a share forfeiture programme following  
the completion of a tracing and notification exercise to any shareholders 
who had not had contact with the Company over the past 12 years, in 
accordance with the provisions set out in the Company’s Articles. Under  
the share forfeiture programme the shares and dividends associated with 
shares of untraced members were forfeited, with the resulting proceeds 
transferred to the Company to use for good causes in line with the Group’s 
corporate responsibility strategy. During the period, the Company received  
£3m proceeds from sale of untraced shares and £2m write-back of unclaimed 
dividends, which were reflected in share premium and retained earnings.

Major shareholders
Information provided to the Company by major shareholders pursuant to the 
FCA’s Disclosure Guidance and Transparency Rules (DTR) are published via a 
Regulatory Information Service and are available on the Company’s website. 
The Company had been notified under Rule 5 of the DTR of the following 
interests in voting rights in its shares as at 24 February 2018 and as at the 
date of this report:

BlackRock, Inc
GIC Private Limited
Norges Bank
Schroders plc

% of total voting
rights as at
24 February 2018
6.63
3.08
5.96
4.99

% of total voting
rights as at the
date of this report
6.64
< 3
4.99
4.99

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 biographical details of the current serving Directors are set out  
on pages 28 and 29. The Directors who served during the year were:  
John Allan; Mark Armour; Steve Golsby; Byron Grote; Dave Lewis; Mikael 
Olsson; Deanna Oppenheimer; Simon Patterson; Alison Platt; Lindsey Pownall 
and Alan Stewart. 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  
45 to 64.

On 5 March 2018 Stewart Gilliland and Charles Wilson were appointed to  
the Tesco PLC Board. 

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 employment policies are regularly reviewed to ensure they are simple, 
helpful and trusted to enable an honest and transparent employment 
culture. We are continuously focused upon strengthening our policy position  
in order to maintain this vision and culture. Much of our focus over the past 
year, has been placed upon removing complexity and hierarchy from our 
policies to create more clarity and fairness for our colleagues. As we 
continue to transition towards more enabling technology, our focus remains 
on how we can make our policies and the processes that sit within these 
more accessible to our colleagues. This enables self-service, and provides 
our colleagues with direct access to the information they need to help and 
support them at work. 

We recognise that in order to drive our business forward we must respond  
to colleague feedback. Therefore, we continue to work towards improving our 
communication to colleagues to ensure they are engaged with the decisions  
we make, and so we can respond to their feedback. We also continue to work 
together with our recognised trade union in the UK, Usdaw, to ensure our 
policies are right for our business and that they support the employment 
needs of all our colleagues. 

Our Equal Opportunities, Diversity and Inclusion policies support managers 
and colleagues in creating a diverse and inclusive culture where everyone  
is welcome. Our policies demonstrate our commitment to providing equal 
opportunities to all colleagues, irrespective of age, disability, gender, marriage 
and civil partnership, pregnancy or maternity, race, religion or belief, sex,  
or sexual orientation. We offer a range of colleague networks to maintain  
a culture of inclusivity, including: ‘Out at Tesco’; ‘Women at Tesco’; ‘Black Asian 
Minority Ethnic Network’; ‘Armed Forces Network’; and ‘Disability Network’.  
We are proud to be a Disability Confident Employer as part of the UK 
Government’s Disability Confident scheme, a Global Diversity champion  
with Stonewall and a gold member of the UK Government’s Armed Forces 
Covenant. This demonstrates Tesco’s commitment to ensuring we create  
an environment where all colleagues have the opportunity to get on.

65

Tesco PLC Annual Report and Financial Statements 2018Corporate governanceDirectors’ report continued

We actively encourage colleagues to become involved in the financial 
performance of our business through a variety of share and bonus schemes.

All of these components are intrinsically linked to our Little Helps Plan,  
more information on this can be found on pages 16 to 21 or on  
www.tescoplc.com/people. 

Political donations
The Group did not make any political donations (2016/17: £nil) or incur any 
political expenditure during the year (2016/17: £nil).

Compliance with the Groceries (Supply Chain Practices) Market Investigation 
Order 2009 and the Groceries Supply Code of Practice (the Code)
The Code regulates aspects of the commercial relationship between the 
largest 10 grocery retailers in the UK and their suppliers of grocery products, 
establishing an overarching principle that retailers must deal with their 
suppliers fairly and lawfully. Specific supplier protections under the Code 
include the obligation for agreements to be in writing and copies retained, 
reasonable notice to be given of changes to the supply chain or reduction in 
the volume of purchases, and a number of provisions relating to payments  
by suppliers, including obligations for retailers to pay suppliers without delay 
and a prohibition on certain types of payments, such as those for shrinkage.

Retailer compliance with the Code is overseen by the Groceries Code 
Adjudicator (GCA), Christine Tacon. We continue to engage constructively and 
positively with the GCA and her office and are working together, in particular 
on her Top 5 Priorities. 

Our Product Change Programme began in 2015, and we continue to transform 
our commercial model. Code compliance is at the heart of this to ensure 
compliance is built into our teams’ mindset and ways of working. We are 
implementing simpler, fairer and more transparent operations, systems  
and processes, making compliance with the Code easier and enabling all 
parties to focus on the customer. 

Our management are chosen for ‘how’ they perform their roles and are 
committed to ensuring Code compliance. We train colleagues across our 
Product and other functions in the UK and in Tesco Bengaluru on their 
obligations under the Code. In this financial year, we trained 212 new starters 
and 1,622 colleagues received updated e-learning which is supplemented 
where required with face-to-face training sessions. In addition, 5,264 office 
colleagues have completed their annual Code of Compliance Declaration, 
and those colleagues who work with grocery suppliers have also completed  
a declaration to confirm they have complied with GSCOP during 2017/18. 

These changes are having a positive effect on our relationships with 
suppliers. In the GCA’s annual supplier survey in 2017, Tesco remained  
the most improved retailer, with 53% of suppliers reporting an improvement  
in how we operate and 92% of our suppliers recognising that we comply 
‘consistently well’ or ‘mostly well’ with the Code. The results of our own 
supplier survey, conducted twice each year, also reflect this marked 
improvement in how our suppliers view their relationship with Tesco.  
Despite inflationary challenges, suppliers to our UK grocery business  
once again rated their ‘overall satisfaction’ with Tesco very highly  
(78.2% in February 2018).

This year, 14 Code-related complaints were raised by suppliers. As at  
24 February 2018, we had resolved 11 of the concerns following further 
discussion between the buying team and the relevant supplier, and in  
five of the cases, between the Code Compliance Officer and the supplier.  
Of the three remaining complaints to be resolved, two were resolved  
shortly after the year end, and a formal dispute has been raised in  
one matter.

Going concern and longer term viability statement
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. The UK Corporate Governance Code requires the 
Directors to assess and report on the prospects of the Group over a longer 
period. This longer term viability statement is set out on page 25.

Events after the balance sheet date
On 5 March 2018 the recommended share and cash merger with Booker 
Group plc completed, following shareholder approval on 28 February 2018  
(the Merger). The proposed Merger was announced by the Company on  
27 January 2017 and received regulatory approval from the Competition  
and Markets Authority on 20 December 2017. More information on the 
Merger can be found on pages 7, 15 and in Note 35 on page 131.

Directors’ statement of disclosure of information to the auditor
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 auditor is 
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 auditor is 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 22 to 25.

Neither the Group, nor any of the Directors, provides any representation, 
assurance or guarantee that the occurrence of the events expressed or 
implied in any forward-looking statements in this document will actually 
occur. Undue reliance should not be placed on these forward-looking 
statements. The Group undertakes no obligation to publicly update or  
revise any forward-looking statement, whether as a result of new 
information, future events or otherwise.

Additional disclosures
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 
Research and development
Greenhouse gas emissions
Financial instruments and financial risk management 
Corporate governance report 

Pages
1 to 25
9
21
110 to 117
26 to 44

Disclosures required pursuant to Listing Rule 9.8.4R can be found on the 
following pages:

Statement of capitalised interest 
Allotment for cash of equity securities 
Waiver of dividends 

Pages
94 and 101
126
65

The Company has chosen, in accordance with Section 414 C(11) 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.

By order of the Board

Robert Welch 
Group Company Secretary
10 April 2018

66

Tesco PLC Annual Report and Financial Statements 2018Statement of Directors’ responsibilities

The Directors are required by the Companies Act 2006 to prepare financial 
statements for each financial year that 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 Parent 
Company financial statements in accordance with United Kingdom Generally 
Accepted Accounting Practice, including FRS 101 ‘Reduced Disclosure 
Framework’ (UK Accounting Standards and applicable law).

In preparing these financial statements, the Directors are required to:

 – select suitable accounting policies and then apply them consistently;
 – make judgements and accounting estimates that are reasonable  

and prudent;

 – state whether IFRSs as adopted by the EU and applicable UK Accounting 

Standards have been followed, subject to any material departures  
disclosed and explained in the Group and Parent Company financial 
statements respectively;

 – present information, including accounting policies, in a manner that 

provides relevant, reliable, comparable and understandable information;

 – provide additional disclosures when compliance with the specific 

requirements in IFRS are insufficient to enable users to understand the 
impact of particular transactions, other events and conditions on the 
entity’s financial position and financial performance; 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 are responsible for keeping adequate accounting records  
that are sufficient to show and explain the Group’s transactions and 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. 
They also have general responsibility for taking such steps as are reasonably 
open to them to safeguard the assets of the Group and the Company, and to 
prevent and detect fraud and other irregularities. The Directors are responsible 
for the maintenance and integrity of the Company’s website. Legislation in the 
United Kingdom governing the preparation and dissemination of financial 
statements may differ from legislation in other jurisdictions. 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 Group’s and the Company’s performance, 
business model and priorities. Each of the Directors, whose names and 
functions are set out on pages 28 and 29 confirm that, to the best  
of their knowledge:

 – the financial statements, which have been prepared in accordance with  

the relevant financial reporting framework, give a true and fair view of the 
assets, liabilities, financial position and profit or loss of the Group and the 
undertakings included in the consolidation taken as a whole; 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 and the undertakings included in the consolidation taken as a 
whole, together with a description of the principal risks and uncertainties  
that the Group faces.

67

Tesco PLC Annual Report and Financial Statements 2018Corporate governanceIndependent auditor’s report to the members of Tesco PLC

Report on the audit of the financial statements

Opinion
In our opinion:

 – the financial statements give a true and fair view of the state of the 
Group’s and of the Parent Company’s affairs as at 24 February 2018  
and of the Group’s profit for the year then ended;

 – the Group financial statements have been properly prepared in 

accordance with International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRSs)  
as adopted by the European Union;

 – the Parent Company financial statements have been properly prepared 
in accordance with United Kingdom Generally Accepted Accounting 
Practice including FRS 101 ‘Reduced Disclosure Framework’; and

 – the financial statements have been prepared in accordance with the 
requirements of the Companies Act 2006 and, as regards the Group 
financial statements, Article 4 of the IAS Regulation.

We have audited the financial statements of Tesco PLC (the Parent Company) 
and its subsidiaries (the Group) which comprise:

 – the Group income statement;
 – the Group statement of comprehensive income/(loss);
 – the Group and Parent Company balance sheets;
 – the Group and Parent Company statements of changes in equity;
 – the Group cash flow statement; and
 – the related Notes 1 to 35 of the Group financial statements and Notes 1  

to 17 of the Parent Company financial statements.

The financial reporting framework that has been applied in the preparation 
of the Group financial statements is applicable law and IFRSs as adopted  
by the European Union. The financial reporting framework that has been 
applied in the preparation of the Parent Company financial statements is 
applicable law and United Kingdom Accounting Standards, including FRS 101 
‘Reduced Disclosure Framework’ (United Kingdom Generally Accepted 
Accounting Practice).

Scoping
Our audit scoping provides full scope audit coverage of 96% (2016/17: 97%)  
of revenue and 92% (2016/17: 91%) of net assets.

Significant changes in our approach
In our 2017/18 report the following change to the key audit matters identified 
has been made, compared with our 2016/17 report: 

 – the Tesco Bank payment fraud is no longer considered to be a key audit 

matter following our conclusion in 2016/17 that the Group had appropriately 
accounted for liabilities associated with the incident. 

Conclusions relating to going concern, principal risks and viability statement
Going concern
We have reviewed the Directors’ statement on page 66 to the financial 
statements about whether they considered it appropriate to adopt the going 
concern basis of accounting in preparing them and their identification of  
any material uncertainties to the Group’s and Parent Company’s ability to 
continue to do so over a period of at least twelve months from the date  
of approval of the financial statements.

We are required to state whether we have anything material to add or draw 
attention to in relation to that statement required by Listing Rule 9.8.6R(3) 
and report if the statement is materially inconsistent with our knowledge 
obtained in the audit.

We confirm that we have nothing material to report, add or draw 
attention to in respect of these matters.

Principal risks and viability statement
Based solely on reading the Directors’ statements and considering whether 
they were consistent with the knowledge we obtained in the course of the 
audit, including the knowledge obtained in the evaluation of the Directors’ 
assessment of the Group’s and the Parent Company’s ability to continue as  
a going concern, we are required to state whether we have anything material 
to add or draw attention to in relation to:

 – the disclosures on pages 22 to 25 that describe the principal risks and 

explain how they are being managed or mitigated;

Basis for opinion
We conducted our audit in accordance with International Standards on 
Auditing (UK) (ISAs (UK)) and applicable law. Our responsibilities under those 
standards are further described in the auditor’s responsibilities for the audit 
of the financial statements section of our report. 

 – the Directors’ confirmation on page 22 that they have carried out a robust 
assessment of the principal risks facing the Group, including those that 
would threaten its business model, future performance, solvency or 
liquidity; or

 – the Directors’ explanation on page 25 as to how they have assessed the 

We are independent of the Group and the Parent Company in accordance 
with the ethical requirements that are relevant to our audit of the financial 
statements in the UK, including the FRC’s Ethical Standard as applied to 
listed public interest entities, and we have fulfilled our other ethical 
responsibilities in accordance with these requirements. We confirm that  
the non-audit services prohibited by the FRC’s Ethical Standard were not 
provided to the Group or the Parent Company.

We believe that the audit evidence we have obtained is sufficient and 
appropriate to provide a basis for our opinion.

Summary of our audit approach
Key audit matters
The key audit matters that we identified in the current year were:

 – store impairment review; 
 – recognition of commercial income;
 – inventory valuation;
 – pension obligation valuation;
 – contingent liabilities;
 – presentation of the Group’s income statement; and
 – retail technology environment, including IT security. 

No new key audit matters have been included in this report compared to  
the prior year report. Key audit matters have been updated for the current 
year where required.

Materiality
We have considered a number of benchmarks and determined that it is 
appropriate to base materiality on profit before tax. The materiality that  
we used for the Group financial statements was £50m (2016/17: £50m) which 
equates to 4.4% of profit before tax before exceptional items. Refer to page 72 
for further details.

prospects of the Group, over what period they have done so and why they 
consider that period to be appropriate, and their statement as to whether 
they have a reasonable expectation that the Group will be able to continue  
in operation and meet its liabilities as they fall due over the period of their 
assessment, including any related disclosures drawing attention to any 
necessary qualifications or assumptions.

We are also required to report whether the Directors’ statement relating  
to the prospects of the Group required by Listing Rule 9.8.6R(3) is materially 
inconsistent with our knowledge obtained in the audit.

We confirm that we have nothing material to report, add or draw 
attention to in respect of these matters.

Key audit matters
Key audit matters are those matters that, in our professional judgement, 
were of most significance in our audit of the financial statements of the 
current period and include the most significant assessed risks of material 
misstatement (whether or not due to fraud) that we identified. These 
matters included those which had the greatest effect on: the overall audit 
strategy, the allocation of resources in the audit; and directing the efforts  
of the engagement team. We have determined that there was a potential for 
fraud through possible manipulation of commercial income due to the level  
of judgement involved.

These matters were addressed in the context of our audit of the financial 
statements as a whole, and in forming our opinion thereon, and we do not 
provide a separate opinion on these matters.

68

Tesco PLC Annual Report and Financial Statements 2018Key audit matter description

How the scope of our audit responded to the key audit matter Key observations

Store impairment review
As described in Note 1 (Accounting policies, judgements and 
estimates) and Note 11 (Property, plant and equipment), the 
Group held £18,521m (2016/17: £18,108m) of property, plant  
and equipment at 24 February 2018. 

Under IFRS, the Group is required to complete an impairment 
review of its store portfolio where there are indicators of 
impairment or impairment reversal.

Judgement is required in identifying indicators of impairment and 
estimation is required in determining the recoverable amount 
of the Group’s store portfolio. Additionally, there is judgement 
in relation to triggering the reversals of impairments recognised 
in previous periods.

There is a risk that the carrying value of stores and related fixed 
assets may be higher than the recoverable amount. Where a 
review for impairment, or reversal of impairment, is conducted, 
the recoverable amount is determined based on the higher  
of ‘value-in-use’ and ‘fair value less costs of disposal’.

The three areas which are key to management’s impairment 
review are as follows:

 – value-in-use is derived from cash flow projections which rely 
upon Directors’ assumptions and estimates of future trading 
performance, including the Group’s ability to realise forecast 
cost savings;

 – value-in-use is calculated by a number of complex models. 

There is a risk the models are not calculating the value-in-use 
accurately; and

 – in certain circumstances the fair value of properties supports 
the carrying value of store assets. There is an estimation 
required in determining the fair value of properties in each  
of the Group’s territories.

As a result of the Group’s store impairment review completed 
during the year, a net impairment reversal of £187m  
(2016/17: net impairment reversal of £6m) was recognised.

The Audit Committee’s discussion of this key audit matter  
is set out on page 42.

Recognition of commercial income
As described in Note 1 (Accounting policies, judgements and 
estimates) and Note 20 (Commercial income), the Group has 
agreements with suppliers whereby volume-related allowances, 
promotional and marketing allowances and various other fees 
and discounts are received in connection with the purchase  
of goods for resale from those suppliers. As such, the Group 
recognises a reduction in cost of sales as a result of amounts 
receivable from suppliers.

In accordance with IFRS, commercial income should only be 
recognised as income within the income statement when the 
performance conditions associated with it have been met,  
for example where the marketing campaign has been held.

The variety and number of the buying arrangements with 
suppliers can make it complex to determine the performance 
conditions associated with the income, giving rise to a 
requirement for management judgement and scope for error  
in accounting for such income. As such we have identified this 
as a key audit matter.

The Audit Committee’s discussion of this key audit matter  
is set out on page 42.

While we note actions are 
required by the Group to 
achieve these forecasts 
over the medium term,  
we concluded that  
the assumptions in the 
impairment models, 
specifically in the 
value-in-use calculations, 
were within an acceptable 
range, and that the overall 
level of net reversal of 
impairment was reasonable.

Our audit procedures included assessing the design and 
implementation of key controls around the impairment  
review processes.

In relation to the Directors’ value-in-use assessment our 
procedures have included: 

 – challenging the key assumptions utilised in the cash flow  

forecasts with reference to historical trading performance, 
market expectations and our understanding of the Group’s 
strategic initiatives;

 – reviewing and challenging the adequacy of management’s 

sensitivity analysis in relation to key assumptions to consider  
the extent of change in those assumptions that either individually  
or collectively would be required for the assets to be impaired, 
in particular forecast cash flows and property fair values; and 
 – assessing the accuracy of the ‘value-in-use’ modelling by the 
Group by assessing the methodology applied in determining 
the value-in-use compared with the requirements of IAS 36 
‘Impairment of Assets’ and checking the integrity of the 
value-in-use models utilised by the Group.

In relation to the Group’s ‘fair value less costs of disposal’,  
we have challenged the assumptions used by the Group in 
determining the fair market value of the assets, including those 
completed by external valuers, using internal property valuation 
specialists and assessing whether appropriate valuation 
methodologies have been applied. 

The results of our testing 
were satisfactory.

We consider the disclosure 
given around supplier 
rebates to provide an 
appropriate understanding 
of the types of rebate 
income received and the 
impact on the Group’s 
balance sheet as at  
24 February 2018.

We obtained a detailed understanding and evaluated the design 
and implementation of controls that the Group has established  
in relation to commercial income.

In addition, our substantive audit procedures across the Group’s 
retail operations included a combination of the following:

 – testing whether amounts recognised were accurate and 
recorded in the correct period based on the contractual 
performance obligations by agreeing a sample of individual 
supplier agreements;

 – testing commercial income balances included within inventories 
and trade and other receivables, or netted against trade and 
other payables via balance sheet reconciliation procedures;

 – circularising a sample of suppliers to test whether the 

arrangements recorded were complete and held discussions 
with a sample of buyers to further understand the buying 
processes, where required. Where responses from suppliers 
were not received, we completed alternative procedures such  
as agreement to underlying contractual arrangements;

 – using data analytics to profile commercial income, identifying 
deals which exhibited characteristics of audit interest upon 
which we completed detailed testing;

 – reviewing the Group’s ongoing compliance with the Groceries 
Supplier Code of Practice (GSCOP). Additionally, reviewing the 
reporting and correspondence to the Group’s supplier hotline  
in order to identify any areas where further investigation was 
required; and

 – also considering the adequacy of the commercial income  
related disclosure within the Group’s financial statements.

69

Tesco PLC Annual Report and Financial Statements 2018Financial statementsIndependent auditor’s report to the members of Tesco PLC continued

Key audit matter description

How the scope of our audit responded to the key audit matter

Key observations

Inventory valuation 
As described in Note 1 (Accounting policies, judgements and 
estimates) and Note 15 (Inventories), the Group carries 
inventory at the lower of cost and fair value less costs to sell 
using the weighted average cost basis. As at 24 February 2018, 
the Group held inventories of £2,263m (2016/17: £2,301m).

The Group provides for obsolescence based on forecast 
inventory usage. This methodology relies upon assumptions 
made in determining appropriate provisioning percentages  
to apply to inventory balances.

Pension obligation valuation 
As described in Note 1 (Accounting policies, judgements and 
estimates) and Note 27 (Post-employment benefits), the Group 
has a defined benefit pension plan in the UK. At 24 February 
2018, the Group recorded a net retirement obligation before 
deferred tax of £3,282m (2016/17: £6,621m), comprising scheme 
assets of £13,235m (2016/17: £13,196m) and scheme liabilities of 
£16,517m (2016/17: £19,817m). 

The Group has, after taking actuarial advice, decided to change 
the methodology used for deriving the discount rate for valuing 
the Group’s pension liabilities under IAS 19 ‘Employee Benefits’. 
Details of the change and its impact in the period are disclosed 
in Note 27.

The pension valuation is dependent on market conditions and 
assumptions made. The key audit matter specifically relates  
to the following key assumptions: discount rate, inflation 
expectations and life expectancy assumptions. The setting  
of these assumptions is complex and requires the exercise  
of significant management judgement with the support of  
third party actuaries. 

The Audit Committee’s discussion of this key audit matter  
is set out on page 42.

We obtained a detailed understanding and evaluated the design  
and implementation of controls that the Group has established  
in relation to inventory valuation.

We concur that the total 
level of provision is within 
an acceptable range.

We obtained assurance over the appropriateness of 
management’s assumptions applied in calculating the value 
of inventory provisions by:

 – critically assessing the Group’s inventory provisioning policy,  

with specific consideration given to aged inventory (in particular  
for non-food and general merchandising products) as well as 
stock turn calculations, including the impact of seasonality; 
 – verifying the value of a sample of inventory items to confirm 
whether they are held at the lower of cost and net realisable 
value, through comparison to vendor invoices and sales prices; 

 – using data analytics to identify unusual inventory usage 

characteristics, completing assumption tolerance testing  
and recalculating the provision in totality based on the Group’s 
policy; and 

 – reviewing historical accuracy of inventory provisioning with 
reference to inventory write-offs during the year in relation  
to stock loss or other inventory adjustments. 

We obtained a detailed understanding and evaluated the design  
and implementation of controls that the Group has established 
in relation to the pension obligation valuation process.

In testing the pension valuation, we have utilised internal pension 
actuarial specialists to review the key actuarial assumptions used, 
both financial and demographic, and considered the methodology 
utilised to derive these assumptions. Furthermore, we have 
benchmarked and performed a sensitivity analysis on the key 
assumptions determined by the Directors.

We have challenged the Group’s decision to change the  
discount rate methodology with reference to developing market 
practice, the age of the pension scheme and advice from our 
actuarial specialists.

We are satisfied that  
the methodology and 
assumptions applied in 
relation to determining  
the pension valuation are 
within an acceptable range.

We consider the change  
in methodology for 
establishing the discount 
rate to be acceptable and 
compliant with accounting 
standards. The actual 
discount rate applied  
of 2.9% is within our 
benchmark range. We  
note that the methodology 
used by the Group applies  
a different approach to  
the observable yields on 
high quality corporate 
bonds compared with  
our benchmark approach, 
which results in a discount 
rate which is towards the 
optimistic end of our 
acceptable range.

Contingent liabilities
In 2016/17 UK shareholder actions were initiated against 
the Group linked to the overstatement of expected profits  
in 2014 which may result in legal exposures.

Additionally, the Group has other ongoing legal matters  
relating to previous corporate transactions which require 
management judgement to be applied in order to  
determine the likely outcome.

Judgement is required in assessing the nature of these 
exposures and their accounting and disclosure requirements. 

The Audit Committee’s discussion of this key audit matter  
is set out on page 42.

In assessing the potential exposures to the Group, we have 
completed a range of procedures including:

 – assessing the design and implementation of controls in  

relation to the monitoring of known exposures;

 – reading Board and other meeting minutes to identify areas 

subject to Group consideration;

 – meeting with the Group’s internal legal advisors in understanding 

ongoing and potential legal matters impacting the Group;
 – reviewing third party correspondence and reports; and 
 – reviewing the proposed accounting and disclosure of actual  

and potential legal liabilities, drawing on third party assessment  
of open matters.

We concur that the 
accounting and disclosures 
in relation to the ongoing 
UK shareholder actions  
are appropriate.

In relation to other  
ongoing legal matters  
in respect of previous 
corporate transactions, 
we are satisfied no specific 
disclosure is required.

70

Tesco PLC Annual Report and Financial Statements 2018Key audit matter description

How the scope of our audit responded to the key audit matter

Key observations

Presentation of the Group’s income statement
One of the Group’s key performance indicators is ‘Group 
operating profit before exceptional items’. The key audit  
matter is that Group management may override the Group’s 
accounting policy application guidance to manipulate this key 
performance indicator.

Management judgement is required when applying this 
accounting policy and when determining classification within 
the Group’s income statement and assessing the Group’s 
overall quality of earnings.

The Audit Committee’s discussion of this key audit matter  
is set out on page 42.

In order to address this key audit matter we have completed  
audit procedures including: 

 – assessing the design and implementation of controls which 

address the risk of inappropriate presentation of the Group’s 
income statement, such as the ‘entity level’ controls which 
underpin the overall control environment for the Group and 
specific controls over determining the presentation of 
exceptional items;

 – auditing key areas of management estimate and judgement, 
including consideration of exceptional items disclosed  
by the Group and the existence of any further potential  
exceptional items included within the Group’s underlying  
profit measures; and

 – assessing transactions completed outside of the normal  

course of business.

Retail technology environment, including IT security
The Group’s retail operations utilise a range of information 
systems. In 2015/16 and 2016/17 we reported deficiencies in 
certain IT controls. These deficiencies could have an adverse 
impact on the Group’s controls and financial reporting systems.

We continued to challenge and assess changes to the IT 
environments through the testing of remediated controls  
and concluding on the sufficiency and appropriateness of 
management’s changes.

As described on page 41 within the Audit Committee report,  
the Group is continuing the replacement of a number of the 
Group’s key systems and making changes to key elements of the 
Group’s IT infrastructure to address the identified deficiencies.

During the year we have assessed the design and implementation 
of the Group’s controls over the information systems that are 
important to financial reporting, including the changes made  
as part of the Group’s replacement programme. 

Consistent with 2016/17, in 2017/18 we were not able to take a 
control reliant audit approach due to the ongoing weaknesses  
in the IT environment.

Where we noted deficiencies which affected applications  
and databases within the scope of our audit, we extended  
the scope of our substantive audit procedures.

We note that consistent 
with other businesses of  
a similar scale to the Group, 
there are non-recurring 
income and expense items 
included within profit 
before exceptional items 
which do not meet the 
Group’s definition of 
exceptional items and 
which largely offset. We 
concur that these have 
been appropriately 
included within profit 
before exceptional items.

Although management’s 
remediation plan is designed 
to address our concerns, 
given the complexity of the 
underlying systems the 
plan is a multi-year 
programme and not yet 
complete, and therefore 
weaknesses remain in the 
control environment.

We note that 
management’s actions 
have reduced the number 
of deficiencies in the year 
relating to user access and 
change management 
controls linked to the 
Group’s financial reporting.

71

Tesco PLC Annual Report and Financial Statements 2018Financial statementsIndependent auditor’s report to the members of Tesco PLC continued

on 7 significant retail locations (UK, Republic of Ireland, Czech Republic, 
Hungary, Poland, Slovakia and Thailand) and Tesco Bank. The operations  
in Czech Republic, Hungary, Poland and Slovakia are managed as one combined 
business. All of these were subject to a full audit and represent 96% (2016/17: 
97%) of the Group’s revenue and 92% (2016/17: 91%) of net assets.

In addition, 4 other businesses (Malaysia, OneStop, dunnhumby and  
Tesco Mobile) were subject to specific audit procedures on material account 
balances, where the extent of our testing was based on our assessment  
of the risks of material misstatement and of the materiality of the Group’s 
operations at those locations. The four locations accounted for 4% (2016/17: 2%) 
of the Group’s revenue and 7% (2016/17: 6%) of net assets.

In 2016/17, Malaysia was a full scope audit, however in the current year 
is subject to specific audit procedures, as a result of only certain  
financial statement lines being considered to be significant in the context 
of the Group. Additionally, in 2016/17 Turkey was subject to specific audit 
procedures, however is no longer in scope following the Group disposing  
of the business on 1 March 2017. At the Parent entity level we also tested the 
consolidation process and carried out analytical procedures to confirm our 
conclusion that there were no significant risks of material misstatement of 
the aggregated financial information of the remaining components not 
subject to audit or audit of specified account balances. 

The most significant component of the Group is its retail business in the UK. 
As such, there is extensive interaction between the Group and UK audit team  
to ensure an appropriate level of involvement in this audit work. During the 
course of our audit, the UK audit team visited 50 (2016/17: 50) retail stores  
in the UK to attend either inventory counts or in order to complete store 
control visits, and 4 (2016/17: 6) distribution centre inventory counts. 

We visited 7 (2016/17: 7) of the 8 (2016/17: 9) significant locations set  
out above, in addition to the Group’s shared service centre in Bengaluru, 
with the Group Audit Partner visiting 4 (2016/17: 4) of these locations.  
We also had a dedicated audit partner focused on overseeing the role  
of the component audit teams located outside of the UK and the Republic  
of Ireland, ensuring that we applied a consistent audit approach to the 
operations in the Group’s international business. 

The audit visits by the Group audit team were timed to enable us to be 
involved during the planning and risk assessment process in addition to 
during the completion of detailed audit procedures. During our visits,  
we attended key meetings with component management and auditors,  
and reviewed detailed component auditor work papers. 

In addition, all key component audit teams were represented during  
a centralised two-day planning meeting held in the UK prior to the 
commencement of our detailed audit work. The purpose of this planning 
meeting was to ensure a good level of understanding of the Group’s 
businesses, its core strategy and a discussion of the significant risks and 
workshops on our planned audit approach. Group management also  
attended part of the meeting to support these planning activities.

Other information
The Directors are responsible for the other information. The other 
information comprises the information included in the annual report, 
other than the financial statements and our auditor’s report thereon.

Our opinion on the financial statements does not cover the other 
information and, except to the extent otherwise explicitly stated in our 
report, we do not express any form of assurance conclusion thereon.

In connection with our audit of the financial statements, our responsibility 
is to read the other information and, in doing so, consider whether the  
other information is materially inconsistent with the financial statements  
or our knowledge obtained in the audit or otherwise appears to be  
materially misstated.

If we identify such material inconsistencies or apparent material 
misstatements, we are required to determine whether there is a material 
misstatement in the financial statements or a material misstatement of the 
other information. If, based on the work we have performed, we conclude 
that there is a material misstatement of this other information, we are 
required to report that fact.

Our application of materiality
We define materiality as the magnitude of misstatement in the financial 
statements that makes it probable that the economic decisions of a 
reasonably knowledgeable person would be changed or influenced. We  
use materiality both in planning the scope of our audit work and in evaluating 
the results of our work. 

Based on our professional judgement, we determined materiality for the 
financial statements as a whole as follows:

Parent company 
financial statements
£35m (2016/17: £25m)
Materiality represents 
less than 1%  
(2016/17: less than 1%) 
of net assets.

As this is the Parent 
Company of the Group 
it does not generate 
significant revenues 
but instead incurs 
costs and as such  
net assets are an 
appropriate base  
to use to determine 
materiality.

Materiality
Basis for 
determining 
materiality

Rationale  
for the  
benchmark 
applied

Group financial 
statements
£50m (2016/17: £50m)
In determining our materiality,  
we have considered the 2016/17  
materiality, profit based measures  
and other measures.

Materiality has been determined  
to be the same value as the 2016/17 
materiality. The materiality of £50m 
equates to 4.4% of profit before tax 
before exceptional items (£1,143m).

Component materiality has been 
determined with reference to the 
component’s contribution to the 
Group’s overall result. The materiality 
applied by the component auditors  
was £20m, except for UK Retail  
(2017/18: £35m, 2016/17: £25m) and 
Thailand (2017/18: £25m, 2016/17: £25m). 
The decision to maintain the same level  
of materiality as that used in 2016/17 is 
reflective of the fact the Group 
continues to execute its turnaround  
plan and normalise profitability. 

The selected materiality is 4.4% of profit 
before tax before exceptional items,  
which falls within a reasonable range, and 
supports the quantum of materiality.

Profit before tax before exceptional 
items is an appropriate metric since it  
is a key performance indicator and is not 
impacted by any potential volatility which 
may be caused by exceptional items. 

The materiality selected represents 
0.5% (2016/17: 0.8%) of the Group’s  
net assets.

2017/18 
profit before 
tax and 
exceptional 
items £1,143m

Group materiality £50m

Component materiality (UK) £35m

Component materiality (Thailand) £25m
Component materiality (Other) £20m

Reporting threshold £2.5m

We agreed with the Audit Committee that we would report to the Audit 
Committee all audit differences in excess of £2.5m (2016/17: £2.5m) for  
the Group and the Parent Company, as well as differences below that 
threshold that, in our view, warranted reporting on qualitative grounds.  
We also report to the Audit Committee on disclosure matters that we 
identified when assessing the overall presentation of the financial statements. 

An overview of the scope of our audit
Our Group audit was scoped by obtaining an understanding of the Group  
and its environment, including Group-wide controls, and assessing the  
risks of material misstatement at the Group level. The Group has subsidiary 
grocery retail operations in eight countries, together with interests in  
a number of other businesses both in the UK and internationally. 

The Group’s accounting process is structured around local finance functions 
and is further supported by a shared service centre in Bengaluru, India which 
provides accounting and administrative support for the Group’s core retail 
operations. Each local finance function reports into the central Group 
finance function based at the Group’s head office. Based on our assessment 
of the Group, we focused our Group audit scope primarily on the audit work 

72

Tesco PLC Annual Report and Financial Statements 2018In this context, matters that we are specifically required to report to you as 
uncorrected material misstatements of the other information include where 
we conclude that:

 – Fair, balanced and understandable – the statement given by the Directors 
that they consider 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 Group’s position and 
performance, business model and strategy, is materially inconsistent  
with our knowledge obtained in the audit; or

Report on other legal and regulatory requirements

Opinions on other matters prescribed by the Companies Act 2006
In our opinion the part of the Directors’ remuneration report to be audited 
has been properly prepared in accordance with the Companies Act 2006.

In our opinion, based on the work undertaken in the course of the audit:

 – the information given in the Strategic report and the Directors’ report  
for the financial year for which the financial statements are prepared  
is consistent with the financial statements; and

 – Audit Committee reporting – the section describing the work of the  

 – the Strategic report and the Directors’ report have been prepared in 

Audit Committee does not appropriately address matters communicated  
by us to the Audit Committee; or

 – Directors’ statement of compliance with the UK Corporate Governance 
Code – the parts of the Directors’ statement required under the Listing 
Rules relating to the Company’s compliance with the UK Corporate 
Governance Code containing provisions specified for review by the auditor 
in accordance with Listing Rule 9.8.10R(2) do not properly disclose a 
departure from a relevant provision of the UK Corporate Governance Code.

We have nothing to report in respect of these matters.

Responsibilities of Directors
As explained more fully in the Directors’ responsibilities statement, the 
Directors are responsible for the preparation of the financial statements  
and for being satisfied that they give a true and fair view, and for such 
internal control as the Directors determine is necessary to enable the 
preparation of financial statements that are free from material 
misstatement, whether due to fraud or error. In preparing the financial 
statements, the Directors are responsible for assessing the Group’s and  
the Parent Company’s ability to continue as a going concern, disclosing as 
applicable, matters related to going concern and using the going concern 
basis of accounting unless the Directors either intend to liquidate the Group  
or the Parent Company or to cease operations, or have no realistic 
alternative but to do so.

Auditor’s responsibilities for the audit of the financial statements
Our objectives are to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the 
financial statements as a whole are free from material misstatement, 
whether due to fraud or error, and to issue an auditor’s report that includes 
our opinion. Reasonable assurance is a high level of assurance, but is not a 
guarantee that an audit conducted in accordance with ISAs (UK) will always 
detect a material misstatement when it exists. Misstatements can arise from 
fraud or error and are considered material if, individually or in the aggregate, 
they could reasonably be expected to influence the economic decisions of 
users taken on the basis of these financial statements.

A further description of our responsibilities for the audit of the financial 
statements is located on the Financial Reporting Council’s website at: 
www.frc.org.uk/auditorsresponsibilities. This description forms part of  
our auditor’s report.

Use of our report
This report is made solely to the Company’s members, as a body, in 
accordance with Chapter 3 of Part 16 of the Companies Act 2006. Our audit 
work has been undertaken so that we might state to the Company’s members 
those matters we are required to state to them in an auditor’s report and for 
no other purpose. To the fullest extent permitted by law, we do not accept 
or assume responsibility to anyone other than the Company and the 
Company’s members as a body, for our audit work, for this report,  
or for the opinions we have formed.

accordance with applicable legal requirements.

In the light of the knowledge and understanding of the Group and of the 
Parent Company and their environment obtained in the course of the audit, 
we have not identified any material misstatements in the Strategic report  
or the Directors’ report.

Matters on which we are required to report by exception
Adequacy of explanations received and accounting records
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; 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 are not in agreement with the 

accounting records and returns. 

We have nothing to report in respect of these matters.

Directors’ remuneration
Under the Companies Act 2006 we are also required to report if in our 
opinion certain disclosures of directors’ remuneration have not been made 
or the part of the Directors’ remuneration report to be audited is not in 
agreement with the accounting records and returns.

We have nothing to report in respect of these matters.

Other matters
Auditor tenure
Following the recommendation of the Audit Committee, we were appointed 
by the Group’s shareholders on 26 June 2015 to audit the financial statements 
for the year ended 27 February 2016 and subsequent financial periods. The 
period of total uninterrupted engagement including previous renewals and 
reappointments of the firm is 3 years, covering financial years ending  
27 February 2016 to 24 February 2018.

Consistency of the audit report with the additional report  
to the audit committee
Our audit opinion is consistent with the additional report to the Audit 
Committee we are required to provide in accordance with ISAs (UK).

Panos Kakoullis (Senior statutory auditor) 
for and on behalf of Deloitte LLP 
Statutory Auditor 
London, United Kingdom 
10 April, 2018

73

Tesco PLC Annual Report and Financial Statements 2018Financial statementsGroup income statement

Continuing operations
Revenue
Cost of sales
Gross profit/(loss)

Administrative expenses
Profits/(losses) arising on property-related items
Operating profit/(loss)

Share of post-tax profits/(losses) of joint ventures and associates
Finance income
Finance costs
Profit/(loss) before tax

Taxation
Profit/(loss) for the year from continuing operations

Discontinued operations
Profit/(loss) for the year from discontinued operations

Profit/(loss) for the year

Attributable to:
Owners of the parent
Non-controlling interests

Earnings/(losses) per share from continuing  
and discontinued operations
Basic
Diluted

Earnings/(losses) per share from continuing operations
Basic
Diluted

The notes on pages 79 to 131 form part of these financial statements.

Notes

2

13
5
5

6

7

9
9

9
9

52 weeks ended 
24 February 2018

Before  
exceptional 
items  
£m

Exceptional 
items  
(Note 4) 
£m

57,491
(54,092) 
3,399

(1,786)
31
1,644

(6)
98
(593)
1,143

(286)
857

–

857

857
–
857

–
(49) 
(49)

153
89
193

–
–
(38)
155

(20)
135

216

351

349
2
351

52 weeks ended 
25 February 2017

Before  
exceptional 
items  
£m

Exceptional 
items  
(Note 4) 
£m

55,917
(52,899)
3,018

(1,734)
(4)
1,280

(30)
109
(630)
729

 (185)
544

–
(116)
(116)

(261)
114
(263)

(77)
–
(244)
(584)

98
(486)

Total
£m

57,491
 (54,141) 
3,350

(1,633)
120
1,837

(6)
98
(631)
1,298

(306)
992

216

 (37)

(75)

1,208

 507 

(561)

515
(8)
507

(555)
(6)
(561)

1,206
2
1,208

14.77p
14.72p

12.12p
12.08p

Total
£m

55,917
(53,015)
2,902

(1,995)
110
1,017

(107)
109
(874)
145

(87)
58

(112)

(54)

(40)
(14)
(54)

(0.49)p
(0.49)p

0.81p
0.81p

74

Tesco PLC Annual Report and Financial Statements 2018Group statement of comprehensive income/(loss)

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:

Retranslation of net assets of overseas subsidiaries, joint ventures and associates
Movements in foreign exchange reserve and net investment hedging on subsidiary  
disposed, reclassified and reported in the Group income statement

Gains/(losses) on cash flow hedges:

Net fair value gains/(losses)
Reclassified and reported in the Group income statement

Tax on items that may be reclassified

Total other comprehensive income/(loss) for the year
Profit/(loss) for the year
Total comprehensive income/(loss) for the year

Attributable to:
Owners of the parent
Non-controlling interests
Total comprehensive income/(loss) for the year

Total comprehensive income/(loss) attributable to owners of the parent arising from:
Continuing operations
Discontinued operations

The notes on pages 79 to 131 form part of these financial statements.

Notes

27
6

7

6

52 weeks 
2018 
£m

52 weeks  
2017 
£m

3,265
(554)
2,711

(62)

179
140

(146)
(52)
22
81
2,792
1,208
4,000

3,993
7
4,000

3,637
356
3,993

(3,567)
579
(2,988)

80

764
–

385
(384)
(23)
822
(2,166)
(54)
(2,220)

(2,206)
(14)
(2,220)

(2,096)
(110)
(2,206)

75

Tesco PLC Annual Report and Financial Statements 2018Financial statementsGroup balance sheet

Non-current assets
Goodwill, software and other intangible assets
Property, plant and equipment
Investment property
Investments in joint ventures and associates
Other investments
Trade and other receivables
Loans and advances to customers
Derivative financial instruments
Deferred tax assets

Current assets
Other investments
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
Borrowings
Derivative financial instruments
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
Trade and other payables
Borrowings
Derivative financial instruments
Customer deposits and deposits from banks
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 

The notes on pages 79 to 131 form part of these financial statements.

Dave Lewis
Alan Stewart

24 February 
2018 
£m

25 February 
2017 
£m

Notes

10
11
12
13
14
16
17
22
6

14
15
16
17
22

18
18

 7

19
21
22
24
6
25

7

19
21
22
24
27
6
25

28

2,661
18,521
100
689
860
186
6,885
1,117
117
31,136

68
2,263
1,482
4,637
27
12
1,029
4,059
13,577
149
13,726

(8,996)
(1,479)
(69)
(7,812)
(335)
(547)
(19,238)
–
(5,512)

(364)
(7,142)
(594)
(2,972)
(3,282)
(91)
(721)
(15,166)
10,458

410
5,107
735
4,228
10,480
(22)
10,458

2,717
18,108
64
 739
 823
 180 
5,795
1,303
707
30,436

284
2,301
1,475
4,166
286
13
2,727
3,821
15,073
344
15,417

(8,875)
(2,560)
(61)
(6,687)
(613)
(438)
 (19,234)
(171)
(3,988)

(324)
 (9,433)
(607)
 (2,276)
(6,621)
(88)
(685)
 (20,034)
6,414

409
5,096
 601
 332
6,438
(24)
6,414

Directors
The financial statements on pages 74 to 131 were authorised for issue by the Directors on 10 April 2018 and are subject to the approval of the shareholders at 
the AGM on 15 June 2018. 

76

Tesco PLC Annual Report and Financial Statements 2018 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Group statement of changes in equity

At 25 February 2017
Profit/(loss) for the year
Other comprehensive  
income/(loss)
Change in fair value of  
available-for-sale financial  
assets and investments
Currency translation differences
Remeasurements of defined 
benefit pension schemes
Gains/(losses) on cash flow 
hedges
Tax relating to components of 
other comprehensive income 
Total other comprehensive  
income/(loss)
Total comprehensive  
income/(loss)
Transactions with owners
Purchase of treasury shares
Share-based payments
Issue of shares
Dividends
Changes in non-controlling 
interests
Tax on items charged to equity
Total transactions with owners 
At 24 February 2018

At 27 February 2016
Profit/(loss) for the year
Other comprehensive  
income/(loss)
Change in fair value of  
available-for-sale financial  
assets and investments
Currency translation differences
Remeasurements of defined 
benefit pension schemes
Gains/(losses) on cash flow 
hedges
Tax relating to components of 
other comprehensive income 
Total other comprehensive 
income/(loss)
Total comprehensive  
income/(loss)
Transactions with owners
Purchase of treasury shares
Share-based payments
Issue of shares
Dividends
Tax on items charged to equity
Total transactions with owners 
At 25 February 2017

Share 
capital 
£m

Share 
premium 
£m

Other 
reserves 
£m

409
–

5,096
–

40
–

–

–
–

–

–

–

–

–
–
1
–
–

–

–
–

–

–

–

–

–
–
11
–
–

–

–
–

–

–

–

–

–
–
–
–
–

–
1
410

–
11
5,107

–
–
40

All other reserves

Capital 
redemption 
reserve  
£m

Hedging  
reserve 
£m

Translation 
reserve 
£m

16
–

217
–

–

–
–

–

–

–

–

–
–
–
–
–

–
–
16

–

–
–

(198) 

21

(177)

(177)

–
–
–
–
–

–
–
40

350
–

–

314
–

–

(9) 

305

305

–
–
–
–
–

–
–
655

Treasury 
shares  

Retained 
earnings  

£m

(22)
–

£m

332
1,206

Non-
controlling 
interests 
£m

(24)
2

Total  
£m

6,438
1,206

(62) 

(62) 

–
3,265

314
3,265

–

(198)

(544)

(532)

2,659

2,787

3,865

3,993

–
105
–
(80)
–

(14)
125
12
(80)
–

–

5
–

–

–

5

7

–
–
–
–
(5) 

–

–
–

–

–

–

–

(14)
20
–
–
–

–
6
(16)

6
31
4,228

6
49
10,480

–
(5)
(22)

6
44
10,458

All other reserves

Share 
capital 
£m
407
–

Share 
premium 
£m
5,095
–

Other 
reserves 
£m
40
–

Capital 
redemption 
reserve  
£m
16
–

Hedging  
reserve 
£m
211
–

Translation 
reserve 
£m
(401)
–

Treasury 
shares  

Retained 
earnings  

£m
(7)
–

£m
3,265
(40)

Non-
controlling 
interests 
£m
(10)
(14)

Total  
£m
8,626
(40)

Total  
equity 
£m

6,414
1,208

(62)

319
3,265

(198)

(532)

2,792

4,000

(14)
125
12
(80)
(5)

Total  
equity 
£m
8,616
(54)

80

764
(3,567)

1

556

(2,166)

–

–
–

–

–

–

–

–

–
–

–

–

–

–

–
–
2
–
–
2
409

–
–
1
–
–
1
5,096

–

–
–

–

–

–

–

–
–
–
–
–
–
40

–

–
–

–

–

–

–

–
–
–
–
–
–
16

–

–
–

1

5

6

6

–
–
–
–
–
–
217

–

764
–

–

(13)

751

751

–
–
–
–
–
–
350

–

–
–

–

–

–

–

(24)
9
–
–
–
(15)
(22)

The notes on pages 79 to 131 form part of these financial statements.

80

80

–
(3,567)

764
(3,567)

–

1

564

556

(2,923)

(2,166)

–

–
–

–

–

–

(2,963)

(2,206)

(14)

(2,220)

–
28
–
–
2
30
332

(24)
37
3
–
2
18
6,438

–
–
–
–
–
–
(24)

(24)
37
3
–
2
18
6,414

77

Tesco PLC Annual Report and Financial Statements 2018Financial statementsGroup cash flow statement

Cash flows generated from/(used in) operating activities
Operating profit/(loss) of continuing operations
Operating profit/(loss) of discontinued operations
Depreciation and amortisation
(Profit)/loss arising on sale of property, plant and equipment and intangible assets
(Profit)/loss arising on sale of subsidiaries and other investments
(Profit)/loss arising on sale of joint ventures and associates
Impairment loss on goodwill
Net impairment loss/(reversal) on other investments
Net impairment loss/(reversal) on property, plant and equipment, intangible assets and investment property 
Adjustment for non-cash element of pensions charge
Additional contribution into pension schemes
Share-based payments
Tesco Bank fair value movements included in operating profit

Retail (increase)/decrease in inventories
Retail (increase)/decrease in development stock
Retail (increase)/decrease in trade and other receivables
Retail increase/(decrease) in trade and other payables
Retail increase/(decrease) in provisions
Retail (increase)/decrease in working capital

Tesco Bank (increase)/decrease in loans and advances to customers
Tesco Bank (increase)/decrease in trade and other receivables
Tesco Bank increase/(decrease) in customer and bank deposits, trade and other payables
Tesco Bank increase/(decrease) in provisions
Tesco Bank (increase)/decrease in working capital
Cash generated from/(used in) operations
Interest paid
Corporation tax (paid)/received
Net cash generated from/(used in) operating activities
Cash flows generated from/(used in) investing activities 
Proceeds from sale of property, plant and equipment, investment property, intangible assets 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
Purchase of intangible assets
Disposal of subsidiaries, net of cash disposed
Acquisition of subsidiaries, net of cash acquired
Proceeds from sale of joint ventures and associates
Net (increase)/decrease in loans to joint ventures and associates
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 generated from/(used in) investing activities 
Cash flows generated from/(used in) financing activities 
Proceeds from issue of ordinary share capital
Increase in borrowings
Repayment of borrowings
Net cash flows from derivative financial instruments
Repayments of obligations under finance leases
Dividends paid to equity owners
Net cash generated from/(used in) financing activities
Net increase/(decrease) in cash and cash equivalents 
Cash and cash equivalents at the 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 

The notes on pages 79 to 131 form part of these financial statements.

52 weeks 
2018 
£m

52 weeks  
2017 
£m

Notes

1,837
–
1,295
(66)
(165)
(23)
–
(22)
(167)
4
(245)
113
156
55
21
(1)
278
132
485
(1,738)
30
1,821
(6)
107
3,309
(351)
(176)
2,782

1,017
(117)
1,304
(78)
3
(5)
46
(12)
(5)
7
(248)
15
98 
124
16
(74)
510
 11
 587
(1,529)
(24)
1,474
25
(54)
 2,558
 (522)
(47)
 1,989

253

512

(1,440)
(197)
66
(27)
23
–
(21)
1,697
236
26
50
666

11
313
(3,721)
253
(10)
(82)
(3,236)
212
3,832
15
4,059
–
4,059

(1,205)
(169)
 205
 (25)
–
15
–
736
141
28
41
279

1
185
(2,036)
475
(12)
–
(1,387)
881
3,082
(131)
3,832
(11)
 3,821

27
27

31

28

8

7
18

78

Tesco PLC Annual Report and Financial Statements 2018 
 
 
Notes to the Group financial statements

Note 1 Accounting policies, judgements and estimates

General information
Tesco PLC (the Company) is a public limited company incorporated  
and domiciled in the United Kingdom (UK) under the Companies Act 2006 
(Registration number 445790). The address of the registered office is  
Tesco House, Shire Park, Kestrel Way, Welwyn Garden City AL7 1GA, UK.

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) as 
endorsed by the European Union (EU), 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 pension assets that have been measured at fair value.

The Directors have, at the time of approving the financial statements,  
a reasonable expectation that the Company and the Group have adequate 
resources to continue in operational existence for the foreseeable future. 
Thus they continue to adopt the going concern basis of accounting in 
preparing the financial statements. Further detail is contained within the 
going concern statement included in the Directors’ report on page 66.

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.

The financial year represents the 52 weeks ended 24 February 2018 (prior 
financial year 52 weeks ended 25 February 2017). For the UK and the Republic 
of Ireland (UK & ROI), the results are for the 52 weeks ended 24 February  
2018 (prior financial year 52 weeks ended 25 February 2017). For all other 
operations, the results are for the calendar year ended 28 February 2018 
(prior calendar year ended 28 February 2017).

Subsidiaries
Subsidiaries are consolidated in the Group’s 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 and Group statement of comprehensive 
income/(loss) 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. Dividends received 
from joint ventures or associates with nil carrying value are recognised in the 
income statement as part of the Group’s share of post-tax profits/(losses)  
of joint ventures and associates. 

Unrealised gains arising from transactions with joint ventures and associates 
are eliminated to the extent of the Group’s interest in the entity.

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 retail 
banking and 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 rates. 

Rental income
Rental income is recognised in the period in which it is earned, in accordance 
with the terms of the lease.

Commercial income
Consistent with standard industry practice, the Group has agreements with 
suppliers whereby volume-related allowances, promotional and marketing 
allowances and various other fees and discounts are received in connection 
with the purchase of goods for resale from those suppliers. Most of the 
income received from suppliers relates to adjustments to a core cost price 
of a product, and as such is considered part of the purchase price for that 
product. Sometimes receipt of the income is conditional on the Group 
performing specified actions or satisfying certain performance conditions 
associated with the purchase of the product. These include achieving agreed 
purchases or sales volume targets and providing promotional or marketing 
materials and activities or promotional product positioning. While there is no 
standard industry definition, these amounts receivable from suppliers  
in connection with the purchase of goods for resale are generally termed 
commercial income.

Commercial income is recognised when earned by the Group, which occurs 
when all obligations conditional for earning income have been discharged, 
and the income can be measured reliably based on the terms of the 
contract. The income is recognised as a credit within cost of sales. Where 
the income earned relates to inventories which are held by the Group at 
period ends, the income is included within the cost of those inventories,  
and recognised in cost of sales upon sale of those inventories.

Amounts due relating to commercial income are recognised within trade and 
other receivables, except in cases where the Group currently has a legally 
enforceable right of set-off and intends to offset amounts due from suppliers 
against amounts owed to those suppliers, in which case only the net amount 
receivable or payable is recognised. Accrued commercial income is recognised 
within accrued income when commercial income earned has not been 
invoiced at the balance sheet date.

79

Tesco PLC Annual Report and Financial Statements 2018Financial statementsNotes to the Group financial statements continued

Note 1 Accounting policies, judgements and estimates 
continued 

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. 

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: 

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.

Business combinations and goodwill
The Group accounts for all business combinations by applying the acquisition 
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 values. 
Non-controlling interests are stated at the non-controlling interests’ 
proportion of the fair values of the assets and liabilities recognised.

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 bargain 
purchase), 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.

Where the Group obtains control of a joint venture or associate, the  
Group’s previously held interests in the acquired entity is remeasured to its 
acquisition date fair value and the resulting gain or loss, if any, is recognised  
in the Group income statement. 

Cloud software licence agreements
Licence agreements to use cloud software are treated as service contracts 
and expensed in the Group income statement, unless the Group has both  
a contractual right to take possession of the software at any time without 
significant penalty, and the ability to run the software independently of the 
host vendor. In such cases the licence agreement is capitalised as software 
within intangible assets.

Intangible assets
Intangible assets, such as software and pharmacy licences, are measured 
initially at acquisition cost or costs incurred to develop the asset. Intangible 
assets acquired in a business combination are recognised at fair value at  
the acquisition date.

Following initial recognition, intangible assets with finite useful lives are 
carried at cost less accumulated amortisation and accumulated impairment 
losses. They are amortised on a straight-line basis over their estimated 
useful lives, at 10%–25% of cost per annum.

Research costs are expensed as incurred. Development expenditure 
incurred on an individual project is capitalised only if specific criteria  
are met.

 – 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
 – fixtures and fittings, office equipment and motor vehicles – at rates varying 

from 10% to 33%.

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.

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.

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 
property, plant and equipment.

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 development properties held for resale. 
Inventories are valued at the lower of cost and fair value less costs to sell 
using the weighted average cost basis. Directly attributable costs and 
incomes (including applicable commercial income) are included in the cost  
of inventories.

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, 
certificates of deposits and other receivables together with short-term 
deposits with an original maturity of three months or less.

80

Tesco PLC Annual Report and Financial Statements 2018Note 1 Accounting policies, judgements and estimates 
continued

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.

Discontinued operations
In accordance with IFRS 5 ‘Non-current Assets Held for Sale and 
Discontinued Operations’, the net results of discontinued operations are 
presented separately in the Group income statement (and the comparatives 
restated) and the assets and liabilities of these operations are presented 
separately in the Group balance sheet. Refer to Note 7 for further details.

Leases
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. 

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.

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 obligations
For defined benefit plans, obligations are measured at discounted present 
value (using the projected unit credit method) while 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/(loss).

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 or Monte Carlo 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 
financial 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/(loss) or directly in the Group statement of 
changes in equity, in which case it is recognised in the Group statement  
of comprehensive income/(loss) 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 are expected to apply in  
the period when the liability is settled or the asset realised based on the tax 
rates that have been enacted or substantively enacted by the 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 the Group 
statement of changes in equity or the Group statement of comprehensive 
income/(loss), 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.

Tax provisions are recognised for uncertain tax positions where a risk  
of an additional tax liability has been identified and it is probable that the  
Group will be required to settle that tax. Measurement is dependent on 
management’s expectation of the outcome of decisions by tax authorities  
in the various tax jurisdictions in which the Group operates. This is assessed 
on a case by case basis using in-house tax experts, professional firms and 
previous experience. Refer to Note 6.

Foreign currencies
The consolidated financial statements are presented in Pounds Sterling, 
which is the ultimate Parent Company’s functional currency.

Transactions in foreign currencies are translated to the functional currency 
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 to the functional currency at the rates prevailing 
on the balance sheet date. Exchange differences are recognised in the Group 
income statement in the period in which they arise, apart from exchange 
differences on transactions entered into to hedge certain foreign currency 
risks, and exchange differences on monetary items forming part of the net 
investment in a foreign operation.

The assets and liabilities of the Group’s foreign operations are translated 
into Pounds Sterling at exchange rates prevailing at the balance sheet date. 
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/(loss) 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.

81

Tesco PLC Annual Report and Financial Statements 2018Financial statementsNotes to the Group financial statements continued

Note 1 Accounting policies, judgements and estimates 
continued

Financial instruments
Financial assets and financial liabilities are recognised in 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 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
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. At each balance sheet date, 
management 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, 
management 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.  
In making collective assessments of impairment, financial assets are grouped 
into portfolios on the basis of similar risk characteristics.

Loan impairment provisions are established on a portfolio basis using 
statistical methodology taking into account the level of arrears, security, 
past loss experience, credit quality and defaults based on portfolio trends.

The portfolios include mortgages, credit card receivables, personal current 
accounts and personal loans. 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.

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.

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 reporting period to assess 
whether 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.

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. 

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 the Group statement of comprehensive income/(loss).

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 that 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 if a voluntary de-designation takes place  
or it 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 forecast 
transaction occurs or the original hedged item affects the Group income 
statement. If a forecast 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.

82

Tesco PLC Annual Report and Financial Statements 2018Note 1 Accounting policies, judgements and estimates 
continued

Financial instruments continued
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.

Offsetting financial instruments
Financial assets and liabilities are offset and the net amount reported in the 
Group balance sheet when there is a current 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 discount 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 or exiting the lease obligations exceed the 
economic benefits expected to be received under the lease.

Judgements and sources of estimation uncertainty
The preparation of the consolidated Group financial statements requires 
management to make judgements, estimates and assumptions in applying 
the Group’s accounting policies to determine the reported amounts of 
assets, 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, with revisions to accounting estimates 
applied prospectively.

Critical accounting judgements
Critical judgements, apart from those involving estimations, that are applied 
in the preparation of the consolidated financial statements are discussed below:

Joint ventures and associates
The Group has assessed the nature of its joint arrangements under  
IFRS 11 ‘Joint arrangements’ and determined them to be joint ventures.  
This assessment required the exercise of judgement as set out in Note 13.

Management has applied judgement in determining that Gain Land Limited 
(Gain Land) is an associate of the Group. The Group has significant influence by 
virtue of holding a 20% equity interest which presumes significant influence per 
IAS 28, together with having a contractual right to appoint two out of 10 
Directors, while taking into account that the remaining 80% interest is held by 
one other party.

Equity transactions with joint venture partners
During the year the Group unwound its joint venture with British Land Co PLC 
(British Land). As part of the unwind, the Group obtained sole control of BLT 
Properties Ltd and seven stores, while British Land obtained sole control of 
BLT Holdings (2010) Ltd and two stores.

The Group is an equity partner in several joint ventures. Where the Group 
acquires the other partner’s interests in the joint venture, management 
applies judgement in determining whether the transaction is accounted  
for as a business combination or as an asset acquisition. Factors considered  
in making this determination include whether the property management 
services in the joint venture are significant processes, and whether 
substantially all of the consideration paid relates to the fair value of purchased 
properties. For transactions accounted for as business combinations where 
the Group leases properties in the joint venture, management further 
considers whether increases in valuation of the properties above vacant 
possession value are attributable to the value of the lease contract or reflect 
residual goodwill.

Management exercised judgement in accounting for the Group’s acquisition 
of BLT Properties Ltd as an asset acquisition, since substantially all of the 
purchase price related to the fair value of the seven stores purchased.  
The sale of shares in BLT Holdings (2010) Ltd was accounted for as a sale  
of an investment. Refer to Note 4.

Structured entities
Management has applied judgement in determining whether the Group  
has control over any structured entities involved in the Group’s credit  
card securitisations and retail property transactions. Refer to Note 13  
for additional disclosures.

Leases
Management exercises judgement in determining the classification of  
leases as finance or operating leases at inception of the lease. Management 
considers the likelihood of exercising break clauses or extension options in 
determining the lease term. Where the lease term constitutes substantially 
all of the economic life of the asset, or where the present value of minimum 
lease payments amount to substantially all of the fair value of the property, 
the lease is classified as a finance lease. All other leases are classified as 
operating leases.

Management further applies judgement in determining the accounting 
treatment of the sale and leaseback transactions. Factors considered 
include 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).

Refer to Note 34 for additional disclosures on judgements made relating  
to operating leases including those arising from sale and leasebacks.

Classification of mall properties
Management exercises judgement in determining the appropriate 
classification of shopping malls as investment properties or property, plant 
and equipment. Factors considered in making this determination include the 
level of services provided to tenants, who manages the mall and any shared 
facilities, the proportion of sublet space to own-use space and the variability 
of earnings from the property.

Determination of cash-generating units
The Group has determined each store as a separate cash-generating unit  
for impairment testing. Refer to Note 11.

Operating segments
Management has assessed the retail operations in different countries and 
determined that they share similar economic characteristics, products, 
customers and supply chain operations. The retail operations have therefore 
been aggregated in the UK & ROI, Central Europe and Asia segments, in  
line with the way they are managed below the Chief Operating Decision 
Maker (CODM).

Tesco Bank operates in a different industry and reports separately hence  
is a separate segment.

Discontinued operations
Management has applied judgement in presenting the Group’s retail 
operations in Turkey as a discontinued operation. Management consider  
the retail operations in Turkey as an operating segment, one level below the 
reportable Retail Central Europe segment. Management further considered 
previous treatment of similar disposals in China and Korea as discontinued 
operations. Refer to Note 7.

Alternative performance measures (APMs) – Exceptional items 
Management exercises judgement in determining the adjustments to apply  
to IFRS measurements in order to derive APMs which provide additional 
useful information on the underlying trends, performance and position of 
the Group. This assessment covers the nature of the item, cause of occurrence 
and the scale of impact of that item on reported performance. Reversals  
of previous exceptional items are assessed based on the same criteria.  
A breakdown of the exceptional items included in the Group income statement, 
together with the impact of these items on the Group cash flow statement, 
is disclosed in Note 4 to the consolidated financial statements.

Refer to pages 150 to 153 for further details on the Group’s APMs.

83

Tesco PLC Annual Report and Financial Statements 2018Financial statementsNotes to the Group financial statements continued

Uncertain tax provisions 
The Group was previously exposed to variability in the resolution of tax 
exposures relating to Korea. Since these exposures have been resolved in 
the current year, the risk of material adjustment relating to uncertain tax 
provisions is viewed as not significant.

Inventories
An inventory provision is booked for cases where the realisable value from 
sale of the inventory is estimated to be lower than the inventory carrying 
value. Management has estimated the inventory provisioning percentage  
for different product categories based on various factors, including the 
expected sales profiles of the items, the prevailing sales prices, the item’s 
seasonality pattern and expected losses associated with slow-moving 
inventory items.

Contingent liabilities
Contingent liabilities are possible obligations whose existence will be 
confirmed only on the occurrence or non-occurrence of uncertain future 
events outside the Group’s control, or present obligations that are not 
recognised because it is not probable that a settlement will be required or  
the value of such a payment cannot be reliably estimated. The Group does  
not recognise contingent liabilities but discloses them. Refer to Note 32 for  
the disclosures.

Amendments to accounting standards effective for the current year
The following amendments were adopted in the current year:

 – Amendments to IAS 7 ‘Statement of Cash Flows’ – Disclosure Initiative 
 – Amendments to IAS 12 ‘Income Taxes’ – Recognition of Deferred Tax Assets  

for Unrealised Losses

The adoption of these amendments does not have a material impact on  
the Group financial statements. Additional disclosures have been given 
where relevant.

Standards issued but not yet effective
At the date of authorisation of these financial statements, the Group has  
not applied the following standards that have been issued but are not yet 
effective. The Group has not adopted any new or amended standards early.

IFRS 9 ‘Financial Instruments’
IFRS 9 ‘Financial Instruments’ replaces IAS 39 ‘Financial Instruments: 
Recognition and Measurement’ with the exception of macro hedge 
accounting. The standard will be effective in the Group financial statements  
for the 52 weeks ending 23 February 2019. The Group intends to apply the 
classification and measurement and impairment requirements of the 
standard retrospectively at the transition date of 25 February 2018 by 
adjusting the opening balance sheet, with no restatement of comparative 
periods. Hedge accounting relationships within the scope of IFRS 9 will 
transition prospectively.

The standard covers three elements:

 – Classification and measurement: Changes to a more principle based 

approach to classify financial assets as either held at amortised cost, fair 
value through other comprehensive income (FVOCI) or fair value through 
profit or loss, dependent on the business model and cash flow 
characteristics of the financial asset; 

 – Impairment: Moves to an impairment model based on expected credit 

losses based on a three stage approach; and

 – Hedge accounting: The IFRS 9 hedge accounting requirements are designed  
to allow hedge accounting to be more closely aligned with the Group’s 
underlying risk management. A new International Accounting Standards 
Board (IASB) project is in progress to develop an approach to better reflect 
dynamic risk management in entities’ financial statements.

Classification and measurement:
From a review of the Group balance sheet as at 24 February 2018,  
the Group expects the following classification changes to take place:

 – All financial instruments classified as loans and receivables under IAS 39  

will be classified and measured at amortised cost under IFRS 9; and
 – All financial instruments classified as available-for-sale under IAS 39  

will be classified and measured at FVOCI under IFRS 9.

Note 1 Accounting policies, judgements and estimates 
continued

Key sources of estimation uncertainty
The key assumptions about the future, and other key sources of estimation 
uncertainty at the reporting period end that may have a significant risk of 
causing a material adjustment to the carrying amount of assets and liabilities 
within the next financial year are discussed below:

Change in estimate – 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.

During the financial year, the Group has taken actuarial advice and decided to 
change the model used for deriving the discount rate assumption for valuing 
the Tesco PLC Pension Scheme’s liabilities under IAS 19 ‘Employee Benefits’.

Key assumptions and sensitivities for post-employment benefit obligations 
are disclosed in Note 27. 

Impairment
a) Impairment of investments
Where there are indicators of impairment or reversals of previous 
impairment for investments in joint ventures and associates or other 
investments, management performs an impairment test for the investment 
based on the higher of value in use and fair value less costs of disposal.  
Key estimates and sensitivities for impairment of investments are disclosed  
in Note 13.

b)  Impairment of property, plant and equipment, software,  

other intangible assets and investment property

Where there are indicators of impairment, management performs an 
impairment test. Recoverable amounts for cash-generating units are the 
higher of fair value less costs of disposal, and value in use. Value in use is 
calculated from cash flow projections based on the Group’s three year 
internal forecasts. The forecasts are extrapolated to five years based on 
management’s expectations, and beyond five years based on estimated 
long-term growth rates. Key estimates and sensitivities for impairment  
of assets are disclosed in Note 11. Fair value is determined with the 
assistance of independent, professional valuers where appropriate.

Commercial income
Management is required to make estimates in determining the amount and 
timing of recognition of commercial income (as defined on page 79) for some 
transactions with suppliers. In determining the amount of volume-related 
allowances recognised in any period, management estimate the probability 
that the Group will meet contractual target volumes, based on historical and 
forecast performance. There is limited estimation involved in recognising 
income for promotional and other allowances. 

Management assesses its performance against the obligations conditional  
on earning the income, with the income recognised either over time as the 
obligations are met, or recognised at the point when all obligations are met, 
dependent on the contractual requirements. Commercial income is 
recognised as a credit within cost of sales. Where the income earned relates 
to inventories which are held by the Group at period ends, the income  
is included within the cost of those inventories, and recognised in cost  
of sales upon sale of those inventories. Management views that the cost  
of inventories sold (which is inclusive of commercial income) provides  
a consistent and complete measure of the income statement impact  
of the overall supplier relationships.

Management considers the best indicator of the estimation undertaken  
is by reference to commercial income balances not settled at the balance 
sheet date and has therefore provided additional disclosures of commercial 
income amounts reflected in the balance sheet. Refer to Note 20 for 
commercial income disclosures.

Property provisions
Property provisions comprise onerous lease provisions, including leases  
on unprofitable stores and vacant properties, and other onerous contracts 
related to property. These provisions are based on the least net cost of 
fulfilling or exiting the contract.

Key estimates and sensitivities for property provisions are disclosed in Note 25.

84

Tesco PLC Annual Report and Financial Statements 2018Note 1 Accounting policies, judgements and estimates 
continued

Standards issued but not yet effective continued
IFRS 9 ‘Financial Instruments’ continued
Impairment:
IFRS 9 requires the Group to recognise expected credit losses (ECL) at all 
times, and to update the amount of ECL recognised at each reporting date 
to reflect changes in the credit risk of financial assets. The ECL will be 
measured under the simplified approach, with the exception of loans and 
advances to customers, other investments and joint venture loans, where 
the three-stage approach will be applied.

The assessment of credit risk and the estimation of ECL are required  
to be unbiased, forward-looking and probability-weighted, determined by 
evaluating at the reporting date for each financial asset a range of possible 
outcomes using reasonable and supportable information about past events, 
current conditions and forecasts of future events and economic conditions. 
The estimation of ECL also takes into account the time value of money.

As a result of applying IFRS 9, the impact on opening retained earnings  
for the year ended 28 February 2019 for Tesco Bank is expected to be a 
reduction of £166m. This reflects the increase in impairment allowance 
under the new ECL model, net of deferred tax. The impact of the new 
impairment requirements on the Retail business is not material.

Hedge accounting:
The IFRS 9 hedge accounting requirements are designed to allow hedge 
accounting to be more closely aligned with financial risk management. A new 
IFRS is under development to account for dynamic risk management. As 
permitted under IFRS 9, the Group will elect to continue to apply the existing 
hedge accounting requirements of IAS 39 for its portfolio hedge accounting 
until this new standard is implemented. All other existing hedge relationships 
will transition to IFRS 9 on adoption.

IFRS 15 ‘Revenues from Contracts with Customers’
IFRS 15 ‘Revenues from Contracts with Customers’ will be effective in the 
Group financial statements for the 52 weeks ending 23 February 2019. The 
Group intends to adopt the standard retrospectively, with comparatives 
restated from a transition date of 26 February 2017.

IFRS 15 introduces a five-step approach to the timing of revenue recognition 
based on performance obligations in customer contracts. The core principle 
of IFRS 15 is that an entity should recognise revenue to depict the transfer  
of promised goods and services to customers in an amount that reflects the 
consideration to which the entity expects to be entitled in exchange for 
those goods or services.

The Group recognises revenue from the principal activities of retailing and 
associated activities and retail banking and insurance services through Tesco 
Bank. For the majority of revenue streams, there is a low level of judgement 
applied in determining the consideration or the timing of transfer of control. 
As a result, revenue recognition under IFRS 15 will be largely consistent with 
current practice.

Revenue streams that will be impacted include Clubcard loyalty points, for 
which the fair value of consideration will change, and certain 
telecommunication contracts and bespoke contracts fulfilled by dunnhumby, 
for which the timing of revenue recognition will change.

IFRS 15 is not expected to result in a material impact to the Retail business.  
The impact for Tesco Bank is still under assessment.

IFRS 16 ‘Leases’
IFRS 16 ‘Leases’ will be effective in the Group financial statements for the  
53 weeks ending 29 February 2020. The Group intends to adopt the standard 
retrospectively, with comparatives restated from a transition date of  
25 February 2018.

IFRS 16 provides a single lessee accounting model, requiring lessees to 
recognise right-of-use assets and lease liabilities for all applicable leases.

Under IFRS 16, lessees will be required to remeasure the lease liability upon  
the occurrence of certain events, such as a change in future lease payments 
resulting from a change in an index or rate used to determine those payments. 
The lessee will generally recognise the amount of the remeasurement of the 
lease liability as an adjustment to the right-of-use asset.

IFRS 16 is expected to have a significant impact on reported assets, liabilities 
and income statement of the Group, as well as the classification of cash flows 
relating to lease contracts. The standard will impact a number of key measures 
such as operating profit and cash generated from operations, as well as a 
number of alternative performance measures used by the Group.

The Group’s IFRS 16 Project is governed by a Steering Committee, which 
regularly reports progress to the Group Audit Committee. During the current 
reporting period, progress has been made in the collation of the additional 
lease data required to support IFRS 16 calculations, establishing systems  
and processes required for accounting and reporting under IFRS 16 and in 
determining the appropriate discount rates to apply to lease payments. 

During the next financial year, the Group will finalise this work and set out 
accounting policies and procedures for leases. The Group will also establish  
a process of parallel reporting for the comparative period. Until the impact 
assessment is completed, it is not practical to provide a reasonable estimate 
of the financial effect of IFRS 16.

Other standards and amendments
The impacts of the following standards and amendments are still  
under assessment:

 – Amendments to IFRS 4 – Applying IFRS 9 Financial Instruments with IFRS 4 

Insurance Contracts

 – IFRS 17 – Insurance Contracts

Other changes to standards and amendments issued but not yet effective are 
not expected to have a material impact on the Group financial statements.

Alternative performance measures (APMs)
In the reporting of financial information, the Directors have adopted  
various APMs.

These measures are not defined by International Financial Reporting 
Standards (IFRS) and therefore may not be directly comparable with other 
companies’ APMs, including those in the Group’s industry.

APMs should be considered in addition to, and are not intended to be  
a substitute for, or superior to, IFRS measurements.

Purpose
The Directors believe that these APMs assist in providing additional useful 
information on the underlying trends, performance and position of the Group.

APMs are also used to enhance the comparability of information between 
reporting periods and geographical units (such as like-for-like sales), by 
adjusting for non-recurring or uncontrollable factors which affect IFRS 
measures, to aid users in understanding the Group’s performance.

Consequently, APMs are used by the Directors and management for 
performance analysis, planning, reporting and incentive-setting purposes.

The key APMs that the Group has focused on in the financial year are  
as follows:

 – Group sales: This is the headline measure of revenue for the Group.  

It excludes the impact of sales made at petrol filling stations due to the 
significant volatility of fuel prices. This volatility is outside the control  
of management and can mask underlying changes in performance.
 – Like-for-like sales: This is a widely used indicator of a retailer’s current 

trading performance. It is a measure of growth in Group online sales and 
sales from stores that have been open for at least a year (but excludes 
prior year sales of stores closed during the year) at constant foreign 
exchange rates.

 – Operating profit before exceptional items: This is the headline measure  
of the Group’s performance, and is based on operating profit before the 
impact of exceptional items. Exceptional items relate to certain costs or 
incomes that derive from events or transactions that fall within the normal 
activities of the Group but which, individually or, if of a similar type, in 
aggregate, are excluded by virtue of their size and nature in order to 
reflect management’s view of the performance of the Group.

 – Retail operating cash flow: This is the operating cash flow of continuing 

operations, excluding the effects of Tesco Bank’s cash flows.

 – Retail free cash flow: Retail free cash flow includes all cash flows from 

operating and investing activities for the Retail business, and the market 
purchase of shares in relation to share schemes. The following items are 
excluded: investing cash flows that increase/decrease items within Net 
debt, and cash flows from major corporate acquisitions and disposals.

85

Tesco PLC Annual Report and Financial Statements 2018Financial statementsNotes to the Group financial statements continued

Note 1 Accounting policies, judgements and estimates 
continued

Alternative performance measures (APMs) continued
Purpose continued
 – Net debt: This excludes the net debt of Tesco Bank but includes that  
of the discontinued operations to reflect the net debt obligations of  
the Retail business.

 – Diluted earnings per share from continuing operations before exceptional 

items, net pension finance costs and fair value remeasurements on  
financial instruments: This relates to profit after tax before exceptional 
items from continuing operations, net pension finance costs and fair value 
remeasurements on financial instruments attributable to owners of the 
parent divided by the weighted average number of ordinary shares in issue 
during the financial year adjusted for the effects of potentially dilutive  
share options.

Some of the Group’s IFRS measures are translated at constant exchange 
rates. Constant exchange rates are the average actual periodic exchange 
rates for the previous financial year and are used to eliminate the effects  
of exchange rate fluctuations in assessing performance. Actual exchange  
rates are the average actual periodic exchange rates for the financial year.

Changes to APMs
During the financial year, the following changes have been applied to the 
Group’s APMs:

 – Free cash flow has been redefined to include all cash flows from operating 
and investing activities, and the market purchase of shares in relation to 
share schemes. The following items are excluded: investing cash flows that 
increase/decrease items within Group net debt, and cash flows from major 
corporate acquisitions and disposals. This measure reflects the cash available 
to shareholders. Previously, free cash flow only included capital expenditure 
cash flows within investing activities. Retail free cash flow is now considered 
a key APM.

 – Diluted earnings per share from continuing operations before exceptional 

items and net pension finance costs has been replaced with diluted earnings 
per share from continuing operations before exceptional items, net pension 
finance costs and fair value remeasurements on financial instruments. Fair 
value remeasurements are now excluded as they are impacted by changes 
to credit risk and various market indices, which can fluctuate significantly. 
Also included in these items are fair value remeasurements on financial 
instruments resulting from liability management exercises. Other earnings 
per share measures before exceptional items are no longer considered 
APMs and have been removed.

 – Total indebtedness ratio and Fixed charge cover have been included  

as new APMs during the year. Earnings before exceptional items, interest, 
tax, depreciation, amortisation and rent expense (EBITDAR) has also been 
included as it is used to calculate these debt metrics. Total indebtedness 
ratio and Fixed charge cover are measures of the Group’s ability to meet  
its payment obligations and are widely used by analysts and credit  
rating agencies.

Refer to the Glossary (pages 150 to 153) for a full list and comprehensive 
descriptions and purpose of the Group’s APMs.

86

Tesco PLC Annual Report and Financial Statements 2018Note 2 Segmental reporting

The Group’s operating 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 Group Chief Executive, with support from the Executive Committee, as the function primarily responsible for the allocation  
of resources to segments and assessment of performance of the segments.

In line with changes in management structure reporting to the CODM, the Group has reassessed its reportable segments and determined that the retailing  
and associated activities previously disclosed within the International segment should be segregated between the Central Europe and Asia segments.

The principal activities of the Group are therefore presented in the following segments:

 • Retailing and associated activities (Retail) in:

 – UK & ROI – the United Kingdom and Republic of Ireland; 
 – Central Europe – Czech Republic, Hungary, Poland, Slovakia; and 
 – Asia – Malaysia and Thailand.

•  Retail banking and insurance services through Tesco Bank in the UK (Tesco Bank).

This presentation reflects how the Group’s operating performance is reviewed internally by management. Segmental information for the 52 weeks ended  
25 February 2017 has been amended accordingly. The amounts disclosed within the Central Europe and Asia segments total the amounts previously disclosed 
within the International segment.

Excluded from the segmental information below are the Retail activities of Turkey which have been classified as discontinued operations. Refer to Note 7  
for further details.

The CODM uses operating profit before exceptional items, as reviewed at monthly Executive Committee meetings, as the key measure of the segments’ 
results as it reflects the segments’ underlying performance for the financial year under evaluation. Operating profit before exceptional items is a consistent 
measure within the Group as defined within Note 1. Refer to Note 4 for exceptional items. Inter-segment revenue between the operating segments is not material.

Income statement 
The segment results and the reconciliation of the segment measures to the respective statutory items included in the Group income statement are as follows: 

Total at
constant
exchange
£m

Foreign
exchange
£m

Total
at actual
exchange
£m

52 weeks ended 24 February 2018 
At constant exchange rates

Continuing operations
Group sales
Revenue
Operating profit/(loss) before exceptional items*
Exceptional items
Operating profit/(loss)
Operating margin

UK & ROI
£m

38,522
44,775
1,046
141
1,187
2.3%

Central 
Europe
£m

5,884
6,109
110
88
198
1.8%

52 weeks ended 24 February 2018 
At actual exchange rates

Continuing operations
Group sales
Revenue
Operating profit/(loss) before exceptional items*
Exceptional items
Operating profit/(loss)
Operating margin
Share of post-tax profits/(losses) of joint ventures and associates
Finance income
Finance costs
Profit/(loss) before tax

52 weeks ended 25 February 2017 
At actual exchange rates

Continuing operations
Group sales
Revenue
Operating profit/(loss) before exceptional items*
Exceptional items
Operating profit/(loss)
Operating margin
Share of post-tax profits/(losses) of joint ventures and associates
Finance income
Finance costs
Profit/(loss) before tax

Asia 
£m

4,692
4,692
282
(20)
262
6.0%

UK & ROI
£m

38,650
44,908
1,053
146
1,199
2.3%

UK & ROI
£m

37,692
43,524
803
(284)
519
1.8%

Tesco
Bank
£m

1,051
1,051
173
(24)
149
16.5%

Central 
Europe
£m

6,343
6,585
119
93
212
1.8%

Central 
Europe
£m

5,977
6,195
58
 132
190
0.9%

*   Intercompany recharges totalling £nil (2017: £2m) between continuing operations and the Turkey discontinued operations have been eliminated.

50,149
56,627
1,611
185
1,796
2.8%

Asia 
£m

4,947
4,947
299
(22)
277
6.0%

Asia
 £m

 5,186
 5,186
262
(31)
 231
5.1%

842
864
33
8
41

Tesco
Bank
 £m

1,051
1,051
173
(24)
149
16.5%

Tesco
Bank
 £m

1,012
1,012
157
(80)
77
15.5%

50,991
57,491
1,644
193
1,837
2.9%

Total
at actual
exchange
£m

50,991
57,491
1,644
193
1,837
2.9%
(6)
98
(631)
1,298

Total
at actual
exchange
£m

49,867
55,917
1,280
(263)
1,017
2.3%
(107)
109
(874)
145

87

Tesco PLC Annual Report and Financial Statements 2018Financial statementsNotes to the Group financial statements continued

Note 2 Segmental reporting continued 

Balance sheet
The following tables showing segment assets and liabilities exclude those balances that make up net debt (cash and cash equivalents, short-term investments, 
joint venture loans and other receivables, bank and other borrowings, finance lease payables, derivative financial instruments and net debt of the disposal 
group). Net debt balances have been included within the unallocated segment to reflect how the Group manages these balances. Intercompany transactions 
have been eliminated other than intercompany transactions with Tesco Bank in net debt.

UK & ROI
£m
1,281
13,190
12
3
30
–
19
14,535

2,428
–
–
(7,241)
–
(1,034)
(20)
(263)
(3,261)
95
–
–
5,239

UK & ROI
£m
1,293
12,893
11
–
23
–
601
14,821

2,389
–
–
(7,006)
–
(914)
(7)
(579)
(6,600)
100
–
–
2,204

Central 
Europe
£m
36
2,799
1
–
6
–
33
2,875

610
–
–
(853)
–
(110)
(35)
(9)
–
54
–
–
2,532

Central 
Europe
£m
44
2,613
1
–
7
–
23
2,688

654
–
–
(799)
–
(80)
(26)
(1)
–
46
–
–
2,482

Asia
 £m
271
2,564
586
–
12
–
65
3,498

398
–
–
(1,028)
–
(47)
(32)
(16)
(21)
–
–
–
2,752

Asia
 £m
278
2,593
656
–
13
–
83
3,623

394
–
–
(1,152)
–
(45)
(41)
(12)
(21)
–
–
–
2,746

Tesco
Bank
 £m
1,073
68
90
857
–
6,885
–
8,973

308
4,637
68
(238)
(10,784)
(77)
(4)
(35)
–
–
–
(288)
2,560

Tesco
Bank
 £m
1,102
73
71
810
–
5,795
–
7,851

338
4,166
156
(242)
 (8,963)
(84)
(14)
(8)
–
–
–
(722)
2,478

Unallocated 
£m
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–

–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
(2,625)
(2,625)

Unallocated 
£m
–
–
–
13
–
–
–
13

–
–
128
–
–
–
–
–
–
187
(95)
(3,729)
(3,496)

Total
£m
2,661
18,621
689
860
48
6,885
117
29,881

3,744
4,637
68
(9,360)
(10,784)
(1,268)
(91)
(323)
(3,282)
149
–
(2,913)
10,458

Total
£m
2,717
18,172
739
823
43
5,795
707
28,996

3,775
4,166
 284
 (9,199)
(8,963)
(1,123)
(88)
(600)
(6,621)
333
(95)
(4,451)
6,414

At 24 February 2018
Goodwill, software and other intangible assets
Property, plant and equipment and investment property
Investments in joint ventures and associates
Non-current other investments
Non-current trade and other receivables(a) 
Non-current loans and advances to customers
Deferred tax assets
Non-current assets(b)

Inventories and current trade and other receivables(c)
Current loans and advances to customers
Current other investments
Total trade and other payables
Total customer deposits and deposits from banks
Total provisions
Deferred tax liabilities
Net current tax
Post-employment benefits
Assets of the disposal group and classified as held for sale(d)
Liabilities of the disposal group(d)
Net debt (including Tesco Bank)(e)
Net assets

(a)  Excludes loans to joint ventures of £138m (2017: £137m) which form part of net debt.
(b)  Excludes derivative financial instrument non-current assets of £1,117m (2017: £1,303m).
(c)  Excludes net interest and other receivables of £1m (2017: £1m) which form part of net debt. 
(d)  Excludes net debt of the disposal group of £nil (2017: £(65)m). Refer to Note 7.
(e)  Refer to Note 30.

At 25 February 2017
Goodwill, software and other intangible assets
Property, plant and equipment and investment property
Investments in joint ventures and associates
Non-current other investments
Non-current trade and other receivables(a) 
Non-current loans and advances to customers
Deferred tax assets
Non-current assets(b)

Inventories and current trade and other receivables(c)
Current loans and advances to customers
Current other investments
Total trade and other payables
Total customer deposits and deposits from banks
Total provisions
Deferred tax liabilities
Net current tax
Post-employment benefits
Assets of the disposal group and classified as held for sale(d)
Liabilities of the disposal group(d)
Net debt (including Tesco Bank)(e)
Net assets

(a)–(e) Refer to previous table for footnotes.

88

Tesco PLC Annual Report and Financial Statements 2018Note 2 Segmental reporting continued

Other segment information

52 weeks ended 24 February 2018
Capital expenditure (including acquisitions through business 
combinations):

Property, plant and equipment
Investment property
Goodwill, software and other intangible assets* 

Depreciation and amortisation:

Property, plant and equipment
Investment property
Software and other intangible assets

Impairment:

Property, plant and equipment loss
Property, plant and equipment reversal
Investment property loss
Investment property reversal
Goodwill, software and other intangible assets loss
Software and other intangible assets reversal

UK & ROI
£m

Central 
Europe
£m

940
1
141

(686)
(1)
(121)

(50)
154
–
3
(20)
4

117
–
16

(147)
–
(18)

(6)
112
(1)
2
(8)
–

Asia 
£m

236
–
3

(230)
–
(9)

(32)
9
–
–
–
–

Tesco
Bank
£m

Total 
continuing 
operations
£m

Discontinued 
operations
£m

7
–
43

(12)
–
(71)

–
–
–
–
–
–

1,300
1
203

(1,075)
(1)
(219)

(88)
275
(1)
5
(28)
4

–
–
–

–
–
–

–
–
–
–
–
–

*   Includes £8m (2017: £nil) of goodwill, software and other intangible assets acquired through business combinations.

52 weeks ended 25 February 2017
Capital expenditure:

Property, plant and equipment
Investment property
Goodwill, software and other intangible assets

Depreciation and amortisation:

Property, plant and equipment
Investment property
Software and other intangible assets

Impairment:

Property, plant and equipment loss
Property, plant and equipment reversal
Investment property loss
Investment property reversal
Goodwill, software and other intangible assets loss
Software and other intangible assets reversal

UK & ROI
£m

Central 
Europe
£m

995
– 
111 

 (687)
 (1)
(117)

(12)
118
 (2) 
3
 (54) 
 – 

127
–
13

(141)
–
(16)

(121)
158
(1)
1
–
1

Tesco
Bank
£m

Total 
continuing 
operations
£m

Discontinued
operations*
£m

 12 
 – 
 34

 (17)
 – 
(101)

– 
– 
– 
–
– 
– 

1,393
–
161

 (1,053)
(1)
(244)

(167)
279
(3)
4
 (54)
 1

 2
–
–

 (5)
 –
(1)

(106) 
– 
– 
– 
–
– 

Asia 
£m

259
–
3

(208)
–
(10)

(34)
3
–
–
–
–

Total
£m

1,300
1
203

(1,075)
(1)
(219)

(88)
275
(1)
5
(28)
4

Total
£m

 1,395 
– 
 161

 (1,058)
 (1)
(245)

 (273)
279
(3)
4
 (54) 
 1 

*   Discontinued operations in this table represents amounts up until the point a disposal group is classified as such. This comprises those of Turkey in the first four months of the 52 weeks 

ended 25 February 2017. 

89

Tesco PLC Annual Report and Financial Statements 2018Financial statementsNotes to the Group financial statements continued

Note 2 Segmental reporting continued

Cash flow statement 
The following tables provide further analysis of the Group cash flow statement, including a split of cash flows between Retail and Tesco Bank. The current 
year’s presentation includes additional details on the line items impacted by exceptional items, while removing the analysis between Retail continuing and 
discontinued operations. Comparatives for the prior year have been amended accordingly.

Tesco Bank

Tesco Group

Before 
exceptional 
items
£m

Exceptional 
items
£m

Tesco Bank
Total
£m

52 weeks ended 24 February 2018

Operating profit/(loss) of continuing operations
Operating profit/(loss) of discontinued operations
Depreciation and amortisation
ATM net income
(Profit)/loss arising on sale of property, plant and equipment  
and intangible assets
(Profit)/loss arising on sale of subsidiaries and other investments 
(Profit)/loss arising on sale of joint ventures and associates
Net impairment loss/(reversal) on other investments
Net impairment loss/(reversal) on property, plant and equipment, 
software and other intangible assets and investment property 
Adjustment for non-cash element of pensions charge
Additional contribution into pension schemes
Share-based payments
Tesco Bank fair value movements included in operating profit
Cash flows generated from operations excluding working capital
(Increase)/decrease in working capital
Cash generated from/(used in) operations*
Interest paid
Corporation tax (paid)/received
Net cash generated from/(used in) operating activities

Proceeds from sale of property, plant and equipment, 
investment property, intangible assets 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  
– store buy backs
Purchase of property, plant and equipment, investment 
property and non-current assets classified as held for sale  
– other capital expenditure
Purchase of intangible assets
Disposal of subsidiaries, net of cash disposed
Acquisition of subsidiaries, net of cash acquired
Proceeds from sale of joint ventures and associates
Investments in joint ventures and associates
Net (investments in)/proceeds from sale of other investments
Dividends received from joint ventures and associates
Dividends received from Tesco Bank
Interest received
APM: Free cash flow
Net (increase)/decrease in loans to joint ventures and associates
Net (investments in)/proceeds from sale of short-term investments
Net cash generated from/(used in) investing activities

Proceeds from issue of ordinary share capital
Increase in borrowings
Repayment of borrowings
Net cash flows from derivative financial instruments
Repayment of obligations under finance leases
Dividends paid to equity holders
Net cash generated from/(used in) financing activities

Intra-Group funding and intercompany transactions

Net increase/(decrease) in cash and cash equivalents
Cash and cash equivalents at the 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

Before 
exceptional 
items
£m

Retail

Exceptional 
items
£m

1,471
–
1,212
(37)
(8)

(3)
(7)
(22)
(8)

4
(245)
109
–
2,466
499
2,965
(347)
(131)
2,487

175

217
–
–
–
(58)

(162)
(16)
–
(159)

–
–
–
–
(178)
(14)
(192)
–
–
(192)

78

Retail
Total
£m

1,688
–
1,212
(37)
(66)

(165)
(23)
(22)
(167)

4
(245)
109
–
2,288
485
2,773
(347)
(131)
2,295

253

(204)

(189)

(393)

173
–
83
37
–

–
–
–
–

–
–
4
156
453
110
563
(4)
(45)
514

–

–

(1,038)

–

(1,038)

(9)

(45)
–
–
–
(15)
6
–
(50)
–
401
–
–
(113)

–
300
(150)
–
–
–
150

(9)

542

(152)
–
(27)
4
(6)
34
26
50
50
1,399
–
1,697
609

11
13
(3,571)
253
(10)
(82)
(3,386)

9

–
66
–
19
–
196
–
–
–
(22)
–
–
170

–
–
–
–
–
–
–

–

(281)

(22)

(152)
66
(27)
23
(6)
230
26
50
50
1,377
–
1,697
779

11
13
(3,571)
253
(10)
(82)
(3,386)

9

(303)
3,043
15
2,755

–
2,755

(24) 
–
–
–
–

–
–
–
–

–
–
–
–
(24)
(3)
(27)
–
–
(27) 

–

–

–

–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
(27)
–
–
–

–
–
–
–
–
–
–

–

(27)

Total
£m

1,837
–
1,295
–
(66)

(165)
(23)
(22)
(167)

4
(245)
113
156
2,717
592
3,309
(351)
(176)
2,782

253

(393)

149
–
83
37
–

–
–
–
–

–
–
4
156
429
107
536
(4)
(45)
487

–

–

(9)

(1,047)

(45)
–
–
–
(15)
6
–
(50)
–
374
–
–
(113)

–
300
(150)
–
–
–
150

(9)

515
789
–
1,304

–
1,304

(197)
66
(27)
23
(21)
236
26
–
50
1,751
–
1,697
666

11
313
(3,721)
253
(10)
(82)
(3,236)

–

212
3,832
15
4,059

–
4,059

*   APM: ‘Retail operating cash flow’ of £2,773m (2017: £2,279m) is the cash generated from operations of the continuing Retail business. Included in Retail cash generated from/(used in) 

operations of £2,773m (2017: £2,278m) is £nil (2017: £(1)m) relating to discontinued operations.

90

Tesco PLC Annual Report and Financial Statements 2018Note 2 Segmental reporting continued

Cash flow statement continued

52 weeks ended 25 February 2017

Operating profit/(loss) of continuing operations
Operating profit/(loss) of discontinued operations
Depreciation and amortisation
ATM net income
(Profit)/loss arising on sale of property, plant and equipment  
and intangible assets 
(Profit)/loss arising on sale of subsidiaries and other investments 
(Profit)/loss arising on sale of joint ventures and associates
Impairment loss on goodwill
Net impairment loss/(reversal) on other investments
Net impairment loss/(reversal) on property, plant and equipment, 
software and other intangible assets and investment property 
Adjustment for non-cash element of pensions charge
Additional contribution into pension schemes
Share-based payments
Tesco Bank fair value movements included in operating profit
Cash flows generated from operations excluding working capital
(Increase)/decrease in working capital
Cash generated from/(used in) operations*
Interest paid
Corporation tax (paid)/received
Net cash generated from/(used in) operating activities

Proceeds from sale of property, plant and equipment, 
investment property, intangible assets 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  
– store buy backs
Purchase of property, plant and equipment, investment 
property and non-current assets classified as held for sale  
– other capital expenditure
Purchase of intangible assets
Disposal of subsidiaries, net of cash disposed
Acquisition of subsidiaries, net of cash acquired
Proceeds from sale of joint ventures and associates
Investments in joint ventures and associates
Net (investments in)/proceeds from sale of other investments
Dividends received from joint ventures and associates
Dividends received from Tesco Bank
Interest received
APM: Free cash flow
Net (increase)/decrease in loans to joint ventures and associates
Net (investments in)/proceeds from sale of short-term investments
Net cash generated from/(used in) investing activities

Proceeds from issue of ordinary share capital
Increase in borrowings
Repayment of borrowings
Net cash flows from derivative financial instruments
Repayment of obligations under finance leases
Dividends paid to equity owners
Net cash generated from/(used in) financing activities

Intra-Group funding and intercompany transactions

Net increase/(decrease) in cash and cash equivalents
Cash and cash equivalents at the 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

Before 
exceptional 
items
£m

Retail

Exceptional 
items
£m

1,123
(15)
1,172
(43)
54

7
(5)
–
(12)
(10)

7
(248)
14
–
2,044
379
2,423
(518)
(64)
1,841

19

(365)

(834)

(129)
205
(25)
–
–
111
28
50
41
942
15
736
(148)

1
185
(2,036)
475
(12)
–
(1,387)

(5)

301

(183)
(102)
14
–
(134)

–
–
46
–
5

–
–
–
–
(354)
209
(145)
–
–
(145)

490

–

–

–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
345
–
–
490

–
–
–
–
–
–
–

–

345

Retail
Total
£m

 940
(117)
 1,186
(43)
(80)

7
(5)
46
(12)
(5)

7
(248)
14
–
1,690
588
2,278
(518)
(64)
1,696

509

(365)

(129)
205
(25)
–
–
111
28
50
41
1,287
15
736
342

1
185
(2,036)
475
(12)
–
(1,387)

(5)

646
2,528
(131)
3,043

(11)
3,032

Tesco Bank

Tesco Group

Before 
exceptional 
items
£m

Exceptional 
items
£m

Tesco Bank
Total
£m

157
–
95
43
2

(4)
–
–
–
–

–
–
1
96
390
(77)
313
(4)
17
326

3

–

(40)
–
–
–
–
30
–
(50)
–
263
–
–
(63)

–
–
–
–
–
–
–

5

(80)
–
23
–
–

–
–
–
–
–

–
–
–
2
(55)
22
(33)
–
–
(33) 

–

–

–

–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
(33)
–
–
–

–
–
–
–
–
–
–

–

268

(33)

Total
£m

1,017
(117)
 1,304
–
(78)

3
(5)
46
(12)
(5)

7
(248)
15
98
2,025
533
2,558
 (522)
(47)
1,989

512

(365)

77
–
118
43
2

(4)
–
–
–
–

–
–
1
98
335
(55)
280
(4)
17
293

3

–

(6)

(840)

(40)
–
–
–
–
30
–
(50)
–
230
–
–
(63)

–
–
–
–
–
–
–

5

235
554
–
789

–
789

(169)
205
(25)
–
–
141
28
–
41
1,517
15
736
279

1
185
(2,036)
475
(12)
–
(1,387)

–

881
3,082
(131)
3,832

(11)
3,821

(834)

(6)

*   APM: ‘Retail operating cash flow’ of £2,773m (2017: £2,279m) is the cash generated from operations of the continuing Retail business. Included in Retail cash generated from/(used in) 

operations of £2,773m (2017: £2,278m) is £nil (2017: £(1)m) relating to discontinued operations.

91

Tesco PLC Annual Report and Financial Statements 2018Financial statementsNotes to the Group financial statements continued

Note 3 Income and expenses

Continuing operations
Profit/(loss) before tax is stated after charging/(crediting) the following:

Property rental income, of which £(34)m (2017: £(38)m) relates to investment properties
Other rental income
Direct operating expenses arising on rental earning investment properties
Costs of inventories recognised as an expense
Inventory losses and provisions
Depreciation and amortisation
Operating lease expenses, of which £70m (2017: £84m) relates to hire of plant and machinery 
Net impairment loss/(reversal) on property, plant and equipment and investment property 
Net impairment loss/(reversal) of goodwill, software and other intangible assets

Auditor’s remuneration

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
Total audit services
Audit-related assurance services
Total audit and audit-related services
Fees payable to the Company’s auditor and its associates for other services:

Transaction services
Taxation advisory services
All other non-audit services

Total non-audit services
Total auditor’s remuneration

52 weeks 
2018 
£m

52 weeks  
2017 
£m

(372)
(55)
17
42,297
1,373
1,295
1,018
(191)
24

52 weeks 
2018 
£m
1.5
5.3
6.8
0.5
7.3

1.9
–
4.3
6.2
13.5

(358)
(50)
20
41,140
1,337
1,298
1,043
(113)
53

52 weeks  
2017 
£m
1.5 
4.0
5.5
0.5
6.0

1.9
0.3
3.6
 5.8
 11.8

Other non-audit services of £4.3m (2017: £3.6m) represents: retail consultancy services £1.5m (2017: £1.5m), provision of data repository services for 
information needed by the Group and Serious Fraud Office (SFO) £1.8m (2017: £1.2m), SFO Monitor role £0.8m (2017: £nil), and other £0.2m (2017: £0.9m).  
In addition to the amounts shown above, the auditor received fees of £0.2m (2017: £0.2m) for the audit of the main Group pension scheme. Additional 
information on the non-audit services provided by the auditor is provided in the Corporate governance report on page 44, including how objectivity  
and independence is safeguarded.

Employment costs, including Directors’ remuneration

Continuing operations
Wages and salaries
Social security costs
Post-employment defined benefits
Post-employment defined contributions
Share-based payments expense
Termination benefits*
Total

Notes

27
27
26

52 weeks
2018 
£m
6,026
486
38
316
252
115
7,233

52 weeks 
2017 
£m
6,051
473
35
341
294
168
7,362

*   Includes £99m (2017: £146m) of exceptional redundancy costs. Refer to Note 4.

Post-employment defined contribution charges include £108m (2017: £135m) of salaries paid as pension contributions.

The table below shows the average number of employees by operating segment during the financial year. Segmental information has been amended for the 
52 weeks ended 25 February 2017. Refer to Note 2 for further details.

Average number  
of employees

Average number of  
full-time equivalents

2018
324,117
61,623
59,300
3,948
448,988

2017
327,601
70,004
63,037
3,878
464,520

2018
210,312
59,110
54,857
3,637
327,916

2017
 218,522
62,657
58,035
3,556
342,770

Continuing operations
UK & ROI
Central Europe
Asia 
Tesco Bank
Total

92

Tesco PLC Annual Report and Financial Statements 2018Note 4 Exceptional items 

Income statement
52 weeks ended 24 February 2018
Profit/(loss) for the year included the following exceptional items: 

Exceptional items included in:
Net restructuring and redundancy costs(a)
Net impairment reversal of non-current assets  
and onerous lease provisions(b)
Provision for customer redress(c)
Investment disposal(d)
Disposal of opticians business(e)
Release of amounts provided in relation to DPA  
and FCA obligations(f)

Property transactions(g)
Foreign exchange losses on GBP short-term 
investments held in overseas entities(h)
Exceptional items relating to  
discontinued operations(i) 
Total

Cost of  
sales 
£m
(75)
50

Admin- 
istrative 
expenses 
£m
(34)
–

Property- 
related 
items 
£m 
7
3

Total 
exceptional 
items included 
within 
operating 
profit  
£m
(102)
53

Share of JV  
and associates 
profits/(losses) 
£m
–
–

Finance 
costs 
£m
–
–

Exceptional 
items within 
discontinued 
operations 
£m
–
–

Taxation 
£m
19
28

(24)
–
–
–

–
–

–

–
124
38
25

–
–

–

(49)

153

–
–
–
–

79
–

–

89

(24)
124
38
25

79
–

–

193

–
–
–
–

–
–

–

–

–
–
–
–

–
(38)

–

(38)

(3)
(25)
(7)
–

(32)
–

–

(20)

–
–
–
–

–
–

216

216

(a)   This includes £(68)m relating to UK & ROI changes to store and call centre colleague structures and working practices and £(34)m relating to head office restructuring costs.
(b)   Net impairment reversal of non-current assets includes a net reversal of £185m in property, plant and equipment and investment property, a net charge of £(24)m in goodwill, software  
and other intangible assets and a net charge of £(108)m of onerous lease provisions. Refer to Notes 10, 11, 12 and 25 for further details on impairment and onerous lease provisions.
(c)   The net charge of £(24)m reflects an additional charge of £(35)m relating to an update to the Payment Protection Insurance (PPI) provision ruling during the year, which resulted in the 
inclusion of items that had previously been out of scope for redress. This was partially offset by a £1m release of the Consumer Credit Act (CCA) provision and a £10m credit received 
following the conclusion of negotiations with a third party in respect of previously recognised customer redress.

(d)   The Group disposed of its remaining 8.8% investment stake in Lazada Group S.A. (Lazada) for net cash consideration of $254m (£196m), generating a profit of £124m. The tax charge 

of £25m arises due to a capital gain on the disposal.

(e)   £38m relates to the gain from disposal of the Group’s opticians business to Vision Express (UK) Ltd in UK & ROI.
(f)  The Group had taken a total exceptional charge of £(235)m in respect of the Deferred Prosecution Agreement (DPA) and Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) obligations, including £(85)m 
for the compensation scheme in the 52 weeks to 25 February 2017. With the compensation scheme now being closed to new claimants, £25m relating to the compensation scheme was 
released in the 52 weeks to 24 February 2018.

(g)   As part of the Group’s strategy to maximise value from property, the Group disposed of surplus properties which generated a profit of £58m. The Group also recognised a net gain of £21m 
from the unwind of its joint venture with British Land, whereby the Group purchased seven stores from the joint venture and disposed of its remaining equity interest in the joint venture. 
(h)    The Group was holding proceeds from the sale of the Korea operations in GBP money market funds in an intermediate entity with a Euro functional currency. £(38)m loss represents  
the foreign exchange losses arising on the revaluation of these Sterling-denominated funds into Euros until the repatriation of funds during the 52 weeks to 24 February 2018. The loss 
does not represent an economic loss to the Group since there is an offset within other comprehensive income.

(i)   Income from discontinued operations primarily relates to the release of a £340m provision relating to capital gains tax in respect of the disposal of the Group’s Korean operations, 
following completion of the tax assessment by Korean Tax Authorities. The Group also recognised a £6m gain from the revaluation of the potential capital gains tax liability in the 
discontinued operations in China. These gains were partially offset by a £(128)m net loss relating to the disposal of the Group’s Turkish operations and a £(2)m loss relating to costs 
associated with the disposal of the Korean business.

52 weeks ended 25 February 2017
Profit/(loss) for the year included the following exceptional items: 

Exceptional items included in:
Net restructuring and redundancy costs 
Net impairment (loss)/reversal of non-current 
assets and onerous lease provisions
Provision for customer redress 
Interchange settlement
Amounts provided in relation to DPA  
and FCA obligations
Property transactions
Insurance reserve adjustment
Foreign exchange losses on GBP short-term 
investments held in overseas entities
Exceptional items related to  
discontinued operations
Total

Cost of  
sales 
£m
(153)
25

Admin- 
istrative 
expenses 
£m
(26)
–

Property- 
related 
items 
£m 
 (20)
(31)

Total 
exceptional 
items included 
within 
operating 
profit  
£m
 (199)
(6)

Share of JV  
and associates 
profits/(losses) 
£m
–
(54)

Finance 
costs 
£m
–
–

Exceptional 
items within 
discontinued 
operations 
£m
–
–

Taxation 
£m
39
20

(45)
57
–

–
–
–

–

 –
–
(235)

–
–
–

–

 (116)

(261)

–
–
–

165
–
–

–

114

(45)
57
(235)

165
–
–

–

–
–
–

–
(23)
–

–

–
–
–

–
–
(244)

–

(263)

(77)

 (244)

–
(11)
–

 50
–
–

–

98

–
–
–

–
–
–

(75)

 (75)

93

Tesco PLC Annual Report and Financial Statements 2018Financial statementsNotes to the Group financial statements continued

Note 4 Exceptional items continued

Cash flow statement
The table below shows the impact of exceptional items on the Group cash flow statement:

Prior year restructuring costs and other exceptional costs including trading store redundancies(a)
Current year restructuring costs and other exceptional costs including trading store redundancies(a)
Utilisation of onerous lease provisions
Property transactions(b)
Property transactions – sale of investment in joint venture
Provision for customer redress(c)
Legal settlement
DPA/compensation scheme payments
VAT refund – HMRC court case(d)
Proceeds from sale of investments – Lazada
Proceeds from sale of opticians business
Proceeds from sale of subsidiaries treated as discontinued(e)
Exceptional cash flows from discontinued operations
Total

Cash flows from  
operating activities

Cash flows from
investing activities

52 weeks 
2018 
£m
(56)
(67)
(93)
9
–
(23)
–
(149)
160
–
–
–
–
(219)

52 weeks 
2017 
£m
 (54)
(78)
(113)
 36
–
(28)
57
–
–
–
–
–
2
(178)

52 weeks 
2018 
£m
–
–
–
(111)
19
–
–
–
–
196
45
26
(5)
170

52 weeks 
2017 
£m
–
–
–
490
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
490

(a)   Cash outflows on settlement of restructuring and redundancy costs.
(b)  Property transactions is made up of £78m proceeds from disposal of properties and £(180)m from property buy backs from the BLT Properties Limited joint venture, comprising £189m 

paid for the properties acquired and £9m relating to working capital and cash acquired. Refer to footnote (g) on the previous page.

(c)  Settlement of claims for customer redress in Tesco Bank.
(d)  VAT recovered in relation to the appeal against HMRC regarding the treatment of VAT on Clubcard rewards. Refer to Note 25 for further details.
(e)  This relates to the disposal of the Group’s Turkish operations comprising £37m proceeds received and £11m cash disposed. Refer to Note 7 for further details.

Note 5 Finance income and costs

Continuing operations

Finance income
Interest receivable and similar income
Financial instruments – fair value remeasurements
Total finance income
Finance costs
GBP MTNs and Loans
EUR MTNs
USD Bonds
Finance charges payable under finance leases and hire purchase contracts 
Other interest payable
Capitalised interest
Total finance costs before exceptional items and net pension finance costs
Net pension finance costs
Foreign exchange losses on GBP short-term investments held in overseas entities
Total finance costs
Net finance cost

Note 6 Taxation

Recognised in the Group income statement

Continuing operations

Current tax (credit)/charge
UK corporation tax
Overseas tax
Adjustments in respect of prior years

Deferred tax (credit)/charge
Origination and reversal of temporary differences
Adjustments in respect of prior years*
Change in tax rate

Total income tax (credit)/charge

52 weeks 
2018 
£m

52 weeks
2017 
£m

Notes

11

27
4

75
23
98

(207)
(84)
(72)
(8)
(62)
2
(431)
(162)
(38)
(631)
(533)

48
61
109

(227)
(114)
(93)
(8)
(81)
6
(517)
(113)
(244)
(874)
(765)

52 weeks 
2018 
£m

52 weeks
2017 
£m

143
118
(29)
232

25
49
–
74
306

70
111
19
200

(43)
(36)
(34)
(113)
87

*   Adjustments in respect of prior years include a tax charge of £25m in relation to an adjustment to capital losses on property disposals classified as exceptional.

94

Tesco PLC Annual Report and Financial Statements 2018 
Note 6 Taxation continued 

Recognised in the Group income statement continued
The Finance Act 2016 included legislation to reduce the main rate of UK corporation tax from 20% to 19% from 1 April 2017 and to 17% from 1 April 2020.  
These rate reductions were substantively enacted by the balance sheet date and therefore included in these consolidated financial statements.  
Temporary differences have been remeasured using the enacted tax rates that are expected to apply when the liability is settled or the asset realised. 

Reconciliation of effective tax charge

Profit/(loss) before tax
Tax credit/(charge) at 19.1% (2017: 20.0%)
Effect of:

Non-qualifying depreciation
Other non-taxable/(non-deductible) items(a)
Unrecognised tax losses
Property items taxed on a different basis to accounting entries(b)
Banking surcharge tax
Differences in overseas taxation rates
Adjustments in respect of prior years
Share of losses of joint ventures and associates
Change in tax rate

Total income tax credit/(charge)
Effective tax rate

52 weeks 
2018 
£m

1,298
(248)

52 weeks
2017 
£m

145
(29)

(31)
10
(27)
25
(19)
5
(20)
(1)
–
(306)
23.6%

(33)
(82)
(48)
77
(17)
15
17
(21)
34
(87)
60.0%

(a)  This includes impairment reversals on assets not qualifying for tax relief as well as current year movements on uncertain tax positions and expenses not qualifying for tax relief. The prior year 

included impairment and Deferred Prosecution Agreement (DPA) provisions not qualifying for tax relief.

(b)  This includes property items where the carrying values differ from their valuation for tax purposes and recognition of capital losses on property asset disposals.

Reconciliation of effective tax charge on APMs

Profit/(loss) before tax before exceptional items
Tax credit/(charge) at 19.1% (2017: 20.0%)
Effect of:

Non-qualifying depreciation
Other non-taxable/(non-deductible) items(a)
Unrecognised tax losses
Property items taxed on a different basis to accounting entries(b)
Banking surcharge tax
Differences in overseas taxation rates
Adjustments in respect of prior years
Share of losses of joint ventures and associates
Change in tax rate

Total income tax credit/(charge) before exceptional items
Effective tax rate before exceptional items
Net pension finance costs and fair value remeasurements
Tax charge at 19.1% (2017: 20.0%)
Change in tax rate
Total income tax credit/(charge) before exceptional items, net pension finance costs and fair value remeasurements
Effective tax rate before exceptional items, net pension finance costs and fair value remeasurements(c)

52 weeks 
2018 
£m

1,143
(218)

52 weeks
2017 
£m

729
(146)

(31)
(27)
(18)
18
(19)
5
5
(1)
–
(286)
25.0%
139
(26)
3
(309)
24.1%

(33)
(50)
(14)
(1)
(17)
(7)
39
(5)
49
(185)
25.4%
52
(10)
3
(192)
 24.6%

(a)  This includes current year movements on uncertain tax positions and expenses not qualifying for tax relief. The prior year also included impairment provisions not qualifying for tax relief.
(b)  This includes property items where the carrying values differ from their valuation for tax purposes and recognition of capital losses on property asset disposals.
(c)  The APM has been amended during the year to exclude the impact of fair value remeasurements on financial instruments. The information for the 52 weeks ended 25 February 2017 has 

been amended accordingly. Refer to pages 150 to 153 for further details on the Group’s APMs.

Tax on items credited directly to the Group statement of changes in equity

Deferred tax credit/(charge) on:

Share-based payments

Total tax on items credited/(charged) to the Group statement of changes in equity

52 weeks 
2018 
£m

52 weeks
2017 
£m

6
6

2
2

95

Tesco PLC Annual Report and Financial Statements 2018Financial statementsNotes to the Group financial statements continued

Note 6 Taxation continued

Tax relating to components of the Group statement of comprehensive income/(loss)

Current tax credit/(charge) on:
Foreign exchange movements
Deferred tax credit/(charge) on:

Pensions
Fair value of movement on available-for-sale investments
Fair value movements on cash flow hedges

Total tax on items credited/(charged) to Group statement of comprehensive income/(loss)

52 weeks 
2018 
£m

52 weeks
2017 
£m

(9)

(13)

(554)
10
21
(532)

579 
(15)
5
 556

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 
measured using the tax rates that are expected to apply when the liability is settled or the asset realised based on the tax rates that have been enacted  
or substantively enacted by the balance sheet date:

At 27 February 2016
(Charge)/credit to the Group income statement
(Charge)/credit to the Group statement of changes in equity
(Charge)/credit to the Group statement  
of comprehensive income/(loss)
Discontinued operations
Business combinations
Foreign exchange and other movements(b)
At 25 February 2017
(Charge)/credit to the Group income statement
(Charge)/credit to the Group statement of changes in equity
(Charge)/credit to the Group statement  
of comprehensive income/(loss)
Foreign exchange and other movements(b)
At 24 February 2018

Property- 
related

items(a)
£m

(816)
162
–
–

18
–
(8)
(644)
(65)
–
–

(4)
(713)

Retirement
benefit
obligation(c)

£m

563
(20)
–
579

–
–
–
1,122
(14)
–
(554)

–
554

Share-based 
payments
£m 

Short-term
timing 
differences 
£m

Tax losses
£m

Financial 
instruments 
£m

6
14
2
–

–
–
1
23
14
6
–

–
43

143
(6)
–
–

–
1
10
148
(1)
–
–

2
149

50
(41)
–
–

–
–
(1)
8
(7)
–
–

–
1

(32)
4
–
(10)

–
–
–
(38)
(1)
–
31

–
(8)

Total 
£m

(86)
113
2
569

18
1
2
619
(74)
6
(523)

(2)
26

(a)  Property-related items include a deferred tax liability on rolled over gains of £281m (2017: £277m) and deferred tax assets on capital losses of £119m (2017: £185m). The remaining balance 

relates to accelerated tax depreciation. The Group does not expect a material reversal in the next financial year.

(b)  The deferred tax charge for foreign exchange and other movements is a £(2)m charge (2017: £2m credit) relating to the retranslation of deferred tax balances at the balance sheet date 

and is included within currency translation differences in the Group statement of comprehensive income/(loss).

(c)  The deferred tax asset on retirement benefits is expected to reverse as additional funding contributions are made to the closed defined benefit scheme. Refer to Note 27.

Deferred tax assets and liabilities are offset when the Group has a legally enforceable right to do so. The following is the analysis of the deferred tax  
balances after offset:

Deferred tax assets
Deferred tax liabilities

2018 
£m
117
(91)
26

2017 
£m
707
(88)
619

No deferred tax liability is recognised on temporary differences of £3.7bn (2017: £3.2bn) 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 24 February 2018 is estimated to be £216m (2017: £192m) 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

2018 
£m
93
217
310

2017 
£m
108
202
310

As at 24 February 2018, the Group has unused trading tax losses from continuing operations of £913m (2017: £859m) available for offset against future profits.  
A deferred tax asset has been recognised in respect of £2m (2017: £45m) of such losses. No deferred tax asset has been recognised in respect of the 
remaining £911m (2017: £814m) due to the unpredictability of future profit streams. Included in unrecognised tax losses are losses of £13m that will expire  
by 2022 (2017: £18m in 2021) and £175m that will expire between 2023 and 2038 (2017: £92m between 2022 and 2037). Other losses will be carried forward indefinitely. 

96

Tesco PLC Annual Report and Financial Statements 2018Note 6 Taxation continued

Current tax
Within the Group current tax liability of £335m is £48m of capital gains tax liabilities that may arise in respect of the contribution of the Group’s China 
operations into a venture with China Resource Enterprises Limited in 2014. There are no other individually material provisions for uncertain tax positions.

Changes in tax law or its interpretation 
The Group operates in a number of territories which leads to the Group’s profits being subject to tax in many jurisdictions. We monitor income tax 
developments in these territories (which include the OECD Base Erosion and Profit Shifting (BEPS) initiative and European Union’s state aid investigations) 
which could affect the Group’s tax liabilities.

Note 7 Discontinued operations and non-current assets classified as held for sale 

Assets and liabilities of the disposal group and non-current assets classified as held for sale

Assets of the disposal group
Non-current assets classified as held for sale
Total assets of the disposal group and non-current assets classified as held for sale
Total liabilities of the disposal group
Total net assets of the disposal group and non-current assets classified as held for sale

24 February 
2018 
£m
–
149
149
–
149

25 February 
2017 
£m
198
146
344
(171)
173

The non-current assets classified as held for sale consist mainly of properties in the UK and Central Europe due to be sold within one year.

Discontinued operations 
On 10 June 2016, the Group announced the proposed sale of its 95.5% controlling interest in Tesco Kipa Kitle Pazarlama Ticaret Lojistik ve Gıda Sanayi A.Ş. 
(referred to as Turkish operations or Turkey) to Migros Ticaret A.Ş. (Migros). Local regulatory approval was granted on 9 February 2017 and the sale completed 
on 1 March 2017. In accordance with IFRS 5 ‘Non-current Assets Held for Sale and Discontinued Operations’, the Turkish operations for the period up to  
1 March 2017 have been classified as a disposal group. 

The tables below show the results of the discontinued operations which are included in the Group income statement and Group cash flow statement respectively.

Income statement

Revenue
Expenses(b)
Profit/(loss) before tax before exceptional items
Taxation
Profit/(loss) after tax before exceptional items
Net impairment (loss)/reversal of non-current assets
Costs to sell and other provisions – Turkey
Loss after tax on disposal of Turkish operations
Net adjustments to profit/(loss) of past disposals(c) 
Total profit/(loss) after tax of discontinued operations(d)

52 weeks

2018(a)
£m
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
(128)
344
216

52 weeks
2017
£m
543
(580)
(37)
–
(37)
(99)
(3)
–
27
(112)

(a)  These figures represent the income statement of Turkey for the current year and the net adjustments to profit/(loss) of past disposals of £344m. Refer to Note 4 for further details.
(b)  Intercompany recharges totalling £nil (2017: £2m) between continuing operations and the Turkey discontinued operation have been eliminated.
(c)  At 25 February 2017, the Group held a provision of £329m for potential additional capital gains tax relating to the disposal of the Group’s Korean operations. During the financial year, the 
final tax assessment was received from the Korean Tax Authorities, confirming that no further capital gains tax is payable. As a result, the provision of £340m, after the impact of foreign 
exchange movements, has been released. The Group also recognised a £6m gain from the revaluation of the potential capital gains tax liability in the discontinued operations in China 
and a £(2)m loss relating to costs associated with the disposal of the Korean business. These amounts have been classified as exceptional items within ‘Exceptional items relating to 
discontinued operations’.

(d)  Total profit/(loss) after tax of discontinued operations includes a loss of £nil attributable to non-controlling interests (2017: £(6)m). 

97

Tesco PLC Annual Report and Financial Statements 2018Financial statementsNotes to the Group financial statements continued

Note 7 Discontinued operations and non-current assets classified as held for sale continued

Income statement continued
The loss after tax on disposal of the Group’s Turkish operations is made up as follows:

Gross proceeds
Deferred and contingent consideration
Net proceeds
Net book value of assets disposed:

Goodwill, software and other intangible assets
Property, plant and equipment
Inventories
Trade and other receivables
Cash and cash equivalents
Trade and other payables
Borrowings
Provisions
Post-employment benefit obligation

Currency translation reserve recycled to the Group income statement
Taxation
Loss after tax of disposal of Turkish operations

Earnings/(losses) per share impact from discontinued operations

Basic
Diluted

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
Net cash flows from disposal of subsidiary
Net cash flows from discontinued operations, net of intercompany and disposal of subsidiary

Note 8 Dividends

£m
37
2
39

(9)
(121)
(43)
(14)
(11)
88
76
2
5
(140)
–
(128)

52 weeks
2018
Pence/share
2.65
2.64

52 weeks
2017
Pence/share
 (1.30)
(1.30)

52 weeks
2018
£m
–
–
–
–
–
–
(11)
(11)

52 weeks
2017
£m
(20)
13
21
14
(2)
12
–
12

Amounts recognised as distributions to owners in the financial year:
Current financial year interim dividend
Dividends paid to equity owners in the financial year

Current financial year proposed final dividend

2018

2017

Pence/share

£m Pence/share

£m

1.00
1.00

2.00

82
82

195

–
–

–

–
–

–

The proposed final dividend was approved by the Board of Directors on 10 April 2018 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 24 February 2018, in accordance with IAS 10 ‘Events after the reporting period’.  
It will be paid on 22 June 2018 to shareholders who are on the Register of members at close of business on 18 May 2018.

The Group has implemented a share forfeiture programme following the completion of a tracing and notification exercise to any shareholders who have  
not had contact with Tesco PLC (the Company) over the past 12 years, in accordance with the provisions set out in the Company’s Articles. £2m of unclaimed 
dividends in relation to these shares have been adjusted for in retained earnings. Refer to Note 28 for further details.

98

Tesco PLC Annual Report and Financial Statements 2018Note 9 Earnings/(losses) per share and diluted earnings/(losses) per share

Basic earnings/(losses) per share amounts are calculated by dividing the profit/(loss) attributable to owners of the parent by the weighted average number  
of ordinary shares in issue during the financial year.

Diluted earnings/(losses) per share amounts are calculated by dividing the profit/(loss) 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 share 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. 

For the 52 weeks ended 24 February 2018 there were 27 million (2017: 20 million) potentially dilutive share options. As the Group has recognised a profit for  
the year from its continuing operations dilutive effects have been considered in calculating diluted earnings per share.

Profit/(loss) (£m)
Continuing operations(a)
Discontinued operations(b)
Total
Weighted average number of shares (millions)
Earnings/(losses) per share (pence)
Continuing operations
Discontinued operations
Total

(a)  Excludes profits/(losses) from non-controlling interests of £2m (2017: £(8)m).
(b)  Excludes profits/(losses) from non-controlling interests of £nil (2017: £(6)m).

2018

Potentially
 dilutive share 
options 

2017

Potentially
 dilutive share 
options 

Diluted

Basic

–
–
–
27

(0.04)
(0.01)
(0.05)

990
216
1,206
8,192

12.08
2.64
14.72

66
(106)
(40)
8,148

0.81
(1.30)
 (0.49)

–
–
–
20

–
–
–

Basic

990
216
1,206
8,165

12.12
2.65
14.77

Diluted

 66
 (106)
(40)
8,168

0.81
 (1.30)
 (0.49)

APM: Earnings/(losses) per share from continuing operations before exceptional items, net pension finance costs and fair value remeasurements  
on financial instruments

Profit before tax from continuing operations before exceptional items (£m)
Add: Net pension finance costs (£m) 
Less: Fair value remeasurements on financial instruments (£m)
Profit before tax from continuing operations before exceptional items, net pension finance costs  
and fair value remeasurements (£m)
Profit before tax from continuing operations before exceptional items, net pension finance costs  
and fair value remeasurements attributable to the owners of the parent (£m)
Taxation on profit from continuing operations before exceptional items, net pension finance costs  
and fair value remeasurements attributable to the owners of the parent (£m)
Profit after tax from continuing operations before exceptional items, net pension finance costs  
and fair value remeasurements attributable to the owners of the parent (£m)

Basic weighted average number of shares (millions)
Basic earnings per share from continuing operations before exceptional items, net pension finance costs  
and fair value remeasurements (pence)

Diluted weighted average number of shares (millions)
Diluted earnings per share from continuing operations before exceptional items, net pension finance costs  
and fair value remeasurements (pence)

Notes

5
5

52 weeks
2018
1,143
162
(23)
1,282

52 weeks
2017
729
113
(61)
781

1,282

(309)

973

8,165
11.92

8,192
11.88

784

(188) 

596 

8,148
7.31

8,168
 7.30

Diluted earnings per share from continuing operations before exceptional items, net pension finance costs and fair value remeasurements on financial 
instruments is a new APM. Refer to pages 150 to 153 for further details on the Group’s APMs.

99

Tesco PLC Annual Report and Financial Statements 2018Financial statementsNotes to the Group financial statements continued

Note 10 Goodwill, software and other intangible assets

Cost
At 25 February 2017
Foreign currency translation
Additions
Acquired through business combinations
Reclassification
Disposals
At 24 February 2018
Accumulated amortisation and impairment losses
At 25 February 2017
Foreign currency translation
Charge for the year
Impairment losses
Reversal of impairment losses
Reclassification(b)
Disposals
At 24 February 2018

Net carrying value
At 24 February 2018
At 25 February 2017

Cost
At 27 February 2016
Foreign currency translation
Additions
Reclassification 
Disposals
Transfer to disposal group classified as held for sale
At 25 February 2017
Accumulated amortisation and impairment losses
At 27 February 2016
Foreign currency translation
Charge for the year
Impairment losses
Reversal of impairment losses
Reclassification
Disposals
Transfer to disposal group classified as held for sale
At 25 February 2017

Goodwill 
£m

Software(a)

£m

Other 
intangible
assets
£m

2,426
28
–
4
–
–
2,458

634
28
–
–
–
–
–
662

2,971
21
180
2
10
(18)
3,166

2,092
17
208
28
–
47
(14)
2,378

363
2
15
2
13
(3)
392

317
1
11
–
(4)
(8)
(2)
315

Total
£m

5,760
51
195
8
23
(21)
6,016

 3,043
46
219
28
(4)
39
(16)
3,355

1,796
1,792

788
879

77
46

2,661
2,717

Goodwill 
£m

Software(a)

£m

Other 
intangible
assets
£m

2,517
71
–
–
(123)
(39)
2,426

690
36
–
46
–
–
(99)
(39)
 634

2,861
28
 156
(15)
(43)
 (16)
2,971

1,886
21
216
5
(1)
12
(34)
(13)
 2,092

372
5
5
2
(10)
(11)
363

300
2
29
3
–
(12)
(1)
(4)
 317

Total
£m

5,750
104
161
(13)
(176)
(66)
5,760

2,876
59
245
54
(1)
–
 (134)
(56)
3,043

(a)  Software includes £395m of internally generated development costs (2017: £422m).
(b)  Reclassification includes amounts related to impairment losses and reversals booked in the year, comprising a £34m reduction to the impairment loss in Software and a £1m increase 

to the impairment reversal in Other intangible assets. The offsetting £(35)m has been reclassified to property, plant and equipment as per Note 11.

Impairment of goodwill
The goodwill balances, discount rates and long-term growth rates for each group of cash-generating units are shown below: 

Tesco Bank
UK
Thailand
Malaysia
ROI

Balances £m

Pre-tax 
discount rates

Post-tax 
discount rates

Long-term  
growth rates

2018
802
735
180
75
4
1,796

2017
802
735
181
74
–
 1,792

2018
10.6%
8.9%
9.3%
11.6%
8.3%

2017
12.0%
9.3%
 10.0%
12.4%
–

2018
8.0%
7.2%
7.5%
8.8%
7.3%

2017
9.1%
7.5%
 8.0%
9.4%
–

2018
2.5%
2.1%
2.2%
3.2%
1.8%

2017
3.0%
2.0%
2.7%
2.3%
–

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.

100

Tesco PLC Annual Report and Financial Statements 2018Note 10 Goodwill, software and other intangible assets continued

Impairment of goodwill continued
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. Recoverable amounts for cash-generating units are the higher of fair value less costs of disposal, and value in use. The key estimates for 
the value in use calculations are those regarding discount rates and expected changes to future cash flows.

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. The pre-tax discount rates used to calculate value in use 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. 

Cash flow projections are based on the Group’s three year internal forecasts, the results of which are reviewed by the Board. Estimates of selling prices  
and direct costs are based on past experience and expectations of future changes in the market. The forecasts are extrapolated to five years based on 
management’s expectations, and beyond five years based on estimated long-term average growth rates as shown above. These long-term growth rates  
for the Retail business are based on inflation forecasts by recognised bodies. The long-term growth rate for Tesco Bank is based on inflation and GDP  
growth forecasts by recognised bodies.

The Group has carried out a sensitivity analysis on the impairment tests of each group of cash-generating units to which goodwill has been allocated, using 
various reasonably possible scenarios based on recent market movements. Neither a one percentage point increase in discount rates nor a one percentage 
point decrease in year one sales growth would indicate impairment in any group of cash-generating units. This outcome includes Malaysia, which was 
disclosed as sensitive in the prior year.

Impairment of software and other intangible assets
A net impairment loss of £24m (£28m losses offset by £4m reversal) has been recognised against software and other intangible assets as part of the 
impairment review discussed in Note 11. The net loss of £24m has been included within exceptional items, classified as ‘Net impairment reversal of  
non-current assets and onerous lease provisions’ within cost of sales.

Note 11 Property, plant and equipment

Cost
At 25 February 2017
Foreign currency translation
Additions(b)(c)
Reclassification
Classified as held for sale
Disposals
At 24 February 2018
Accumulated depreciation and impairment losses
At 25 February 2017
Foreign currency translation

Charge for the year
Impairment losses
Reversal of impairment losses
Reclassification(d)
Classified as held for sale
Disposals
At 24 February 2018

Net carrying value(e)
At 24 February 2018
At 25 February 2017

Construction in progress included above(f)
At 24 February 2018
At 25 February 2017

Land and 
buildings
£m

22,690
312
819
(83)
(146)
(139)
23,453

7,095
121

470
44
(268)
(147)
(92)
(107)
7,116

Other(a)
£m

Total
£m

10,681
116
481
(49)
(21)
(299)
10,909

8,168
97

605
44
(7)
100
(11)
(271)
8,725

33,371
428
1,300
(132)
(167) 
(438)
34,362

15,263
218

1,075
88
(275)
(47)
(103)
(378)
15,841

16,337
15,595

2,184
2,513

18,521
18,108

68
57

57
66

125
123

(a)  Other assets consist of fixtures and fittings with a net carrying value of £1,752m (2017: £2,023m), office equipment with a net carrying value of £116m (2017: £161m) and motor vehicles  

with a net carrying value of £316m (2017: £329m).

(b)  Includes £2m (2017: £6m) in respect of interest capitalised, principally relating to land and building assets. The capitalisation rate used to determine the amount of finance costs 

capitalised during the financial year was 4.5% (2017: 4.9%). Interest capitalised is deducted in determining taxable profit in the financial year in which it is incurred.

(c)  Includes £189m net payment relating to the purchase of seven stores from a joint venture with British Land, which is a related party transaction. Refer to Note 4 for further details  

of the unwind of the joint venture with British Land.

(d)  Reclassification includes amounts related to impairment losses and reversals booked in the year, comprising a £(199)m reduction to the net impairment reversal in Land and Buildings 

and a £164m reduction to the net impairment losses in Other assets. The offsetting £35m has been reclassified to Software and Other intangible assets as per Note 10.

(e)  Includes £786m (2017: £788m) of assets pledged as security for secured bonds and £509m (2017: £411m) of property held as security in favour of the Tesco PLC Pension Scheme.  

Refer to Notes 21 and 27.

(f)  Construction in progress does not include land.

Assets held under finance leases
Net carrying value includes assets held under finance leases, which are analysed below. These assets are pledged as security for the finance lease liabilities.

Net carrying value

2018

2017

Land and 
buildings
£m
75

Other
£m
32

Land and 
buildings
£m
66

Other
£m
27

101

Tesco PLC Annual Report and Financial Statements 2018Financial statementsNotes to the Group financial statements continued

Note 11 Property, plant and equipment continued 

Land and buildings
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

Cost
At 27 February 2016
Foreign currency translation
Additions(b)
Reclassification
Classified as held for sale
Disposals
Transfer to disposal group classified as held for sale 
At 25 February 2017
Accumulated depreciation and impairment losses
At 27 February 2016
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 25 February 2017

(a)–(b) Refer to previous page for footnotes.

2018
£m
13,779
412
2,146
16,337

2017
£m
13,175
404
2,016
15,595

Other(a)
£m

Total
£m

10,468
327
 579
 58
 (6)
(594)
 (151)
10,681

7,927 
239
639
27
(33)
11
(1)
(539)
(102)
8,168

33,025
1,054
1,395
(45)
(322)
(1,268)
(468)
33,371

15,125 
497
1,058
273
(279)
(47)
(138)
 (892)
(334)
15,263

Land and 
buildings
£m

22,557
727
816
(103)
(316)
(674)
(317)
22,690

7,198 
258
419
246
(246)
(58)
(137)
(353)
(232)
7,095

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 the higher of fair value less costs of 
disposal, and value in use.

The key estimates for the value in use calculations are those regarding discount rates and expected changes to future cash flows. 

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. The 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 and range from 7% to 12% (2017: 9% to 13%). On a post-tax basis, the discount rates range from 5% to 9% (2017: 7% to 10%). 

Cash flow projections are based on the Group’s three year internal forecasts, the results of which are reviewed by the Board. Estimates of selling prices  
and direct costs are based on past experience and expectations of future changes in the market. The forecasts are extrapolated to five years based on 
management’s expectations, and beyond five years based on long-term average growth rates, which are derived from inflation forecasts by recognised 
bodies. These long-term average growth rates range from 1% to 4% (2017: 1% to 3%).

Fair values are determined with regard to the market rent for the stores or for alternative uses with investment yields appropriate to reflect the physical 
characteristics of the property, location, infrastructure, redevelopment potential and other factors. In some cases, fair values include residual valuations 
where stores may be viable for redevelopment. The key inputs to the valuation are the potential market rents and yields, both of which are largely based  
on rentals and yields for similar properties in that location. Fair values for the Group’s properties were determined with the assistance of independent, 
professional valuers where appropriate.

The net carrying value of £18,521m (2017: £18,108m) on the previous page comprises £14,056m (2017: £13,338m) of unimpaired assets and £4,465m  
(2017: £4,770m) of impaired assets. Of the impaired assets, £1,795m (2017: £2,196m) carrying value was supported by value in use and £2,670m (2017: £2,574m)  
was supported by fair value. Due to the individual nature of each property, these fair values are classified as Level 3 within the fair value hierarchy.

The total net impairment reversal of £187m (£275m reversal offset by £88m losses) largely reflects normal fluctuations expected from store level performance, 
property fair values and changes in discount rates. These losses and reversals have been largely presented net at a country level to reflect the underlying 
trends in the businesses. The impairment reversal of £275m (2017: £279m) relates to properties in the UK & ROI of £154m (2017: £118m), Central Europe of £112m 
(2017: £158m) and Asia of £9m (2017: £3m), while the impairment losses of £88m (2017: £167m) relate to properties in the UK & ROI of £50m (2017: £12m), Central 
Europe of £6m (2017: £121m) and Asia of £32m (2017: £34m).

Of the £187m net reversal, a £183m reversal within exceptional items related to trading stores has been classified as ‘Net impairment reversal of non-current 
assets and onerous lease provisions’ within cost of sales. In addition, a £1m loss within exceptional items related to closed stores has been classified as ‘Net 
impairment reversal of non-current assets and onerous lease provisions’ within profits/(losses) arising on property-related items. A further £3m loss within 
exceptional items related to the unwind of the Group’s joint venture with British Land has been classified as ‘Property transactions’ within profits/(losses) 
arising on property-related items. The remaining £8m reversal was not included within exceptional items as it relates to the Group’s day to day management 
of the property portfolio.

102

Tesco PLC Annual Report and Financial Statements 2018Note 11 Property, plant and equipment continued 

Impairment of property, plant and equipment continued
The prior year net impairment reversal of £6m included an impairment loss of £106m relating to the Group’s decision to sell its Turkish operations, which  
was classified as an exceptional item relating to discontinued operations. Of the £112m net reversal relating to continuing operations, a £134m reversal was 
included within exceptional items, which related to trading stores and was classified as ‘Net impairment of non-current assets and onerous lease provisions’ 
within cost of sales. In addition, a £30m charge within exceptional items related to construction in progress and closed stores, which was classified as ‘Net 
impairment of non-current assets and onerous lease provisions’ within profits/(losses) arising on property-related items. The remaining £8m reversal was  
not included within exceptional items as it related to the Group’s day to day management of the property portfolio.

The Group has carried out a sensitivity analysis on the impairment tests for its trading stores portfolio using various reasonably possible scenarios based  
on recent market movements. An increase of one percentage point in the discount rates for each geographic region would increase impairment by £232m.  
A decrease of one percentage point would decrease impairment by £239m. Neither a one percentage point increase nor decrease in year one sales growth 
would result in a material change to impairment.

Note 12 Investment property

Cost
At the beginning of the year
Foreign currency translation
Additions
Reclassification
Classified as held for sale
Disposals
At the end of the year
Accumulated depreciation and impairment losses
At the beginning of the year
Foreign currency translation
Charge for the year
Impairment losses for the year
Reversal of impairment losses for the year
Reclassification
Classified as held for sale
Disposals
At the end of the year
Net carrying value at the end of the year

2018
£m

171
5
1
123
(58)
(34)
208

107
4
1
1
(5)
 23
(3)
(20)
108
100

2017
£m

170
7
–
56
(25)
(37)
171

92
6
1
3
(4)
45
(12)
(24)
107
64

The estimated fair value of the Group’s investment property is £0.2bn (2017: £0.2bn). 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.

Of the £4m net reversal, a £3m reversal within exceptional items has been classified as ‘Net impairment of non-current assets and onerous lease provisions’ 
included within profits/(losses) arising on property-related items.

Note 13 Group entities

The Group consists of the ultimate Parent Company, Tesco PLC, and a number of subsidiaries, joint ventures and associates held directly or indirectly  
by Tesco PLC. See pages 140 to 145 for a complete list of Group entities.

Subsidiaries
The accounting year ends of the subsidiaries consolidated in these financial statements are on or around 24 February 2018. 

Consolidated structured entities
The Group has a number of securitisation structured entities established in connection with Tesco Bank’s credit card securitisation transactions. Although 
none of the equity of these entities is owned by the Group, the Group has rights to variable returns from its involvement with these entities and has the ability  
to affect those returns through its power over them under contractual agreements. As such these entities are effectively controlled by the Group, and are 
therefore accounted for as subsidiaries of the Group.

These entities have financial year ends of 31 December. The management accounts of these entities are used to consolidate the results to 24 February 2018 
within these financial statements.

Unconsolidated structured entities
In prior years, the Group sponsored a number of structured entities. The Group led the formation of the entities and its name appears in the name of  
the entities and/or on the debt issued by the entities. The structured entities were set up to finance property purchases by some of the UK property joint 
ventures in which the Group typically holds a 50% equity interest. The structured entities obtain debt financing from third party investors and lend the funds 
to these joint ventures, who use the funds to purchase the properties.

The liabilities of the UK property joint ventures include the loans from these structured entities. The Group’s exposure to the structured entities is limited  
to the extent of the Group’s interests in the joint ventures. The liabilities of the structured entities are non-recourse to the Group.

The Group concluded that it does not control, and therefore should not consolidate, these structured entities since it does not have power over the relevant 
activities of the structured entities, or exposure to variable returns from these entities.

103

Tesco PLC Annual Report and Financial Statements 2018Financial statementsNotes to the Group financial statements continued

Note 13 Group entities continued

Interests in joint ventures and associates
Principal joint ventures and associates
The Group’s principal joint ventures and associates are:

Gain Land Limited

Included in ‘UK property joint ventures’:
The Tesco Coral Limited Partnership
The Tesco Blue Limited Partnership
The Tesco Atrato Limited Partnership
The Tesco Passaic Limited Partnership
The Tesco Navona Limited Partnership
The Tesco Sarum Limited Partnership
The Tesco Dorney Limited Partnership
The Tesco Property (No. 2) Limited Partnership

Included in ‘Other joint ventures  
and associates’:
Tesco Mobile Limited
Tesco Underwriting Limited
Trent Hypermarket Limited
Tesco Lotus Retail Growth Freehold  
and Leasehold Property Fund

Nature of  

relationship
Associate

Business activity
Retail

Share of issued 
share capital, 
loan capital and 
debt securities
20%

Country of 
incorporation
British Virgin Islands

Principal area of operation
People’s Republic of 
China/Hong Kong

Joint venture
Joint venture
Joint venture
Joint venture
Joint venture
Joint venture
Joint venture
Joint venture

Property investment
Property investment
Property investment
Property investment
Property investment
Property investment
Property investment
Property investment

Joint venture
Joint venture
Joint venture
Associate

Telecommunications
Insurance
Retail
Property investment

50%
50%
50%
50%
50%
50%
50%
50%

50%
49.9%
50%
25%

England
England
England
England
England
England
England
Jersey

England
England
India
Thailand

United Kingdom
United Kingdom
United Kingdom
United Kingdom
United Kingdom
United Kingdom
United Kingdom
United Kingdom

United Kingdom
United Kingdom
India
Thailand

The accounting period end dates of the joint ventures and associates consolidated in these financial statements range from 31 December 2017 to 28 February 2018. 
The accounting period end dates for joint ventures 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. 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 joint ventures and associates to transfer funds to the parent, other than those imposed by the 
Companies Act 2006, and for Tesco Underwriting Limited, regulatory capital requirements.

The UK property joint ventures involve the Group partnering with third parties in carrying out some property investments in order to enhance returns  
from property and access funding, while reducing risks associated with sole ownership. These property investments generally cover shopping centres  
and standalone stores. The Group enters into operating leases for some or all of the properties held in the joint ventures. These leases provide the Group 
with some rights over alterations and adjacent land developments. Some leases also provide the Group with options to purchase the other joint venturers’ 
equity stakes at a future point in time. In some cases the Group has the ability to substitute properties in the joint ventures with alternative properties of 
similar value, subject to strict eligibility criteria. In other cases, the Group carries out property management activities for third party rentals of shopping 
centre units.

The property investment activities are carried out in separate entities, usually partnerships or limited liability companies. The Group has assessed its ability 
to direct the relevant activities of these entities and impact Group returns and concluded that the entities qualify as joint ventures since decisions regarding 
them require the unanimous consent of both equity holders. This assessment included not only rights within the joint venture agreements, but also any rights 
within other contractual arrangements between the Group and the entities.

The Group made a number of judgements in arriving at this determination, the key ones being: 

 – since the provisions of the joint venture agreements require the relevant decisions impacting investor returns to be either unanimously agreed by both joint 

venturers at the same time, or in some cases to be agreed sequentially by each venturer at different stages, there is joint decision making within the joint venture;

 – since the Group’s leases are priced at fair value, and any rights embedded in the leases are consistent with market practice, they do not provide the Group 

with additional control over the joint ventures or infer an obligation by the Group to fund the settlement of liabilities of the joint ventures;

 – any options to purchase the other joint venturers’ equity stakes are priced at market value, and only exercisable at future dates, hence they do not provide 

control to the Group at the current time;

 – where the Group has a right to substitute properties in the joint ventures, the rights are strictly limited and are at fair value, hence do not provide control  

to the Group; and

 – where the Group carries out property management activities for third party rentals in shopping centres, these additional activities are controlled through  

joint venture agreements or lease agreements, and do not provide the Group with additional powers over the joint venture.

104

Tesco PLC Annual Report and Financial Statements 2018Note 13 Group entities continued 

Summarised financial information for joint ventures and associates 
The summarised financial information below reflects the amounts presented in the financial statements of the relevant joint ventures and associates, and  
not the Group’s share of those amounts. These amounts have been adjusted to conform to the Group’s accounting policies where required. The summarised 
financial information for UK property joint ventures has been aggregated in order to provide useful information to users without excessive detail since these 
entities have similar characteristics and risk profiles largely based on their nature of activities and geographic market.

Summarised balance sheet
Non-current assets(a) 
Current assets (excluding cash and cash equivalents)
Cash and cash equivalents
Current liabilities(b)
Non-current liabilities(b)
Net assets/(liabilities)(c)

Summarised income statement
Revenue
Profit/(loss) after tax

Reconciliation to carrying amounts: 
Opening balance
Additions/(disposals)
Foreign currency translation
Share of profits/(losses)(d)
Dividends received from joint ventures and associates
Deferred profits offset against carrying amounts(e)
Closing balance

Group’s share in ownership
Group’s share of net assets/(liabilities)
Goodwill(c)
Deferred property profits offset against carrying amounts(e)
Cumulative unrecognised losses(d)(f)
Cumulative unrecognised hedge reserves(d)(f)
Carrying amount 

UK property joint ventures

Gain Land Limited

2018
£m

3,851
92
37
(304)
(4,561)
(885)

2017
£m

12 months 
to Dec 2017
£m

12 months to 
Dec 2016 
£m

 4,060
99
48
(301)
(4,831)
(925)

3,924
1,801
414
(5,318)
(409)
412

4,172
2,231
631
(6,232)
(169)
633

280
–

292
–

9,097
(230)

9,081
(626)

–
–
–
12
(12)
–
–

50%
(443)
–
(61)
168
336
–

–
– 
– 
14
(14)
– 
– 

50%
(463)
– 
(63)
175
351
– 

433
–
(21)
(46)
–
–
366

20%
82
284
–
–
–
366

511
– 
 47
(125)
– 
– 
433

20%
127
306
– 
– 
– 
433

(a)  The non-current asset balances of UK property joint ventures are reflected at historic depreciated cost to conform to the Group’s accounting policies. The aggregate fair values  

in the financial statements of the UK property joint ventures are £4,983m (2017: £5,242m).

(b)  The current and non-current liabilities of UK property joint ventures largely comprise loan balances of £3,892m (2017: £4,121m) and derivative swap balances of £672m (2017: £703m) 

entered into to hedge the cash flow variability exposures of the joint ventures. 

(c)  The December 2016 comparative summarised balance sheet for Gain Land Limited (Gain Land) has been updated to reflect £353m impairment of net assets within Gain Land. Tesco’s 

20% share of this impairment was previously recorded as an impairment of the goodwill inherent within Tesco’s investment in Gain Land.

(d)  The share of profit for the year for UK property joint ventures related to £12m dividends received from joint ventures with £nil carrying amounts. £5m of losses and £7m of increases in 

the fair values of derivatives arising from these entities have been included in cumulative unrecognised losses and cumulative unrecognised hedge reserves respectively.

(e)  Deferred profits that arose from the transfer of properties into the UK property joint ventures have been offset against the carrying amounts of the related joint ventures. £2m relating 

to BLT Properties Limited has been released during the year as a result of the joint venture being wound up on 6 April 2017.

(f)   Cumulative unrecognised losses of £24m and cumulative unrecognised hedge reserves of £8m were disposed of relating to BLT Properties Limited.

At 24 February 2018, the Group has £104m (2017: £103m) loans to UK property joint ventures and £nil (2017: £nil) to Gain Land.

Other joint ventures and associates
The Group also has interests in a number of other joint ventures and associates, excluding UK property joint ventures and Gain Land. These are not 
considered to be individually material to the Group. 

Aggregate carrying amount of other joint ventures and associates
Group’s share of profits/(losses) for the year

Joint ventures

Associates

2018
£m
262
17

2017
£m
245
(7)

2018
£m
61
11

2017
£m
61
11

105

Tesco PLC Annual Report and Financial Statements 2018Financial statementsNotes to the Group financial statements continued

Note 13 Group entities continued 

Impairment
Management has performed impairment tests and sensitivity analysis on its investments in Gain Land, Trent Hypermarket Limited and Tesco Underwriting 
Limited. The carrying values of Trent Hypermarket Limited of £98m (2017: £112m) and Tesco Underwriting Limited of £90m (2017: £71m) are included within 
‘Other joint ventures and associates’ as discussed on the previous page.

The recoverable values of these investments were estimated taking into account forecast cash flows, equity valuations of comparable entities and/or  
recent transactions for comparable businesses. No impairment was recognised in the year for these investments. The Group has performed sensitivity 
analysis on the impairment tests for these investments. A reasonably possible increase of one percentage point in the discount rate, based on recent market 
movements, would not indicate impairment in Gain Land or Tesco Underwriting Limited. An increase in the discount rate by one percentage point would not 
result in a material impairment to the carrying value of Trent Hypermarket Limited.

Future changes in estimated cash flows, discount rates, competitive landscape, retail market conditions and other factors may result in impairment losses  
or reversals of impairment in future periods.

Note 14 Other investments

Loans receivable
Available-for-sale financial assets
Total other investments
Of which:
Current
Non-current

2018 
£m
–
928
928

68
860
928

2017 
£m
13
1,094
1,107

284
823
1,107

On 30 June 2017, the Group disposed of its 8.8% shareholding in Lazada for net cash consideration of $254m (£196m). Refer to Note 31 for further details.

Note 15 Inventories

Goods held for resale
Development properties

Goods held for resale are net of commercial income. Refer to Note 20.

Note 16 Trade and other receivables

Trade receivables
Prepayments
Accrued income
Other receivables
Amounts owed by joint ventures and associates (Note 29)
Total trade and other receivables
Of which:
Current
Non-current

2018 
£m
2,259
4
2,263

2018 
£m
466
317
261
459
165
1,668

1,482
186
1,668

2017 
£m
2,276
25
2,301

2017 
£m
490
322
207
483
153
1,655

1,475
180
1,655

Trade and other receivables include commercial income. Refer to Note 20.

Trade and other receivables are generally non interest-bearing. Credit terms vary by country and the nature of the debt, ranging from 7 to 60 days.

At 24 February 2018, trade and other receivables of £13m (2017: £16m) were past due and impaired. The gross amount of trade and other receivables  
was £56m (2017: £68m) with a provision of £43m (2017: £52m). 

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

106

2018 
£m
–
2
11
13

2017 
£m
–
3
13
16

Tesco PLC Annual Report and Financial Statements 2018Note 16 Trade and other receivables continued

At 24 February 2018, trade and other receivables of £95m (2017: £130m) 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, as follows:

Current
Non-current

The maturity of these loans and advances is as follows:

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

2018 
£m
83
9
3
95

2018 
£m
4,637
6,885
11,522

2018 
£m
4
4,604
147
2,633
4,372
11,760
(238)
11,522

2017 
£m
119
10
1
130

2017 
£m
4,166
5,795
9,961

2017 
£m
3
4,107
155
2,419
3,471
10,155
(194)
9,961

At 28 February 2018, £3.5bn (2017: £2.5bn) of the credit card portfolio had its beneficial interest assigned to a securitisation structured entity, Delamare  
Cards Receivables Trustee Limited, for use as collateral in securitisation transactions. The total encumbered portion of this portfolio is £1.6bn (2017: £1.9bn).

At 28 February 2018, Delamare Cards MTN Issuer plc had £2.4bn (2017: £1.8bn) notes in issue in relation to securitisation transactions, of which £1.0bn  
(2017: £0.8bn) was externally issued. The Group owned £1.1bn (2017: £0.8bn) class A Credit Card backed notes and £0.3bn (2017: £0.2bn) class D Credit Card  
backed notes.

Of the total £1.1bn (2017: £0.8bn) class A notes, £0.3bn (2017: £0.6bn) is held in a distinct pool for the purposes of collateralising the Bank of England’s  
Term Funding Scheme drawings. All other prepositioned assets with the Bank of England are held within their single collateral pool.

Provision for impairment of loans and advances

At 27 February 2016
Increase in allowance, net of recoveries, charged to the Group income statement
Amounts written off
Unwinding of discount
At 25 February 2017
Increase in allowance, net of recoveries, charged to the Group income statement
Amounts written off
Unwinding of discount
At 24 February 2018

Note 18 Cash and cash equivalents and short-term investments

Cash and cash equivalents

Cash at bank and in hand
Short-term deposits

Short-term investments

Money market funds

£m

(154)
(103)
60
3
(194)
(134)
87
3
(238)

2017 
£m
3,498
323
3,821

2017 
£m
2,727

2018 
£m
3,580
479
4,059

2018 
£m
1,029

Included in cash and cash equivalents is an amount of £777m (2017: £777m) that was set aside at the balance sheet date for completion of the merger with 
Booker Group PLC. This cash was invested at a floating rate of interest, held in ring-fenced accounts and was not available to the Group. The merger was 
completed on 5 March 2018, with £766m being paid on completion. Refer to Note 35 for further details on the Booker Group merger.

107

Tesco PLC Annual Report and Financial Statements 2018Financial statementsNotes to the Group financial statements continued

Note 19 Trade and other payables

Trade payables 
Other taxation and social security
Other payables
Amounts payable to joint ventures and associates (Note 29) 
Accruals and deferred income
Total trade and other payables
Of which: 
Current
Non-current

2018 
£m
5,416
334
1,947
20
1,643
9,360

8,996
364
9,360

Trade and other payables are net of commercial income. Refer to Note 20. 

Note 20 Commercial income

Below are the commercial income balances included within inventories and trade and other receivables, or netted against trade and other payables. 
Amounts received in advance of income being earned are included in accruals and deferred income.

2018 
£m

(69)

169
186

199

(7) 

2018
£m
351
6
–
–
–
126
667
300
17
12
1,479

Par value
–
–
£488m
€500m
$850m
£125m
 €750m
£300m
£350m
–

Maturity
–
–
Oct 2017
Nov 2017
Nov 2017
Aug 2018
Nov 2018
Apr 2020
Feb 2029
–

Current assets
Inventories
Trade and other receivables
Trade/other receivables
Accrued income

Current liabilities
Trade and other payables

Trade payables
Accruals and deferred income

Note 21 Borrowings

Current

Bank loans and overdrafts
Loans from joint ventures (Note 29)
LIBOR + 0.5% Term Loan
1.250% MTN
5.5% USD Bond
5.2% Tesco Bank Retail Bond
3.375% MTN
LIBOR + 0.65% Tesco Bank Bond(a)
5.5457% Secured Bond(b)(c)
Finance leases (Note 34)

108

2017 
£m
4,914
310
2,422
17
1,536
9,199

8,875
324
9,199

2017 
£m

(75)

215
150

213
(22)

2017
£m
912
6
484
423
709
–
–
–
15
11
2,560

Tesco PLC Annual Report and Financial Statements 2018Note 21 Borrowings continued 

Non-current

5.2% Tesco Bank Retail Bond
3.375% MTN
LIBOR + 0.45% Tesco Bank Bond(d)
1.375% MTN(e)
5.5% MTN(e)
1% RPI Tesco Bank Retail Bond(f)
LIBOR + 0.65% Tesco Bank Bond(a)
2.125% MTN
5% Tesco Bank Retail Bond
LIBOR + 0.65% Tesco Bank Bond(g)
6.125% MTN
LIBOR + 0.53% Tesco Bank Bond(h)
5% MTN(e)
2.5% MTN
3.322% LPI MTN(i)
5.5457% Secured Bond(b)(c)
6.067% Secured Bond(b)
LIBOR + 1.2% Secured Bond(b)
6% MTN(e)
5.5% MTN(e)
1.982% RPI MTN(j)
6.15% USD Bond(e)
4.875% MTN(e)
5.125% MTN(e)
5.2% MTN(e)
Finance leases (Note 34)

Par value
£125m
€750m
£150m
€931m
£181m
£70m
£300m
€500m
£200m
£350m
£900m
£300m
£238m
€750m
£335m
£350m
£200m
£50m
£159m
£176m
£277m
$850m
£102m
€356m
£168m
–

Maturity
Aug 2018
Nov 2018
May 2019
Jul 2019
Dec 2019
Dec 2019
Apr 2020
Nov 2020
Nov 2020
May 2021
Feb 2022
Oct 2022
Mar 2023
Jul 2024
Nov 2025
Feb 2029
Feb 2029
Feb 2029
Dec 2029
Jan 2033
Mar 2036
Nov 2037
Mar 2042
Apr 2047
Mar 2057
–

2018
£m
–
–
–
826
183
70
–
441
204
350
952
298
254
666
338
322
190
33
198
221
279
616
103
323
165
110
7,142

2017
£m
129
641
150
 1,063
353
67
299
423
210
349
896
–
411
640
326
339
190
31
253
255
270
1,063
175
522
275
103
9,433

(a)  This bond was issued on 13 May 2015. The scheduled redemption date of this bond is April 2018.
(b)  The bonds are secured by a charge over the property, plant and equipment held within the Tesco Property Limited Partnership, a 100% owned subsidiary of Tesco PLC. The carrying 

amounts of assets pledged as security for secured bonds is £786m (2017: £788m).

(c)  This is an amortising bond which matures in February 2029. £17m (2017: £15m) is the principal repayment due within the next 12 months. The remainder is payable in quarterly instalments 

until maturity in February 2029. 

(d)  This bond was issued on 6 June 2014 and was redeemed on its scheduled redemption date of 19 May 2017.
(e)  During the financial year, the Group undertook a tender for outstanding bonds and as a result the following notional amounts were repaid early: 1.375% Medium Term Note (MTN) 
July 2019 €319m, 5.5% MTN December 2019 £169m, 5% MTN March 2023 £151m, 6% MTN December 2029 £41m, 5.5% MTN January 2033 £24m, 6.15% USD bond November 2037 
$300m, 4.875% MTN March 2042 £71m, 5.125% MTN April 2047 €244m and 5.2% MTN March 2057 £111m.

(f)  The 1% Retail Price Index (RPI) Tesco Bank Retail Bond is redeemable at par, indexed for increases in the RPI over the life of the bond. 
(g)  This bond was issued on 6 June 2014. The scheduled redemption date of this bond is May 2019. 
(h)  This bond was issued on 7 November 2017. The scheduled redemption date of this bond is October 2020. 
(i)  The 3.322% Limited Price Inflation (LPI) MTN is redeemable at par, indexed 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%.

(j)  The 1.982% RPI MTN is redeemable at par, indexed for increases in the RPI over the life of the MTN.

Borrowing facilities
The Group has the following undrawn committed facilities available at 24 February 2018, in respect of which all conditions precedent had been met  
as at that date:

Expiring in less than one year
Expiring between one and two years
Expiring in more than two years

2018
£m
38
–
4,232
4,270

2017
£m
–
–
 4,427
 4,427

The current year undrawn committed facilities include £1.6bn (2017: £1.8bn) of bilateral facilities and a £2.6bn (2017: £2.6bn) syndicated revolving credit facility. 
All facilities incur commitment fees at market rates and would provide funding at floating rates.

109

Tesco PLC Annual Report and Financial Statements 2018Financial statementsNotes to the Group financial statements continued

Note 22 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 ‘Financial Instruments: Recognition and Measurement’. Derivatives may qualify as hedges for accounting purposes and the Group’s hedging policies  
are further described below.

Net finance income of £27m (2017: £43m) 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 on an effective interest rate basis.

A loss of £245m on hedging instruments was recognised during the year, offset by a gain of £261m on hedged items (2017: a gain of £126m on hedging 
instruments, offset by a loss of £26m on hedged items).

Cash flow hedges
The Group uses forward contracts to mainly 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.

The Group also uses forward contracts to hedge the future purchase of diesel for own use. 

Cash flow hedging ineffectiveness resulted in a gain of £11m during the year (2017: a loss of £57m). 

Net investment hedges 
The Group uses currency denominated borrowings to hedge the exposure of a portion of its net investment in overseas operations (with non-Sterling 
functional currency) against changes in value due to changes in foreign exchange rates. There was £nil (2017: £nil) that was recorded as resulting from  
net investment hedge 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 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

2018

2017

Asset
£m
27
1,117
1,144

Liability
£m
(69)
(594)
(663)

Asset
£m
286
1,303
1,589

Liability
£m
(61)
(607)
(668)

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 contracts
Derivatives not in a formal hedge relationship
Interest rate swaps and similar instruments
Cross-currency swaps
Index-linked swaps
Forward contracts
Total

2018

2017

Asset

Liability

Asset

Liability

Fair value
£m

Notional
£m

Fair value
£m

Notional
£m

Fair value
£m

Notional
£m

Fair value
£m

Notional
£m

43
129

–
216
160
23

4
–
564
5
1,144

2,424
401

–
1,413
672
736

436
–
3,590
795
10,467

(87)
(48)

(17)
–
–
(53)

(1)
–
(443)
(14)
(663)

1,728
207

110
–
–
1,491

528
–
3,590
1,896
9,550

29
386

–
334
152
75

3
1
592
17
1,589

543
791

–
2,384
651
1,174

71
27
3,589
1,126
10,356

(116)
(26)

(38)
–
–
(1)

(6)
(9)
(446)
(26)
(668)

3,050
408

598
–
–
947

1,156
44
3,589
741
10,533

110

Tesco PLC Annual Report and Financial Statements 2018Note 22 Financial instruments continued

Financial instruments not qualifying for hedge accounting continued
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 ventures and associates loan receivables*
Derivative financial instruments:

Interest rate swaps and similar instruments
Cross-currency swaps
Index-linked swaps
Forward contracts

Total 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
Customer deposits – Tesco Bank
Deposits from banks – Tesco Bank
Derivative financial instruments:

Interest rate swaps and similar instruments
Cross-currency swaps
Index-linked swaps
Forward contracts

Total liabilities
Net assets/(liabilities) 

2018

Carrying 
value
£m

2017

Fair  

value
£m

Carrying 
value
£m

4,059
11,522
1,029
928
138

47
345
724
28
18,820 

(1,467)
–

(6,137)
(895)
(122)
(9,245)
(1,539)

(105)
(48)
(443)
(67)
(20,068)
(1,248)

4,059
11,659
1,029
928
139

47
345
724
28
18,958

(1,240)
–

(6,210)
(818)
(132)
(9,224)
(1,539)

(105)
(48)
(443)
(67)
(19,826)
(868)

3,821
9,961
2,727
1,107
137

32
721
744
92
19,342

 (2,246)
(303)

 (7,977)
 (1,353)
 (114)
 (8,463)
 (500)

 (160)
(35)
(446)
(27)
(21,624)
(2,282)

Fair  

value
£m

3,821
10,178
2,727
1,107
158

32
721
744
92
19,580

 (2,269)
(291)

 (8,414)
 (1,248)
 (125)
 (8,485)
 (500)

(160)
 (35)
 (446)
 (27)
 (22,000)
(2,420)

*  Joint ventures and associates loan receivables carrying amounts of £138m (2017: £137m) are presented in the Group balance sheet net of deferred profits of £54m (2017: £54m) 

historically arising from the sale of property assets to joint ventures.

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 table excludes trade and other receivables/payables which have fair values equal to their carrying values. The expected 
maturity of the financial assets and liabilities is not considered to be materially different to their current and non-current classification.

Financial assets and liabilities by category
The accounting classifications of each class of financial assets and liabilities at 24 February 2018 and 25 February 2017 are as follows:

At 24 February 2018
Cash and cash equivalents
Loans and advances to customers – Tesco Bank
Short-term investments
Other investments
Joint ventures and associates loan receivables
Customer deposits – Tesco Bank
Deposits from banks – Tesco Bank
Short-term borrowings
Long-term borrowings
Finance leases
Derivative financial instruments:

Interest rate swaps and similar instruments
Cross-currency swaps
Index-linked swaps
Forward contracts

Loans and 
receivables/ 
other financial
liabilities
£m
4,059
11,522
1,029
–
138
(9,245)
(1,539)
(1,467)
(7,032)
(122)

Available- 
for-sale
£m
–
–
–
928
–
–
–
–
–
–

–
–
–
–
928

–
–
–
–
(2,657)

Fair value 
through
profit or  

loss
£m
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–

(58)
297
281
(39)
481

Total
£m
4,059
11,522
1,029
928
138
(9,245)
(1,539)
(1,467)
(7,032)
(122)

(58)
297
281
(39)
(1,248)

111

Tesco PLC Annual Report and Financial Statements 2018Financial statementsNotes to the Group financial statements continued

Note 22 Financial instruments continued 

Financial assets and liabilities by category continued

At 25 February 2017
Cash and cash equivalents
Loans and advances to customers – Tesco Bank
Short-term investments
Other investments
Joint ventures and associates loan receivables
Customer deposits – Tesco Bank
Deposits from banks – Tesco Bank
Short-term borrowings
Long-term borrowings
Finance leases
Derivative financial instruments:

Interest rate swaps and similar instruments
Cross-currency swaps
Index-linked swaps
Forward contracts

Loans and 
receivables/ 
other financial
liabilities
£m
3,821
9,961
2,727
13
137
(8,463)
(500)
(2,549)
(9,330)
(114)

Available- 
for-sale
£m
–
–
–
1,094
–
–
–
–
–
–

–
–
–
–
1,094

–
–
–
–
(4,297)

Fair value
 through
profit or 
loss
£m
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–

(128)
686
298
65
921

Total
£m
3,821
9,961
2,727
1,107
137
(8,463)
(500)
(2,549)
(9,330)
(114)

(128)
686
298
65
(2,282)

The above tables exclude trade and other receivables/payables that are classified under loans and receivables/other financial liabilities.

Fair value measurement
The following table presents the Group’s financial assets and liabilities that are measured at fair value at 24 February 2018 and 25 February 2017, 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 24 February 2018
Assets
Available-for-sale financial assets
Derivative financial instruments:

Interest rate swaps and similar instruments
Cross-currency swaps
Index-linked swaps
Forward contracts

Total assets
Liabilities
Derivative financial instruments:

Interest rate swaps and similar instruments
Cross-currency swaps
Index-linked swaps
Forward contracts

Total liabilities
Net assets/(liabilities)

At 25 February 2017
Assets
Available-for-sale financial assets
Derivative financial instruments:

Interest rate swaps and similar instruments
Cross-currency swaps
Index-linked swaps
Forward contracts

Total assets
Liabilities
Derivative financial instruments:

Interest rate swaps and similar instruments
Cross-currency swaps
Index-linked swaps
Forward contracts

Total liabilities
Net assets/(liabilities)

112

Level 1
£m

Level 2
£m

Level 3
£m

923

–
–
–
–
923

–
–
–
–
–
923

–

47
345
724
28
1,144

(105)
(48)
(443)
(67)
(663)
481

5

–
–
–
–
5

–
–
–
–
–
5

Level 1
£m

Level 2
£m

Level 3
£m

964

–
–
–
–
964

–
–
–
–
–
964

–

32
721
744
92
1,589

(160)
(35)
(446)
(27)
(668)
921

130

–
–
–
–
130

–
–
–
–
–
130

Total
£m

928

47
345
724
28
2,072

(105)
(48)
(443)
(67)
(663)
1,409

Total
£m

1,094

32
721
744
92
2,683

(160)
(35)
(446)
(27)
(668)
2,015

Tesco PLC Annual Report and Financial Statements 2018Note 22 Financial instruments continued

Fair value measurement continued
The following table presents the changes in Level 3 instruments for the 52 weeks ended 24 February 2018 and 52 weeks ended 25 February 2017: 

At the beginning of the year
Gains/(losses) recognised in finance costs in the Group income statement
Gains/(losses) recognised in the Group statement of comprehensive income/(loss)
Disposal of available-for-sale financial asset
Addition of available-for-sale financial asset
At the end of the year

2018
£m

130
–
68
(196)
3
5

2017
£m

125
(4)
90
(81)
–
130

During the financial year, there were no transfers (2017: £nil) between Level 1 and Level 2 fair value measurements, and no transfers into and out of Level 3 fair 
value measurements (2017: £nil). During the financial year, the Group fully disposed of its remaining investment in Lazada, an investment in an unlisted entity, 
resulting in a £70m revaluation gain offset by £2m foreign exchange loss. Refer to Note 31 for further details.

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 24 February 2018

Financial assets
Cash and cash equivalents
Derivative financial instruments
Total trade and other receivables(a)
Total assets
Financial liabilities
Bank loans and overdrafts
Repurchases, securities lending and similar agreements(b)
Derivative financial instruments
Total trade and other payables(c)
Total liabilities

At 25 February 2017

Financial assets
Cash and cash equivalents
Derivative financial instruments
Total trade and other receivables(a)
Total assets
Financial liabilities
Bank loans and overdrafts
Repurchases, securities lending and similar agreements(b)
Derivative financial instruments
Total trade and other payables(c)
Total liabilities

Gross 
amounts  
of recognised  
financial  
assets/  
(liabilities)
£m

Gross amounts  
of financial  

assets/
(liabilities)  
offset in  
the Group  
balance sheet 
£m

Net amounts 
presented in  
the Group 
balance sheet
£m

Related amounts not offset  
in the Group balance sheet

Financial 
instruments
£m

Collateral
£m

4,187
1,144
1,887
7,218

(479)
(200)
(663)
(9,579)
(10,921)

(128)
–
(219)
(347)

128
–
–
219
347

4,059
1,144
1,668
6,871

(351)
(200)
(663)
(9,360)
(10,574)

–
(217)
–
(217)

–
380
217
–
597

–
(18)
–
(18)

–
–
55
–
55

Gross 
amounts  
of recognised  
financial  
assets/  
(liabilities)
£m

Gross amounts  
of financial  

assets/
(liabilities)  
offset in  
the Group  
balance sheet 
£m

Net amounts 
presented in  
the Group 
balance sheet
£m

Related amounts not offset  
in the Group balance sheet

Financial 
instruments
£m

Collateral
£m

4,085
1,589
1,894
7,568

(1,176)
(100)
(668)
(9,438)
(11,382)

(264)
–
(239)
(503)

264
–
–
239
503

3,821
1,589
1,655
7,065

(912)
(100)
(668)
(9,199)
(10,879)

–
(308)
–
(308)

–
100
308
–
408

–
(11)
–
(11)

–
–
115
–
115

Net  

amount
£m

4,059
909
1,668
6,636

(351)
180
(391)
(9,360)
(9,922)

Net  

amount
£m

3,821
1,270
1,655
6,746

(912)
–
(245)
(9,199)
 (10,356)

(a) Total trade and other receivables includes £317m (2017: £322m) of prepayments.
(b) Repurchases, securities lending and similar agreements are included within the deposits from banks balance of £1,539m (2017: £500m) in the Group balance sheet. Refer to Note 24.
(c) Total trade and other payables includes £264m (2017: £268m) of deferred income.

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 agreement will have the option to settle 
all such amounts on a net basis in the event of default of the other party. 

113

Tesco PLC Annual Report and Financial Statements 2018Financial statementsNotes to the Group financial statements continued

Note 23 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.

Financial risk management is carried out by a central treasury department under policies approved and delegated by the Board of Directors. The Board 
provides written principles for risk management.

Interest rate risk
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 policy is to target fixing a minimum of 50%–70% of interest costs for senior unsecured debt of the Group excluding Tesco Bank. At 24 February 2018, 
the percentage of interest-bearing debt at fixed rates was 90% (2017: 88%). The weighted average rate of interest paid on senior unsecured debt this financial 
year, excluding joint ventures and associates, was 4.26% (2017: 4.08%). 

Forward rate agreements, interest rate swaps, caps and floors may be used to achieve the desired mix of fixed and floating rate debt.

The Group has RPI linked debt where the principal is indexed to increases in the RPI. RPI debt is treated as floating rate debt. The Group also has LPI linked 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. RPI linked debt and 
LPI linked debt are hedged for the effects of inflation until maturity.

For interest rate risk relating to Tesco Bank, refer to the separate section on Tesco Bank financial risk factors on pages 116 and 117. 

During 2018 and 2017, net debt was managed using derivative instruments to hedge interest rate risk.

Cash and cash equivalents
Loans and advances to customers – Tesco Bank
Short-term investments
Other investments
Joint ventures and associates loan receivables
Finance leases
Bank and other borrowings
Customer deposits – Tesco Bank
Deposits from banks – Tesco Bank
Derivative effect:

Interest rate swaps
Cross-currency swaps
Index-linked swaps

Total

Fixed
£m
–
6,929
–
803
76
(122)
(6,836)
(3,447)
(1,539)

(5,096)
608
(337)
(8,961)

2018

Floating
£m
4,059
4,593
1,029
125
62
–
(1,663)
(5,798)
–

5,096
(608)
337
7,232

Total
£m
4,059
11,522
1,029
928
138
(122)
(8,499)
(9,245)
(1,539)

–
–
–
(1,729)

Fixed
£m
–
5,738
–
1,022
74
(114)
 (9,324)
(3,984)
 (500)

(5,288)
 1,199
(328)
(11,505)

2017

Floating
£m
3,821
4,223
2,727
85
63
–
(2,555)
(4,479)
–

5,288
(1,199)
328
8,302

Total
£m
3,821
9,961
2,727
1,107
137
(114)
(11,879)
 (8,463)
 (500)

–
–
–
(3,203)

Credit risk 
Credit risk arises from cash and cash equivalents, trade and other receivables, customer deposits, financial instruments and deposits from banks and 
financial institutions.

The Group holds positions with an approved list of investment-grade rated counterparties and monitors the exposure, credit rating, outlook and credit 
default swap levels of these counterparties on a regular basis. The net counterparty exposure under derivative contracts is £0.9bn (2017: £1.3bn). The Group 
considers its maximum credit risk to be £19.6bn (2017: £20.1bn) 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 117.

Liquidity risk 
The Group finances its operations by a combination of retained profits, disposals of assets, debt capital market issues, commercial paper, bank borrowings 
and leases. The policy is to maintain a prudent level of cash together with sufficient committed bank facilities to meet liquidity needs as they arise. The Group 
retains access to capital markets so that maturing debt may be refinanced as it falls due.

Liquidity risk is managed by short-term and long-term cash flow forecasts. In addition, the Group has undrawn committed facilities totalling £4.3bn  
(2017: £4.4bn), consisting of a syndicated revolving credit facility and bilateral facilities, which mature between 2019 and 2021.

The Group has a £15.0bn Euro Medium Term Note programme, of which £5.3bn was in issue at 24 February 2018 (2017: £6.8bn), plus £0.6bn equivalent of USD 
denominated notes issued under 144A documentation (2017: £1.7bn). 

For liquidity risk relating to Tesco Bank, refer to the separate section on Tesco Bank financial risk factors on page 116.

The following is an analysis of the undiscounted contractual cash flows payable under financial liabilities and derivatives taking into account contractual terms 
that provide the counterparty a choice of when (the earliest date) an amount is repaid by the Group. The potential cash outflow of £18.6bn is considered 
acceptable as it is offset by financial assets of £19.6bn (2017: £18.4bn offset by financial assets of £20.1bn).

The undiscounted cash flows will differ from both the carrying values and fair values. 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 (2017: 3%).

114

Tesco PLC Annual Report and Financial Statements 2018Note 23 Financial risk factors continued

Liquidity risk continued

At 24 February 2018
Non-derivative financial liabilities
Bank and other borrowings
Interest payments on borrowings
Customer deposits – Tesco Bank
Deposits from 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 25 February 2017
Non-derivative financial liabilities
Bank and other borrowings
Interest payments on borrowings
Customer deposits – Tesco Bank
Deposits from 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

(1,401)
(298)
(7,655)
(209)
(20)
(8,996)

27
(57)
97
(134)
(18,646)

Due  
within  
1 year
£m

(2,634)
(349)
(6,658)
(100)
(19)
(8,875)

34
(96)
1,402
(1,118)
(18,413)

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

(1,445)
(323)
(874)
(12)
(34)
(34)

16
(221)
79
(72)
(2,920)

(963)
(243)
(500)
(412)
(11)
(34)

11
(367)
519
(493)
(2,493)

(926)
(219)
(179)
(947)
(11)
(25)

9
(69)
70
(121)
(2,418)

(28)
(163)
(105)
–
(11)
(24)

7
(87)
57
(51)
(405)

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

(1,076)
(352)
(1,147)
(301)
(16)
(27)

23
(59)
105
(83)
(2,933)

(1,850)
(379)
(423)
(1)
(23)
(17)

19
(251)
105
(85)
(2,905)

(645)
(288)
(167)
(100)
(9)
(11)

14
(414)
528
(506)
(1,598)

(926)
(268)
(174)
–
(9)
(11)

10
(86)
96
(130)
(1,498)

Due  
beyond  
5 years
£m

(3,860)
(1,852)
–
–
(120)
(247)

1,379
(151)
2,178
(1,751)
(4,424)

Due  
beyond  
5 years
£m

(4,771)
(2,906)
–
–
(126)
(258)

1,430
(197)
2,878
(2,248)
(6,198)

*   Trade and other payables includes £264m (2017: £268m) of deferred income.

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, where those purchases are denominated in a currency other than the 
functional currency of the purchasing company. Transactional currency exposures that could significantly impact the Group income statement are  
hedged. These exposures are hedged via forward foreign currency contracts or purchased currency options, which are designated as cash flow hedges.  
At 24 February 2018, forward foreign currency transactions, designated as cash flow hedges, equivalent to £2.2bn were outstanding (2017: £2.1bn).  
The notional and fair values of these contracts is shown in Note 22;

 – net investment exposure 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 derivatives and borrowings in matching currencies, which are formally designated as net 
investment hedges. During the financial year, currency movements increased the net value, after the effects of hedging, of the Group’s overseas assets by 
£318m (2017: increase by £751m). The Group also ensures that each subsidiary is appropriately hedged in respect of its non-functional currency assets; and
 – loans to non-UK subsidiaries. These are hedged via foreign currency derivatives and borrowings in matching currencies. These are not formally designated  

as hedges as gains and losses on hedges and hedged loans will naturally offset.

The impact on the 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 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 24 February 2018. 
It should be noted that the sensitivity analysis reflects the impact on income and equity due to 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. 

115

Tesco PLC Annual Report and Financial Statements 2018Financial statementsNotes to the Group financial statements continued

Note 23 Financial risk factors continued 

Sensitivity analysis continued
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/(loss);

 – 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 interest rates and currency exchange rates that are reasonably possible for major currencies where there have recently been 
significant movements:

1% increase in interest rates (2017: 1%)
10% appreciation of the Euro (2017: 10%)
10% appreciation of the US Dollar (2017: 10%)

2018

2017

Income  
gain/(loss)
£m
69
4
6

Equity  

gain/(loss)
£m
(30)
(143)
129

Income  
gain/(loss)
£m
80
(83)
6

Equity  

gain/(loss)
£m
(39)
(108)
170

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/(loss) 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/(loss) 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 protecting and strengthening the Group balance sheet through the 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 raises finance in the public debt markets and borrows from financial institutions. The policy for debt is to smooth the debt maturity profile with 
the objective of ensuring continuity of funding. This policy continued during the financial year, with debt redeemed of £2.7bn (2017: £1.9bn). No new bonds 
were issued in either the current or previous financial year. 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 (£2.6bn; 2017: £3.7bn), and the Group statement of changes in equity for the value of the Group’s equity 
(£10.5bn; 2017: £6.4bn).

Insurance risk
The Group is exposed to the risk of being inadequately protected from liabilities arising from unforeseen events. The Group 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 Group with some cover being provided by the Group’s captive insurance companies, ELH 
Insurance Limited in Guernsey and Valiant Insurance Company DAC (formerly Valiant Insurance Company Limited) in the Republic of Ireland. ELH Insurance 
Limited covers Assets, Earnings and Combined Liability, while Valiant Insurance Company DAC covers Combined Liability only.

Tesco Bank
Interest rate risk
Interest rate risk arises mainly where assets and liabilities in Tesco Bank’s banking activities have different repricing dates and from unexpected changes to the 
yield curve. Tesco Bank is exposed to interest rate risk through dealings with retail customers as well as through lending to and borrowing from the wholesale 
market. Tesco Bank has established limits for risk appetite and stress tests are performed using sensitivity to fluctuations in underlying interest rates in order  
to monitor this risk. Tesco Bank also use the Capital at Risk (CaR) approach which assesses the sensitivity (value change) of a reduction in the Bank’s capital to 
movements in interest rates. The scenarios considered include both parallel and non-parallel movements of the yield curve and have been designed to assess 
impacts across a suitable range of severe but plausible movements in interest rates. Interest rate risk is primarily managed using interest rate swaps as the main 
hedging instrument.

Liquidity and funding risk 
Liquidity risk is the risk that Tesco Bank has insufficient liquidity resources to meet its obligations as they fall due. Funding risk is the risk that Tesco Bank does 
not have sufficiently stable and diverse sources of funding.

Tesco Bank operates within a Liquidity Risk Management Policy Framework (LRMP) to ensure that sufficient funds are available at all times to meet demands 
from depositors, to fund agreed advances, to meet other commitments as and when they fall due, and to ensure the Board’s risk appetite is met.

Liquidity and funding risks are assessed through the Individual Liquidity Adequacy Assessment Process (ILAAP) on at least an annual basis. Formal limits  
are set within the LRMP to maintain liquidity risk exposures within the Liquidity Risk Appetite set by the Board and key liquidity measures are monitored  
on a regular basis. Tesco Bank maintains a conservative liquidity and funding profile to confirm that it is able to meet its financial obligations under normal, 
and stressed, market conditions.

116

Tesco PLC Annual Report and Financial Statements 2018Note 23 Financial risk factors continued 

Tesco Bank continued
Credit risk
Credit risk is the risk that a bank borrower or counterparty will fail to meet its obligations in accordance with contractually agreed terms and Tesco Bank will 
incur losses as a result. 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 minimum requirements for management of credit activities defined across the 
customer life cycle. Customer lending decisions are managed principally through the deployment of appropriate credit scoring and associated rules, which 
exclude specific areas of lending, and an affordability assessment which determines a customer’s ability to repay the advances they are seeking. 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 risk 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. The amounts below are presented gross of impairment 
and exclude fair value hedge adjustments of £(16)m (2017: £23m). Prior year balances have been re-presented to reflect this change.

Credit quality of loans and advances

At 24 February 2018
Past due and impaired
Less than 90 days past due 
90-179 days past due 
180 days plus past due
Past due but not impaired
Less than 29 days past due 
30-59 days past due 
60-119 days past due
Neither past due nor impaired
Low risk(a) 
High risk(b)
Total

At 25 February 2017
Past due and impaired
Less than 90 days past due 
90-179 days past due 
180 days plus past due
Past due but not impaired
Less than 29 days past due 
30-59 days past due 
60-119 days past due
Neither past due nor impaired
Low risk(a) 
High risk(b)
Total

Retail 
unsecured
lending
£m

Retail 
mortgage 
lending
£m

Retail
instalment
lending
£m

44
59
109

55
20
13

–
–
–

1
–
–

8,010
327
8,637

2,983
26
3,010

–
–
–

–
–
–

129
–
129

Retail 
unsecured
lending
£m

Retail 
mortgage 
lending
£m

Retail
instalment
lending
£m

32
48
99

48
16
10

–
–
–

1
–
–

–
–
–

–
–
–

Total
£m

44
59
109

56
20
13

11,122
353
11,776

Total
£m

32
48
99

49
16
10

7,426
152
7,831

2,144
16
2,161

140
–
140

9,710
168
10,132

(a)  Low risk is defined as an asset with a probability of default of less than 10%.
(b)  High risk is defined as an asset with a probability of default of 10% or more.

The credit risk exposure from off balance sheet items in 2018, mainly undrawn contractual lending commitments, was £12.4bn (2017: £12.1bn).

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. 
Insurance risk is defined as the risk accepted through the provision of insurance products in return for a premium. The timing and quantum of the risks are 
uncertain and determined by events outside the control of Tesco Bank. The key insurance risks within TU relate to underwriting risk and reserving risk.  
TU operates a separate framework to ensure that the TU insurance portfolio operates within agreed risk appetite. The Bank closely monitors performance  
of the portfolio against specific thresholds and limits

117

Tesco PLC Annual Report and Financial Statements 2018Financial statementsNotes to the Group financial statements continued

Note 24 Customer deposits and deposits from banks

Customer deposits
Deposits from banks

Of which:
Current
Non-current

Deposits from banks include liabilities of £200m (2017: £100m) that have been sold under sale and repurchase agreements.

2018
£m
9,245
1,539
10,784

7,812
2,972
10,784

Note 25 Provisions

At 27 February 2016
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
Unwinding of discount
At 25 February 2017
Foreign currency translation
Amount released in the year
Amount provided in the year
Amount utilised in the year
Unwinding of discount

At 24 February 2018

The balances are analysed as follows:

Current
Non-current

Property 
provisions
£m
875
12
(38)
99
(141)
–
44
851
5
(33)
153
(120)
13

869

Restructuring 
provisions
£m
83
4
(18)
196
(162)
(5)
–
98
1
(32)
157
(146)
–

Other 
provisions
£m
66
–
–
136
(28)
–
–
174
–
(14)
211
(50)
–

78

321

2018
£m
547
721
1,268

2017
£m
8,463
500
8,963

6,687
2,276
8,963

Total
£m
1,024
16
(56)
431
(331)
(5)
44
1,123
6
(79)
521
(316)
13

1,268

2017
£m
438
685
1,123

Property provisions
Property provisions comprise onerous lease provisions, including leases on unprofitable stores and vacant properties, dilapidations provisions and asset 
retirement obligation provisions. These provisions are based on the least net cost of fulfilling or exiting the contract.

The calculation of the value in use of the leased properties to the Group is based on the same assumptions for growth rates and expected changes to future 
cash flows as those for Group owned properties, as discussed in detail in Note 11, discounted at the appropriate risk free rate. The cost of exiting lease 
contracts is estimated as the present value of expected surrender premiums or deficits from subletting at market rents, assuming that the Group can sublet 
properties at market rents, based on discounting at the appropriate risk adjusted rate. For some leases, termination of the lease at the break clause requires 
the Group to either purchase the property or buy out the equity ownership of the property at fair value. No value is attributed to the purchase conditions 
since they are at fair value. It is also assumed that the Group is indifferent to purchasing the properties.

Based on the factors set out above, the Group has recognised a net onerous property provision charge in the year of £120m (2017: £61m), largely relating  
to onerous lease contracts for fully impaired properties and other onerous contracts relating to properties. The Group has performed sensitivity analysis  
on the onerous lease provisions using reasonably possible scenarios based on recent market movements. Neither a half a percentage point increase nor 
decrease in the risk-free rate would result in a material change to the onerous lease provisions.

Of the £120m net onerous property provision charge (£153m charge, £33m release) recognised in the year, a £105m charge has been recognised as an 
exceptional item; a £116m charge in cost of sales and £11m release in property-related items. This is made up of a £108m charge classified as ‘Net impairment 
reversal of non-current assets and onerous lease provisions’, a £2m charge classified as ‘Net restructuring and redundancy costs’, and a £5m release 
classified as ‘Property transactions’.

Onerous lease provisions will be utilised over the relevant lease terms, predominantly within the next 25 years.

Restructuring provisions
Of the £125m net charge (£157m charge, £32m release) recognised in the year, a £68m charge relating to UK & ROI changes to store and call centre colleague 
structures and working practices and a £34m charge relating to head office restructuring have been classified as exceptional items. The exceptional 
provisions are expected to be utilised in the next financial year.

118

Tesco PLC Annual Report and Financial Statements 2018Note 25 Provisions continued

Other provisions
Other provisions relate primarily to an ongoing court case with Her Majesty’s Revenue & Customs (HMRC). Tesco PLC and Tesco Freetime Limited, a 
wholly-owned subsidiary undertaking of the Group, initiated an appeal against HMRC regarding the treatment of VAT on Clubcard rewards. In August 2017,  
the Group’s appeal was upheld in the First Tier Tribunal. As a result of the Tribunal’s decision, the Group recovered VAT and interest of £160m for periods up  
to 25 February 2017, which have been included within exceptional cash flows in Note 4. A further £12m is recoverable in relation to the 52 weeks ended  
24 February 2018. HMRC have appealed the Tribunal’s decision and as a result, the Group has recognised a provision of £176m for these amounts plus  
penalty interest, which would be due if HMRC were to be successful in their appeal.

Included in other provisions is a provision of £61m (2017: £91m) to cover the cost of the compensation scheme and related costs, as agreed with the UK 
Financial Conduct Authority (FCA). In the previous financial year, the Group agreed with the FCA (under its statutory powers) to establish a compensation 
scheme to compensate certain net purchasers of Tesco ordinary shares and listed bonds between 29 August 2014 and 19 September 2014 inclusive. This 
charge was classified as an exceptional item in administrative expenses. With the compensation scheme now closed to new claimants, £13m of the provision 
and £12m of related accruals were released to the Group income statement within exceptional items, classified as ‘Release of amounts provided in relation  
to DPA and FCA obligations’ within administrative expenses. Refer to Note 4 for further details.

Other provisions also include provisions for Tesco Bank customer redress in respect of potential complaints arising from the historic sales of PPI,  
and in respect of customer redress relating to instances where certain of the requirements of the CCA for post-contract documentation have not been  
fully complied with. In each instance, management have exercised judgement as to both the timescale for implementing the redress campaigns and the final 
scope of any amounts payable. During the year, an additional charge of £35m and a release of £1m was recognised in the Group income statement within 
exceptional items, classified as ‘Provision for customer redress’ within cost of sales. Refer to Note 4 for further details.

Other provisions are expected to be utilised in the next financial year when the outcome of the aforementioned matters have been reliably determined.

Note 26 Share-based payments

For continuing operations, the Group income statement charge for the financial year recognised in respect of share-based payments is £252m (2017: £294m), 
which is made up of share option schemes and share bonus payments. Of this amount, £128m (2017: £36m) will be settled in equity and £124m (2017: £258m) in 
cash. The movement between cash and equity settled charge with reference to the prior year is predominantly due to a reclassification from equity to cash 
which took place in the prior financial year as a result of employees being offered the choice of cash settlement on a one-off award.

Share option schemes
The Company had eight 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 £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.

ii)     The Irish Savings-related Share Option Scheme (2000) permits the grant to ROI 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 Executive Incentive Plan (2004) permitted the grant of options in respect of ordinary shares to selected senior executives. Options are normally exercisable 

between three and 10 years from the date of grant for nil consideration. No further options will be granted under this scheme.

iv)     The Executive Incentive Plan (2014) permits the grant of options in respect of ordinary shares to selected senior executives as a proportion of annual bonus 

following the completion of a required service period and is dependent on the achievement of corporate performance and individual targets. Options are 
normally exercisable between three and 10 years from the date of grant for nil consideration. Full details of this plan can be found in the Directors’ 
remuneration report.

v)     The Performance Share Plan (2011) permits the grant of options in respect of ordinary shares to selected executives. Options are normally exercisable 

between the vesting date(s) set at grant and 10 years from the date of grant for nil consideration. The vesting of options will normally be conditional upon  
the achievement of specified performance targets over a three year period and/or continuous employment.

vi)    The Discretionary Share Option Plan (2004) permitted the grant of approved, unapproved and international options in respect of ordinary shares to selected 
executives. Options are normally exercisable between three and 10 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 vesting 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 
sthree year period. There were no discounted options granted under this scheme.

vii)   The Group Bonus Plan permits the grant of options in respect of ordinary shares to selected senior executives as a proportion of annual bonus following  

the completion of a required service period and is dependent on the achievement of corporate performance and individual targets. Options are normally 
exercisable between three and 10 years from the date of grant for nil consideration.

viii)   The Long Term Incentive Plan (2015) permits the grant of options in respect of ordinary shares to selected executives. Options are normally exercisable 

between the vesting date(s) set at grant and 10 years from the date of grant for nil consideration. The vesting of options will normally be conditional upon  
the achievement of specified performance targets over a three year period and/or continuous employment.

119

Tesco PLC Annual Report and Financial Statements 2018Financial statementsNotes to the Group financial statements continued

Note 26 Share-based payments continued

Share option schemes continued
The following tables reconcile the number of share options outstanding and the weighted average exercise price (WAEP):

For the 52 weeks ended 24 February 2018

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
256,862,881

WAEP
168.91

 Options
 6,339,307

WAEP
179.46

 Options
5,019,454

WAEP
420.87

 Options
24,450,586

WAEP

 Options
395.84 18,495,050

WAEP
397.17

 Options WAEP
–

27,640,320

40,314,086 168.00
2,078,500
(47,125,400) 204.95
(1,471,619)
(19,208)
150.29
(5,164,858)
244,886,709 162.21 6,926,980

168.00
–
218.17
(2,216,356)
–
150.02
167.88 2,803,098

–
458.33
–
391.25

–
(7,131,313)
–
17,319,273

–
446.01
–
375.18

–
(6,240,281)
–
12,254,769

–
439.33
–
375.69

10,838,726
(1,740,742)
(722,792)
36,015,512

150.00 to  
322.00

150.00 to 
322.00

338.40 to 
427.00

2.48

2.62

0.61

338.40 to 
427.00

0.79

0.78

8.16

4,482,116 282.00

118,702

282.00 2,803,098

391.25

17,319,273

375.18

12,254,769

375.69

4,597,668

282.00

282.00

338.40 to 
427.00

0.43

0.43

0.61

338.40 to 
427.00

0.79

0.78

6.93

338.40 to 
427.00

338.40 to 
427.00

–
–
–
–

–

–

–

Outstanding at  
25 February 2017
Granted
Forfeited
Exercised
Outstanding at 
24 February 2018
Exercise price 
range (pence)
Weighted average 
remaining 
contractual life 
(years)
Exercisable at
24 February 2018
Exercise price 
range (pence)
Weighted average 
remaining 
contractual life 
(years)

For the 52 weeks ended 25 February 2017

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
278,367,865  173.32

 Options
8,263,111

WAEP
189.46

 Options
6,514,959

WAEP

 Options
407.19 32,459,966

WAEP
387.09

 Options
24,534,811

WAEP

386.76  20,802,806

 Options WAEP
–

 32,923,969 190.00
(53,597,182) 205.10
150.11
168.91

(831,771)
256,862,881

1,681,721
(3,587,857)
 (17,668)
6,339,307

190.00
207.57
150.03
179.46

 – 
(1,495,505)
 – 
5,019,454

 – 
361.29
 – 
420.87

 – 
(8,009,380)
 – 
24,450,586

 – 
360.37
 – 

 – 
(6,039,761)
 – 
395.84 18,495,050

 – 
354.89
 – 
397.17

14,449,336
 (6,880,744)
 (731,078)
27,640,320

150.00 to  
364.00
3.06

150.00 to 
364.00
2.88

338.40 to 
473.75
 1.10

338.40 to 
473.75
1.45

338.40 to 
473.75
1.43

10,596,827 339.47

443,702

330.95

5,019,454

420.87

24,450,586

395.84 18,495,050

397.17

3,517,971

282.00 to  
364.00
0.43

322.00 to  
364.00
0.43

338.40 to  
473.75
 1.10

338.40 to  
473.75
1.45

338.40 to  
473.75
1.43

 – 
 – 
 – 
 – 

–

8.70

 – 

–

7.70

Outstanding at  
27 February 2016
Granted
Forfeited
Exercised
Outstanding at 
25 February 2017
Exercise price 
range (pence)
Weighted  
average remaining 
contractual life 
(years)
Exercisable at
25 February 2017 
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 52 weeks ended 24 February 2018 was 
187.68p (2017: 184.26p).

The fair value of share options is estimated at the date of grant using the Black-Scholes or Monte Carlo 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)

120

2018

2017

SAYE
2.2-3.6%
29-32%
0.9-1.0%
3 or 5
41.86
7-11%
187.00
168.00

Nil cost
–
33%
0.1-0.2%
3-6
68.04-180.35
–
180.35
–

SAYE
1.4%
29-32%
0.4-0.7%
3 or 5
53.14
10-11%
211.00
190.00

Nil cost
–
29-36%
0.2-0.5%
3-6
61.00-159.64
–
159.04-196.84
–

Tesco PLC Annual Report and Financial Statements 2018Note 26 Share-based payments continued

Share option schemes continued 
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 and incentive schemes
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 and individual performance targets.

Selected executives participate in the Performance Share Plan (2011) and the Long Term Incentive Plan (2015). Awards made under these plans will normally 
vest on the vesting date(s) set on the date of the award for nil consideration. Vesting will normally be conditional on the achievement of specified 
performance targets over a three year performance period and/or continuous employment.

Eligible ROI colleagues are able to participate in a Share Bonus Scheme, an all-employee profit-sharing scheme. Each year, colleagues may receive an award  
of either cash or shares based on a percentage of their earnings. Shares awarded to colleagues through the Share Bonus Scheme are held in trust on behalf 
of employees for a period of at least two years and for a maximum period of three years.

The Executive Directors participate in short-term bonus and long-term incentive 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. 

The number and weighted average fair value (WAFV) of share bonuses awarded during the financial year were:

Irish Share Bonus Scheme
Group Bonus Plan
Performance Share Plan

Note 27 Post-employment benefits

2018

2017

Number of
 shares 
–
21,898,988
24,638,938

WAFV 
pence
–
180.35
180.94

Number of
 shares 
–
33,293,571
 61,533,740

WAFV 
pence
–
159.04
161.82

Pensions
The Group operates a variety of post-employment benefit arrangements, covering both funded and unfunded defined benefit schemes and funded defined 
contribution schemes.

Defined contribution plans
A defined contribution scheme, Tesco Retirement Savings Plan, is open to all Tesco employees in the UK.

A defined contribution pension scheme is one under which members pay contributions to an independently administered fund, into which the Group  
also pays contributions based upon a fixed percentage of the members’ contributions. The Group has no legal or constructive obligation to pay further 
contributions to this fund once its initial contributions have been paid. Members’ benefits upon retirement are then determined by the amount of contributions 
paid into the fund, together with the performance of the investments into which those contributions have been invested. Members are able to choose the 
investments into which their contributions are invested, as well as how they wish to receive benefits upon retirement. As a result, any risks associated with 
either the future value of benefits or the performance of the assets invested lie with the member.

The contributions payable for defined contribution schemes of £316m (2017: £341m) have been recognised in the Group income statement. This includes 
£108m (2017: £135m) of salaries paid as pension contributions.

Defined benefit plans
The most significant defined benefit plans are those for the Group’s employees in the UK (closed to future accrual) and ROI. The UK defined benefit deficit 
represents 96% of the Group deficit (2017: 98%).

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 all relevant legislation. Responsibility for governance of the Scheme lies with the Trustee. The Trustee is a company whose directors comprise:

i) representatives of the Group; and
ii) representatives of the Scheme participants, in accordance with its articles of association and UK pension law.

The Group considers two measures of the Scheme deficit. The accounting position is shown on the Group balance sheet. The funding position, calculated at the 
triennial actuarial assessment, is used to agree contributions made to the Scheme. The two measures will vary because they are for different purposes, and are 
calculated at different dates and in different ways. The key calculation difference is that the funding position considers the expected returns of Scheme assets 
when calculating the Scheme liability, whereas the accounting position calculated under IAS 19 discounts liabilities based on corporate bond yields. 

During the financial year an independent actuary carried out the latest triennial actuarial assessment of the Scheme as at 31 March 2017 using the projected 
unit credit method. At 31 March 2017, the funding position was a deficit of £3,016m. The market value of the Scheme’s assets was £13,141m and these assets 
represented 81% of the benefits that had accrued to members, after allowing for expected increases in pensions in payment. 

Following this assessment, an update to the plan to fund the UK pension deficit and to meet the expenses of the Scheme was agreed with the Trustee. Annual 
contributions will increase from £270m to £285m commencing April 2018. The annual contribution will be paid for 10 years, with contributions being assessed 
at the next Triennial review. The expenses for the year, which include the Pension Protection Fund levy, were £25m (2017: £22m). In the event that the Pension 
Protection Fund levy for the Scheme exceeds £75m over three years, the Group has agreed to pay this excess amount to the Scheme over the following three 
years. In addition, the market value of assets held as security in favour of the Scheme has increased from £500m to £575m.

121

Tesco PLC Annual Report and Financial Statements 2018Financial statementsNotes to the Group financial statements continued

Note 27 Post-employment benefits continued 

Defined benefit plans continued
Maturity profile of obligations
The estimated duration of the Scheme obligations is an indicator of the weighted average term of benefit payments after discounting. For the Scheme  
this is 25 years. 

Over 50% of the undiscounted benefits are due to be paid beyond 30 years’ time, with the last payments expected to be over 80 years from now.

The estimated undiscounted benefit payments expected to be paid out over the life of the Scheme is shown below:

£’000m

5

4

3

2

1

0

1-5

6-10

11-15

16-20

21-25

26-30

31-35
Years

Deferred members

Current pensioners

36-40

41-45

46-50

51-55

56-60

61-65

66-70

70+

The liabilities held by the Scheme as at 31 March 2017, the date of the last triennial valuation, are broken down as follows: 

Deferred
Pensioner

Risks
The Group bears a number of risks in relation to the Scheme, which are described below:

Risk
Investment

Inflation

Interest rate

Description of risk
The Scheme’s accounting 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 accounting deficit  
will increase.
If the Scheme’s assets underperform the expected 
return for the funding valuation, this may require 
additional contributions to be made by the Group.
The Scheme’s benefit obligations are linked to 
inflation. A higher rate of expected long-term  
inflation will therefore lead to higher liabilities,  
both for the IAS 19 and funding liability.
If the Scheme’s funding liability increases, this  
may require additional contributions to be made  
by the Group.

A decrease in corporate bond yields will increase the 
accounting deficit under IAS 19. Similarly, a decrease 
in gilt yields will have an adverse impact on the funding 
position of the Scheme. This may lead to additional 
contributions being made by the Group.

Life expectancy

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.

% 
81
19

Mitigation
The Trustee and the Group regularly monitor the funding position 
and operate a diversified investment strategy.
The Trustee and the Group take a balanced approach to investment  
risk, and use a long-term plan to manage investment risk.

As part of the investment strategy, the Trustee aims to mitigate  
this risk through investment in a liability-driven investment  
(LDI) portfolio.
The portfolio invests in assets which increase in value as inflation 
expectation increases. This mitigates the impact of any adverse 
movement in long-term inflation expectations.
The Scheme’s holdings are designed to hedge against inflation  
risk up to the value of the funded liabilities.
Additionally, 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).
As part of the investment strategy, the Trustee aims to mitigate  
this risk through investment in a LDI portfolio.
The portfolio invests in assets which increase in value as interest 
rates decrease. The Scheme’s holdings are designed to hedge 
against interest rate risk up to the value of the funded liabilities.
Because the aim of the portfolio is to mitigate risk for the  
funding position, ineffectiveness in hedging for the accounting 
deficit under IAS 19 can arise where corporate bond and gilt  
yields diverge. This is partially offset by Scheme holdings in 
corporate bonds.
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. 
The Trustee and the Group regularly monitor the impact of 
changes in longevity on Scheme obligations.

The Operations and Audit Pensions Committee was established to further strengthen the Group’s Trustee Governance and provide greater oversight and 
stronger internal control over the Group’s 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.

122

Tesco PLC Annual Report and Financial Statements 2018 
Note 27 Post-employment benefits continued 

Defined benefit plans continued
UK principal assumptions 
Financial assumptions
During the financial year, the Group has taken actuarial advice and decided to change the model used for deriving the discount rate assumption for valuing 
the Scheme’s liabilities under IAS 19. 

The standard requires the discount rate to be determined by reference to market yields of high quality corporate bonds of suitable currency and term to  
the Scheme cash flows. The standard does not specify the approach that should be taken to extrapolate current market rates along the yield curve when 
there are no suitable corporate bonds of sufficient duration. As the term of the Scheme’s liabilities is particularly long, the Group balance sheet is sensitive  
to the extrapolation approach adopted. Under the previous model, the extrapolation was in line with the movement in the gilt yield curve. The model now 
adopted by the Group extrapolates based on the trend observable in corporate bond yields. In the Group’s view, this more appropriately reflects long-dated 
corporate bond yields for the cash flow profile of the Scheme’s liabilities.

The impact of the change in discount rate model was to give a £2.0bn gain on change of financial assumptions at the point of the transition. If the transition 
had occurred at the balance sheet date, the gain would have been £1.3bn. 

The major assumptions, on a weighted average basis, used by the actuaries to value the defined benefit obligation were as follows:

Discount rate
Price inflation
Rate of increase in deferred pensions*
Rate of increase in pensions in payment*
Benefits accrued before 1 June 2012
Benefits accrued after 1 June 2012

*    In excess of any Guaranteed Minimum Pension (GMP) element.

2018
%
2.9
3.1
2.1

2.9
2.2

2017
%
2.5
3.2
2.2

3.0
2.2

Mortality assumptions
The Group, in consultation with an independent actuary, conducted a mortality analysis under the Scheme as part of the triennial actuarial valuation process. 
Subsequent to this analysis, the Group adopted the best estimate assumptions for the calculation of the IAS 19 pension liability for the main UK scheme. 

The mortality assumptions used are based on tables that have been projected to 2017 with CMI 2016 improvements. In addition, the allowance for future 
mortality improvements from 2017 is in line with CMI 2016 improvements, with a long-term improvement rate of 1.25% 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. A comparison between the two retiree dates illustrates the expected improvements in mortality over the time period.

Retiring at reporting date at age 65:

Retiring at reporting date +25 years at age 65:

Male
Female
Male
Female

2018
Years
22.3
24.0
23.8
26.0

2017
Years
23.2
24.5
25.5
26.9

The base tables used in calculating the mortality assumptions are different for various categories of members, as shown below:

Male

Female

Staff
Senior Manager
Staff
Senior Manager

Pensioner
100% of SAPS S2 Normal
85% of SAPS S2 Normal Light
100% of SAPS S2 All
85% of SAPS S2 All

Non-Pensioner
105% of SAPS S2 Normal
87% of SAPS S2 Normal Light
98% of SAPS S2 All
86% of SAPS S2 All

Sensitivity analysis of significant actuarial assumptions
The sensitivity of significant assumptions upon the UK defined benefit obligations are detailed below:

Financial assumptions – Increase/(decrease) in UK defined benefit obligation
Impact of 0.1% increase of the assumption
Impact of 0.1% decrease of the assumption
Impact of 1.0% increase of the assumption
Impact of 1.0% decrease of the assumption

Mortality assumptions – Increase/(decrease) in UK defined benefit obligation
Impact of 1 year increase in longevity
Impact of 1 year decrease in longevity

2018

2017

Discount rate
£m
(388)
404
(3,377)
4,718

Inflation rate
£m
339
(323)
3,651
(2,876)

Discount rate
£m
(526)
545
(4,536)
6,541

Inflation rate
£m
448
(409)
4,984
(3,835)

2018
£m
630
(630)

2017
£m
818
(818)

Sensitivities are calculated by changing the relevant assumption while holding all other assumptions constant. The sensitivities reflect the range of recent 
assumption movements, and illustrate that the financial assumption sensitivities do not move in a linear fashion. Movements in the defined benefit obligation 
from discount rate and inflation rate changes may be partially offset by movements in assets.

123

Tesco PLC Annual Report and Financial Statements 2018Financial statementsNotes to the Group financial statements continued

Note 27 Post-employment benefits continued 

Defined benefit plans continued
Overseas
The most significant overseas scheme is the funded defined benefit scheme which operates in ROI. An independent actuary, using the projected unit credit 
method, carried out the latest actuarial assessment of the ROI scheme as at 24 February 2018. At the financial year end, the accounting deficit relating to ROI 
was £104m (2017: £107m).

The accounting valuation has been based on the most recent actuarial valuation and updated by independent actuaries to take account of the requirements 
of the applicable accounting standard in order to assess the liabilities of the scheme as at 24 February 2018. The scheme’s assets are stated at their market 
values as at 24 February 2018. The liabilities relating to retirement healthcare benefits have also been determined in accordance with the applicable 
accounting standard.

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 24 February 2018 of £11m (2017: £13m) was determined in accordance with the advice of independent actuaries. During the financial year,  
£nil (2017: £nil) has been charged to the Group income statement and £1m (2017: £1m) of benefits were paid.

Plan assets
The Group’s pension schemes hold assets that both provide returns and mitigate risk, including the volatility of future pension payments.

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

Liability Driven Investment (LDI) portfolios
Cash
Total market value of assets

2018

Quoted
£m

Unquoted
£m

284
823
3,828
4,935

1,029
487
7
1,523

–
–
–

–
–
14
14
3,301
349
10,122

–
–
–
–

–
–
–
–

917
381
1,298

405
694
740
1,839
(24)
–
3,113

Total
£m

284
823
3,828
4,935

1,029
487
7
1,523

917
381
1,298

405
694
754
1,853
3,277
349
13,235

2017

Quoted
£m

Unquoted
£m

365
628
3,894
4,887

1,008
501
 – 
1,509

–
–
–

–
–
13
13
3,321
142
9,872

–
 – 
 – 
–

 – 
 – 
 – 
 – 

787
 373
1,160

489
707
540
1,736
428
–
3,324

Total
£m

365
628
3,894
4,887

1,008
501
 – 
1,509

787
373
1,160

489
707
553
1,749
3,749
142
13,196

%

2%
6%
29%
37%

8%
3%
0%
11%

7%
3%
10%

3%
5%
6%
14%
25%
3%
100%

%

3%
5%
29%
37%

7%
4%
 – 
11%

6%
3%
9%

4%
5%
4%
13%
29%
1%
100%

Quoted assets are those with a quoted price in an active market.

The LDI category, previously disclosed within Government bonds, consists of assets, including gilts and index-linked gilts, of the value of £5,912m 
(2017: £5,586m) and associated repurchase agreements and swaps of £(2,635)m (2017: £(1,837)m).

The plan assets include £185m (2017: £176m) relating to property used by the Group. Group property with net carrying value of £509m (2017: £411m)  
(Note 11) and a value to the Scheme of £575m (2017: £500m) is held as security in favour of the Scheme.

124

Tesco PLC Annual Report and Financial Statements 2018Note 27 Post-employment benefits continued 

Defined benefit plans continued
Movement in the Group pension deficit during the financial year 
Changes in the fair value of defined benefit pension assets, including all movements of discontinued operations up to classification as held for sale,  
are as follows:

Opening fair value of defined benefit pension assets
Interest income
Return on plan assets (less)/greater than discount rate
Contributions by employer 
Additional contributions by employer
Actual member contributions
Foreign currency translation
Benefits paid
Closing fair value of defined benefit pension assets

2018
£m

13,196
326
(57)
34
245
2
8
(519)
13,235

2017
£m

10,302
385
2,689
28
248
2
13
(471)
13,196

Changes in the present value of defined benefit pension obligations, including all movements of discontinued operations up to classification as held for sale,  
are as follows: 

Opening defined benefit pension obligations
Current service cost
Interest cost
Gains/(losses) on change of financial assumptions 
Experience gains
Gains on changes of demographic assumptions
Foreign currency translation
Benefits paid
Actual member contributions
Transfer to disposal group classified as held for sale
Closing defined benefit pension obligations

2018
£m

 (19,817)
(38)
(488)
2,190
452
680
(13)
519
(2)
–
(16,517)

A summary of changes in the Group deficit, including movements of discontinued operations up to classification as held for sale, is set out below:

Deficit in schemes at the beginning of the year
Current service cost
Net pension finance cost
Contributions by employer
Additional contributions by employer
Foreign currency translation
Remeasurements
Transfer to disposal group classified as held for sale
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

2018
£m

(6,621)
(38)
(162)
34
245
(5)
3,265
–
(3,282)
554
(2,728)

The amounts that have been charged to the Group income statement and Group statement of comprehensive income/(loss), excluding discontinued 
operations, are as follows:

Analysis of the amount charged to operating profit:
Current service cost
Total charge to operating profit

Analysis of the amount credited/(charged) to finance income/(cost):
Interest on defined benefit pension assets
Interest on defined benefit pension obligations
Net pension finance cost (Note 5)
Total charge to the Group income statement

Analysis of the amount recognised in other comprehensive income: 
Return on plan assets (less)/greater than discount rate
Experience gains on defined benefit pension obligations
Demographic assumption gains on defined benefit pension obligations
Financial assumption gains/(losses) on defined benefit pension obligations
Foreign currency translation
Total gains/(losses) recognised in other comprehensive income

2018
£m

(38)
(38)

326
(488)
(162)
(200)

(57)
452
680
2,190
(5)
3,260

2017
£m

(13,477)
(35)
(498)
(6,455)
199
–
(25)
471
(2)
5
(19,817)

2017
£m

(3,175)
(35)
(113)
28
248
(12)
(3,567)
5
 (6,621)
1,122
 (5,499)

2017
£m

(35)
(35)

385
(498)
(113)
(148)

2,689
199
–
(6,455)
(12)
(3,579)

125

Tesco PLC Annual Report and Financial Statements 2018Financial statementsNotes to the Group financial statements continued

Note 27 Post-employment benefits continued

IFRIC 14 
IFRIC 14 ‘The Limit on a Defined Benefit Asset, Minimum Funding Requirements and their Interaction’ is a supplement to IAS 19 which can, in some instances, 
require companies to limit pension surpluses where they exist, or recognise additional liabilities relating to minimum funding requirements.

The Group is not required to recognise any additional liabilities, as any future economic benefits will be available to the Group by way of future refunds  
or reductions to future contributions.

Note 28 Called up share capital

Allotted, called up and fully paid:
At the beginning of the year
Share options exercised
Share bonus awards issued
At the end of the year

2018
Ordinary shares of 5 pence each

Number

8,174,932,553
5,184,066
12,000,000
8,192,116,619

£m

409
–
1
410

2017
Ordinary shares of 5 pence each

Number

8,141,083,114
849,439
33,000,000
8,174,932,553

£m

407
–
2
409

During the financial year, 5.2 million (2017: 0.8 million) ordinary shares of 5 pence each were issued in relation to share options for an aggregate consideration  
of £8m (2017: £1m) and 12.0 million (2017: 33.0 million) ordinary shares of 5 pence each were issued in relation to share bonus awards.

The Group has implemented a share forfeiture programme following the completion of a tracing and notification exercise to any shareholders who have  
not had contact with the Company over the past 12 years, in accordance with the provisions set out in the Company’s Articles of Association. Under the share 
forfeiture programme the shares and dividends associated with shares of untraced members have been forfeited, with the resulting proceeds transferred  
to the Group to use for good causes in line with the Group’s corporate responsibility strategy. During the financial year, the Group received £3m proceeds 
from sale of untraced shares and £2m write-back of unclaimed dividends, which are reflected in share premium and retained earnings respectively. 

As at 24 February 2018, the Directors were authorised to purchase up to a maximum in aggregate of 817.5 million (2017: 814.1 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.

On 5 March 2018, the Group completed a merger with the Booker Group. A total of 1,548 million new ordinary shares of the Company have been issued  
as a result of the transaction. See Note 35 for further details.

Note 29 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: 

Transactions

Sales to related parties
Purchases from related parties
Dividends received
Injection of equity funding

Joint ventures

Associates

2018
£m
474
396
15
21

2017
£m
418
416
17
–

2018
£m
–
18
11
–

2017
£m
–
16
 11
–

Sales to related parties consist of services/management fees and loan interest.

Purchases from related parties include £275m (2017: £286m) of rentals payable to the Group’s joint ventures (including those joint ventures formed as part  
of the sale and leaseback programme).

Transactions between the Group and the Group’s pension plans are disclosed in Note 27.

Balances

Amounts owed to related parties
Amounts owed by related parties
Loans to related parties (net of deferred profits)*
Loans from related parties (Note 21)

Joint ventures

Associates

2018
£m
20
27
138
6

2017
£m
17
16
137
6

2018
£m
–
–
–
–

2017
£m
–
–
–
–

*   Loans to related parties of £138m (2017: £137m) are presented net of deferred profits of £54m (2017: £54m) historically arising from the sale of property assets to joint ventures.

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 financial statements for those partnerships have been consolidated into these financial statements pursuant to Regulation 7 of  
the Regulations.

126

Tesco PLC Annual Report and Financial Statements 2018Note 29 Related party transactions continued 

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 for the financial year was as follows:

Salaries and short-term benefits
Pensions and cash in lieu of pensions
Share-based payments
Joining costs and loss of office costs 

Attributable to:
The Board of Directors (including Non-executive Directors)
Executive Committee (members not on the Board of Directors)

2018
£m
17
2
19
4
42

12
30
42

2017
£m
13
2
17
1
33

12
21
33

Of the key management personnel who had transactions with Tesco Bank during the financial year, the following are the balances at the financial year end:

At 24 February 2018
At 25 February 2017

Note 30 Analysis of changes in net debt

Credit card, mortgage and 
 personal loan balances 

Current and saving  
deposit accounts

Number of key 
management 
personnel

7
6

Number of key 
management 
personnel

5
4

£m

1
1

£m

–
–

At  
25 February 
2017
£m

Cash flow
£m

Fair value 
movements
£m

Foreign 
exchange 
movements
£m

Interest 
income/ 
(charge)
£m

Other 
non-cash 
movements 
£m

Re- 
classifications  
of movements  
in net debt of  
the disposal 
group
£m

Non-cash 
movements 
– Turkey 
disposal 
£m

At  
24 February 
2018
£m

Total Group
Bank and other borrowings
Finance lease payables
Net derivative financial instruments
Arising from financing activities
Cash and cash equivalents
Short-term investments
Joint venture loans
Interest and other receivables
Interest payables
Net derivative interest
Net debt of the disposal group
Total Group

Tesco Bank
Bank and other borrowings
Net derivative financial instruments
Arising from financing activities
Cash and cash equivalents
Joint venture loans
Interest payables
Tesco Bank

Retail
Bank and other borrowings
Finance lease payables
Net derivative financial instruments
Arising from financing activities
Cash and cash equivalents
Short-term investments
Joint venture loans
Interest and other receivables
Interest payables
Net derivative interest
Net debt of the disposal group
Net debt

(11,712)
(114)
893
(10,933)
3,821
2,727
137
1
(167)
28
(65)
(4,451)

(1,440)
(105)
(1,545)
789
34
–
(722)

(10,272)
(114)
998
(9,388)
3,032
2,727
103
1
(167)
28
(65)
(3,729)

3,408
10
(253)
3,165
212
(1,697)
–
(27)
351
(23)
–
1,981

(150)
–
(150)
515
–
4
369

3,558
10
(253)
3,315
(303)
(1,697)
–
(27)
347
(23)
–
1,612

91
–
(195)
(104)
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
(104)

6
63
69
–
–
–
69

85
–
(258)
(173)
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
(173)

(49)
(2)
–
(51)
15
(1)
–
–
(3)
–
–
(40)

–
–
–
–
–
–
–

(49)
(2)
–
(51)
15
(1)
–
–
(3)
–
–
(40)

(56)
–
20
(36)
–
–
–
27
(362)
11
–
(360)

–
–
–
–
–
(4)
(4)

(56)
–
20
(36)
–
–
–
27
(358)
11
–
(356)

–
(16)
–
(16)
–
–
1
–
–
–
–
(15)

–
–
–
–
–
–
–

–
(16)
–
(16)
–
–
1
–
–
–
–
(15)

73
–
–
73
–
–
–
–
3
–
–
76

–
–
–
–
–
–
–

73
–
–
73
–
–
–
–
3
–
–
76

(73)
–
–
(73)
11
–
–
–
(3)
–
65
–

–
–
–
–
–
–
–

(73)
–
–
(73)
11
–
–
–
(3)
–
65
–

(8,318)
(122)
465
(7,975)
4,059
1,029
138
1
(181)
16
–
(2,913)

(1,584)
(42)
(1,626)
1,304
34
–
(288)

(6,734)
(122)
507
(6,349)
2,755
1,029
104
1
(181)
16
–
(2,625)

Net debt excludes the net debt of Tesco Bank but includes that of discontinued operations. Balances and movements in respect of the total Group and Tesco 
Bank are presented to allow reconciliation between the Group balance sheet and the Group cash flow statement.

127

Tesco PLC Annual Report and Financial Statements 2018Financial statementsNotes to the Group financial statements continued

Note 30 Analysis of changes in net debt continued

Reconciliation of net cash flow to movement in Net debt

Net increase/(decrease) in cash and cash equivalents
Elimination of Tesco Bank movement in cash and cash equivalents
Retail cash movement in other Net debt items: 

Net increase/(decrease) in short-term investments
Net increase/(decrease) in joint venture loans
Net (increase)/decrease in borrowings and lease financing 
Net cash flows from derivative financial instruments
Net interest paid on components of Net debt

Change in Net debt resulting from cash flow
Retail net interest charge on components of Net debt
Retail fair value and foreign exchange movements
Debt disposed on disposal of Turkish operations
Retail other non-cash movements
(Increase)/decrease in Net debt
Opening Net debt
Closing Net debt

Note 31 Business combinations and disposals

2018
£m
212
(515)

(1,697)
–
3,568
(253)
297
1,612
(356)
(213)
76
(15)
1,104
(3,729)
(2,625)

2017
£m
881
(235)

(736)
(15)
1,863
 (475)
477
1,760
(472)
111
–
(18)
1,381
(5,110)
 (3,729)

Business combinations
The Group has paid a further £25m of deferred consideration in the financial year, related to its obligations under the purchase agreement for the acquisition  
of Sociomantic Labs from prior years.

On 26 October 2017, the Group obtained sole control of Tesco Mobile Ireland Limited (TMI), previously accounted for as a joint venture, through acquisition  
of Three Ireland Limited’s (Three) 50% interest in TMI. The Group paid £2m to Three for their 50% interest and recognised a gain of £3m. The TMI acquisition 
generated goodwill of £4m.

Disposals
On 1 March 2017, the Group announced the completion of the disposal of its 95.5% controlling stake in the Kipa business in Turkey following the receipt of all  
local regulatory approvals. See Note 7 for further details.

On 30 June 2017, the Group disposed of its 8.8% shareholding in Lazada to Alibaba Group Holding Limited (Alibaba) for net cash consideration of $254m 
(£196m). The Group’s investment in Lazada was recognised as an available-for-sale financial asset and classified as Level 3 in the fair value hierarchy. At the  
time of the disposal, the investment was revalued resulting in a gain of £70m recognised in the Group statement of comprehensive income/(loss). The 
available-for-sale reserve, including £54m recorded prior to the current year, was reclassified to the Group income statement resulting in a pre-tax profit  
on disposal of £124m. The disposal was subject to capital gains tax of £25m, which has been recognised as a reduction in the Group’s deferred tax asset.  
The transaction has been included within exceptional items, classified as ‘Investment disposal’ within administrative expenses. See Note 4.

On 4 December 2017, the Group disposed of the trade and assets of its opticians business to Vision Express (UK) Ltd for net cash consideration of £45m, 
resulting in a pre-tax profit of £38m included within exceptional items, which was classified as ‘Disposal of opticians business’ within administrative expenses. 
Included in the pre-tax profit is £3m contingent consideration. See Note 4.

Note 32 Commitments and contingencies

Capital commitments
At 24 February 2018, there were commitments for capital expenditure contracted for, but not incurred, of £116m (2017: £115m), principally relating  
to store development.

Contingent liabilities
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.

For details of assets held under finance leases, which are pledged as security for the finance lease liabilities, see Note 11.

As previously reported, law firms in the UK have announced the intention of forming claimant groups to commence litigation against the Group for matters arising 
out of or in connection with its overstatement of expected profits in 2014, and purport to have secured third party funding for such litigation. In this regard,  
the Group has received two High Court claims against Tesco PLC. The first was received on 31 October 2016 from a group of 112 investors (now reduced to 78 
investors) and the second was received on 5 December 2016 from an investment company and a trust company. The merit, likely outcome and potential impact  
on the Group of any such litigation that either has been or might potentially be brought against the Group is subject to a number of significant uncertainties and 
therefore, the Group cannot make any assessment of the likely outcome or quantum of any such litigation as at the date of this disclosure.

Prior to the disposal of its Korean operations (Homeplus), Tesco PLC provided guarantees in respect of 13 Homeplus lease agreements in Korea in the  
event of termination of the relevant lease agreement by the landlord due to Homeplus’ default. Entities controlled by MBK and CPPIB, as the purchasers  
of Homeplus, undertook to procure Tesco PLC’s release from these guarantees following the disposal of Homeplus. Eight currently remain outstanding.  
This liability decreases over time with all relevant leases expiring in the period between 2026 and 2033. Tesco PLC has the benefit of an indemnity from the 
purchasers of Homeplus for any claims made under such guarantees. The maximum potential liability under the lease guarantees is between KRW366bn 
(£243m) and KRW517bn (£344m).

Tesco Stores Limited has received claims from current and former Tesco store colleagues alleging that their work is of equal value to that of colleagues 
working in Tesco’s distribution centres and that differences in terms and conditions relating to pay are not objectively justifiable. The claimants are seeking the 
differential between the pay terms looking back, and equivalence of pay terms moving forward. At present, the likely number of claims that may be received 
and the merit, likely outcome and potential impact on the Group of any such litigation is subject to a number of significant uncertainties and therefore, the 
Group cannot make any assessment of the likely outcome or quantum of any such litigation as at the date of this disclosure. There are substantial factual and 
legal defences to these claims and the Group intends to defend them.

128

Tesco PLC Annual Report and Financial Statements 2018Note 32 Commitments and contingencies continued

Subsidiary audit exemptions
The following UK subsidiary undertakings are exempt from the requirements of the Companies Act 2006 (Act) relating to the audit of individual accounts by 
virtue of section 479A of that Act.

Name 
Tesco International Internet  
Retailing Limited
Dillons Newsagents Limited
One Stop Community  
Stores Limited
Paper Chain (East Anglia) Limited
Cullen’s Stores Limited 
Stewarts Supermarkets Limited
Europa Foods Limited
Verulam Properties Limited
Gibbs News Limited
T&S Stores Limited
Day and Nite Stores Limited
Adminstore Limited

Company 
number
00041420

00140624
00198980

00256555
00279206
00299400
00658774
00726573
00744680
01228935
01746058
01882853

Name 
Spen Hill Management Limited
One Stop Convenience  
Stores Limited
Nutricentre Limited
Harts the Grocers  
(Russel Square) Limited
Tesco (Overseas) Limited
Tesco Mobile Communications Limited
Tesco Mobile Services Limited
Spen Hill Developments Limited
Tapesilver Limited
Launchgrain Limited
Buttoncable Limited
Buttoncase Limited

Company 
number
02460426
02467178

02602894
03044236

01611684
04780729
04780734
04827219
05205362
05260856
05294246
05298861

Name 
Tesco Aqua (FinCo1) Limited
Armitage Finance ULC
Spen Hill Regeneration Limited
Halesworth SPV Limited
Tesco PENL Limited
Cheshunt Finance Unlimited
Tesco FFC Limited
Tesco Aqua (3LP) Limited
Tesco Red (3LP) Limited
The Tesco Aqua Limited Partnership
The Tesco Red Limited Partnership
Faraday Properties Limited
WM. Low Supermarkets Limited

Company 
number
05888959
05966324
06418300
06479506
06479938
06807552
08859202
09947521
10127765
LP011520
LP011522
SC119496
SC119497

Tesco PLC will guarantee all outstanding liabilities that these subsidiaries are subject to as at the financial year ended 24 February 2018 in accordance with 
section 479C of the Act, as amended by the Companies and Limited Liability Partnerships (Accounts and Audit Exemptions and Change of Accounting 
Framework) Regulations 2012.

Tesco PLC has irrevocably guaranteed the liabilities and commitments of the following Irish subsidiary undertakings, which undertakings have been exempted 
pursuant to Section 357 of the Companies Act, 2014 of Ireland from the provisions of Section 347 & 348 of that Act: Monread Developments Limited;  
Edson Properties Limited; Edson Investments Limited; Cirrus Finance (2009) Limited; Commercial Investments Limited; Chirac Limited; Clondalkin Properties 
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; Tesco Ireland Holdings Limited; Marine Coffee Company Nominees Limited; Marine Coffee Company Holdings Limited; and  
Tesco Mobile Ireland Limited. 

Tesco Bank
At 28 February 2018, Tesco Bank had contractual lending commitments totalling £12.4bn (2017: £12.1bn). The contractual amounts represent the amounts that 
would be at risk should the available facilities be fully drawn upon and not the amounts at risk at the reporting date.

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:

Common equity 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

2018
£m

2017
£m

1,491

1,381

235
99
(34)
1,791

235
63
(31)
1,648

On 27 June 2013, the final CRD IV rules were published in the Official Journal of the European Union. Following the publication of the CRD IV rules, 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 are currently being phased in. The following tables analyse the regulatory capital resources of TPF (being the 
regulated entity) applicable as at the financial year end. 

The movement of common equity tier 1 capital during the financial year is analysed as follows:

At the 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
Other – Tier 1
At the end of the year, excluding CRD IV adjustments
CRD IV adjustments – deferred tax (assets)/liabilities related to intangible assets
At the end of the year, including CRD IV adjustments

2018
£m

1,381
–
130
6
(50)
3
29
–
1,499
(8)
1,491

2017
£m

1,218
–
153
5
(50)
3
64
1
1,394
(13)
1,381

It is the Group’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, the 
Group has regard to the supervisory requirements of the PRA. 

129

Tesco PLC Annual Report and Financial Statements 2018Financial statementsNotes to the Group financial statements continued

Note 34 Lease 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 that are held under 
finance leases. The fair value of the Group’s lease obligations approximate their carrying value.

Future minimum lease commitments under finance leases and hire purchase contracts, together with the present value of the net minimum lease 
commitments, are as follows:

Within one year
Greater than one year but less than five years
After five years
Total minimum lease commitments 
Less future finance charges
Present value of minimum lease commitments

Within one year
Greater than one year but less than five years
After five years
Total minimum lease commitments 
Analysed as:
Current
Non-current

Operating lease commitments – Group as lessee
Future minimum lease commitments 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 commitments 

Future minimum lease commitments 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 commitments – after five years

Minimum lease  
commitments 

2018
£m
20
67
120
207
(85)
122

2017
£m
19
57
126
202
(88)
114

Present value of net minimum 
lease commitments 

2018
£m
12
40
70
122

12
110
122

2018
£m
1,077
3,552
6,788
11,417

2018
£m
3,035
2,008
1,745
6,788

2017
£m
11
30
73
114

11
103
114

2017
£m
1,199
3,767
7,395
12,361

2017
£m
3,161
2,225
2,009
7,395

The Group has used operating lease commitments discounted at 7% (2017: 7%) of £6,931m (2017: £7,440m) in its calculation of total indebtedness. The 
discounted operating lease commitment included in total indebtedness is not an appropriate proxy for the expected impact of recognising a lease liability  
under IFRS 16 ‘Leases’, primarily due to differences in the discount rates used and the treatment of additional lease rentals arising from contracts that 
contain extend or buy conditions, amongst other differences.

Operating lease commitments 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.

130

Tesco PLC Annual Report and Financial Statements 2018 
Note 34 Lease commitments continued

Operating lease commitments – Group as lessee continued
The Group has lease-break options on certain sale and leaseback transactions. These options are exercisable if the Group exercises an existing option to buy 
back, at market value and at a specified date, either the leased asset or the equity of the other joint venture partner. 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 commitments exclude those falling after the buy-back date. The current market value of these properties is £2.8bn (2017: £2.9bn) and the total 
undiscounted lease rentals, if they were to be incurred following the option exercise date, would be £2.6bn (2017: £2.6bn) using current rent values,  
as shown below.

The additional lease rentals, if incurred, following the option exercise date would be as follows:

Within one year
Greater than one year but less than five years
Greater than five years but less than ten years
Greater than ten years but less than fifteen years
After fifteen years
Total undiscounted contingent additional lease rentals
Total discounted contingent additional lease rentals at 7% 

The lease break options are exercisable between 2018 and 2023.

2018
£m
2
265
738
659
935
2,599
1,159

2017
£m
23
170
709
670
 1,019
2,591
1,107

Operating lease commitments with joint ventures and associates 
In prior years, the Group entered into several joint ventures and associates, and sold and leased back properties to and from these joint ventures and 
associates. The terms of these sale and leasebacks varied. However, common factors included: 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 amounts are contractually receivable from tenants: 

Within one year
Greater than one year but less than five years
After five years
Total minimum lease receivables

Note 35 Events after the reporting period

2018
£m
202
291
222
715

2017
£m
194
298
229
721

Booker Group PLC
On 27 January 2017, the Group announced that it had reached an agreement on the terms of a recommended share and cash merger with Booker Group PLC, 
the UK’s leading food wholesaler, subject to shareholder and regulatory approvals. Following an in-depth ‘Phase 2’ investigation by the Competition and 
Markets Authority (CMA), regulatory approval was granted on 20 December 2017. Shareholder approval was obtained on 28 February 2018 and the transaction 
completed on 5 March 2018. The transaction will be treated as an acquisition, with the merger meeting the definition of a business combination per IFRS 3.

The merger builds on the Group’s core expertise of sourcing, distributing and selling food in the UK market and will enable the Group to enter the faster 
growing out of home food consumption market. The Directors expect the merger to deliver financial synergies of at least £200m per annum by the end of  
the third year following completion.

The consideration of £3,893m was satisfied by cash of £766m and shares of £3,127m, with Booker Group PLC shareholders receiving 0.861 Tesco PLC  
ordinary shares and 42.6 pence in cash per Booker Group PLC share held. A total of 1,548 million new ordinary shares of the Company have been issued as a 
result of the transaction, with the new shares carrying equal voting and distribution rights as the existing ordinary shares. The fair value of the shares is based 
on the published share price on 2 March 2018 of 202.0 pence.

Given the proximity of the transaction to the announcement of the Group’s financial statements, a full purchase price allocation exercise has not yet been 
completed and the valuation of the assets acquired is subject to amendment on finalisation of the fair value exercise. Acquired net assets have a provisional 
value of £543m prior to fair value adjustments. This reflects the net assets of Booker Group PLC as at 8 September 2017, as disclosed in their most recent 
published financial information. The remaining £3,350m will be allocated between intangible assets, including goodwill, software and other intangible assets, 
with the majority expected to be allocated to goodwill representing the synergies expected from the merger. None of the goodwill is expected to be 
deductible for tax purposes.

131

Tesco PLC Annual Report and Financial Statements 2018Financial statementsTesco PLC – Parent Company balance sheet

Non-current assets
Investments
Receivables
Derivative financial instruments

Current assets
Derivative financial instruments
Receivables
Short-term investments
Cash and cash equivalents

Current liabilities
Borrowings
Payables

Net current assets

Non-current liabilities
Borrowings
Derivative financial instruments

Net assets
Equity
Share capital
Share premium
All other reserves
Retained earnings (including profit/(loss) for the financial year of £(136)m (2017: £(247)m))
Total equity

The notes on pages 134 to 139 form part of these financial statements.

Dave Lewis
Alan Stewart

24 February 
2018 
£m

25 February 
2017 
£m

Notes

6
7
12

12
7
8
9

11
10

11
12

15

13,093
20
952
14,065

–
6,625
369
793
7,787

(693)
(4,767)
(5,460)
2,327

(3,632)
(488)
(4,120)
12,272

410
5,107
62
6,693
12,272

13,082
18
1,274
14,374

155
7,469
1,398
790
9,812

(840)
(4,978)
(5,818)
3,994

(5,440)
(466)
(5,906)
12,462

409
5,096
162
6,795
12,462

Directors
The Parent Company financial statements on pages 132 to 139 were authorised for issue by the Directors on 10 April 2018 and are subject to the approval  
of the shareholders at the AGM on 15 June 2018.

Tesco PLC 
Registered number 00445790

132

Tesco PLC Annual Report and Financial Statements 2018 
 
 
 
Tesco PLC – Parent Company statement of changes in equity

At 25 February 2017
Loss for the year
Other comprehensive income/(loss)
Net fair value gains/(losses) on cash flow hedges
Reclassified and reported in the Company income statement
Tax relating to components of other comprehensive income
Total other comprehensive income/(loss)
Total comprehensive income/(loss)
Transactions with owners
Purchase of treasury shares
Share-based payments
Issue of shares
Dividends
Total transactions with owners 
At 24 February 2018

At 27 February 2016
Loss for the year
Other comprehensive income/(loss)
Net fair value gains/(losses) on cash flow hedges
Reclassified and reported in the Company income statement
Tax relating to components of other comprehensive income
Total other comprehensive income/(loss)
Total comprehensive income/(loss)
Transactions with owners
Purchase of treasury shares
Share-based payments
Issue of shares
Dividends
Total transactions with owners
At 25 February 2017

Share 
capital 
£m

409
–

Share 
premium 
£m

5,096
–

–
–
–
–
–

–
–
1
–
1
410

–
–
–
–
–

–
–
11
–
11
5,107

Share 
capital 
£m

407
–

Share 
premium 
£m

5,095
–

–
–
–
–
–

–
–
2
–
2
409

–
–
–
–
–

–
–
1
–
1
5,096

All other reserves

Capital 
redemption 
reserves  
£m

Hedging  
reserves 
£m

16
–

–
–
–
–
–

–
–
–
–
–
16

168
–

(5)
(127)
26
(106)
(106)

–
–
–
–
–
62

All other reserves

Capital 
redemption 
reserves  
£m

Hedging  
reserves 
£m

16
–

–
–
–
–
–

–
–
–
–
–
16

178
–

166
(162)
(14)
(10)
(10)

–
–
–
–
–
168

Treasury 
shares  

£m

(22)
–

Retained 
earnings  
£m

6,795
(136)

–
–
–
–
–

(14)
20
–
–
6
(16)

Treasury 
shares  

£m

(7)
–

–
–
–
–
–

(24)
9
–
–
(15)
(22)

–
–
–
–
(136)

–
114
–
(80)
34
6,693

Retained 
earnings  
£m

6,993
(247)

–
–
–
–
(247)

–
49
–
–
49
6,795

Total  
equity  
£m

12,462
(136)

(5)
(127)
26
(106)
(242)

(14)
134
12
(80)
52
12,272

Total  
equity  
£m

12,682
(247)

166
(162)
(14)
(10)
(257)

(24)
58
3
–
37
12,462

The notes on pages 134 to 139 form part of these financial statements.

133

Tesco PLC Annual Report and Financial Statements 2018Financial statementsNotes to the Parent Company financial statements

Note 1 Authorisation of financial statements and 
statement of compliance with FRS 101

The Parent Company financial statements for the 52 weeks ended  
24 February 2018 were approved by the Board of Directors on 10 April 2018  
and the Company balance sheet was signed on the Board’s behalf by  
Dave Lewis and Alan Stewart.

These financial statements were prepared in accordance with Financial 
Reporting Standard 101, ‘Reduced Disclosure Framework’ (FRS 101). 
The Company meets the definition of a qualifying entity under FRS 100, 
‘Application of Financial Reporting Requirements’ as issued by the Financial 
Reporting Council.

The Company’s financial statements are presented in Pounds Sterling,  
its functional currency, generally rounded to the nearest million.

The principal accounting policies adopted by the Company are set out in 
Note 2. The financial statements have been prepared under the historical 
cost convention, except for certain financial instruments and share-based 
payments that have been measured at fair value.

Note 2 Accounting policies

Basis of preparation of financial statements
The Parent Company financial statements have been prepared in 
accordance with FRS 101 and the Companies Act 2006 (the Act). 

FRS 101 sets out a reduced disclosure framework for a ‘qualifying entity’  
as defined in the standard which addresses the financial reporting 
requirements and disclosure exemptions in the individual financial 
statements of qualifying entities that otherwise apply the recognition, 
measurement and disclosure requirements of EU-adopted IFRS.

The financial year represents the 52 weeks to 24 February 2018  
(prior financial year 52 weeks to 25 February 2017).

As permitted by FRS 101, the Company has taken advantage of the  
disclosure exemptions available under that standard in relation to business 
combinations, financial instruments, capital management, presentation  
of comparative information in respect of certain assets, presentation of  
a cash flow statement, impairment of assets, share-based payments and 
related party transactions. Where required, equivalent disclosures are given  
in the consolidated financial statements of Tesco PLC.

The Parent Company financial statements are prepared on a going concern 
basis as set out in Note 1 of the consolidated financial statements of Tesco PLC.

The Directors have taken advantage of the exemption available under 
Section 408 of the Companies Act 2006 and not presented an income 
statement or a statement of comprehensive income for the Company alone.

A summary of the Company’s significant accounting policies is set out below.

Short-term investments
Short-term investments are recognised initially at fair value, and 
subsequently at amortised cost. All income from these investments is 
included in the income statement 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
Transactions in foreign currencies are translated to the functional currency 
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 to the functional currency at the rates prevailing on the balance 
sheet date.

Share-based payments
The fair value of employee share option plans is calculated at the grant date 
using the Black-Scholes or Monte Carlo model. The resulting cost is charged 
to the income statement 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.

Financial instruments
Financial assets and financial liabilities are recognised in the Company 
balance sheet when the Company becomes party to the contractual 
provisions of the instrument.

Receivables
Receivables 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.

Interest-bearing borrowings
Interest-bearing bank loans and overdrafts are initially recognised at fair  
value, net of attributable transaction costs. Subsequent to initial recognition, 
interest-bearing borrowings are stated at amortised cost with any differences 
between proceeds and redemption value being recognised in the Company 
income statement over the period of the borrowings on an effective  
interest basis. 

Payables
Payables 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; 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 Company 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 
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 ongoing 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 non-current.

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 income 
statement, 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. The effective element of any 
gain or loss from remeasuring the derivative instrument is recognised 
directly in the Company statement of comprehensive income.

The associated cumulative gain or loss is reclassified from other 
comprehensive income and recognised in the Company income statement  
in the same period or periods during which the hedged transaction affects  
the Company income statement. The classification of the effective portion 
when recognised in the Company income statement is the same as the 
classification of the hedged transaction. Any element of the remeasurement 
criteria of the derivative instrument which does not meet the criteria for an 
effective hedge is recognised immediately in the Company income statement 
within finance income or costs.

134

Tesco PLC Annual Report and Financial Statements 2018Standards issued but not yet effective
At the date of authorisation of these financial statements, the Company has 
not applied the following standards that have been issued but are not yet 
effective. The Company has not adopted any new or amended standards early.

IFRS 9 ‘Financial Instruments’
IFRS 9 ‘Financial Instruments’ replaces IAS 39 ‘Financial Instruments: 
Recognition and Measurement’ with the exception of macro hedge 
accounting. The standard is effective for accounting periods beginning  
on or after 1 January 2018. 

The Company expects the following changes arising from IFRS 9:

 – Classification and measurement: All financial instruments classified as loans 
and receivables under IAS 39 will be classified and measured at amortised 
cost under IFRS 9.

 – Impairment: The new impairment requirements of IFRS 9 require expected 
credit losses to be applied to amounts owed by related undertakings and  
by joint ventures and associates. The Company’s assessment of the impact 
of impairment is still ongoing.

 – Hedge accounting: All existing hedge relationships for the company will 

transition to IFRS 9 on adoption.

IFRS 15 ‘Revenues from Contracts with Customers’
This standard is not expected to have a material impact on the Company.

IFRS 16 ‘Leases’
This standard is not expected to have a material impact on the Company.

Other standards and amendments
Refer to Note 1 to the Group financial statements.

Note 3 Auditor remuneration 

Fees payable to the Company’s auditor for the audit of the Company and 
Group financial statements are disclosed in Note 3 to the Group financial 
statements. 

Note 4 Dividends

For details of dividends see Note 8 to the Group financial statements.

Note 2 Accounting policies continued

Cash flow hedging continued
Hedge accounting is discontinued when the hedging instrument expires  
or is sold, terminated or exercised, or if a voluntary de-designation takes 
place 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 Company statement of changes in equity until the forecasted 
transaction occurs or the original hedged item affects the Company income 
statement. If a forecast hedged transaction is no longer expected to occur, 
the net cumulative gain or loss recognised in the Company statement of 
changes in equity is reclassified to the Company income statement.

Pensions
The Company participates in defined benefit pension schemes. There are  
no formal policies or contractual agreements for recharging within the 
Group and the Company cannot identify its share of the underlying assets 
and liabilities of the schemes. Accordingly, as permitted by IAS 19 ‘Employee 
Benefits’, the Company has accounted for the schemes as defined contribution 
schemes, and the charge for the financial year is based upon the cash 
contributions payable.

The Company also participates in a defined contribution scheme open to  
all UK employees. Payments to this scheme are recognised as an expense  
as they fall due.

Taxation
The tax expense included in the Company income statement consists  
of current and deferred tax.

Current tax is the expected tax payable on the taxable income for the 
financial year, using tax rates enacted or substantively enacted by the 
balance sheet date. Tax expense is recognised in the Company income 
statement except to the extent that it relates to items recognised in the 
Company statement of comprehensive income or directly in the Company 
statement of changes in equity, in which case it is recognised in the Company 
statement of comprehensive income or directly in the Company 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 are expected to apply in the 
period when the liability is settled or the asset realised based on the tax 
rates that have been enacted or substantively enacted by the balance sheet 
date. Deferred tax is charged or credited in the Company 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.

Judgements and sources of estimation uncertainty
The preparation of the Company financial statements requires management 
to make judgements, estimates and assumptions in applying the Company’s 
accounting policies to determine the reported amounts of assets, 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, with revisions to accounting estimates applied prospectively.

The preparation of the Company financial statements for the financial  
year did not require the exercise of any critical accounting judgements or 
significant estimates. The risk of material adjustment in the next financial 
year relating to impairment of investments, previously disclosed as a key 
source of estimation uncertainty, is no longer viewed as significant.

135

Tesco PLC Annual Report and Financial Statements 2018Financial statementsNotes to the Parent Company financial statements continued

Note 5 Employment costs, including Directors’ remuneration

Wages and salaries
Social security costs
Pension costs
Share-based payment expense

Notes

14

2018
£m
14
2
4
7
27

2017
£m
15
2
3
6
26

The amounts above include recharges from other Group companies for Tesco PLC related activities.

The average number of employees (all Directors of the Company) during the financial year was 11 (2017: 11).

The Schedule 5 requirements of SI 2008/410 for Directors’ remuneration are included within the Directors’ remuneration report on pages 45 to 64.

Note 6 Investments

Cost
At 25 February 2017
Additions
Disposals
At 24 February 2018
Impairment
At 25 February 2017
Charge for the year
At 24 February 2018

Net carrying value
At 24 February 2018
At 25 February 2017

Shares  
in Group 
undertakings
£m

Shares  
in joint 
ventures
£m

16,426
222
(16)
16,632

(3,353)
(186)
(3,539)

13,093
13,073

9
–
(9)
–

–
–
–

–
9

Total 
£m

16,435
222
(25)
16,632

(3,353)
(186)
(3,539)

13,093
13,082

During the financial year the Company restructured its investments in various dormant subsidiaries. As part of this exercise, £167m of amounts owed to 
various Group undertakings were waived, £14m of dividends were received and the related investments balances were impaired by £152m, resulting in a net 
£29m income.

The list of the Company’s subsidiary undertakings and joint ventures is shown on pages 140 to 145. 

Note 7 Receivables 

Amounts owed by Group undertakings*
Amounts owed by joint ventures and associates
Other receivables

Of which:
Current
Non-current

2018
£m
6,598
20
27
6,645

6,625
20
6,645

2017
£m
7,428
18
41
7,487

7,469
18
7,487

*   Amounts owed by Group undertakings are either interest-bearing or non interest-bearing depending on the type and duration of the receivable relationship, with interest rates ranging 

from 0% to 3%, with maturities up to and including March 2025.

Note 8 Short-term investments

Money market funds

Note 9 Cash and cash equivalents

2018
£m
369

2017
£m
1,398

Included in cash and cash equivalents of £793m (2017: £790m) is an amount of £777m (2017: £777m) that was set aside at the balance sheet date for completion 
of the merger with Booker Group PLC. This cash was invested at a floating rate of interest, held in ring-fenced accounts and was not available to the Group. 
The merger was completed on 5 March 2018, with £766m being paid on completion. Refer to Note 35 to the Group financial statements for further details on 
the Booker merger.

136

Tesco PLC Annual Report and Financial Statements 2018Note 10 Payables

Amounts owed to Group undertakings(a)
Other payables
Taxation and social security
Accruals and deferred income
Deferred tax liability(b)

2018
£m
4,707
43
3
6
8
4,767

2017
£m
4,889
50
1
6
32
4,978

(a)  Amounts owed to Group undertakings are either interest-bearing or non interest-bearing depending on the type and duration of the creditor relationship, with interest rates ranging 

from 0% to 3%, with maturities up to and including February 2051.

(b)  The deferred tax asset/(liability) recognised by the Company, and the movements thereon, during the financial year are as follows:

At 25 February 2017
Charge to the income statement for prior years
Movement in other comprehensive income for the year
At 24 February 2018

Financial 
instruments 
£m

Other  
timing 
differences 
£m

(38)
–
26
(12)

6
(2)
–
4

Total 
£m

(32)
(2)
26
(8)

During the financial year, the Company restructured its investments in various dormant subsidiaries. As part of this exercise, £167m of amounts owed to 
various Group undertakings were waived, £14m of dividends were received and the related investments balances were impaired by £152m, resulting in a net 
£29m income. 

Note 11 Borrowings

Current

Bank loans and overdrafts
5.5% USD Bond
3.375% MTN

Non-current

3.375% MTN
5.5% MTN(a)
6.125% MTN
5% MTN(a)
3.322% LPI MTN(b) 
6% MTN(a)
5.5% MTN(a)
1.982% RPI MTN(c)
6.15% USD Bond(a)
4.875% MTN(a)
5.125% MTN(a)
5.2% MTN(a)

Par value
–
$850m
 €750m 

Maturity
–
Nov 2017
Nov 2018

Par value
€750m
£181m
£900m
£238m
£335m
£159m
£176m
£277m
$850m
£102m
€356m
£168m

Maturity
Nov 2018
Dec 2019
Feb 2022
Mar 2023
Nov 2025
Dec 2029
Jan 2033
Mar 2036
Nov 2037
Mar 2042
Apr 2047
Mar 2057

2018
£m
26
–
667
693

2018
£m
–
183
952
254
338
198
221
279
616
103
323
165
3,632

2017
£m
 131
709
–
840

2017
£m
641
353
896
411
326
253
255
270
1,063
175
522
275
5,440

(a)  During the financial year, the Group undertook a tender for outstanding bonds and as a result the following notional amounts were repaid early: 5.5% MTN Dec 2019 £169m,  

5% MTN Mar 2023 £151m, 6% MTN Dec 2029 £41m, 5.5% MTN Jan 2033 £24m, 6.15% USD Bond Nov 2037 $300m, 4.875% MTN Mar 2042 £71m, 5.125% MTN Apr 2047 €244m and 5.2% 
MTN Mar 2057 £111m. 

(b)  The 3.322% Limited Price Inflation (LPI) MTN is redeemable at par, indexed 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%.

(c)  The 1.982% RPI MTN is redeemable at par, indexed for increases in the RPI over the life of the MTN. 

Note 12 Derivative financial instruments

The fair value of derivative financial instruments has been disclosed in the Company balance sheet as:

Current
Non-current

2018

2017

Asset
£m
–
952
952

Liability
£m
–
(488)
(488)

Asset
£m
155
1,274
1,429

Liability
£m
–
(466)
(466)

137

Tesco PLC Annual Report and Financial Statements 2018Financial statements 
 
 
Notes to the Parent Company financial statements continued

Note 12 Derivative financial instruments continued

Fair value hedges
Interest rate swaps and similar instruments
Cross-currency swaps
Cash flow hedges
Cross-currency swaps
Index-linked swaps
Derivatives not in a formal hedge relationship
Index-linked swaps
Total

Note 13 Share-based payments

2018

2017

Asset

Liability

Asset

Liability

Fair value
£m

Notional
£m

Fair value
£m

Notional
£m

Fair value
£m

Notional
£m

Fair value
£m

Notional
£m

12
128

129
140

543
952

65
401

313
612

–
(52)

–
–

–
207

–
–

16
386

296
162

65
791

907
591

–
(26)

–
–

–
408

–
–

3,339
4,730

(436)
(488)

3,339
3,546

569
1,429

3,339
5,693

(440)
(466)

3,339
3,747

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 26 to the Group financial statements.

Share option schemes 
The number of options and weighted average exercise price (WAEP) of share option schemes relating to the Company employees are:

Savings-related  
Share Option Scheme

Nil cost  
share options

Options
23,840
–
–
–
23,840

–

Savings-related  
Share Option Scheme

 Options
23,840
–
–
–
23,840

–

WAEP
151.00
–
–
–
151.00
151.00
1.44
–
–
–

WAEP
151.00
–
–
–
151.00
151.00
2.43
–
–
–

 Options
10,548,558
4,031,340
(308,543)
–
14,271,355

2,989,805

Nil cost  
share options

 Options
5,079,088
5,511,106
–
(41,636)
10,548,558

2,250,252

WAEP
–
–
–
–
–
–
8.00
–
–
7.06

WAEP
–
–
–
–
–
–
8.50
–
–
7.68

For the 52 weeks ended 24 February 2018

Outstanding at 25 February 2017
Granted
Forfeited
Exercised
Outstanding at 24 February 2018
Exercise price range (pence)
Weighted average remaining contractual life (years)
Exercisable at 24 February 2018 
Exercise price range (pence)
Weighted average remaining contractual life (years)

For the 52 weeks ended 25 February 2017

Outstanding at 27 February 2016
Granted
Forfeited
Exercised
Outstanding at 25 February 2017
Exercise price range (pence)
Weighted average remaining contractual life (years)
Exercisable at 25 February 2017 
Exercise price range (pence)
Weighted average remaining contractual life (years)

138

Tesco PLC Annual Report and Financial Statements 2018Note 14 Pensions

The total cost of participation in the Tesco Retirement Savings Plan (a defined contribution scheme) to the Company was £4.4m (2017: £2.9m).  
Further disclosure relating to all schemes can be found in Note 27 to the Group financial statements.

Note 15 Called up share capital

Allotted, called up and fully paid:
At the beginning of the year
Share options exercised
Share bonus awards issued
At the end of the year

2018
Ordinary shares of 5p each

Number

8,174,932,553
5,184,066
12,000,000
8,192,116,619

£m

409
–
1
410

2017
Ordinary shares of 5p each

Number

8,141,083,114
849,439
33,000,000
8,174,932,553

£m

407
–
2
409

During the financial year, 5.2 million (2017: 0.8 million) ordinary shares of 5p each were issued in relation to share options for an aggregate consideration  
of £8m (2017: £1m) and 12.0 million (2017: 33.0 million) ordinary shares of 5p each were issued in relation to share bonus awards.

The Group has implemented a share forfeiture programme following the completion of a tracing and notification exercise to any shareholders who have  
not had contact with the Company over the past 12 years, in accordance with the provisions set out in the Company’s Articles. Under the share forfeiture 
programme the shares and dividends associated with shares of untraced members have been forfeited, with the resulting proceeds transferred to the Group  
to use for good causes in line with the Group’s corporate responsibility strategy. During the financial year, the Group received £3m proceeds from sale of 
untraced shares and £2m write-back of unclaimed dividends, which are reflected in share premium and retained earnings respectively.

As at 24 February 2018, the Directors were authorised to purchase up to a maximum in aggregate of 817.5 million (2017: 814.1 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.

On 5 March 2018, the Group completed a merger with Booker Group PLC. A total of 1,548 million new ordinary shares of the Company have been issued  
as a result of the transaction. Refer to Note 35 to the Group financial statements for further details.

Note 16 Contingent liabilities

In addition to the contingent liabilities shown in Note 32 to the Group financial statements, the Company has entered into financial guarantee contracts  
to guarantee the indebtedness of Group undertakings amounting to £2,201m (2017: £2,534m). It has also guaranteed derivative agreements of Group 
undertakings with a gross liability of £217m (2017: £180m) at the balance sheet date. These guarantees are treated as contingent liabilities until it becomes 
probable they will be called upon.

In addition, the Company has guaranteed the rental payments of certain Group undertakings relating to a portfolio of retail stores, distribution centres  
and mixed use retail developments.

The likelihood of the above items being called upon is considered remote.

Note 17 Events after the reporting period

On 5 March 2018, the Group completed a merger with Booker Group PLC. Refer to Note 35 to the Group financial statements for further details.

139

Tesco PLC Annual Report and Financial Statements 2018Financial statementsRelated undertakings of the Tesco Group

In accordance with Section 409 of the Companies Act 2006 and Schedule 4 of The Large and Medium-sized Companies and Groups (Accounts and Reports) 
Regulations 2008, a full list of related undertakings, registered office address and the percentage of share class owned as at 24 February 2018 are disclosed 
below. Changes to the list of related undertakings since the year-end date are detailed in the footnotes below. All undertakings are indirectly owned by  
Tesco PLC unless otherwise stated.

Subsidiary undertakings incorporated in the United Kingdom

Registered 

address Class of share held

1

1

1
2

1
1

1

38
38
38
38
38
38
38

38

38
38

1

1

1

1

38
38

38

38
1
1

1

1

1

1
1
1
2

2

5
5

Limited by Guarantee

£0.01 A Ordinary
£0.01 B Ordinary
£0.01 C Ordinary
£1.00 Ordinary
£1.00 Deferred
£1.00 Ordinary
£0.90 Ordinary
Limited by Guarantee

Limited by Guarantee

£1.00 Ordinary
£0.01 Ordinary
£1.00 Ordinary
£0.01 Ordinary
£1.00 Ordinary
£0.01 Ordinary
£1.00 Ordinary

£1.00 Ordinary

£0.10 Ordinary
£0.01 Ordinary

£1.00 Ordinary

£1.00 Ordinary

£1.00 Ordinary

£1.00 Ordinary

£1.00 Ordinary
£1.00 Ordinary

£1.00 Ordinary

£1.00 Ordinary
£1.00 Ordinary
£1.00 Cumulative 
Redeemable 
Preference
£1.00 Ordinary
Limited by Guarantee

Limited by Guarantee

£0.01053258724 
Ordinary
£1.00 Ordinary
£0.10 Ordinary
£1.00 Ordinary
£1.00 Cumulative 
Convertible 
Participating Preferred 
Ordinary
£1.00 Cumulative 
Redeemable 
Preference
£1.00 Ordinary

£0.25 Non-Voting 
Ordinary
£1.00 Ordinary
£1.00 Ordinary

Name of undertaking
Acklam Management  
Company Limited
Adminstore Limited

Adsega Limited†
Alfred Preedy & Sons Limited

Armitage Finance Unlimited
Bath Upper Bristol Road 
Management Company Limited
Berry Lane Management 
Company Limited
BF Limited(l)
Bishop’s Group Limited(l)
Booker Cash & Carry Limited(l)
Booker Direct Limited(l)
Booker EBT Limited(l)
Booker Group plc(l)
Booker Limited(l)

Booker Retail Partners  
(GB) Limited(l)
Booker Retail Limited(l)
Booker Wholesale  
Holdings Limited(l)
Broughton Retail  
Nominee 1 Limited
Broughton Retail  
Nominee 2 Limited
Broughton Retail  
Nominee 3 Limited
Broughton Retail  
Nominee 4 Limited
Budgen Holdings Limited(l)
Budgens Pension Trustees  
No.2 Limited(l)
Budgens Property  
Investments Limited(l)
Budgens Stores Limited(l)
Buttoncable Limited
Buttoncase Limited†

Canterbury Road  
Management Limited
Cardiff Cathays Terrace 
Management Company Limited
Cheshunt Finance Unlimited

Comar Limited†
Cullen’s Holdings Limited
Cullen’s Stores Limited
Day and Nite Stores Limited 

Dillons Newsagents Limited

dunnhumby Holding Limited
dunnhumby International 
Limited

140

% held  

by Group
–

Name of undertaking
dunnhumby Limited

100
100
100
100
100
100
100
–

–

100
100
100
100
100
100
100

100

100
100

100

100

100

100

100
100

100

100
100
100

100
–

–

100

100
100
100
100

100

100

100

100
100

dunnhumby Overseas Limited
dunnhumby Trustees Limited
Europa Foods Limited
Faraday Properties Limited
Giant Bidco Limited(l)
Giant Booker Limited(l)
Giant Midco Limited(l)
Gibbs News Limited
Halesworth SPV Limited
Harts the Grocers 
(Russell Square) Limited
Highams Green Management 
Company Limited
IRTH (15) Limited(l)
IRTH (19) Limited(l)
J.E. Cohen & Company Limited
KSS Retail Limited
Launchgrain Limited†
Linebush III Limited

Linebush IV Limited

Linebush Limited

Linebush V Limited

Linnco Limited(l)
Londis (Holdings) Limited(l)
Londis Pension  
Trustees Limited(l)
London and Home Counties 
Superstores Limited

M & W Limited
Makro Holding Limited(l)
Makro Properties Limited(l)
Makro Self Service  
Wholesalers Limited(l)
Mills (East Midlands) Limited
Mills Group Limited
Morgam News Limited
Motorcause Limited
Murdoch Norton Limited(l)
NutriCentre Limited
Oakwood Distribution Limited
One Stop Community  
Stores Limited

One Stop Convenience  
Stores Limited
One Stop Stores Limited†(a)
One Stop Stores Trustee 
Services Limited
Orpington (Station Road) Limited
Oxford Fox and Hounds 
Management Company Limited
Paper Chain  
(East Anglia) Limited 

PTLL Limited
Ritter-Courivaud Limited(l)

Registered 

address Class of share held

5

5
5
1
6
38
38
38
2
1
1

1

38
38
1
5
1
2

2

2

2

38
38
38

1

2
38
38
38

2
2
2
1
38
1
1
2

2

2
2

1
1

2

1
38

£3.59 Ordinary

£1.00 Ordinary
£1.00 Ordinary
£1.00 Ordinary
£1.00 Ordinary
£1.00 Ordinary
£0.25 Ordinary
£1.00 Ordinary
£1.00 Ordinary
£1.00 Ordinary
£1.00 Ordinary

Limited by Guarantee

£1.00 Ordinary
$1.00 Ordinary
£1.00 Ordinary
£0.001 Ordinary
£1.00 Ordinary
£1.00 Ordinary A
£1.00 Ordinary B
£0.01 Ordinary A
£1.20 Ordinary B
£0.01 Ordinary C
£0.01 A Ordinary
£1.00 B Ordinary
£0.01 C Ordinary
£1.20 Ordinary A
£1.20 Ordinary B
£1.00 Ordinary
£50.00 Ordinary
£1.00 Ordinary

£1.00 Ordinary A
£1.00 Ordinary B
£1.00 Redeemable 
Cumulative Preference
£0.10 Ordinary
£1.00 Ordinary
£1.00 Ordinary
£1.00 Ordinary A
£1.00 Ordinary B
£1.00 Ordinary
£1.00 Ordinary
£1.00 Ordinary
£1.00 Ordinary
£0.05 Ordinary
£0.10 Ordinary
£1.00 Ordinary
£1.00 Ordinary

£1.00 Ordinary

£1.00 Ordinary
£1.00 Ordinary

£1.00 Ordinary
Limited by Guarantee

£1.00 Deferred
US$0.001 Ordinary 
£1.00 Ordinary
£0.10 Ordinary

% held  

by Group
100

100
100
100
100
100
100
100
100
100
100

–

100
100
100
100
100
100
100
100
100
100
100
100
100
100
100
100
100
100

100
100
100

100
100
100
100
100
100
100
100
100
100
100
100
100

100

100
100

100
–

100
100
100
100

Tesco PLC Annual Report and Financial Statements 2018Name of undertaking
Seacroft Green  
Nominee 1 Limited
Seacroft Green  
Nominee 2 Limited 
Snowman Retail 1 Limited
Snowman Retail 2 Limited
Sociomantic Labs Limited
Spen Hill Developments Limited
Spen Hill Management Limited†(b)
Spen Hill Properties (Holdings) plc †
Spen Hill Regeneration Limited
Spen Hill Residential No 1 Limited
Spen Hill Residential No 2 Limited
Station House Welling 
Management Limited
Statusfloat Limited
Stewarts Supermarkets Limited†
T & S Properties Limited
T & S Stores Limited†
Tapesilver Limited†
Teesport (GP) Limited
Tesco (Overseas) Limited†
Tesco Aqua (3LP) Limited
Tesco Aqua (FinCo1) Limited
Tesco Aqua (FinCo2) Limited
Tesco Aqua (GP) Limited

Tesco Aqua (Nominee 1) Limited
Tesco Aqua (Nominee 2) Limited
Tesco Aqua  
(Nominee Holdco) Limited
Tesco Atrato (1LP) Limited
Tesco Blue (3LP) Limited
Tesco Blue (FinCo2) Limited
Tesco Blue (GP) Limited

Tesco Blue (Nominee 1) Limited
Tesco Blue (Nominee 2) Limited
Tesco Blue  
(Nominee Holdco) Limited
Tesco Corporate Treasury 
Services PLC†
Tesco Depot Propco Limited
Tesco Distribution  
Holdings Limited

Tesco Distribution Limited
Tesco Dorney (1LP) Limited
Tesco Employees’ Share 
Scheme Trustees Limited†(d)
Tesco Family Dining Limited
Tesco FFC Limited
Tesco Food Sourcing Limited
Tesco Freetime Limited
Tesco Fuchsia (3LP) Limited
Tesco Gateshead  
Property Limited
Tesco Holdings Limited†

Tesco International Internet 
Retailing Limited†
Tesco International  
Services Limited†
Tesco Kirkby  
(General Partner) Limited

Tesco Kirkby (LP) Limited
Tesco Kirkby  
(Unitholder1) Limited
Tesco Kirkby  
(Unitholder2) Limited

Registered 

address Class of share held

1

1

2
2
8
1
1
1
1
1
1
1

1
1
2
2
1
1
1
1
1
1
1

1
1
1

1
1
1
1

1
1
1

1

1
1

1
1
1

1
1
1
1
1
1

1

1

1

1

1
1

1

£1.00 Ordinary

£1.00 Ordinary

£1.00 Ordinary
£1.00 Ordinary
£1.00 Ordinary
£1.00 Ordinary
£1.00 Ordinary
£1.00 Ordinary
£1.00 Ordinary
£1.00 Ordinary
£1.00 Ordinary
Limited by Guarantee

£1.00 Ordinary
£1.00 Ordinary
£1.00 Ordinary
£0.05 Ordinary
£1.00 Ordinary
£1.00 Ordinary
£1.00 Ordinary
£1.00 Ordinary
£1.00 Ordinary
£1.00 Ordinary
£1.00 A Ordinary
£1.00 B Ordinary
£1.00 Ordinary
£1.00 Ordinary
£1.00 Ordinary

£1.00 Ordinary
£1.00 Ordinary
£1.00 Ordinary
£1.00 A Ordinary
£1.00 B Ordinary(c)
£1.00 Ordinary
£1.00 Ordinary
£1.00 Ordinary

£1.00 Ordinary

£1.00 Ordinary
£1.00 Ordinary

£1.00 Ordinary
£1.00 Ordinary
£1.00 Ordinary

£1.00 Ordinary
£0.01 Ordinary
£1.00 Ordinary
£1.00 Ordinary
£1.00 Ordinary
£1.00 Ordinary

£0.10 Ordinary

£1.00 Preference
£1.00 Ordinary

£1.00 Ordinary

£1.00 Ordinary

£1.00 Ordinary
£1.00 Ordinary

£1.00 Ordinary

% held  

by Group
100

100

100
100
100
100
100
100
100
100
100
–

100
100
100
100
100
100
100
100
100
100
100
100
100
100
100

100
100
100
100
100
100
100
100

100

100
100

100
100
100

100
100
100
100
100
100

100

100
100

100

100

100
100

100

Name of undertaking
Tesco Lagoon GP Limited
Tesco Maintenance Limited
Tesco Mobile  
Communications Limited†
Tesco Mobile Services Limited
Tesco Navona (1LP) Limited
Tesco Navona (GP) Limited

Tesco Navona  
(Nominee 1) Limited
Tesco Navona  
(Nominee 2) Limited
Tesco Navona  
(Nominee Holdco) Limited
Tesco Navona PL  
Propco Limited
Tesco Overseas  
Investments Limited†
Tesco Overseas ULC

Tesco Passaic (1LP) Limited
Tesco Passaic (GP) Limited

Tesco Passaic  
(Nominee 1) Limited
Tesco Passaic  
(Nominee 2) Limited
Tesco Passaic  
(Nominee Holdco) Limited
Tesco Passaic PL Propco Limited
Tesco PEG Limited
Tesco PENL Limited
Tesco Pension  
Investment Limited(c)
Tesco Pension Trustees 
Limited†(e)
Tesco Personal Finance  
Group Limited†

Tesco Personal Finance PLC
Tesco Property  
(Nominees) (No.1) Limited
Tesco Property  
(Nominees) (No.2) Limited

Registered 

address Class of share held

6
1
1

1
1
1

1

1

1

1

1

1

1
1

1

1

1

1
1
1
1

1

10

10
11

11

£1.00 Ordinary
£1.00 Ordinary
£1.00 Ordinary

£1.00 Ordinary
£1.00 Ordinary
£1.00 Ordinary A
£1.00 Ordinary B(c)
£1.00 Ordinary

£1.00 Ordinary

£1.00 Ordinary

£1.00 Ordinary

£1.00 Ordinary

£0.00000025 A 
Ordinary
£0.00000025 B 
Ordinary 
£0.00000025 C 
Ordinary
£0.00000025 D 
Ordinary
£0.00000025 E 
Ordinary
£0.00000025 F 
Ordinary
£0.00000025 G 
Ordinary
£0.00000025 H 
Ordinary
£0.00000025 J 
Ordinary
£0.00000025 K 
Ordinary
£0.00000025 L 
Ordinary
£0.00000025 M 
Ordinary
£0.00000025 N 
Ordinary
£0.00000025 O 
Ordinary
£0.00000025 P 
Ordinary
£1.00 Ordinary 
£1.00 Ordinary A
£1.00 Ordinary B(c)
£1.00 Ordinary

£1.00 Ordinary

£1.00 Ordinary

£1.00 Ordinary
£0.01 Ordinary
£1.00 Ordinary
£1.00 Ordinary

£1.00 Ordinary

£0.10 A Ordinary
£0.10 B Ordinary

£0.10 C Ordinary
£0.10 Ordinary
£1.00 Ordinary

£1.00 Ordinary

% held  

by Group
100
100
100

100
100
100
100
100

100

100

100

100

100

100

100

100

100

100

100

100

100

100

100

100

100

100

100

100
100
100
100

100

100

100
100
100
100

100

100
100

100
100
100

100

141

Tesco PLC Annual Report and Financial Statements 2018Financial statementsRelated undertakings of the Tesco Group continued

Registered 

address Class of share held

£1.00 Ordinary

€1.00 Ordinary
INR 10.00 Ordinary
INR 10.00 Ordinary

% held  

by Group
100

100
100
87

Registered 

address Class of share held

11

£1.00 Ordinary

% held  

by Group
100

International subsidiary undertakings

1

1

1

1
1

1

1

1

1

1
1

1
1
1

1
1
1
1
1

1
1
1
1
1
1
1
38
1

1

1

1

1

1

1

1

1
1

1
1

£1.00 Ordinary

£1.00 Ordinary
£1.00 Ordinary
£1.00 Ordinary

£1.00 Ordinary
£1.00 Ordinary

£1.00 Ordinary

£1.00 A Ordinary
£1.00 B Ordinary
£1.00 Ordinary

£1.00 Ordinary

£1.00 Ordinary
£1.00 A Ordinary
£1.00 B Ordinary
£1.00 Ordinary
£1.00 Ordinary
£1.00 Ordinary

£1.00 Ordinary
£1.00 Ordinary
£1.00 Ordinary
£1.00 Ordinary
£1.00 A Preference
£1.00 B Preference
£1.00 Ordinary
£1.00 Ordinary
£1.00 Ordinary
£1.00 Ordinary
£1.00 Ordinary
£1.00 A Ordinary
£1.00 B Ordinary
£1.00 Ordinary
£0.10 Ordinary
Limited Partnership

Limited Partnership

Limited Partnership

Limited Partnership

Limited Partnership

Limited Partnership

Limited Partnership

Limited Partnership

£1.00 Ordinary
Limited by Guarantee

£1.00 Ordinary
£1.00 Ordinary

6

£1.00 Ordinary

100

100
100
100

100
100

100

100
100
100

100

100
100
100
100
100
100

100
100
100
100
100
100
100
100
100
100
100
100
100
100
100
100

100

100

100

100

100

100

100

100
–

100
100

100

Name of undertaking
Arena (Jersey)  
Management Limited†
Booker Cyprus Limited(l)
Booker India Private Limited(l)
Booker Satnam Wholesale 
Private Limited(l)
Cheshunt Holdings  
Guernsey Limited†
Cheshunt Hungary Servicing 
Limited Liability Company
China Property Holdings  
(HK) Limited
Chirac Limited
Cirrus Finance (2009) Limited

Cirrus Finance Limited
Clondalkin Properties Limited
Commercial Investments Limited
Crest Ostrava a.s
Delamare Holdings B.V.
Department store  
Pardubice s.r.o.
dunnhumby (Korea) Limited
dunnhumby (Malaysia) Sdn Bhd
dunnhumby (Thailand) Limited
dunnhumby Australia Pty Limited
dunnhumby Brazil  
Consultora Ltda
dunnhumby Chile SpA(r)
dunnhumby Colombia S.A.S.
dunnhumby Computer 
Information Technology and 
Consultancy Services LLC
dunnhumby Consulting  
Canada Limited
dunnhumby Consulting Services 
India Private Limited
dunnhumby Czech s.r.o

dunnhumby France SAS
dunnhumby Hungary Kft

dunnhumby Information 
Technology Consulting 
(Shanghai) Company Limited
dunnhumby Ireland Limited
dunnhumby IT Services  
India Private Limited
dunnhumby Italia Srl.
dunnhumby Japan K.K
dunnhumby Mexico  
S. de R.L. de C.V.
dunnhumby Poland Sp z.o.o
dunnhumby Slovakia s.r.o.
dunnhumby  
South Africa (Pty) Ltd
dunnhumby Inc

dunnhumby Ventures LLC
Edson Investments Limited
Edson Properties Limited
Ek-Chai Distribution System  
Co., Ltd.*
ELH Insurance Limited
Genesis sp. z.o.o.

Golden Island Management 
Services Limited

J. Smylie & Sons (IOM) Limited(l)
Jasper Sp. z.o.o.

28

92
89
89

18

22

20

24
24

24
24
24
16
30
16

62
64
69
96
53

97
52
54

55

56

16

57
22

58

63
59

60
61
65

32
67
68

70

1
24
24
34

19
32

24

93
32

Name of undertaking
Tesco Property  
(Nominees) Limited
Tesco Property  
Finance 1 Holdco Limited
Tesco Property Finance 1 PLC

Tesco Property Holdings  
(No.2) Limited
Tesco Property Holdings Limited
Tesco Property Nominees  
(No.5) Limited
Tesco Property Nominees  
(No.6) Limited
Tesco Property Partner  
(GP) Limited†

Tesco Property Partner  
(No.1) Limited†
Tesco Property Partner  
(No.2) Limited†
Tesco Red (3LP) Limited
Tesco Red (GP) Limited

Tesco Red (Nominee 1) Limited
Tesco Red (Nominee 2) Limited
Tesco Red  
(Nominee Holdco) Limited
Tesco Sarum (1LP) Limited
Tesco Seacroft Limited
Tesco Secretaries Limited
Tesco Services Limited
Tesco Stores Limited

Tesco TLB Barnstaple Limited
Tesco TLB Finance Limited
Tesco TLB Nottingham Limited
Tesco TLB Pontypridd Limited
Tesco TLB Properties Limited

Tesco Treasury Services PLC†
The Big Food Group Limited(l)
The Teesport  
Limited Partnership
The Tesco Aqua  
Limited Partnership
The Tesco Blue  
Limited Partnership
The Tesco Kirkby  
Limited Partnership
The Tesco Navona  
Limited Partnership
The Tesco Passaic  
Limited Partnership
The Tesco Property  
Limited Partnership
The Tesco Red  
Limited Partnership
TPT Holdco No.1 Limited(c)
Ventnor High Street 
Management Company Limited
Verulam Properties Limited
Weymouth Avenue  
(Dorchester) Limited
Wm. Low Supermarkets Limited

142

£1.00 Ordinary

99.994

HUF 100,000 Quota

HKD 1.00 Ordinary

€1.25 Ordinary
£1,000 A Ordinary
€1.00 Ordinary
£1,000 Ordinary
€1.25 Ordinary
€1.25 Ordinary
CZK 100,000 Ordinary
€1.00 Ordinary
CZK 100,000 Ordinary

KRW 5,000 Ordinary
RM 1.00 Ordinary
THB 100 Ordinary
AUD 100 Ordinary
BRL$1.00 Ordinary

CLP 500,000 Ordinary
COP $1,000 Ordinary
TL 25.00 Ordinary

CAD$0.01 Ordinary

INR 10.00 Ordinary

CZK 200,000 Basic 
business
€2.00 Ordinary
Registered capital HUF 
3,000,000
Registered capital 
US$140,000

€1.00 Ordinary
INR 10.00 Ordinary

€1.00 Common
JPY 10,000 Ordinary
MXN 1.00 Common

PLN 50.00 Ordinary
No shares in issue
No par value Ordinary

No par value  
Common stock
–
€2.00 Ordinary
€1.00 Ordinary
THB 10.00 Ordinary

£1.00 Ordinary 
PLN 500 Ordinary
€1.269738 A Ordinary
€1.269738 Ordinary
£1.00 Ordinary
PLN 100 Ordinary

100

100

100
100
100
100
100
100
100
100
100

100
100
100
100
100

100
100
100

100

100

100

100
100

100

100
100

100
100
100

100
–
100

100

100
100
100
99.9

100
100
100
100
100
100

Tesco PLC Annual Report and Financial Statements 2018% held  

by Group
100

Name of undertaking
Tesco Capital No. 2 Limited

Registered 

address Class of share held

Name of undertaking
Kabaty Investments Tesco 
(Polska) Sp. z.o.o. Sp.k
Lekáreň Tesco  
Dunajská Streda, k.s.
Lekáreň Tesco Petržalka, k.s.
Lekáreň Tesco Piešt’any, k.s.
Lekáreň Tesco Prešov Vukov, k.s.
Lekáreň Tesco Senec, k.s.
Lekáreň Tesco Trenčín, s.r.o.
Lekáreň Tesco  
Banská Bystrica, k.s.
Lekáreň Tesco Košice, k.s.
Lekáreň Tesco Lamač, k.s.
Lekáreň Tesco Nitra, k.s.
Lekáreň Tesco  
Spišská Nová Ves, k.s.
Lekáreň Tesco Trnava, k.s.
Lekáreň Tesco Zlaté Piesky, k.s.
Lekáreň Tesco Zvolen, k.s.
Letňany Development  
land 1 s.r.o.
Letňany Development land 2 s.r.o.
Marine Coffee Company  
Holdings Limited
Marine Coffee Company 
Nominees Limited
Monread Developments Limited
Nabola Development Limited

Obchodný dom Bratislava, s.r.o

Old FEHC Inc.(p)
Old FENM Inc.†(p)
Orpingford
PEJ Property  
Developments Limited
Pharaway Properties Limited
R.J.D. Holdings
Saneyia Limited(l)
Seberov site s.r.o.
Shuke Advertising  
(Shanghai) Co., Ltd
Sociomantic Labs B.V.
Sociomantic labs GmbH
Sociomantic Labs Inc

Sociomantic Labs Internet 
Hizmetleri Limited Şireketi
Sociomantic Labs LLC
Sociomantic Labs  
Private Limited
Sociomantic Labs Pte Ltd
Sociomantic Labs s.r.o.(q)
Sociomantic Labs SARL
Sociomantic Labs Servicos  
Web Ltda
Sociomantic Labs Sp. z.o.o.
Sociomantic S.L.U.
Tesco (Polska) Sp. z.o.o.
Tesco Akadémia Képzési  
és Fejlesztési Korátolt 
Felelősségű Társaság
Tesco Bengaluru Private Limited
Tesco Capital No. 1 Limited†

Registered 

32

address Class of share held
PLN Partnership 
Interests
Limited Partnership

51

51
51
51
51
51
51

51
51
51
51

51
51
51
16

16
25

25

24
24

51

35
35
24
24

24
24
92
16
84

77
72
83

82

79
76

80
74
75
73

78
81
32
22

23
28

Limited Partnership
Limited Partnership
Limited Partnership
Limited Partnership
Limited Partnership
Limited Partnership

Limited Partnership
Limited Partnership
Limited Partnership
Limited Partnership

Limited Partnership
Limited Partnership
Limited Partnership
CZK 100,000 Ordinary

CZK 100,000 Ordinary
€1.00 Ordinary

€1.00 Ordinary

€0.001 Ordinary
€1.25 A Ordinary
€1.25 B Ordinary
€1.00 Registered 
capital 
US$0.01 Common Stock
US$0.01 Ordinary 
€1.00 Ordinary
€1.00 Ordinary

€1.00 Ordinary
€1.269738 Ordinary
€1.00 Ordinary
CZK 100,000 Ordinary
€130,000 Registered 
Capital
€100 Ordinary
€1.00 Ordinary
US$50.00 Common 
Stock
TRY 25.00 Ordinary

RUR 1.00 Ordinary
INR 10.00 Ordinary

S$1.00 Ordinary
KC 1.00 Ordinary
€100 Ordinary
R$1.00 Ordinary

PLN 50.00 Ordinary
€1.00 Ordinary
PLN 500 Ordinary
HUF 100,000 Quotas

INR 10.00 Ordinary
£0.50 A Ordinary
£0.50 B Ordinary
£0.01 Preference – 
Guaranteed fixed rate 
cumulative preference
£0.01 Preferred 
Ordinary

100

100
100
100
100
100
100

100
100
100
100

100
100
100
100

100
100

100

100
100
100
100

100
100
100
100

100
100
100
100
100

100
100
100

100

100
100

100
100
100
100

100
100
100
100

100
100
100
100

100

Tesco Chile Sourcing Limitada

Tesco Digital Ventures Pte Ltd
Tesco Dystrybucja Sp. z.o.o
Tesco EU IT Services s.r.o.
Tesco Europe B.V.
Tesco Food Sourcing Brazil 
Consultoria De Negoçios Ltda.
Tesco Foundation  
(Nadacia Tesco)
Tesco Franchise Stores ČR s.r.o.

Tesco-Global Stores Privately 
Held Company Limited
Tesco Global Employment 
Company Limited
Tesco Guangdong  
(HK) Co. Limited
Tesco Holdings B.V.
Tesco International  
Clothing Brand s.r.o.
Tesco International  
Franchising s.r.o.
Tesco International  
Sourcing Limited
Tesco Ireland  
Holdings Limited†(f)
Tesco Ireland Limited 
Tesco Ireland Pension  
Trustees Limited
Tesco Joint Buying Service 
(Shanghai) Co Limited
Tesco Mobile  
(Thailand) Co. Limited
Tesco Mobile Ireland Limited
Tesco Mobile Polska Sp. z.o.o.
Tesco Property (No. 1) Limited
Tesco Property Limited

Tesco Sourcing India  
Private Limited 
Tesco Stores (Malaysia) Sdn Bhd*(g)

28

13

33
32
16
31
12

51

16 

22

34

20

30
51

51

20

24

24
24

14

34

24
32
28
15

85

42

Tesco Stores (Thailand) Limited*

34

Tesco Stores ČR a.s.
Tesco Stores SR, a.s.
Tesco Technology Services  
HK Limited
Tesco Trustee Company  
of Ireland Limited†
Thundridge
Valiant Insurance Company DAC
Victoria BB Sp. z.o.o.
Wanze Properties  
(Dundalk) Limited
WSC Properties Limited

16
51
21

24

24
26
32
24

24

£0.01 Floating Rate 
Redeemable 
Preference†
£1.00 Ordinary
CLP 1.00 Ordinary

US$ 1.00 Ordinary
SGD 1.00 Ordinary
PLN 50.00 Ordinary
CZK 1.00 Ordinary
€1.00 Ordinary
BRL 1.00 Ordinary

No par value basic 
capital
CZK 2,000,000 
Ordinary
HUF 10.00 Common

THB 100 Ordinary

US$ 1.00 Ordinary

€1.00 Ordinary
€1.00 Ordinary 

€1.00 Ordinary 

HKD 10.00 Ordinary

€1.25 Ordinary

€1.25 Ordinary
€1.25 Ordinary

US$ 1.00 Ordinary

THB 100 Ordinary

€1.00 Ordinary
PLN 50.00 Ordinary
£1.00 Ordinary
US$ 1.00 Registered 
Capital
INR 10.00 Ordinary

RM 1.00 A Ordinary
RM 10.00  
Non-Convertible 
Non-Cumulative 
Irredeemable 
Preference Shares
THB 10.00 A Ordinary
THB 10.00 B Preference
THB 10.00 C Preference
CZK 1,000 Ordinary
€33,193.92 Ordinary
HKD 1,000 Ordinary

€1.25 Ordinary

€1.00 Ordinary
£1.00 Ordinary
PLN 800 Ordinary
€1.00 Ordinary

€1.00 Ordinary

% held  

by Group
100

100
100

100
100
100
100
100
100

100

100

99.9

100

100

100
100

100

100

100

100
100

100

100

100
100
100
100

100

100
100

100
<0.001
100
100
100
100

100

100
100
100
100

100

143

Tesco PLC Annual Report and Financial Statements 2018Financial statementsRelated undertakings of the Tesco Group continued

Name of undertaking
Tesco Home Shopping Limited†

Tesco Hungary  
(Holdings) Limited†
Tesco Kirkby (Nominee 1) Limited(h)
Tesco Kirkby (Nominee 2) Limited(h)
Tesco Kirkby  
(Nominee Holdco) Limited(h)
Tesco Overseas  
(Holdings) Limited†(h)
Tesco PEIP Limited
Tesco PEL Limited
Tesco Worldwide Limited†(k)
Trigger Retail Limited
Value House Properties Limited(o)
Verulam Properties  
(2001) Limited
Whitecastle Properties Limited(n)
Worple Road PLC

Registered 

90

address  Class of share held
£1.00 A Ordinary
£1.00 B Ordinary
£1.00 Ordinary

90

90
90
90

90

90
90
90
90
3
90

9
90

£1.00 Ordinary
£1.00 Ordinary
£1.00 Ordinary

£1.00 Ordinary

£1.00 Ordinary
£1.00 Ordinary
£1.00 Ordinary
£1.00 Ordinary
£1.00 Ordinary
£1.00 Ordinary

£1.00 Ordinary
£1.00 Ordinary

% held  

by Group
100
100
100

100
100
100

100

100
100
100
100
100
100

100
100

The following subsidiary undertakings in liquidation were incorporated 
outside of the United Kingdom.

Name of undertaking
dunnhumby Netherlands BV
Tesco (Jersey) Limited†
Tesco Mauritius Holdings Limited
Tesco Vin Plus S.A. 

Registered 

address Class of share held

66
28
29
17

€1.00 Ordinary
£1.00 Ordinary
£1.00 Ordinary
€1.60 Ordinary

Associated undertakings
The following associated undertakings were incorporated in the  
United Kingdom.

Name of undertaking
Broadfields Management Limited
Clarepharm Limited
Fresh Food Trader Limited(l)

Shire Park Limited
Tesco Atrato (GP) Limited*
Tesco Coral (GP) Limited*
Tesco Dorney (GP) Limited*
Tesco Jade (GP) Limited

Tesco Mobile Limited*

Tesco Property Partner  
(GP No.2) Limited*
Tesco Sarum (GP) Limited*
Tesco Underwriting Limited
The Tesco Atrato  
Limited Partnership
The Tesco Coral  
Limited Partnership
The Tesco Dorney  
Limited Partnership
The Tesco Property (No.2) 
Limited Partnership
The Tesco Sarum  
Limited Partnership

Registered 

address Class of share held

47
48
7

49
1
1
1
98

1

1

1
50
1

1

1

27

1

£0.10 Ordinary
£0.10 Ordinary
£1.00 Ordinary 
£1.00 Preference
£1.00 Ordinary
£1.00 A Ordinary
£1.00 A Ordinary
£1.00 A Ordinary
£1.00 A Ordinary
£1.00 B Ordinary
£0.10 A Ordinary
£0.90 B Ordinary
£1.00 A Ordinary

£1.00 A Ordinary
£1.00 Ordinary
Limited Partnership

Limited Partnership

Limited Partnership

Limited Partnership

Limited Partnership

% held  

by Group
100
100
100
100

% held  

by Group
35.3
22.7
50

54.5
100
100
100
30
30
100
100
100

100
49.9

50
50

50

50

50

Subsidiary undertakings in liquidation
The following subsidiary undertakings in liquidation were incorporated in  
the United Kingdom.

Registered 

address  Class of share held

90

90
90
3
3
3

90
90

3

90
87
87
90
90
90
3

90
90
87

90
90
90
39

90
91

90
90
90
9
90
3

3
 90

88
90

90

90

90

90

90
3

90
90
90
90
90
90

£1.00 Ordinary

£1.00 Ordinary
£1.00 Ordinary
£1.00 Ordinary
£0.001 Ordinary
£1.00 Ordinary

£1.00 Ordinary
£0.001 Non-Cumulative 
Preference
£0.001 Ordinary
£0.001 Ordinary A
Limited Liability 
Partnership
£1.00 Ordinary
£1.00 Ordinary
£1.00 Ordinary
£0.001 A Ordinary
£1.00 Ordinary
£1.00 A Ordinary
£1.00 A Ordinary

£1.00 Ordinary
£1.00 Ordinary
£1.00 Ordinary

£1.00 Ordinary
£1.00 Ordinary
£1.00 Ordinary
£0.05 Ordinary

£1.00 Ordinary
£1.00 2% Non-
Cumulative Preference
£1.00 Ordinary
£1.00 Ordinary
£1.00 Ordinary
£1.00 Ordinary
£1.00 Ordinary
£1.00 Ordinary
£1.00 Ordinary

£1.00 Ordinary
£1.00 Non-voting 
Ordinary
£0.50 Ordinary
£1.00 Preference
£1.00 Ordinary
£1.00 Ordinary

£1.00 Ordinary

£1.00 Ordinary

£1.00 Ordinary

£1.00 Ordinary

£1.00 Ordinary
£1.00 Ordinary

£1.00 Ordinary
£1.00 Ordinary
£1.00 Ordinary
£1.00 Ordinary
£1.00 Ordinary
£1.00 Ordinary

% held  

by Group
100

100
100
100
100
100

100
100

100
100
100

100
100
100
100
100
100
100

100
100
100

100
100 
99.975
97.1

100
100

100
100
100
100
100
100
100

100
100

100
100
100
100

100

100

100
100

100
100

100
100
100
100
100
100

Name of undertaking
Alfred Preedy & Sons  
(Trustees) Limited
Anthony Heagney Limited
Beehythe Estates Limited
Bedminster Estates Limited
Blinkbox Books Limited
Brian Ford’s Discount Store 
Limited(o)
Budgen Limited(k)
Careneed News Limited

Cheshunt Overseas LLP

Country Market Limited (The)
Crazy Prices†
Daily Wrap Produce Limited†
Delamare One Limited†
Food & Wine Lovers Limited
Gibbs Newsagents Limited
Honiton Wholesale  
Supplies Limited(m)
Harts the Grocers (TCR) Limited
J E Properties Holdings Limited
Kingsway Fresh Foods Limited(m)

Launchtable Limited†(h)
Laws Stores Limited(k)
Lee (Southern) Limited

Leovic Limited(l)

Linebush III Holdings Limited(k)
Lowfoods Limited

Mills (West Midlands) Limited
Mills Group Holdings Limited(k)
Morgam Holdings Limited
NPL (Hardgate) Limited(n)
Power Supermarkets Limited(j)
Premier Garage  
(Worthing) Limited(o)
Pulford Foods Limited(o)
Sanders Supermarkets Limited(h) 

Sarcon (No. 239) Limited
Spen Hill Developments 
(Holdings) Limited(k)
Spen Hill Developments 
(Portishead) Limited
Spen Hill Developments 
(Tonbridge) Limited(h)
Spen Hill Properties  
(Southend) Limited(h)
T & S Management Services 
Limited(k)
Teesport (Nominee) Limited(k)
Telegraph Properties  
(Kirkby) Limited
Tesco.Com Limited†(h)
Tesco (Foxtrot 1) Limited
Tesco (Foxtrot 2) Limited
Tesco Card Services Limited†
Tesco Estates Limited† 
Tesco FTO Limited

144

Tesco PLC Annual Report and Financial Statements 2018The following associated undertakings were incorporated outside of the 
United Kingdom.

Name of undertaking
China Wisdom  
dunnhumby Limited
dunnhumby Canada Limited

dunnhumby Norge A.S.
Gain Land Limited
Koxka Hungary  
Refridgeration LLC(s)
Merrion Shopping Centre Limited
Retail Property Co., Limited*
Synergistic Property 
Development Co. Limited
Tesco Card Services Limited*
Tesco for Thais Foundation
Tesco Lotus Retail Growth 
Freehold and Leasehold 
Property Fund
Tesco Mobile ČR s.r.o.
Tesco Mobile Slovakia s.r.o.
Trent Hypermarket  
Private Limited

Registered 

95

address Class of share held
HKD 246,000.00 
Ordinary
CA$ 1.00 Ordinary

37

43
36
40

24
44
94

45
34
46

16
51
41

NOK 1,000 Ordinary
$1.00 Ordinary
HUF 1.00 Quota

€0.012697 Ordinary
THB 100 Ordinary A
THB 100 Ordinary

THB 100 Ordinary A
Foundation
THB Listed

CZK 100,000 Ordinary
€1.00 Ordinary
INR 10.00 Equity

% held  

by Group
50

50

50
20
40

51.9
100
50

100
–
25

50
50
50

Consolidated Structured Entities

Name of Undertaking
Delamare Cards Holdco Limited
Delamare Cards MTN Issuer plc
Delamare Cards Receivables 
Trustee Limited
Delamare Cards Funding 1 Limited
Delamare Cards Funding 2 Limited
Delamare Finance PLC
Delamare Group Holdings Limited

Registered 

address Nature of business

86
86
86

86
86
11
11

Securitisation entity
Securitisation entity
Securitisation entity

Securitisation entity
Securitisation entity
Securitisation entity
Securitisation entity

*   Undertaking where other share classes are held by a third party.
†   Interest held directly by Tesco PLC.

(a)  95% held by Tesco PLC.
(b)  66.6% held by Tesco PLC.
(c)  Shares held by Tesco Pension Trustees Limited (TPTL), the corporate trustee of the  

Tesco PLC Pension Scheme (the Scheme). On behalf of the Scheme, TPTL holds a 50% 
shareholding in three property joint ventures with Tesco, and is the sole shareholder  
of TPT Holdco No. 1 Limited and Tesco Pension Investment Limited.

(d)  50% held by Tesco PLC.
(e)  This company is the corporate trustee of the Tesco PLC Pension Scheme.
(f)  12.705% held by Tesco PLC.
(g)  A third share class of £1.00 Ordinary B shares. A third party holds 100% of the Ordinary B 

shares in issue. The Group holds 70% of the voting rights of the entity.

(h)  Company dissolved on 27 February 2018.
(j)  Company dissolved on 28 February 2018.
(k)  Company dissolved on 4/5 April 2018.
(l)  The Booker group of subsidiaries became indirectly wholly-owned by Tesco PLC with 

effect from 5 March 2018 unless otherwise stated.

(m)  Company dissolved on 15 March 2018.
(n)  Company dissolved on 22 March 2018.
(o)  Company dissolved on 7 March 2018.
(p)  Company entered liquidation on 28 February 2018.
(q)  Company name changed to Sociomantic Labs s.r.o. v likvidaci and entered liquidation  

on 1 March 2018.

(r)  Company incorporated on 29 March 2018. 
(s)  This entity is in liquidation.

145

Tesco PLC Annual Report and Financial Statements 2018Financial statementsRegistered office addresses

1

Tesco House, Shire Park, Kestrel Way, Welwyn Garden City AL7 1GA,  
United Kingdom

50 Ageas House, Hampshire Corporate Park, Templars Way, Eastleigh

Hampshire SO53 3YA, United Kingdom

2 Apex Road, Brownhills, Walsall, West Midlands WS8 7TS, United Kingdom
3 KPMG LLP, 15 Canada Square, London E14 5GL, United Kingdom
4 Local Support Office, Abbey Retail Park, 1st Floor, Newtownabbey, 

51 Kamenné nám. 1/A 815 61 Bratislava, Slovakia
52 Calle 32 b sur #48-100, Envigado, Antioquia, Colombia
53 Avenida Brigadeiro Luiz Antonio, No. 3142, 6th Fl Jardim Paulista

Northern Ireland, BT36 7GU

Sao Paulo, Brazil, 01402-901

5 184 Shepherd’s Bush Road, London W6 7NL, United Kingdom
6 c/o Morton Fraser LLP, 5th Floor, Quartermile Two, 2 Lister Square, 

Edinburgh, Scotland EH3 9GL, United Kingdom
7-10 Chandos Street, London W1G 9DQ

7
8 5th Floor, 10-12 Alie Street, London E1 8DE, United Kingdom
9 KPMG LLP, Saltire Court, 20 Castle Terrace, Edinburgh, Midlothian  

EH1 2EG, United Kingdom

10 2 South Gyle Crescent, Edinburgh, United Kingdom, EH12 9FQ 
11 35 Great St Helen’s, London EC3A 6AP, United Kingdom
12 Av. Paulista, 37-4º Andar, São Paulo, 01311-902, Brazil
13 Officina No 102, Oficinas Los Andes, San Patricio 4099, Vitacura,  

54 Yeni Havaalani Caddesi, No. 40 Cigli, Izmir, 35610 Turkey
55 Davis LLP, 2800 Park Place, 666 Burrand Street, Vancouver, BC, Canada
56 4th Fl, Tower B, Paras Twin Towers, DLF Golf Course Road, Sector 54, 

Gurgaon, Haryana-HR, 122002, India
57 48 rue Cambon, 75001, Paris, France
58 Room 1001, Enterprise Development Tower, No. 398, Jiangsu Road

Changning District, Shanghai 200050, China

59 S-22 Greater Kailash, Part 1, Lower Ground Floor, New Delhi 110048, India
60 Via Savonarola 217, 35137 Padova, Italy
61 Tokyo Club Buolding 11F, 2-6 Kasumigaseki 3-chrime, Chiyoda-ku,  

Tokyo, Japan

Santiago, Chile

62 37th Floor, ASEM Tower, 517 Yeongdong-daero, Gangnam-gu, Seoul 

14 Units 01, 02, 06, 07, 08, 09, Floor 17, No. 610 Xujiahui Road, Huangpu 

135-798, Korea

District, Shanghai, PRC, China

15 R1108 Level 11, Bld No.1, China Central Place, No. 81 Jianguo Road,  

63 Floor 3, 2 Harbour Square, Crofton Road, Dun Laoghaire, Dublin, Ireland
64 10th Floor, Menara Hap Seng, No. 1 & 3 Jalan P Ramlee, Kuala Lumpur 

Chaoyang District, Beijing, China

50250, Malaysia

16 Praha 10 – Vršovice, Vršovická 1527/68b, PSČ 10000, Prague, Czech Republic
17 Centre de Commerces et de Loisirs, Cité Europe, 62231 Coquelles, France
18 PO Box 25, Regency Court, Glategny Esplanade, St. Peter Port, 

GY1 3AP, Guernsey

19 Maison Trinity, Trinity Square, St Peter Port, GY1 4AT, Guernsey
20 31st Floor, AIA Kowloon Tower, Landmark East, 100 How Ming Street, 

Kowloon, Hong Kong

21 Level 54, Hopewell Centre, 183 Queens Road East, Hong Kong
22 H-2040 Budaörs, Kinizsi, ÚT 1-3, Hungary
23 81 & 82, EPIP Area, Whitefield, Bangalore, 560066, India
24 Gresham House, Marine Road, Dun Laoghaire, Co. Dublin, Ireland
25 25-28 North Wall Quay, International Financial Services Centre,  

Dublin 1, Ireland

26 38/39 Fitzwilliam Square, Dublin 2, Ireland
27 PO Box 87, 22 Grenville Street, St Helier, JE4 8PX, Jersey
28 Lime Grove House, Green Street, St Helier, JE1 2ST, Jersey
29 c/o CIM Corporate Services Ltd, Les Cascades Building, Edith Cavell 

Street, Port Louis, Mauritius

30 Willemsparkweg 150 house, 1071 HS, Amsterdam, Netherlands
31 De Lairessestraat 137, 1075 HJ, Amsterdam, Netherlands
32 56 Kapelenka St, 30-347, Krakow, Poland
33 163 Tras Street, #03-01, Lian Huat Building, Singapore, 079024, Singapore
34 629/1 Nawamintr Road, Nuanchan, Buengkoom, Bangkok, 10230, Thailand
35 The Corporation Trust Company, 1209 Orange Street, Delaware, USA, 19801
36 Vistra Corporate Services Centre, Wickhams Cay II, Road Town, Tortola, 

VG1110, British Virgin Islands

37 Place Carillion, 7151 Jean-Talon East, Montreal Québec, H1M 3N, Canada
38 Equity House, Irthlingborough Road, Wellingborough,  

Northamptonshire NN8 1LT, United Kingdom

39 BDO LLP, Two Snowhill, Birmingham, B4 6GA, United Kingdom
40 1148 Budapest, Kerepesi, út 76/D.3. em. 3, Hungary
41 Taj Building, 2nd Floor, 210, Dr D.N. Road Fort, Mumbai, 400001, India
42 Level 8, Symphony House, Pusat Dagangan Dana 1, Jalan PJU 1A/46, 47301 

Petaling Jaya, Selangor Darul Ehsan, Malaysia

43 Rosenkrantzgate 16, Oslo, O160, Norway
44 313 CP Tower, Silom Road, Khwaeng Silom, Khet Bangrak, Bangkok, Thailand
45 Capital Tower, All Seasons Place, Fl.1-6, 87/1 Wireless Road, Lumpini, 

Pathumwan, Bangkok 10330, Thailand

46 1 Empire Tower, 32nd Floor, South Sathorn Road, Yannawa, Sathorn

Bangkok, 10120, Thailand

47 2 Paris Parklands, Railton Road, Guildford, Surrey GU2 9JX, United Kingdom
48 Thompson Jenner, 28 Alexandra Terrace, Exmouth, Devon EX8 1BD,  

United Kingdom

49 c/o Lamburn & Turner, Riverside House, 1 Place Farm, Wheathamstead

St Albans, Hertfordshire AL4 8SB, United Kingdom

146

65 Av President Masarik No. 111, Piso 1, Colina Polance V Seccion

Delegacion Miguel Hidalgo, C.P. 11560, Mexico

66 Herikerberweg 238, Luna Arena 1101CM, Amsterdam, Zuidoost, Netherlands
67 Cesta na Senec 2, Bratislava, 821 04, Slovakia
68 B4 Century Square, Heron Crescent, Century City, Cape Town 7441

South Africa

69 No. 319 Chamchuri Square Building, 16th Fl, Unit 01, Phayathi Road

Pathumwan sub District, Bangkok 10330, Thailand

70 424 Walnut Street, Suite 1800, Cincinnati, Ohio 45202, United States
71 One East Fourth Street, Suite 1400, Cincinnati, Ohio 45202, United States
72 Paul-Lincke-Ufer 39/40, 10999 Berlin, Germany
73 Rua Sansão Alves dos Santos, 76, 12° andar, conj. 121 e 122, EdifÍcio Uchôa 

Borges, CEP 04571-090, Pinheiros, São Paulo, Brazil

74 Stefanikova 18/25, Smichov 150 00, Prague 5, Czech Republic
75 18 rue de la Pépinière, Paris (75008), France
76 801, 8th Floor, El Tara Building, off Orchard Avenue, Hiranandani Gardens, 

Powai, Mumbai-400076, India

77 Danzigerkade 13H 2hg, 1013AP Amsterdam, Netherlands
78 ul. Puławska 2, 02-566 Warszawa, Poland
79 Russian Federation, 121099, Moscow, Spasopeskovsky lane, 7/1, b.1. Russia
80 30 A Tanjong Pagar Road, Singapore 088453, Singapore
81 Paseo de General Martinez Campos nº 9 1º izquierda, 28010 Madrid, Spain
82 Istiklal Caddesi Beyoglu Is Merkezi No: 187/5 Galatasaray, Istanbul, Turkey
83 c/o United Corporate Services, Inc., 874 Walker Road, Suite C, Dover,

DE 19904, United States

84 Room 886S, 8/F, 1111, Changshou Road, Jing’an District, Shanghai,  

People’s Republic of China

85 5th Floor, Unit 401, Tower B, The Millenia, No. 1&2 Murphy Road

Ulsoor, Bangalore, 560 008, India

86 Asticus Building, 2nd Floor, 21 Palmer Street, London SW1H 0AD, 

United Kingdom

87 Ernst & Young Llp, 16 Bedford Street, Belfast, BT2 7DT, Northern Ireland
88 KPMG LLP, Stokes House, 17-25 College Square East, Belfast BT1 6DH 

Northern Ireland

89 Unit 607, 6th floor, Trade Centre, Bandra Kurla Complex, Bandra East, 

Mumbai, 400 051, Maharashtra, India

90 Ernst & Young Llp, 1 More London Place, London, SE1 2AF, United Kingdom
91 Ernst & Young Llp, 10 George Street, Edinburgh, EH2 2DZ, Scotland,  

United Kingdom

92 5 Esperidon Street, 4th floor, 2001 Strovolos, Nicosia, Cyprus
93 PO Box 237, Peregrine House, Peel Road, Douglas, Isle of Man, IM99 1SU
94 999/9, 31st Floor, Rama 1 Road, Pathumwan District, Bangkok, 10330, Thailand
95 Suite 1106-8, 11/F Tai Yau Building, No. 181 Johnston Road, Hong Kong
96 Av. El Golf 40, 7th floor, Las Condes, Santiago de Chile, Chile
97 Level 21, 55 Collins Street, Melbourne, VIC 3000, Australia
98 State Street Global Advisors Limited, 20 Churchill Place, Canary Wharf, 

London E14 5HJ, United Kingdom

Tesco PLC Annual Report and Financial Statements 2018Supplementary information (unaudited)

Total sales performance at actual rates (exc. VAT, exc. fuel)

UK & ROI

UK
ROI

Central Europe
Asia
Tesco Bank
Group

Total sales performance at constant rates (exc. VAT, exc. fuel)

UK & ROI

UK
ROI

Central Europe
Asia
Tesco Bank
Group

1Q 
2017/18
2.0%
1.6%
9.2%
8.4%
8.5%
4.8%
3.4%

1Q 
2017/18
1.4%
1.6%
0.0%
(1.7)%
(4.8)%
4.8%
0.5%

2Q 
2017/18
2.5%
2.1%
10.0%
8.8%
(4.0)%
4.8%
2.7%

2Q 
2017/18
2.1%
2.1%
2.1%
(1.2)%
(10.8)%
4.8%
0.4%

3Q 
2017/18
2.7%
2.5%
7.1%
3.1%
(8.9)%
4.9%
1.6%

3Q 
2017/18
2.5%
2.5%
3.8%
(1.3)%
(9.6)%
4.9%
0.9%

4Q 
2017/18
2.9%
2.3%
13.3%
4.5%
(11.5)%
1.1%
1.5%

4Q 
2017/18
2.7%
2.4%
9.4%
(2.0)%
(12.4)%
1.1%
0.5%

1H 
2017/18
2.2%
1.8%
9.6%
8.6%
2.0%
4.8%
3.0%

1H 
2017/18
1.8%
1.8%
1.1%
(1.4)%
(7.7)%
4.8%
0.5%

2H 
2017/18
2.8%
2.4%
10.2%
3.8%
(10.3)%
3.0%
1.6%

2H 
2017/18
2.6%
2.4%
6.6%
(1.7)%
(11.1)%
3.0%
0.7%

FY 
2017/18
2.5%
2.1%
9.9%
6.1%
(4.4)%
3.9%
2.3%

FY 
2017/18
2.2%
2.1%
3.9%
(1.6)%
(9.4)%
3.9%
0.6%

Notes
As part of a routine review of revenue streams, the Group has identified a number of small sales sub-categories, in Asia and Central Europe, where Tesco is 
viewed as acting more as a selling agent than as a retailer principal. A change was therefore made in the current year to reflect the net commission on these 
sales, instead of the previous presentation of the gross revenue and cost of sales separately. While this change was adopted in the fourth quarter, the  
total sales growth performance measures for each prior quarter in the tables above have been adjusted to reflect this change with an impact of c.(0.2)%  
at Group level.

Like-for-like sales performance (exc. VAT, exc. fuel)

UK & ROI

UK
ROI

Central Europe
Asia
Tesco Bank
Group

1Q 
2017/18
2.2%
2.3%
0.2%
(0.4)%
(6.0)%
n/a
1.0%

2Q 
2017/18
2.1%
2.1%
2.0%
0.6%
(10.7)%
n/a
0.6%

3Q 
2017/18
2.3%
2.3%
3.3%
0.8%
(9.6)%
n/a
0.9%

4Q 
2017/18
2.4%
2.3%
5.3%
0.4%
(14.0)%
n/a
0.4%

1H 
2017/18
2.1%
2.2%
1.1%
0.1%
(8.3)%
n/a
0.8%

2H 
2017/18
2.4%
2.3%
4.3%
0.6%
(11.8)%
n/a
0.6%

FY 
2017/18
2.3%
2.2%
2.7%
0.3%
(10.0)%
n/a
0.7%

Notes
These results have been reported on a continuing operations basis and exclude the results from the Group’s operations in Turkey. Like-for-like sales growth is 
reported at constant exchange rates. Growth rates are all based on comparable days.

Country detail – Retail

UK
ROI
Czech Republic
Hungary
Poland
Slovakia
Malaysia
Thailand

Revenue (exc. VAT, inc. fuel)*

Local 
currency
(m)
42,644
2,572
43,680
577,204
10,580
1,404
4,370
181,754

Average 
exchange
rate
1.0
1.1
29.6
351.7
4.8
1.1
5.5
43.7

£m
42,644
2,264
1,474
1,641
2,202
1,236
791
4,156

*  Excludes franchising revenue within Central Europe of £32m, which is not allocated to individual countries.

UK sales area by size of store

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
Total*

*   Excludes franchise stores.

February 2018

February 2017

No. of stores Million sq. ft.
5.2
3.4
8.2
9.4
8.5
4.2
0.9
39.8

2,512
284
284
182
120
45
8
3,435

% of total

sq. ft. No. of stores Million sq. ft.
5.2
2,507
3.4
288
8.2
283
9.4
182
8.6
120
4.2
45
0.9
8
39.9
3,433

13.1
8.5
20.6
23.6
21.4
10.6
2.2
100.0

Closing 
exchange
rate 
1.0
1.1
28.8
355.5
4.7
1.1
5.5
43.9

% of total
sq. ft.
13.1
8.6
20.5
23.5
21.5
10.6
2.2
100.0

147

Other informationTesco PLC Annual Report and Financial Statements 2018Supplementary information (unaudited) continued

Group space summary
Actual Group space – store numbers(a)

Extra
Superstore
Metro
Express
Dotcom only
Total Tesco
One Stop(c)
UK(c)
ROI

UK & ROI(c)

Czech Republic(c)
Hungary
Poland
Slovakia
Central Europe(c)
Malaysia
Thailand
Asia
Group(c)

UK (One Stop)
Czech Republic
Franchise stores

2016/17 
year-end
252
479
176
1,740
6
2,653
780
3,433
148
3,581
198
206
429
154
987
71
1,914
1,985
6,553
158
98
256

(a)  Continuing operations.
(b)  The net gain/(reduction) reflects the number of store openings less the number of store closures/disposals.
(c)  Excludes franchise stores.

Actual Group space – ’000 sq. ft.(a)

2016/17 
year-end
17,748
14,075
1,993
4,054
716
38,586
1,269
39,855
3,543
43,398
5,479
6,896
9,578
3,859
25,812
4,005
15,522
19,527
88,737
212
92
304

Extra
Superstore
Metro
Express
Dotcom only
Total Tesco
One Stop(b)
UK(b)
ROI

UK & ROI(b)

Czech Republic(b)
Hungary
Poland
Slovakia
Central Europe(b)
Malaysia
Thailand
Asia
Group(b)

UK (One Stop)
Czech Republic
Franchise stores

(a)  Continuing operations.
(b)  Excludes franchise stores.
(c)  Repurposing of gross selling space is not included in the above net selling space measure.

148

Openings
–
2
–
11
–
13
11
24
2
26
2
–
–
–
2
2
67
69
97
19
2
21

Openings
–
37
–
24
–
61
21
82
22
104
2
–
–
11
13
64
413
477
594
24
2
26

Closures/
disposals
–
(1)
(4)
(2)
–
(7)
(15)
(22)
–
(22)
(11)
–
(14)
(3)
(28)
(1)
(30)
(31)
(81)
(8)
(3)
(11)

Net gain/
 (reduction)(b)

–
1
(4)
9
–
6
(4)
2
2
4
(9)
–
(14)
(3)
(26)
1
37
38
16
11
(1)
10

2017/18 
year-end
252
480
172
1,749
6
2,659
776
3,435
150
3,585
189
206
415
151
961
72
1,951
2,023
6,569
169
97
266

Repurposing/ 
extensions
20
–
–
–
–
20
–
20
–
20
6
4
4
1
15
4
30
34
69
–
–
–

Closures/
disposals
–
(15)
(32)
(4)
–
(51)
(24)
(75)
–
(75)
(166)
–
(146)
(123)
(435)
(60)
(115)
(175)
(685)
(12)
(2)
(14)

Repurposing/

 extensions(c)
(76)
–
–
–
–
(76)
–
(76)
1
(75)
(256)
(58)
(151)
(27)
(492)
(179)
(348)
(527)
(1,094)
–
–
–

Net gain/ 
(reduction)
(76)
22
(32)
20
–
(66)
(3)
(69)
23
(46)
(420)
(58)
(297)
(139)
(914)
(175)
(50)
(225)
(1,185)
12
–
12

2017/18 
year-end
17,672
14,097
1,961
4,074
716
38,520
1,266
39,786
3,566
43,352
5,059
6,838
9,281
3,720
24,898
3,830
15,472
19,302
87,552
224
92
316

Tesco PLC Annual Report and Financial Statements 2018Group space summary continued
Group space forecast to 23 February 2019 – ’000 sq. ft.(a)

Extra
Superstore
Metro
Express
Dotcom only
Total Tesco
One Stop(b)
UK(b)
ROI

UK & ROI(b)

Czech Republic(b)
Hungary
Poland
Slovakia
Central Europe(b)
Malaysia
Thailand
Asia
Group(b)

UK (One Stop)
Czech Republic
Franchise stores

(a)  Continuing operations.
(b)  Excludes franchise stores.

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
Provisions for bad and doubtful debts
Operating profit before exceptional items
Exceptional items(b) 
Operating profit
Net finance costs: movements on derivatives and hedge accounting
Net finance costs: interest
Share of profit/(loss) of joint venture
Profit before tax

2017/18 
year-end
17,672
14,097
1,961
4,074
716
38,520
1,266
39,786
3,566
43,352
5,059
6,838
9,281
3,720
24,898
3,830
15,472
19,302
87,552
224
92
316

Openings
–
28
–
95
–
123
37
160
81
241
13
–
–
39
52
43
596
639
932
52
4
56

Closures/
disposals
–
–
–
(23)
–
(23)
(32)
(55)
–
(55)
(285)
(28)
(243)
(86)
(642)
(88)
–
(88)
(785)
–
–
–

Repurposing/ 
extensions
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
(108)
(314)
(235)
(119)
(776)
(40)
(211)
(251)
(1,027)
–
–
–

Net gain/ 
(reduction)
–
28
–
72
–
100
5
105
81
186
(380)
(342)
(478)
(166)
(1,366)
(85)
385
300
(880)
52
4
56

2018/19 
year-end
17,672
14,125
1,961
4,146
716
38,620
1,271
39,891
3,647
43,538
4,679
6,496
8,803
3,554
23,532
3,745
15,857
19,602
86,672
276
96
372

2018(a)
£m

2017(a)
£m

673
378
1,051

(176)
(22)
(198)
853

(174)
(77)
(209)
(83)
(137)
173
(24)
149
11
(4)
10
166

622
390
1,012

(175)
(23)
(198)
814

(165)
(76)
(215)
(96)
(105)
157
(80)
77
6
(4)
(16)
63

(a)  These results are for the 12 months ended 28 February 2018 and the previous period represents the 12 months ended 28 February 2017.
(b)  Exceptional items in 2018 consist of an increase in PPI provision of £35m partially offset by a decrease in CCA provision of £1m and a credit of £10m received following the conclusion  

of negotiations with a third party in respect of previously recognised customer redress. 

149

Other informationTesco PLC Annual Report and Financial Statements 2018Glossary

Alternative performance measures

Introduction 
In the reporting of financial information, the Directors have adopted  
various APMs.

These measures are not defined by International Financial Reporting 
Standards (IFRS) and therefore may not be directly comparable with  
other companies’ APMs, including those in the Group’s industry. 

APMs should be considered in addition to, and are not intended to be  
a substitute for, or superior to, IFRS measurements. 

Purpose
The Directors believe that these APMs assist in providing additional useful 
information on the underlying trends, performance and position of the Group. 

APMs are also used to enhance the comparability of information between 
reporting periods and geographical units (such as like-for-like sales), by 
adjusting for non-recurring or uncontrollable factors which affect IFRS 
measures, to aid users in understanding the Group’s performance.

Consequently, APMs are used by the Directors and management for 
performance analysis, planning, reporting and incentive-setting purposes.

The key APMs that the Group has focused on this financial year are as follows:

 – Group sales: This is the headline measure of revenue for the Group.  
It excludes the impact of sales made at petrol filling stations due to the 
significant volatility of fuel prices. This volatility is outside the control of 
management and can mask underlying changes in performance. 

 – Like-for-like sales: This is a widely used indicator of a retailer’s current 

trading performance. It is a measure of growth in Group online sales and 
sales from stores that have been open for at least a year (but excludes prior 
year sales of stores closed during the year) at constant foreign exchange rates. 

 – Operating profit before exceptional items: This is the headline measure  
of the Group’s performance, and is based on operating profit before the 
impact of exceptional items. Exceptional items relate to certain costs or 
incomes that derive from events or transactions that fall within the normal 
activities of the Group but which, individually or, if of a similar type, in 
aggregate, are excluded by virtue of their size and nature in order to  
reflect management’s view of the performance of the Group. 

 – Retail operating cash flow: This is the operating cash flow of continuing 

operations, excluding the effects of Tesco Bank’s cash flows. 

 – Retail free cash flow: Retail free cash flow includes all cash flows from 
operating and investing activities for the Retail business, and the market 
purchase of shares in relation to share schemes. The following items are 
excluded: investing cash flows that increase/decrease items within Net 
debt, and cash flows from major corporate acquisitions and disposals.

 – Net debt: This excludes the net debt of Tesco Bank but includes that  
of the discontinued operations to reflect the net debt obligations of  
the Retail business. 

 – Diluted earnings per share from continuing operations before exceptional 
items, net pension finance costs and fair value remeasurements on financial 
instruments: This relates to profit after tax before exceptional items from 
continuing operations, net pension finance costs and fair value 
remeasurements on financial instruments attributable to owners of the 
parent divided by the weighted average number of ordinary shares in issue 
during the financial year adjusted for the effects of potentially dilutive  
share options. 

Some of the Group’s IFRS measures are translated at constant exchange 
rates. Constant exchange rates are the average actual periodic exchange 
rates for the previous financial year and are used to eliminate the effects  
of exchange rate fluctuations in assessing performance. Actual exchange 
rates are the average actual periodic exchange rates for that financial year.

Changes to APMs
During the financial year, the following changes have been applied to the 
Group’s APMs:

 – Free cash flow has been redefined to include all cash flows from operating 
and investing activities, and the market purchase of shares in relation to 
share schemes. The following items are excluded: investing cash flows that 
increase/decrease items within Group net debt, and cash flows from major 
corporate acquisitions and disposals. This measure reflects the cash available 
to shareholders. Previously, free cash flow only included capital expenditure 
cash flows within investing activities. Retail free cash flow is now considered 
a key APM.

 – Diluted earnings per share from continuing operations before exceptional 

items and net pension finance costs has been replaced with diluted earnings 
per share from continuing operations before exceptional items, net pension 
finance costs and fair value remeasurements on financial instruments. Fair 
value remeasurements are now excluded as they are impacted by changes 
to credit risk and various market indices, which can fluctuate significantly. 
Also included in these items are fair value remeasurements on financial 
instruments resulting from liability management exercises. Other earnings 
per share measures before exceptional items are no longer considered 
APMs and have been removed.

 – Total indebtedness ratio and Fixed charge cover have been included as 

new APMs during the year. EBITDAR has also been included as it is used to 
calculate these debt metrics. Total indebtedness ratio and Fixed charge 
cover are measures of the Group’s ability to meet its payment obligations  
and are widely used by analysts and credit rating agencies.

Closest equivalent  
IFRS measure

Adjustments to reconcile  
to IFRS measure

Note/page reference
for reconciliation

Definition  
and purpose

APM
Income statement
Revenue measures
Group sales

Revenue

 – Exclude sales made 

at petrol filling stations

Note 2

 – Excludes the impact of sales made at petrol filling 
stations to demonstrate the Group’s underlying 
performance in the core retail and financial services 
businesses by removing the volatilities associated 
with the movement in fuel prices. This is a key 
management incentive metric.

 – Growth in sales is a ratio that measures year-on-
year movement in Group sales for continuing 
operations for 52 weeks. It shows the annual rate  
of increase in the Group’s sales and is considered  
a good indicator of how rapidly the Group’s core 
business is growing.

 – Like-for-like is a measure of growth in Group online 
sales and sales from stores that have been open  
for at least a year (but excludes prior year sales  
of stores closed during the year) at constant foreign 
exchange rates. It is a widely used indicator of  
a retailer’s current trading performance and is 
important when comparing growth between 
retailers that have different profiles of expansion, 
disposals and closures. 

Growth in sales

No direct equivalent 

 – Consistent with  
accounting policy

Not applicable

Like-for-like

No direct equivalent

 – Consistent with  
accounting policy

Not applicable

150

Tesco PLC Annual Report and Financial Statements 2018APM
Income statement
Profit measures
Operating profit  
before exceptional 
items

Closest equivalent  
IFRS measure

Adjustments to reconcile  
to IFRS measure

Note/page reference
for reconciliation

Definition  
and purpose

Operating profit*

 – Exceptional items

Note 2

Operating margin 

No direct equivalent

 – Consistent with  
accounting policy

Not applicable

Operating profit*

Profit before tax

Earnings before 
exceptional items, 
interest, tax, 
depreciation, 
amortisation and rent 
expense (EBITDAR)
Profit before tax  
before exceptional 
items, net pension 
finance costs and fair 
value remeasurements 
on financial instruments

 – Exceptional items
 – Depreciation and amortisation
 – Rent expense
 – Tesco Bank EBITDAR
 – Discontinued operations

Page 153

 – Exceptional items 
 – Net pension finance costs (IAS 19)
 – Fair value remeasurements on 
financial instruments (IAS 39)

Note 9

Profits/(losses) arising 
on property-related 
items 

No direct equivalent

 – Consistent with  
accounting policy

Not applicable

Finance costs

Total finance costs 
before exceptional 
items, net pension 
finance costs and fair 
value remeasurements 
on financial instruments

 – Exceptional items
 – Net pension finance costs (IAS 19)
 – Fair value remeasurements on 
financial instruments (IAS 39)

Note 5

Earnings per share 
from continuing 
operations before 
exceptional items,  
net pension finance 
costs and fair value 
remeasurements on 
financial instruments 

Diluted earnings  
per share

 – Exceptional items
 – Discontinued operations
 – Net pension finance costs (IAS 19)
 – Fair value remeasurements on 
financial instruments (IAS 39)

Note 9

 – Operating profit before exceptional items is the 
headline measure of the Group’s performance.  
It is based on operating profit before the impact  
of certain costs or incomes that derive from events 
or transactions that fall within the normal activities  
of the Group, but which are excluded by virtue  
of their size and nature in order to reflect 
management’s view of the performance of the 
Group. This is a key management incentive metric.
 – Operating margin is calculated as operating profit 

before exceptional items divided by revenue. 
Progression in operating margin is an important 
indicator of the Group’s operating efficiency. 
 – This measure is based on Retail operating profit 
from continuing operations before exceptional 
items. It excludes Retail depreciation, amortisation 
and rent expense and is used to derive the Total 
indebtedness ratio and Fixed charge cover APMs.

 – This measure excludes exceptional items, the  

net finance costs of the defined benefit pension 
deficit and fair value remeasurements on financial 
instruments. Net pension finance costs are 
impacted by corporate bond yields, which can 
fluctuate significantly and are reset each year based 
on often volatile external market factors. Fair value 
remeasurements are impacted by changes to credit 
risk and various market indices, which can fluctuate 
significantly. Also included in these items are fair 
value remeasurements on financial instruments 
resulting from liability management exercises.
 – Profits/(losses) arising on property-related items 

relates 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 items are disclosed separately to clearly 

identify the impact of these items versus the other 
operating expenses related to the core retail  
and financial services operations of the business. 
They are often one-time in nature and can have  
a disproportionate impact on profit between  
reporting periods.

 – Total finance costs before exceptional items, net 

pension finance costs and fair value remeasurements 
on financial instruments is the net finance costs 
adjusted for non-recurring one-off items, net 
pension finance costs and fair value remeasurements 
on financial instruments. Net pension finance costs 
are impacted by corporate bond yields, which can 
fluctuate significantly and are reset each year based 
on often volatile external market factors. Fair value 
remeasurements are impacted by changes to credit 
risk and various market indices, which can fluctuate 
significantly. Also included in these items are fair 
value remeasurements on financial instruments  
resulting from liability management exercises.
 – This relates to profit after tax before exceptional 
items from continuing operations, net pension 
finance costs and fair value remeasurements 
attributable to owners of the parent divided by  
the weighted average number of ordinary shares  
in issue during the financial period.

 – It excludes net pension finance costs and fair  

value remeasurements on financial instruments.  
Net pension finance costs are impacted by 
corporate bond yields, which can fluctuate 
significantly and are reset each year based on  
often volatile external market factors. Fair value 
remeasurements are impacted by changes to credit 
risk and various market indices, which can fluctuate 
significantly. Also included in these items are fair 
value remeasurements on financial instruments 
resulting from liability management exercises.

151

Other informationTesco PLC Annual Report and Financial Statements 2018Glossary continued

APM
Income statement
Tax measures
Effective tax  
rate before  
exceptional items

Effective tax rate 
before exceptional 
items, net pension 
finance costs and fair 
value remeasurements 
on financial instruments

Closest equivalent  
IFRS measure

Adjustments to reconcile  
to IFRS measure

Note/page reference
for reconciliation

Definition  
and purpose

Effective tax rate

 – Exceptional items and their  

Note 6

 – Effective tax rate before exceptional items is 

tax impact

Effective tax rate

 – Exceptional items and their  

Note 6

tax impact

 – Net pension finance costs  
(IAS 19) and their tax impact
 – Fair value remeasurements on 
financial instruments (IAS 39)  
and their tax impact

calculated as total income tax credit/(charge) 
excluding the tax impact of exceptional items  
divided by profit before tax before exceptional 
items. This provides an indication of the ongoing  
tax rate across the Group.

 – Effective tax rate before exceptional items,  
net pension finance costs and fair value 
remeasurements on financial instruments is 
calculated as total income tax credit/(charge) 
excluding the tax impact of exceptional items,  
net pension finance costs and fair value 
remeasurements divided by the profit before  
tax before exceptional items, net pension finance 
costs and fair value remeasurements.

 – Net debt from Tesco Bank

Note 30

 – Net debt excludes the net debt of Tesco Bank  

Balance sheet measures
Net debt 

Borrowings less  
cash and related 
hedges

Total indebtedness 

Borrowings less  
cash and related 
hedges

 – Net debt from Tesco Bank 
 – Present value of future minimum 
lease payments under non-
cancellable operating leases
 – IAS 19 deficit in the pension 

schemes

Page 14 of the  
Strategic report

Total indebtedness 
ratio

No direct equivalent

 – Consistent with  
accounting policy

Page 153

 – Total indebtedness ratio is calculated as Total 

Fixed charge cover 

No direct equivalent

 – Consistent with  
accounting policy

Page 153

Cash flow measures
Retail operating  
cash flow

Cash generated  
from operating 
activities

 – Tesco Bank operating cash flow
 – Discontinued operations

Note 2

Free cash flow

Cash generated  
from operating 
activities

Retail free cash flow

Cash generated  
from operating 
activities

 – Net cash generated from/ 

Note 2

(used in) investing activities, and  
the market purchase of shares  
in relation to share schemes

 – Investing cash flows that increase/

decrease items within Group  
net debt

 – Cash flows from major corporate 

acquisitions and disposals

 – Tesco Bank operating cash flow
 – Retail net cash generated from/ 
(used in) investing activities, and 
the market purchase of shares in 
relation to share schemes

 – Investing cash flows that increase/
decrease items within Net debt
 – Cash flows from major corporate 

acquisitions and disposals

Note 2

*   Operating profit is presented on the Group income statement. It is not defined per IFRS, however is a generally accepted profit measure.

152

but includes that of the discontinued operations  
to reflect the net debt obligations of the Retail 
business. 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. It is a useful measure of the progress  
in generating cash and strengthening of the Group 
balance sheet position and is a measure widely  
used by credit rating agencies.

 – Total indebtedness is Net debt plus the IAS 19 deficit 
in the pension schemes (net of associated deferred 
tax) plus the present value of future minimum lease 
payments under non-cancellable operating leases 
to provide an overall view of the Group’s obligations. 
It is an important measure of the long-term 
obligations of the Group and is a measure widely 
used by credit rating agencies.

indebtedness divided by EBITDAR. It is a measure  
of the Group’s ability to meet its payment 
obligations and is widely used by analysts and  
credit rating agencies.

 – Fixed charge cover is calculated as EBITDAR divided  
by the sum of rent expense and net finance cost, 
excluding net pension finance costs, exceptional 
items, capitalised interest and fair value 
remeasurements on financial instruments.  
It is a measure of the Group’s ability to meet  
its payment obligations and is widely used by 
analysts and credit rating agencies.

 – Retail operating cash flow is the cash generated 

from operations of continuing operations,  
excluding the effects of Tesco Bank’s cash flows.  
It is a measure of the cash generation and working 
capital efficiency by the Retail business, recognising 
that Tesco Bank is run and regulated independently 
from the Retail operations, and a key measure to 
demonstrate the recovery of the Retail operations. 
This is a key management incentive metric.

 – Free cash flow includes all cash flows from operating 
and investing activities, and the market purchase of 
shares in relation to share schemes. The following 
items are excluded: investing cash flows that 
increase/decrease items within Group net debt,  
and cash flows from major corporate acquisitions 
and disposals. This measure reflects the cash 
available to shareholders.

 – Retail free cash flow includes all cash flows from 
operating and investing activities for the Retail 
business, and the market purchase of shares in 
relation to share schemes. The following items are 
excluded: investing cash flows that increase/decrease 
items within Net debt, and cash flows from major 
corporate acquisitions and disposals. This measure 
reflects the cash available to shareholders.

Tesco PLC Annual Report and Financial Statements 2018APMs: Reconciliation of debt metrics

EBITDAR
Operating profit/(loss) from continuing operations before exceptional items
Less: Tesco Bank operating profit/(loss) before exceptional items
Add: Depreciation and amortisation
Less: Tesco Bank depreciation and amortisation
Add: Retail operating lease expense*

Total indebtedness ratio
Net debt (£m)
Add: Defined benefit pension deficit, net of deferred tax (£m)
Add: Discounted operating lease commitments (£m)
Total indebtedness (£m)
EBITDAR (£m)
Total indebtedness ratio

Fixed charge cover
Net finance cost (£m)
Less: Net pension finance costs (£m)
Less: Exceptional foreign exchange losses on GBP short-term investments held in overseas entities (£m)
Add: Capitalised interest (£m)
Add: Fair value remeasurements on financial instruments (IAS 39) (£m)
Net finance cost, excluding net pension finance costs, exceptional items, capitalised interest and fair value 
remeasurements on financial instruments (IAS 39) (£m)
Add: Retail operating lease expense (£m)*

EBITDAR (£m)
Fixed charge cover

*   Group operating lease expense of £1,018m (2017: £1,043m) includes £3m (2017: £4m) relating to Tesco Bank.

Notes
2
2
2
2
3

Notes
30
27
34

Notes
5
5
5
5
5

3

2018
£m
1,644
(173)
1,295
(83)
1,015
3,698

2018
2,625
2,728
6,931
12,284
3,698
3.3

2018
533
(162)
(38)
2
23
358

1,015
1,373
3,698
2.7

2017
£m
1,280
(157)
1,298
(118)
1,039
3,342

2017
3,729
5,504
7,440
16,673
3,342
5.0

2017
765
(113)
(244)
6
61
475

1,039
1,514
3,342
2.2

Other

Capital expenditure (Capex)
The additions to property, plant and equipment, investment property and 
intangible assets (excluding assets acquired under business combinations).

Capital employed
Net assets plus net debt plus dividend creditor less net assets of the  
disposal group and non-current assets classified as held for sale.

Enterprise Value
This is calculated as market capitalisation plus net debt.

FTE
FTE refers to full-time equivalents.

LPI
LPI refers to Limited Price Inflation.

Net Promoter Score (NPS)
This is a loyalty measure based on a single question requiring a score 
between 0-10. The NPS is calculated by subtracting the percentage of 
detractors (scoring 0-6) from the percentage of promoters (scoring 9-10).  
This generates a figure between -100 and 100 which is the NPS. 

Return on capital employed (ROCE)
Return divided by the average of opening and closing capital employed. 

Return
Profit before exceptional items and interest, after tax (applied at effective  
rate of tax).

RPI
RPI refers to Retail Price Index.

Market capitalisation
The total value of all Tesco shares calculated as total number of shares 
multiplied by the closing share price at year-end.

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.

MTN
MTN refers to Medium Term Note.

153

Other informationTesco PLC Annual Report and Financial Statements 2018Five-year record

Figures below reflect the latest published information. For financial years prior to 2018, these figures represent the comparatives from the following years’ financial 
statements. During 2017, the Group decided to sell its operations in Turkey. Accordingly, these operations were treated as discontinued in 2017. The 2016 
statistics have been re-presented to be consistent with 2017. Prior years have not been re-presented. Korea was first classified as a discontinued operation  
in 2016. China was first classified as a discontinued operation in 2013/14. 

The Group has determined new segments during the financial year. Refer to Note 2. The Group had also determined new segments and defined new APMs 
during 2016. Historical data up to 2015 data for these new measures and segments has been presented, but prior historic data has not. 

2014

2015(a)

2016

2017

2018

Financial statistics (£m)
Sales
UK & ROI
Central Europe
Asia
Tesco Bank
Group sales(c)
Revenue
UK & ROI
Central Europe
Asia
Tesco Bank
Group revenue
Operating profit/(loss) before exceptional items(c)
UK & ROI
Central Europe
Asia
Tesco Bank
Group operating profit/(loss) before exceptional items(c)
Operating profit margin before exceptional items
Operating profit/(loss)
UK & ROI
Central Europe
Asia
Tesco Bank
Group operating profit/(loss)
Share of post-tax profits/(losses) of joint ventures and associates
Net finance costs
Profit/(loss) before tax
Taxation
Profit/(loss) for the year from continuing operations
Discontinued operations
Profit/(loss) for the year
Attributable to:
Owners of the parent
Non-controlling interests
Profit before tax before exceptional items, net pension finance costs and fair value 
remeasurements on financial instruments(c)
Other financial statistics
Diluted earnings/(losses) per share – continuing operations
Diluted earnings per share – continuing operations before exceptional items, net pension 
finance costs and fair value remeasurements on financial instruments(c)
Dividend per share(b)
Cash generated from Retail operating activities (£m)
Return on capital employed (ROCE)(c)
Total shareholder return(c)
Net debt (£m)(c)
Discounted operating lease commitments – continuing operations (£m)
Pension deficit, net of deferred tax – Group (£m)
Total indebtedness (£m)(c)
Enterprise Value (£m)(c)
Group Retail statistics
Number of stores(d)
Total sales area (’000 sq. ft.)(d)
Average employees
Average full-time equivalent employees (FTE)
UK & ROI Retail statistics
Number of stores(d)
Total sales area (’000 sq. ft.)(d)
Average full-time equivalent employees (FTE)
Revenue (exc. fuel) (per FTE – £)
Weekly revenue (exc. fuel) (per sq. ft. – £)

 1,003

 1,003
63,557

2,631
60
(432)
2,259
(347)
1,912
(942)
970

974
(4)

14.76p
4,607
13.6%
3.7%
6,597
9,419
2,559
18,575
33,597

7,305
109,572
510,444
391,868

3,524
45,300

38,228
6,186
4,492
947
49,853

 45,062
6,424
4,492
947
56,925

 498
(4)
258
 188
 940
 1.7%

 (5,334)
(666)
97
 153
(5,750)
(13)
(571)
(6,334)
670
 (5,664)
(102)
 (5,766)

(5,741)
(25)
 516

(69.56)p
5.70p

1.16p
1,860
4.0%
(9.5)%
8,481
9,353
3,885
21,719
28,415

6,849
95,811
480,607
362,370

3,710
45,946
225,192
169,757
15.81

37,189
5,268
4,447
955
47,859

43,080
5,451
4,447
955
53,933

503
102
218
162
985
1.8%

 597
111
203
161
 1,072
(21)
(849)
 202
54
 256
(127)
 129

138
(9)
509

3.22p
5.79p

–
2,581
6.2%
(11.8)%
5,110
7,814
2,612
15,536
20,101

6,733
91,195
475,399
351,289

3,743
45,253
225,378
165,007
15.68

37,692
5,977
5,186
1,012
49,867

43,524
6,195
5,186
1,012
55,917

803
58
262
157
1,280
2.3%

519
190
231
77
 1,017
(107)
(765)
145
(87)
 58
(112)
(54)

(40)
(14)
 781

0.81p
7.30p

–
2,278
8.1%
(7.5)%
3,729
7,440
5,504
16,673
19,262

6,809
89,041
464,520
342,770

3,739
43,610
218,522
172,486
16.31

38,650
6,343
4,947
1,051
50,991

44,908
6,585
4,947
1,051
57,491

1,053
119
299
173
1,644
2.9%

1,199
212
277
149
1,837
(6)
(533)
1,298
(306)
992
216
1,208

1,206
2
1,282

12.08p
11.88p

3.00p
2,773
10.9%
8.7%
2,625
6,931
2,728
12,284
19,452

6,966
87,990
448,988
327,916

3,754
43,577
210,312
183,775
17.05

(a)  53 weeks. (b) Dividend per share relating to the interim and proposed final dividend. (c) See glossary for definitions. (d) Including franchise stores.

154

Tesco PLC Annual Report and Financial Statements 2018Shareholder information

Annual General Meeting 2018 (AGM)
This year’s AGM will be held on Friday 15 June 2018 at the ICC Capital Suite,  
3rd Floor of ExCel London, One Western Gateway, Royal Victoria Dock, 
London, E16 1XL. The meeting will start at 2.00pm and registration will be  
open from 1.00pm.

A separate notice convening the meeting has been sent to our shareholders, 
which includes details of the ordinary and special business to be considered 
at the meeting. A copy of the Notice of Meeting can be found on our website 
www.tescoplc.com/investors.

Managing shares online
Many of our shareholders find that the easiest way to manage their shareholding 
is online by setting up a Shareview portfolio at www.shareview.co.uk. This is a 
free, easy and secure service provided by the Company’s registrars, Equiniti. 

Some of the benefits of having a Shareview portfolio are:

 – monitor your shareholding;
 – access shareholder information;
 – elect to receive shareholder communications electronically;
 – vote on the resolutions at the AGM, and any other shareholder  

meetings; and

 – keep your contact details up to date.

For more information and to register for this service, please visit  
www.shareview.co.uk. Registration can be completed within minutes 
in just four easy steps. Please note, you will need your Shareholder 
Reference Number. 

Dividend
Following the announcement on 4 October 2017 of the reinstatement  
of the Tesco dividend, an interim dividend of 1.0p per share was paid on 
24 November 2017. Shareholders will be asked to approve a final dividend  
of 2.0p per share for the year ended 24 February 2018 at this year’s AGM. 
Dividends are expected to grow from 2017, with the aim of achieving a target 
cover of approximately two times earnings per share over the medium term.

Dividends can be paid quickly and securely directly into your bank account. 
You may also choose to have your dividends reinvested in further Tesco 
shares through our dividend reinvestment plan (DRIP) (terms and conditions 
apply). To arrange either of these options, simply call Equiniti on the number 
provided overleaf. Alternatively, you can manage your dividend payment 
choices by registering with Shareview at www.shareview.co.uk.

E-comms
We encourage our shareholders to accept all shareholder communications 
and documents electronically, in place of receiving traditional paper copies 
by post. This helps us to reduce the environmental impact of our business 
and to reduce costs. If you would like to sign up to receive all future 
shareholder communications electronically, please register with Shareview 
by visiting www.shareview.co.uk. Once you have signed up, you will receive 
an email to let you know when shareholder documents become available 
on our website, including our annual and interim financial results, notices 
of shareholder meetings and other shareholder documents.

Tesco Share Account
We offer our shareholders a service to help them hold and manage their  
Tesco shares in a safe and simple way. With the Tesco Share Account  
(TSA) you can enjoy the convenience and reassurance of holding shares 
electronically, avoiding the need to hold paper share certificates, which  
can be lost or stolen and expensive to replace.

The TSA also offers shareholders access to preferential dealing rates and 
up-to-date market information through the Equiniti Share Dealing service. 

The TSA is a sponsored nominee service operated for Tesco by Equiniti 
Financial Services Limited (Equiniti Financial), which is authorised and 
regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority. When you join the TSA, your 
shares are registered in the name of Equiniti Corporate Nominees Limited 
and held on your behalf on a private register. You remain the beneficial 
owner of your shares and continue to have the right to receive shareholder 
communications, vote at general meetings and to receive any dividends 
paid on your shares.

It is completely free to participate in the TSA and there are no annual  
fees to pay (terms and conditions apply). If you would like to join the 
TSA please contact Equiniti Financial on 0371 3284 2977 (or +44 121 415 7053 
if outside of the UK).

Duplicate documents
Some of our shareholders hold multiple accounts on the share register  
and therefore receive duplicate copies of shareholder documentation  
as a result. If you have been receiving duplicate copies of shareholder 
documentation, please contact Equiniti to arrange for your accounts 
to be combined. 

Share dealing service
Equiniti offer Shareview Dealing, which is a real-time telephone and internet 
share dealing service in Tesco PLC shares available to all UK residents.

Further information about the Shareview Dealing service can be found 
at www.shareview.co.uk/dealing or by calling 03456 037 037 between 
8.00am and 4.30pm, Monday to Friday.

Please remember that dealing fees vary between brokers and you  
are recommended to check that you are being charged the most 
competitive rate.

Changes to personal details
In order to avoid missing important correspondence relating to  
your shareholding, please inform Equiniti as soon as possible if:

 – you have recently moved house; or
 – there are any changes to your bank details. 

These changes can be made quickly and easily online via your Shareview 
portfolio or you can write to Equiniti to confirm your new and old addresses. 
Please remember to include your Shareholder Reference Number on  
all communication.

Share price information
Details of our current and historical share price data and other share price  
tools are available at www.tescoplc.com/investors.

ShareGift
If you have a small shareholding which would cost more to sell than the 
shares are worth, you may wish to consider donating the shares to the 
charity ShareGift (Registered Charity 1052686), a charity that specialises 
in the donation of such shares for good causes. There are no implications 
for Capital Gains Tax purposes on gifts of shares to charity. Further 
information about ShareGift can be found by visiting www.sharegift.org 
or by calling 0207 930 3737. 

American Depositary Receipts (ADRs)
The Company has a sponsored Level 1 ADR programme for which Deutsche 
Bank Trust Company Americas acts as depositary. The ADRs are traded in the 
US, where one ADR represents three ordinary shares. The ADR programme 
confers the right to receive dividends in US dollars.

ADR details
Symbol
CUSIP
Exchange
Ratio
Effective Date

TSCDY
881575302
OTC
1:3
April 01, 1992

All enquiries relating to the ADR programme should be directed to:

Tesco PLC
c/o American Stock Transfer & Trust Company
Operations Centre
6201 15th Avenue
Brooklyn 
NY 11219 USA

Email DB@astfinancial .com 
Telephone Toll free +1-866-249-2593 (toll free from within US and Canada)
International +1-718-921-8137 (from outside US and Canada)
Website www.adr.db.com 

Corporate website
You can access the corporate website at www.tescoplc.com. The Tesco PLC 
corporate website provides useful information including annual reports, 
results announcements and share price data, as well as background 
information about the Company and current issues.

Shareholders are encouraged to sign up to receive email notification of 
results and press announcements as they are released by registering at  
www.tescoplc.com/investors/regulatory-news/regulatory-news-email-alerts.

155

Other informationTesco PLC Annual Report and Financial Statements 2018Shareholder information continued

Shareholder security
In recent years, Tesco PLC has become aware that its shareholders have received unsolicited phone calls or correspondence concerning investment matters. 
These are typically from overseas based ‘brokers’ who target UK shareholders, offering to sell them what often turn out to be worthless or high risk shares in 
US or UK investments. These operations are commonly known as ‘boiler rooms’. These ‘brokers’ can be very persistent and extremely persuasive. Shareholders 
are advised to be very wary of any unsolicited advice, offers to buy shares at a discount or offers of free company reports. Details of any share dealing 
facilities that we endorse are included in our mailings and on our website.

If you receive any unsolicited investment advice:

 – make sure you note the correct name of the person and the organisation and make a record of any other information they give you;
 – check the Financial Services Register by visiting http://register.fca.org.uk to see if the person and firm contacting you are authorised by the FCA;
 – search the list of unauthorised firms to avoid at www.fca.org.uk/consumers/unauthorised-firms-individuals; and
 – report the matter to the FCA using the share fraud reporting form at www.fca.org.uk/consumers/report-scam-unauthorised-firm or by calling  

the Consumer Helpline on 0800 111 6768. 

Information on the latest investment scams can be found at http://scamsmart.fca.org.uk/warninglist.

Share register analysis
As at 24 February 2018 the Company had 8,192,116,619 shares in issue (25 February 2017: 8,174,932,553) and 254,249 registered holders of Ordinary shares  
(25 February 2017: 270,372). Shareholdings are analysed below.

Breakdown of shareholdings overall

Breakdown of shareholdings with over 5,001 shares 

Range of shareholding
1 - 500
501 - 1,000
1,001 - 5,000
5,001+
Total

Number of  
holdings
155,129
25,541
51,211
22,368
254,249

Category of shareholders
Private
Institutional and corporate

Useful contacts

Tesco PLC Registered Office
Tesco House 
Shire Park 
Kestrel Way 
Welwyn Garden City 
AL7 1GA

Investor Relations
Investor Relations Department 
Tesco House 
Shire Park 
Kestrel Way 
Welwyn Garden City  
AL7 1GA 

Telephone +44 (0) 1707 912 922

Financial calendar 2018/19

24 February 2018
Financial year end 
2017/18

% of issued  

share capital
0.25%
0.23%
1.47%
98.05%
100.00%

Range of shareholding
5,001 - 10,000
10,001 - 50,000
50,001 - 100,000
100,001 - 500,000
500,001 - 1,000,000
1,000,001 - 5,000,000
5,000,001+
Total

Number of  
holdings
11,966
8,654
614
554
159
261
160
22,368

% of issued  

share capital
1.02%
1.97%
0.51%
1.56%
1.36%
7.38%
84.25%
98.05%

Number of 
shareholders
247,842
6,407

% of total 
shareholders

Number of 
Ordinary 
shares
97.48% 437,489,608
2.52% 7,754,627,011

% of issued 
share capital
5.34%
94.66%

Registrars
Equiniti Limited 
Aspect House 
Spencer Road 
Lancing 
West Sussex 
BN99 6DA

Telephone (UK) 0371 384 2977  
(Outside UK) +44 (0) 121 415 7071  
Calls are charged at national rates. 
Calls from a mobile device may  
incur network extras.  
Website www.equiniti.com

Group Company Secretary
Robert Welch

Corporate Brokers
Barclays Bank PLC 
Citigroup Global Markets Limited

Independent Auditors
Deloitte LLP

General Queries
Switchboard +44 (0) 1992 632 222

Website
www.tescoplc.com

3 October 2018
Interim results 
announcement

23 February 2019
Financial year end 
2018/19

February 
2018

June 
2018

October 
2018

January 
2019

February 
2019

15 June 2018
Q1 Trading Statement  
and Annual General Meeting
22 June 2018
Proposed payment date for final dividend

January 2019
Q3 and Christmas 
Trading Statement

Please note that these dates are provisional and subject to change.

156

Tesco PLC Annual Report and Financial Statements 2018Designed and produced by Superunion  
(formerly Addison Group) www.superunion.com

Printed by Pureprint Group Limited

Photographers:
Andrew Parsons, i-Images 
Mike Abrahams 
Stewart Foley, Caters Photographic 
Tara Fisher

This report is printed on Elements Fire 250gsm 
and Explorer Premium Offset 90gsm and 120gsm, 
both papers are FSC® certified. Explorer Premium 
Offset is a brilliant white uncoated paper made 
from elemental chlorine free pulps.

Explorer Premium Offset benefits from the highest 
level of environmental certification, including 
FSC® chain of custody and ISO 14001, which gives 
you the assurances you expect, that the pulp is 
sourced from sustainably managed forests.

T

e

s

c

o

P

L

C

A

n

n

u

a

l

R

e

p

o

r

t

a

n

d

F

i

n

a

n

c

i

a

l

S

t

a

t

e

m

e

n

t

s

2

0

1

8

Tesco PLC 
Tesco House 
Shire Park 
Kestrel Way 
Welwyn Garden City 
AL7 1GA

www.tescoplc.com