Company registration number: 00358949
Wm Morrison Supermarkets Limited
Annual Report and Financial Statements
for the
52 weeks ended 30 October 2022
Contents
Company information
Strategic report
Our principal activities and business model
Financial results
Customers
Colleagues
Suppliers
Protecting the environment and supporting communities
Managing our risks
Section 172
Governance report
Directors’ report
Statement of Directors’ responsibilities
Financial statements
Independent auditors’ report to the members of Wm Morrison Supermarkets Limited
Consolidated income statement
Consolidated statement of comprehensive income
Consolidated statement of financial position
Consolidated statement of cash flows
Consolidated statement of changes in equity
General information
Notes to the Group financial statements
Company statement of financial position
Company statement of changes in equity
Company accounting policies
Notes to the Company financial statements
Related undertakings
Supplementary information
Glossary
Company advisors
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134
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Company information
Company registration number
00358949
Directors
David Potts
Joanna Goff
Company Secretary
Jonathan Burke
Registered office
Wm Morrison Supermarkets Limited
Hilmore House
Gain Lane
Bradford
BD3 7DL
Independent auditors
PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP
Chartered Accountants and Statutory Auditors
Central Square
29 Wellington Street
Leeds
LS1 4DL
3
Strategic report
Our principal activities and business model
Principal activities
The principal activities of Wm Morrison Supermarkets Limited and its subsidiaries (together referred to as ‘Morrisons’ or ‘the Group’)
are the retailing of food, clothing, general merchandise products and fuel throughout the United Kingdom.
Morrisons is a retailer, distributor, wholesaler and food manufacturer. We focus on ensuring that we offer the right price for our
customers; have friendly colleagues in store; invest in our Market Street service counters; and provide a great choice of fresh,
sustainably sourced, high quality produce, with strong links to local British growers and farmers.
In the previous financial period, the Group was acquired by Market Bidco Limited (an entity formed by Clayton, Dubilier & Rice, LLP
in its capacity as adviser to Clayton, Dubilier & Rice, LLC as CD&R Fund XI) (‘CD&R’) and the Group de-listed and became privately
owned. On 17 November 2021, during the financial period, following its re-registration as a private company, the Company’s name
was changed from Wm Morrison Supermarkets PLC to Wm Morrison Supermarkets Limited.
The wider Group includes Market Bidco Limited and other subsidiaries of the ultimate parent entity, Market Topco Limited.
Business model
The key principles of our business model and core purpose have remained consistent for some time. Our business model has
customers right at its heart but delivers for all stakeholders. Our purpose is ‘to make and provide food we’re all proud of, where
everyone's effort is worthwhile, so more and more people can afford to enjoy eating well.’ Our purpose remains relevant and
appropriate.
We have been guided by our ‘Fix, Rebuild, Grow, Sustain’ strategy, and have aimed to build a brand that is popular and accessible,
broader and stronger. We believe that this has contributed to the delivery of profitable and capital-light growth, particularly through
leveraging further our vertically integrated assets. Since the end of the financial period, we have introduced a new focus - to ‘Make
Good Things Happen’ - a statement which both supports and improves our relationships with all of our stakeholders.
We have six priorities underpinning our strategy and six ways of working to deliver it, as set out below.
Priorities
1. Serve customers better so more choose Morrisons - by serving customers better we will earn customers’ decisions to
shop more with us and award us a greater share of their spend.
2. Be more competitive - we help customers make every penny go further, saving them money on the everyday items they
want and need.
3. Simplify and remove wasted effort - we are doing fewer things, better prioritised: at the same time balancing urgency and
agility with being more planned, organised and landing things right the first time.
4. Provide easy shopping experiences - shopping experiences at Morrisons are to be simple, smooth and hassle free,
whether this is in a physical store or shopping online.
5. Grow volume, reduce cost, improve free cash flow - a reflection of what we are aiming for as an output of serving
customers better.
6. Be the supermarket Britain needs - this highlights the important relationships we have with all our stakeholders:
customers, colleagues, communities, suppliers and owners. To be needed reflects relationships which are highly valued
and mutually beneficial to bring success. It could be a relationship where a Morrisons store is at the heart of a community,
or it could be a supplier partnership which is trusted, collaborative and results in profitable growth for both parties.
Ways of working
1. Customers first - we care about our customers and do everything we can to meet their needs.
2. Listen and respond - taking the time to talk with and listen to colleagues and customers, and to always do the right thing
for them, is at the heart of our plans.
3. Teamwork - all of our colleagues play their part in the team and recognise that we go further together. The importance of
supportive managers, helping each other, and open and honest communication is recognised.
4. Work freely in a framework - colleagues are trusted to make their own decisions within the Morrisons plan, and are
encouraged to improve things for customers and for themselves. Colleagues are adventurous, curious, remove barriers and
embrace new ideas and ways of working.
5. Care and respect - this reflects our care and empathy, the addition of respect reflects how we interact with each other and
those we work with.
6. Grow sales, low on costs - we will grow sales by starting with our customers and doing what is right for them, and they will
reward us with the decision to shop with us.
4
Strategic report (continued)
Our principal activities and business model (continued)
Business model (continued)
Customer promises, colleague promises and environmental promises
We recognise the importance of looking after our customers and our colleagues, therefore we have created promises to these groups
which outline what we are striving for. The customer promises were created to reflect what matters most to customers in their shopping
trip. For our colleagues, the commitments reflect what is needed to create a fulfilling and rewarding working environment. As a result,
our colleagues know what to expect from working for Morrisons and our leaders have the guidance they need in how best to support
their teams. Morrisons is a responsible business and a commitment has been created to reflect our aspirations given the important
role it plays in the environment.
Our business is different in many ways: we are a diverse team, united by our ways of working and our food maker and shopkeeper
credentials. Every day, our skilled food makers in our manufacturing sites and on Market Street make fresh food for our customers,
with almost half of the fresh food we sell being made by us. Our automated production lines increase productivity and efficiency, and
reduce waste. We also work collaboratively with our suppliers to carefully source, improve and innovate for products that we do not
make ourselves.
By controlling the whole supply chain, we know where our food comes from and we can provide our customers with what they want,
when they want it. Our stores are serviced by eight regional distribution centres and one national distribution centre, which supports
our growth across all channels. Through our 498 stores, our manufacturing sites, our online business and our wholesale partners,
we can leverage our brand to achieve meaningful and sustainable capital-light growth, supported by a strong balance sheet, including
a nationwide freehold estate and well-funded pension schemes.
The Group operates through our supermarkets complemented by our online and other home delivery channels, with most customers
across Britain having access to several different options available to them to shop with us. We offer online grocery shopping through
our own website, Morrisons.com, fulfilled either by in-store picking by Morrisons colleagues to serve home delivery and Click & Collect
customers, or via customer fulfilment centres through our partnership with Ocado. The customer fulfilment centres use a centralised
picking model to service a large catchment area, leveraging technology, logistics and distribution services with Ocado to deliver our
products to customers.
In addition, we sell products through our ‘Morrisons on Amazon’ home delivery channel. The same-day delivery service is available
to Prime members on the Amazon.co.uk website and app. We also supply all Amazon Fresh UK stores with a range of items for
customers to purchase. These stores are powered by Amazon’s ‘Just Walk Out’ technology.
Finally, we offer home delivery and takeaway services through our partnership with Deliveroo and GoPuff. Groceries can be ordered
online, picked up at a Morrisons store and delivered to local customers in as little as 30 minutes.
Our wholesale business supplies products to the convenience channel via Morrisons Daily convenience stores and supply
agreements with wholesale partners. This presents an opportunity for us to leverage our brand strength and integrated supply chain
to achieve incremental, profitable and sustainable growth with limited capital expenditure requirements.
Acquisition of McColl’s
On 9 May 2022, we announced that we had agreed to buy the McColl’s trade and the majority of its assets out of administration.
Total consideration was £201 million. Wm Morrison Supermarkets Limited had, up until this point, had a wholesaling relationship with
McColl’s.
On 25 May 2022, the Competition and Markets Authority (‘CMA’) imposed an Initial Enforcement Order (‘IEO’) on Morrisons and
McColl’s. The IEO was effectively a ‘hold separate’ requirement, which amongst other things prohibited the two companies from
integrating or exchanging confidential or commercially sensitive information, until the IEO was revoked or the CMA’s investigation
was complete. The CMA restrictions were lifted on 27 October 2022, shortly before the financial period end, as the CMA accepted
our undertaking to sell 28 stores from the existing McColl’s estate in lieu of a Phase 2 investigation.
The acquisition of McColl’s provides us with a strong platform for growth in the convenience sector, and, since the completion of the
CMA process, we have formally welcomed around 16,000 new colleagues into the Morrisons family. Our plans are centred on
investment and growth, to start to restore the business to health, and include:
a target of Morrisons Daily fascias from 450 to over 1,000 within two years;
closure of 132 loss-making stores;
synergies in supply chain, logistics, people, training and administration as we integrate the business.
revitalisation of the remainder of the estate; and
5
Strategic report (continued)
Our principal activities and business model (continued)
Business model (continued)
Acquisition of McColl’s (continued)
McColl’s has, for some time, been constrained by low levels of investment. We will leverage our scale, expertise and our own food-
making operations to improve and simplify every aspect of the McColl’s business. The store environment, fresh food, competitiveness,
training, maintenance and systems will be key parts of our initial focus.
The accelerated and enhanced conversion programme to Morrisons Daily will include investment in the stores’ fascias, branding,
fitouts, fixtures, refrigeration, flooring and lighting. Conversion to the Morrisons Daily format brings an improved shopping environment
and the introduction of an enhanced product range which will offer customers a broader selection of branded and Morrisons own-
label fresh foods, food to go and grocery.
6
Strategic report (continued)
Financial results
Basis of preparation
In the comparative period, the Company changed its accounting reference date from 31 January to 31 October. Consequently, this
Annual Report and consolidated financial statements of the Group represents the 52 week period to 30 October 2022, whereas the
comparative period covered the 39 week period to 31 October 2021.
Acquisition of McColl’s
On 9 May 2022, the Group acquired the trade and the majority of the assets of the McColl’s group of companies out of administration.
Prior to the acquisition, the Group had a wholesaling relationship with McColl’s and an agreement for them to convert and trade an
increasing number of their stores under the “Morrisons Daily” fascia.
We have consolidated the results of McColl’s from the date of acquisition. However, those results reflect a period of continued
significant stress for the business following a period in administration and the ‘hold separate’ enforcement order running through
almost to the year end. As a result, we have only just begun to implement our business improvement plan.
As a result of the above, the results presented within this Annual Report are not directly comparable.
Revenue
Sale of goods in-store and online
Other sales
Total sales excluding fuel
Fuel
Total revenue
52 weeks ended
30 October 2022
£m
39 weeks ended 31
October 2021
£m
13,752
737
14,489
3,990
18,479
10,298
801
11,099
2,384
13,483
TOTAL GROUP REVENUE
£18,479m
17,9832
4,5003
GROUP LIKE-FOR-LIKE
('LFL') SALES (INC. FUEL) 2
2.1%
17,735
17,536
17,598
13,4831
18,479
4.3%
0.1%
2.6%
2.1%
(1.1)%
2 0 1 8 / 1 9
2 0 1 9 / 2 0
2 0 2 0 / 2 1
2 0 2 1
2 0 2 1 / 2 2
2 0 1 8 / 1 9
2 0 1 9 / 2 0
2 0 2 0 / 2 1
2 0 2 1
1
2 0 2 1 / 2 2
1 39 weeks ended 31 October 2021, as reported
2 12 month comparative, unaudited
3 13 weeks ended 31 January 2021, unaudited
1 Represents a 39 week period
2 Alternative performance measures are defined in the glossary
Total Group revenue for the year at £18,479m was £4,996m up on the prior 39 week period. This includes post-acquisition McColl’s
retail revenue but excludes the equivalent wholesale revenue for the same period.
Store and online sales were up £3,454m to £13,752m, of which £463m came from post-acquisition McColl’s retail sales, and fuel was
up £1,606m to £3,990m. Other sales was down £64m, which reflects the part-year impact of de-recognising wholesale sales to
McColl’s.
Compared to the equivalent 52 weeks ended 31 October 2021 of £17,983m, total revenue was up £496m (+2.8%).
For the year Group like-for-like sales including fuel was 2.1% and Group like-for-like sales excluding fuel was -4.2%.
7
Strategic report (continued)
Financial results (continued)
Results for the period
Operating profit/(loss)
Operating profit before exceptionals and supply chain disruption1
EBITDA before exceptionals and supply chain disruption1
Impact of McColl’s EBITDA1
EBITDA before exceptionals, supply chain disruption and excluding McColl’s1
1 Alternative performance measures are defined in the glossary
52 weeks ended 30
October 2022
£m
39 weeks ended 31
October 2021
£m
23
295
903
37
940
(51)
241
670
n/a
670
The reported loss before tax was £33m (39 weeks ended 31 October 2021: loss of £121m). Profit before exceptionals and tax was
£186m (39 weeks ended 31 October 2021: £133m).
Consistent with the prior period, the Group incurred a significant level of exceptional costs.
EBITDA before exceptionals and supply chain disruption costs was £903m (39 weeks ended 31 October 2021: £670m) of which the
McColl’s business contributed a post-acquisition EBITDA loss of £37m. Excluding direct COVID costs of £20m (39 weeks ended 31
October 2021: £49m), the figure was £960m (39 weeks ended 31 October 2021: £719m).
Exceptional costs are fully analysed and explained in note 1.4 to the Group financial statements. These totalled £219m for the year
(39 weeks ended 31 October 2021: £254m), in addition to £44m supply chain disruption costs (39 weeks ended 31 October 2021:
£30m). The most significant exceptional items in both periods relate to impairments, which are consistently reported as exceptional,
and one-off costs relating to the McColl’s acquisition in the current period and to the acquisition of the Group by Market Bidco Limited
in the prior period.
Details of the McColl’s acquisition are included in note 4.3 to the Group financial statements. In summary, McColl’s added £463m of
retail sales and made a loss before tax and exceptionals of £39m in the period post acquisition. The loss includes £14m for the cost
of property rentals under “licence to occupy” the stores, ahead of new leases being negotiated.
Cash flow and borrowings
Cash generated from operations was an inflow of £735m in the year (39 weeks ended 31 October 2021: inflow of £621m).
Following the acquisition of the Group by Market Bidco Limited, the Group’s existing external borrowings were largely repaid during
the year, funded by an intercompany loan from the new parent company.
At 31 October 2021
At 30 October 2022
Borrowings
Current
£m
Non-current
£m
Total
£m
(838)
(1,107)
(1,843)
(84)
(1,945)
(1,927)
Cash
£m
296
287
Borrowings net of cash
£m
(1,649)
(1,640)
The Group’s external debt remaining at 30 October 2022 amounted to £84m of bonds (31 October 2021: £1,107m bonds and £838m
revolving credit facility). The balance of the intercompany loan was £1,843m (31 October 2021: £nil). In addition, the Group had
£287m cash and cash equivalents at the end of the period (31 October 2021: £296m).
Interest and lease payments in the year were £78m and £78m, respectively (39 weeks ended 31 October 2021: £76m and £59m).
The new loan from the parent company is interest free.
The wider Group is funded by external debt held in the immediate parent entity, Market Bidco Limited, and other wider Group entities.
Full details of these borrowings can be found in the Annual Reports and consolidated financial statements of the immediate and
ultimate parent entities. The covenants attached to the debt are linked to the consolidated financial performance of the wider Group
and the Company, along with its subsidiaries Safeway Limited, Safeway Stores Limited and Optimisation Investments Limited, are
guarantors to certain facilities held in other wider Group entities.
8
Strategic report (continued)
Financial results (continued)
Capital expenditure
CAPITAL EXPENDITURE
£509m1
458
510
538
360
509
2 0 1 8 / 1 9
2 0 1 9 / 2 0
2 0 2 0 / 2 1
2
2
2 0 2 1
2 0 2 1 / 2 2
1 Excludes acquisition of businesses and investments in joint ventures
2 39 weeks ended 31 October 2021
During the year, the Group invested £509m in tangible and intangible assets (39 weeks ended 31 October 2021: £360m) as well as
cash consideration of £191m relating to the McColl’s acquisition. Capital investments made in the year relate to maintaining the estate
and investing in our stores, including opening our new store at Little Clacton, and £7m in respect of capital expenditure for McColl’s
since the period of acquisition.
The Group continues to hold the majority of its properties as freeholds, with 87% of our sites being freehold (31 October 2021: 87%),
excluding stores acquired as part of the McColl’s acquisition.
Subsequent to the year end, the Group agreed a £219m sale and leaseback transaction on seven logistics properties. The Group
has undertaken to lease the properties for up to 25 years.
Working capital
Net working capital was an inflow of £180m in the year (39 weeks ended 31 October 2021: £155m inflow) with increased trade
creditors, mainly due to higher fuel prices and volumes, offsetting higher inventory levels in both periods.
Financial risk management
The Group takes actions to mitigate risks arising from credit, foreign exchange and commodity price fluctuations. Details of the
Group’s policies and approach to managing these risks can be found in note 7 to the Group financial statements.
To manage liquidity, the Group manages its underlying operating performance, capital expenditure and working capital, with ongoing
support from its parent and in full consideration of the wider Group’s debt position. The Group has a centralised treasury function
which manages funding, liquidity and other financial risks on behalf of the wider Group, in line with policies set and monitored by the
Board.
9
Strategic report (continued)
Financial results (continued)
Pensions
NET RETIREMENT BENEFIT SURPLUS
£691m
688
944
718
967
691
2 0 1 8 / 1 9
2 0 1 9 / 2 0
2 0 2 0 / 2 1
2 0 2 1
2 0 2 1 / 2 2
The Group operates a number of defined benefit schemes which remain well-funded. The Morrisons and Safeway Schemes (the
‘CARE’ Schemes) are not open to new members and were closed to future accrual in July 2015. The Retirement Saver Plan (‘RSP’)
was closed to future accrual in September 2018.
The net pension accounting surplus at the year end was £691m (31 October 2021: £967m). The current year surplus includes a net
£2m surplus relating to two McColl’s schemes taken on during the year as a result of the acquisition.
The latest agreed full actuarial valuations were carried out in April 2022. These valuations indicated that, on the agreed funding basis,
the Safeway, Morrisons and RSP Schemes had surpluses of £528m, £214m and £37m, respectively.
CARE Schemes
RSP
McColl’s Schemes
Net retirement benefit surplus
30 October 2022
£m
31 October 2021
£m
639
50
2
691
995
(28)
-
967
In previous years, the Safeway and Morrison Schemes have purchased annuity policies that provide insurance for a proportion of the
relevant pensioner populations. These provide insurance cover matching the benefits payable to the relevant pensioners.
Subsequent to the year end, the Wm Morrison 1967 section of the Retirement Saver Pension scheme entered into a new buy-in
policy for £762m that will provide insurance for a proportion of that pensioner population (see note 10.3).
In addition the Group operates two defined contribution retirement benefit schemes, which means that the Group is not subject to the
same investment, interest rate, inflation or longevity risks as it is for the defined benefit schemes. The benefits that the employees
receive are dependent on the contributions paid, investment returns, and the form of benefit chosen at retirement.
Tax
We understand the importance of the tax contribution that we make and we take our responsibility towards the communities in which
we operate, and towards our colleagues, customers, investors and suppliers seriously. We have a tax management framework which
ensures that the needs of all of our stakeholders are considered. The Group is committed to paying all of its taxes in full and on time.
The Group has recognised a tax credit of £8m for the year based on a loss before tax of £33m (effective rate of 24%). The charge of
£126m on a loss before tax of £121m in the prior 39 week period was impacted by a change in the tax rate which significantly
increased the deferred tax charge. Adjusting for exceptional items, the current year tax becomes a charge of £33m on a profit before
exceptionals of £186m (pre-exceptional effective rate of 18%).
10
Strategic report (continued)
Financial results (continued)
Incentive plans
The Group previously operated a number of long-term share-based incentive schemes which were available to Directors and
employees (Sharesave, LTIP and Deferred share bonus). Following the takeover of the Group, the schemes crystallised and/or were
discontinued, resulting in a number of transactions reflected in the current and comparative periods (see note 9).
During the current year, a new scheme, the Morrisons Incentive Plan (‘MIP’), was introduced whereby certain employees of the
Group, including Directors and members of key management, were invited to invest in Preference and Ordinary shares of the ultimate
parent company, Market Topco Limited. The share purchases were transacted in September 2022, funded through a combination of
an ex-gratia bonus payment linked to a proportionate level of personal funds, plus additional voluntary personal investment. Given
the timing of the scheme launch, the share-based payment charge in the year is minimal. Further details are in note 9.5 to the Group
financial statements.
Non-financial highlight
INVESTMENT IN COLLEAGUE
PAY
£10.20 PH
128
£10.00
£10.20
£9.00
£9.20
£8.70
2 0 1 8 / 1 9
2 0 1 9 / 2 0
2 0 2 0 / 2 1
2 0 2 1
2 0 2 1 / 2 2
We continue to deliver our ambition of a fair day’s pay for a fair day’s work, with base pay increasing to £10.20 per hour for our front
line colleagues in sites and stores during the year.
11
Strategic report (continued)
Customers
Customer proposition
We continue to listen hard and respond to our customers, and that is as important now as it has ever been. Our team of colleagues,
supported by a high quality management team, serve around 10 million customers every week in our 498 conveniently located
supermarkets and through our online channels.
In the face of significant cost price inflation across the market and in our supply chain, we have worked hard to maintain
competitiveness for our customers. This has included three significant waves of price cut investments, prioritising the products we
know matter most to our customers, as well as timely fuel promotions to help customers manage in the cost of living crisis. We have
also delivered for customers at the key events, with relevant products including new product development, and market leading deals.
We know item availability is the number one driver of satisfaction for our customers, and have made improvements through the year.
We opened two new stores in addition to eight ‘Fresh Look’ refits. We have made improvements to our My Morrisons loyalty
programme, introducing new offer types such as exclusive prices on branded and own-brand items.
Customer behaviours
As the pandemic and restrictions eased, customers started to move back into some of their previous shopping behaviours, resulting
in an increase in shopping frequency and a decrease in basket size.
Now we see our customers facing challenges again with the cost of living crisis. This has caused consumer confidence and optimism
to decline, with potential for it to remain low for as long as the uncertainty around inflation and the economy continues. This has also
affected how customers shop, although this is now centred on how they manage their spend.
When it comes to their grocery shop, customers are making some lifestyle changes such as comparing prices of products using the
online channel, shopping around for the best deals, scratch and batch cooking, and sticking to lists. Savvy money-saving techniques
like these are being seen across all socio-economic groups, not just for those who are on lower incomes.
Customers are searching for value whilst maintaining the quality of the products they are selecting, and buying cheaper alternatives
like supermarket own-brand products is just one of the ways they can reduce their overall spend. These changes can be seen in the
growth across the market for own-brand products, predominantly the entry-price point tier. We continue to offer a breadth of choice,
to cover all customer needs.
During the year we acquired the McColl’s business, and we have plans in place to listen to our new convenience channel customers
in order to respond to meet their needs.
Value and brand
We continually focus on making our brand popular across all stakeholder groups: customers, colleagues, suppliers and communities.
We believe our brand resonates with customers as it stands for quality fresh food at great value, and we continue to deliver a
distinctive offer.
We recognise the competitive market we operate in and the importance of value for money for customers. We aim to provide our
customers with the product selection, quality, price, convenience of location and the overall shopping experience that they expect
and appreciate.
While we have increased prices as a result of inflationary pressures, we have invested in the prices of the items that we know our
customers care about the most.
We are working hard to continue to improve our own-brands for customers. Our wide range of brands means we can cater for many
tastes and budget requirements, from our entry-point range, Savers, through to our premium range, The Best. In addition, we cater
for many types of dietary and lifestyle choices, for example through our Free From, Plant Revolution, Counted and Nourish ranges,
and have continued to innovate with the launch of over 1,000 new products across our own-brand ranges. We have been updating
our own-brand packaging in order to modernise and improve on shelf presence and appeal and have rolled this out across a large
proportion of our ranges.
12
Strategic report (continued)
Colleagues
A fair day’s pay for a fair day’s work
To continue recognising the contribution of all our food makers and shopkeepers, our pay deal of £10.20 per hour for our hourly paid
front line colleagues came into effect at the start of October 2022, continuing to deliver our ambition of a fair day’s pay for a fair day’s
work. Since 2016, we have increased base pay by over 49% as we have moved from £6.83 to £10.20.
We care
This year we are also proud to have launched a number of new benefits to support our colleagues’ physical and mental wellbeing
including a new digital GP service.
We know how busy our colleagues are and with many not able to make an appointment or visit the GP face to face, we provided all
colleagues with access to a digital GP. This means colleagues can more easily get a doctor's appointment for themselves or a family
member from the comfort of their own home, on their lunch break, or at a time that is convenient for them. Digital appointments can
often be made within 24 hours of the initial enquiry, meaning that colleagues could get an appointment far quicker than they would
with their local GP.
Listening and responding
In July, we ran our annual colleague survey where more than 50,000 colleagues ‘had their say’ and gave us their feedback. It is
hugely encouraging to see that so many of our colleagues feel trusted to make the right decisions for our customers, that they feel
trained and confident in all aspects of their job and are able to provide what they believe is outstanding customer service.
Through our regular listening channels, colleagues also told us that they wanted a more hard-wearing, comfortable, and easier to
wash uniform, with more options available for the changes in weather. In March we launched a new uniform for all store colleagues,
which was thoughtfully designed and trialled by our own Nutmeg clothing team, and an investment of over £7 million was made to
create a uniform that our colleagues would be proud to wear and that would stand the test of time. All old uniforms were recycled and
all new name badges are now made from environmentally friendly bamboo.
Freedom in the framework
In February, we rolled out a new regional management structure and in October we launched a new people management structure
in our stores. These changes created bigger and broader management roles which enable us to improve the level of consistency
across all of our stores, and they empower our management teams to own culture and colleague engagement.
Career opportunities
We put a great deal of emphasis on nurturing young talent from a diverse range of backgrounds which is why we give graduates,
degree apprentices, finance apprentices and industrial placements an opportunity to grow and be part of Morrisons future. That is
why we hired 126 colleagues in these areas this year. Of the 126 new hires, 23% are from ethnic minorities, 49% are female, 49%
are male and 2% are non-binary.
In addition to this, our early careers programme, ‘Pathways’, gives internal talent the opportunity to flourish and move around the
business.
This year, upskilling has been incredibly important due to the new HFSS (‘High in Fat, Salt and Sugar’) rules that have come into
effect in all our stores. It was challenging to design and deliver this across the whole of our retail and central teams and we are
pleased that the rollout was so successful.
In addition, we launched an eight-week internal training programme, ‘Single Stem Floristry’, to enable colleagues to have the
opportunity to train to become skilled florists.
Everyone is welcome at Morrisons
Building an inclusive culture where everyone feels welcome and celebrated is important at Morrisons. That is why we celebrated
Inclusion Week in September 2022 and why we make sure that colleagues are always offered a variety of diversity and inclusion
groups to be part of in order to ensure they feel respected as individuals.
This year we are proud to have launched the Heritage Exchange, an initiative that pairs our senior leaders with BAME colleagues.
We have found that through this, both colleagues and Directors have gained valuable insight and new ways of thinking around themes
of ethnicity and inclusion. Our suppliers also attended an event for BAME food and drink business leaders in order to meet with our
buyers and learn about how to get their products onto our shelves.
The business also recently signed the Halo Code as a commitment to recognising the importance of black hairstyles and taking a
stand against hair discrimination.
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Strategic report (continued)
Colleagues (continued)
Everyone is welcome at Morrisons (continued)
To celebrate Pride in June, we held our first LGBTQ+ Pride panel event and used our first transgender model in a Nutmeg clothing
campaign. We also sponsored both Pride and the Yorkshire Asian Young Achievers Awards in our local community of Bradford in
order to help us engage closely with these communities.
Another positive step this year was when we joined the Business Disability Forum, a place where guidance can be offered in order
to become more inclusive to the disabled community. This has been paired with a recently launched carer’s guide that offers support
to colleagues with caring responsibilities.
Introducing our charity partner
Our partnership with Young Lives vs Cancer formally ended in February 2022. During the five-year partnership, we managed to raise
in excess of £18 million. In the final few months, colleagues came together to help raise as much money as possible to fund the
purchase, renovation and running costs of Jack’s House for the next five years. This home-from-home in Manchester provides
accommodation and support to families having treatment for cancer.
Following a colleague vote, our new charity partnership with Together for Short Lives began in February. This partnership will run
until October 2024 and will raise vital funds to support children's hospices across the country.
Our aim is to raise £10 million by the end of our partnership and in September 2022, we were thrilled to have already surpassed the
£2 million milestone. We are incredibly proud to help Together for Short Lives in their mission to ensure that terminally ill children and
their families are able to treasure their final moments together.
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Strategic report (continued)
Suppliers
Strong supplier relationships, based on mutual trust and respect are at the heart of what we do and continue to be a key priority in
our growth and development.
Listening hard to build collaborative relationships
Listening to and communicating with our suppliers is a key focus and we updated our suppliers on our ways of working and our
commitment to regular communication touchpoints throughout the year.
We held our annual supplier conference in Hilmore House in September 2022 with over 200 suppliers attending in person and a
further 1,000 joining us virtually. During the conference, we shared information on our Customer, Commercial, Convenience, Supply
Chain Programme, Sustain and Retail strategies to deliver mutually profitable growth. We highlighted the opportunity for third party
suppliers to work with our manufacturing sites for objectives such as ingredient sourcing and to deliver productivity benefits. Alongside
this, we provided our suppliers with an update following the CD&R takeover and the opportunity for growth in our convenience and
wholesale businesses.
Our one-year plan to update supplier guidelines was shared with our suppliers and we continue to make developments in our end-
to-end supply chain processes, with technology updates using data to improve product data flows, accuracy, reporting and insight.
We have seen continuing of pressure on our supply chain, with unprecedented inflation and availability challenges, and we have
worked with our suppliers to achieve consistent supply allowing us to service all of our stores and customers. We continue our
commitment to British food makers, as British farming’s biggest direct supermarket customer, and, despite economic challenges, we
have continued with our pledge that all of our fresh meat, milk and eggs are 100% British.
At Morrisons we are committed to supporting our local communities and suppliers wherever possible. Our Local food makers
programme makes it easy for small suppliers to work with us and develop their brands by offering mentoring, simple six-month
contracts and trial agreements, and shorter payment terms for those with less than £100,000 of business a year, as well as allowing
for deliveries direct to their local stores. We know it is increasingly challenging for small businesses, and our customers continue to
tell us that they want to be able to support them. Our sales of locally sourced food and drinks from smaller suppliers returned to 4%
growth during the fourth quarter of our financial year. We have a number of suppliers that deliver their products directly to local
Morrisons stores. This year we have increased the ranges of products from existing suppliers, introduced new suppliers and provided
more space in our stores, which has contributed to sales growing by 60% in the year, with over one million more locally supplied
items going into customers’ baskets.
Our Growing British Brands programme continues to support brands that are meeting customer demands with distinctive and
innovative products to launch and grow with Morrisons. PureOaty milk alternatives from Glebe Farm, Griddle vegan and plant-based
waffles and an alternative sugar sweetener from Bonraw all gained their first supermarket listings with Morrisons during the year. In
the year ahead, the Growing British Brands programme will also support the growth of our best performing Local food makers into
brands that are sold nationally and across multiple channels. We have listened to some of the consistent challenges highlighted by
suppliers and have responded by partnering with Shopper Media Group to establish the Morrisons Media Group. The new function
will use creative expertise, data and technology to help branded and own-brand suppliers advertise to customers through Morrisons-
owned and external media platforms via one central function.
Sustain programme
Last year, we brought all the elements of our ESG programme together launching our Sustain programme, recognising what is
important to our Customers, Colleagues, Suppliers, Farmers and Shareholders. The programme has a strong governance structure
with workstreams owned by different members of the Leadership team.
Our Sustain programme has two key elements:
delivering sustainable growth with a lower environmental and positive supply chain impact; and
for us to play our full part in supporting the lives of our colleagues and the communities that we serve.
Backing British farmers
We pride ourselves on being British food makers. As British farming’s biggest direct supermarket customer, we value the efforts of
farmers who work hard all year round. Our fresh meat, milk and eggs are 100% British. We have continued to support our farmers
through our ‘For Farmers’ range partnership with Arla, Lactalis and Ornua which has now donated over £22 million to farmers since
the initiative started in 2017. We have maintained our 5% discount offer for our 2,700 farmers and local food makers.
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Strategic report (continued)
Suppliers (continued)
Backing British farmers (continued)
In recognition of the climate impact challenge, we set an ambition to be net zero for emissions in our direct UK agriculture supply
chain by 2030. This is a very challenging timescale, but an important part of our Sustain agenda and how we can demonstrate
practical support to lead and work with the farmers who supply us. To support this aim, we have set up the School of Sustainable
Food and Farming at Harper Adams University to help research and train current and future farmers in net zero and sustainable
farming practices. We have also worked closely with 50 project farms in our beef, lamb, pork, eggs and produce supply chains to set
a baseline carbon footprint and develop roadmaps to improve emissions and sequestration on farm. We also launched the UK’s first
‘Planet Friendly’ carbon neutral eggs in August 2022.
We continue to sponsor the agricultural industry’s biggest online event, Farm24.
Working with suppliers to fulfil our responsibility to protect the environment
Reducing plastics
We continue to work with suppliers to fulfil our responsibility to protect the environment, with each food category having a defined set
of plastic reduction targets. We have made a commitment to reduce the use of primary plastic packaging in our own-brand products
by 50%, and to move towards 100% of plastic packaging being recyclable, reusable or compostable by 2025. Furthermore, we are
eliminating problematic or unnecessary single-use packaging through redesign or innovation.
In 2022, we became the first retailer to remove plastic bags from all of our bananas. The move will eliminate 45 million single-use
plastic bags a year and see them replaced with recyclable paper bands. Since 2017, we have removed one billion single-use plastic
items per annum including:
over 31 million single-use cutlery pieces across salad bars and food to go;
80 million plastic straws from our cafes, boxes of straws and drink cartons; and
331 million plastic tea bags, which have been replaced by a plant- based material for all of our own-brand tea.
Promoting the British fishing industry
We continue to offer the broadest range of fresh British fish of any major retailer, providing customers with a wide range of responsibly,
locally caught seafood that helps reduce pressure on key international stocks.
We continue to work with the wider industry in supporting Fishery Improvement Programmes through Project UK, improving
environmental standards for key fisheries like South West (crab, lobster and scallops), North Sea (crab, lemon sole and plaice),
Channel monkfish, and British nephrops.
Sustainable sourcing
As part of our work to achieve sustainable growth with a lower environmental impact, during the year we have continued our work in
sustainable sourcing, notably for forest-risk commodities (soya, palm oil, corned beef and cotton) and in understanding and managing
the risk for products sourced from water stressed areas.
We are signatories to WRAP’s 2030 Courtauld agreement for water, where the joint vision for the UK food and drink industry is to
ensure that 50% of the UK’s fresh food is sourced from areas with sustainable water management. We are also working with WRAP
and WWF to support international project work in water stressed areas, and during the year have invested in new collaborative project
work in Southern Spain.
In 2022, we conducted a sustainability assessment with over 450 of our own-brand suppliers, establishing a baseline of activity
against our Sustain programme. We will continue to work on these assessments with our supply base to draw out areas of risk and
opportunity supporting our broader sustainability ambitions.
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Strategic report (continued)
Suppliers (continued)
The Groceries Supply Code of Practice (‘GSCOP’ or ‘the Groceries Code’)
GSCOP applies to designated grocery retailers in the UK, adding specific regulations into the trading relationships between retailers
and their suppliers. We take our responsibilities to suppliers seriously and we have established ways of working which enable us to
build strong collaborative relationships. For more details, see morrisons-corporate.com/suppliers/supplier-information/. We listen hard
to our suppliers at all times and this has continued to be vital during the challenges of recent years. Working closely and collaboratively
with our suppliers we have sought to minimise the impact of inflationary pressures for both our suppliers and our customers.
During the year, we have continued to make significant investments into our commercial and supply chain systems and processes,
including our ordering and receiving, warehouse management and supplier database systems, to improve the ways in which
we communicate with our suppliers.
We actively engage with the relevant regulatory bodies, the Groceries Code Adjudicator (‘GCA’) and the CMA, to build best practice.
We meet with the GCA regularly and provide updates on our activity and details on specific areas of interest to the Adjudicator.
Effective compliance risk management is critical to delivering on our commitments to all of our stakeholders. We have well-established
governance structures to support GSCOP compliance. This includes a group consisting of senior Leadership team members from all
relevant functions. Routine updates were provided to the Executive and to the Risk Committee, including developments about the
operation of the Groceries Code. We formally report details of activity and specific concerns raised with our Code Compliance Officer
(‘CCO’) to the GCA and to the CMA at the financial year end.
Our Legal, Compliance and Audit teams work closely together to provide colleagues across the business with the support and
guidance needed to comply with the Code. We provide training, guidance and support to all colleagues in our Trading teams, together
with bespoke training for relevant colleagues in our Supply Chain and Finance teams through a range of formats. We review and
update all of our training activities and materials to take account of any new learnings, build in current real-life examples and to reflect
additional guidance from the GCA.
In the 2022 GSCOP supplier survey conducted by YouGov on behalf of the GCA, 86% of suppliers rated Morrisons as complying
with the Groceries Code ‘mostly’ or ‘consistently well’.
GSCOP related enquiries are dealt with in accordance with the regulations. Any matter not resolved directly with a buyer is escalated
to the relevant Category Director and, if requested, to our CCO. During 2022 we were contacted by suppliers to review concerns,
including in the following areas:
Challenges regarding the response to cost price increase requests;
Requesting review of supplier de-listing decisions; and
Questions relating to resolution of goods receipt and invoice queries.
At all stages, we try to resolve the concern by talking to the supplier openly and honestly and this approach is generally successful in
reaching a swift resolution. At the end of the financial year, there were three direct Groceries Code-related complaints which were
yet to be resolved. Contact details and further up-to-date information can be found at morrisons-corporate.com/suppliers/meet-our-
buyers
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Strategic report (continued)
Protecting the environment and supporting communities
Our environment
We know our long-term success depends on the sustainable use of the planet’s resources.
Climate change
The food system is a significant contributor to climate change and we recognise the urgent need to develop innovative approaches
to reduce greenhouse gas (‘GHG’) emissions and transform food production and consumption. As a leading retailer, we know we
must play our part, which is why we have been taking action in our own operations and our wider value chain to reduce our carbon
footprint.
We are committed to targets and in our own operations (referred to as Scope 1 & 2) we plan to reach net zero GHG emissions by
2035 and to reduce our value chain emissions for own-brand products by 30% by 2030 (referred to as Scope 3). We are also a
signatory to the British Retail Consortium's Climate Change Roadmap. During the financial period, Morrisons has worked with the
Carbon Trust to measure its emissions and set science-based carbon reduction targets. We have also worked with the Science
Based Targets initiative (‘SBTi’) on the approval of these targets. On Scope 1 and 2 emissions, Morrisons is making the move to help
limit global warming to 1.5oC, in line with the highest ambition of the international Paris Agreement - to limit temperature rises to
1.5oC above pre-industrial levels. Morrisons Scope 3 emissions will follow a well below 2oC pathway.
We are further integrating climate change into our strategic planning, and we continue to voluntarily report under the Task Force on
Climate-related Financial Disclosures (‘TCFD’) framework (see pages 21 to 23).
Acquisition of McColl’s
During the financial period, we acquired McColl’s (1,160 stores). McColl’s energy and emissions figures will be integrated into the
Group GHG figures after the first full year of ownership, and will be included in next year’s Annual Report. Within this year’s report,
where sufficient McColl’s data exists, this has been separately reported below.
Own operations (Scopes 1 & 2) – excluding McColl’s
To enable growth, whilst considering our impact on the environment, we have continued to invest in energy efficient technology and
generate our own power. A summary of our energy initiatives are outlined below, which have helped us to reduce our carbon
emissions by 9% versus the previous year:
we have upgraded further sites to LED with improved lighting control and dimming capability;
a quarter of the estate now has new HVAC controls - this upgrade helps to reduce gas and electricity consumption through
improved remote heating and ventilation controls;
we have retrofitted sites with shelf edge technology, which traps cold air within the fridge to reduce energy consumption;
we have ensured our existing solar estate is well maintained and we continue to invest in retrofit installations on our sites
and stores - now having 85 sites with solar panels;
our replacement of refrigeration systems has continued, moving away from HFC-based refrigerants towards CO2
alternatives wherever possible;
we have improved performance across our engagement campaigns in all sites and stores to encourage the right energy-
saving behaviours, such as keeping blinds on fridges closed at night;
we have two heat pumps live within our supermarket operation, one of which is within our lower environmental impact store
at Little Clacton. At this store, we have also implemented solar panels, next generation refrigeration, voltage optimisation
and rainwater harvesting, and are expecting a 43% reduction in operational carbon emissions as a result; and
our logistics division has continued to undertake a number of activities designed to reduce the distance travelled and fuel
consumed while delivering to our stores. This includes careful scheduling to minimise mileage, longer semi-trailers, and
using vehicle telematics systems to encourage drivers to reduce harsh braking, acceleration and engine idling time.
Group greenhouse gas emissions methodology – excluding McColl’s
We have reported for the period from 1 November 2021 to 31 October 2022. Our reporting covers a 365-day period, which is one
day longer than the financial period. We have used the Government’s Environmental Reporting Guidelines (2019) to prepare the
report, and the emissions factors from the UK Government GHG Conversion Factors for Company Reporting.
In line with Streamlined Energy and Carbon Reporting (‘SECR’) requirements we have also reported on the underlying energy use
used to calculate Group GHG emissions. The reporting boundary has been determined by operational control, which includes
emissions from the operation of the Group’s supermarkets, manufacturing, distribution sites and operation of its haulage fleet.
We exclude our Hong Kong office and Dutch Bos Brothers site, which together represent less than 0.1% of the total Group footprint
and are therefore deemed immaterial.
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Strategic report (continued)
Protecting the environment and supporting communities (continued)
Group GHG emissions for period ending 31 October 2022
Emission source
Stationary combustion1
Mobile combustion – Owned Fleet2
Fugitive Emissions3,8
Total – Scope 1
Electricity (Location Based emissions)4
Electricity (Market Based emissions)
Total – Scope 1 and 2 (Location Based) 5
Total – Scope 1 and 2 (Market Based)
Grey Fleet Travel (Scope 3) 6
Intensity Ratio: Tonnes of CO2e per m2 (gross internal area)6
Intensity Ratio: Tonnes of CO2e per £m turnover
Underlying Energy Use (MWh)
Electricity
Stationary combustion
Mobile combustion (haulage & company vehicles)
1 November 2018 –
31 October 2019
1 November 2019 –
31 October 2020
1 November 2020 –
31 October 2021
1 November 2021 –
31 October 20227
140,039
114,954
87,417
342,410
323,671
404,395
666,081
746,805
928
0.18
36.98
137,665
135,262
74,909
347,836
281,096
447,591
628,932
795,427
827
0.17
34.74
130,406
148,404
79,129
357,939
245,382
434,963
603,321
792,902
782
0.16
32.55
124,381
136,284
76,141
336,806
212,049
455,505
548,855
792,311
2,331
0.15
28.5
1,244,003
1,187,215
1,138,639
1,079,749
759,134
460,160
745,799
554,675
708,741
617,990
680,109
563,901
1 Stationary combustion includes emissions from the combustion of natural gas, fuel oil, diesel, LPG and gas oil.
2 Company car emissions exclude Scope 3 employee commuting.
3 Includes refrigerant fugitive emissions for all sites. Other manufacturing process emissions are included for one site (Winsford) only. Other manufacturing process
emissions are being investigated further and will be reported in the future if determined to be material.
4 Data taken from most recent invoice data which includes subsequent adjustments for rebilling; re-baselining of site inclusions/exclusions; and adjustments to the way
data is apportioned across the year to ensure ongoing consistency.
5 Only partial data available for baseline year. As such the grey fleet consumption and associated emissions have been estimated on a pro-rata basis and unknown fuel
types are assumed to be electric vehicles. Additionally, fuel for rental vehicles has been excluded as immaterial consumption.
6 The intensity metric includes stores, distribution, offices and manufacturing sites.
7 Reporting periods from 1 November to 31 October is considered appropriate to align with data sources used.
8 Reported numbers above exclude McColl’s
9 Gibraltar supermarket's emissions are included in the table above.
The figures in the table above have not yet been independently assured – a full assurance statement will be published on the sustainability section of the website in
due course.
Group GHG emissions
Morrisons (excluding McColl’s) Scope 1 & Scope 2 GHG emissions are subject to independent assurance by Challenge Sustainability
in accordance with the ISAE 3000 standard. The full assurance statement with Challenge Sustainability’s scope of work, basis of
conclusion and the Group’s basis of calculation will be published online on the sustainability section of our website in 2023.
We recognise the risk that climate change poses to our business and society. We seek to manage our contribution to this by reducing
energy use and limiting carbon emissions throughout our operations. The acquisition of McColl’s during the year and the CMA’s hold
separate order in place until 27 October 2022 has presented some reporting challenges. However since the acquisition date (from 9
May 2022 to 30 October 2022) McColl’s emitted 1,956.4 tonnes CO2e across Scope 1, and 1,318 tonnes CO2e across Scope 2, with
a proportion of electricity consumed from 100% renewable energy. A fully audited SECR compliant report and narrative will follow
later in 2023.
Water
We report on our water usage weekly across all operations, using our automated meter read (‘AMR’) data. We also use this data to
identify high consumptions to alert our manufacturing sites to early identification of leaks. We have also reviewed all manufacturing
sites for water-saving opportunities. In the 2021 calendar year we used 5,524,772 litres of water, and we also improved our Water
CDP rating to a B- for this time period.
Value chain emissions (Scope 3)
In the financial period, we have undertaken a significant exercise to engage 400 of our own-brand suppliers in our new environmental
improvement programme. In partnership with Manufacture 2030, this measures the carbon footprint of our suppliers’ manufacturing
operations.
In addition to, and supporting our overall Scope 3 reduction target, as British farming's biggest customer we have an ambition to work
towards net zero agriculture by 2030. This specifically covers products from the 2,700 UK farmers and growers sourced directly for
our own-brand products and relates to the whole lifecycle of farm produce - from germination to leaving the farm gate for a Morrisons
store.
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Strategic report (continued)
Protecting the environment and supporting communities (continued)
Value chain emissions (Scope 3) (continued)
Farmers are being encouraged to reduce emissions through a range of methods, including breed and variety choice, increasing the
use of renewable energy, and removing or reducing high carbon feedstuffs like soya. Residual carbon emissions will be offset through
a range of measures including planting trees and seeding hedgerows within the farm footprint. Our first net zero product, ‘Planet
Friendly’ eggs were launched in August 2022, a UK own-brand first and an important milestone in our farming environmental journey.
Footprint and target boundaries
Our Scope 3 footprint disclosed in this report relates to our 2021 reporting year (1 January 2021 - 31 December 2021). During this
year our total reported footprint was 15,272,724 tonnes CO2e, representing a reduction of 13% compared to our 2019 baseline year
(2019 - 17,571,495). Whilst we continue making efforts to reduce the impact of the products we sell in our stores, a significant portion
of this reduction can be attributed to lower fuel sales during the year.
Our Scope 3 footprint relates to purchased goods and services, upstream transportation and distribution and use of sold products
(direct). These three categories account for around two thirds of the measured emissions from Morrisons value chain and form the
boundary for our Scope 3 science-based target, approved by the SBTi, to reduce emissions by 30% by 2030.
Within purchased goods and services our target boundary covers own-brand products. Use of sold products is included in the
boundary for direct emissions (primarily relating to fuel sales), however indirect emissions are excluded as we have significantly less
control over how our products are used by customers after sale. Upstream transportation and distribution relates to own-brand
emissions only. Other categories have been excluded on the basis of not being material to our footprint.
Our Scope 3 footprint was prepared using as much direct primary data as possible. In 2021 this included on-farm measurement
covering farms that directly supply us, data from third party manufacturing facilities (via Manufacture 2030) and packaging emission
data. This was combined with life-cycle assessments, industry emission factors provided by The Carbon Trust, and environmentally
extended input and output data.
Table 1 - Scope 3 Footprint (2021 calendar year)
Category
Total Emissions (t CO2e) within SBTi target boundary
1a & 1b Purchased goods and services (product and non-product)
4: Upstream transportation and distribution
11a: Use of sold products (direct)
Totals (excluding indirect emissions)
7,821,859
545,857
6,905,008
15,272,724
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Strategic report (continued)
Protecting the environment and supporting communities (continued)
Task Force on Climate-related Financial Disclosures (‘TCFD’)
Governance
The Board has overall accountability for setting the strategy in relation to the environment and our communities, in respect of corporate
responsibility governance, environmental requirements, and consideration of the Group’s response to environmental and
sustainability challenges.
The Sustain Sub-Committee meets on a quarterly basis and assesses the net zero plans, and plastics, food waste and energy
reduction strategies. In addition, the Board formally reviewed the Environment and Sustainability principal risk and discussed and
agreed upon the Environment and Sustainability strategy and plans. These risks are discussed as part of our regular functional risk
register reviews.
Day-to-day management of climate-related risks and opportunities and the implementation of work to meet our climate-related targets
is led through the Sustain Sub-Committee, the Sustain programme and various workstreams. Updates from the Sustain workstreams
are provided directly to the Board. Energy consumption and climate change impacts are also taken into consideration when looking
at new investments.
Strategy
Environment and Sustainability has been identified as a principal risk for the business. Climate change can potentially impact our
business in several ways, from increasing carbon pricing and taxation costs, to longer-term temperature and weather changes
impacting the sourcing of key commodities in the supply chain. In the UK, changing weather patterns increasingly have the potential
to cause disruption across our operations. At the same time, we need to be responsive to customer and stakeholder expectations
relating to climate-related action to avoid being exposed to reputational risks.
Our current approach to assessing climate-related risks is managed through our existing corporate risk management processes
(which assess and manage risks based on impact and likelihood), sustainability governance, and reporting processes. Further details
of this can be found on page 25 and 26.
To provide a longer-term perspective we have assessed carbon impacts across the whole business value chain to identify the key
areas of climate exposure. This work has allowed us to identify climate-related hotspots in relation to volumes purchased and
categories with a high carbon intensity. We have targeted our current efforts on the areas where we have the most influence and that
are among the highest-impacting categories in our net zero agriculture strategy (beef, pork, lamb, eggs and produce).
We also carry out strategic reviews of sustainability risks and opportunities as part of our Sustain programme, including stakeholder
feedback and assessment of operational and reputational impact to the business. This work, alongside other risk identification and
net zero planning has helped to identify areas of climate change risks and opportunities.
Physical and transition risks and opportunities over the short, medium and long-term
We have conducted a review of publicly available 2oC and 4oC temperature rise scenarios, and outline below examples of potential
climate-related risks and opportunities.
Transition
Legal and Policy: regulation, carbon pricing policies and taxation increase costs across our value chain.
Our business could be impacted by current and emerging regulations and policies, including the transition to low-carbon land
management practices, leading to increased costs across procurement, manufacturing and stores. To mitigate this, we have
continued to make our own operations more efficient and reduce our impact, for example reducing plastic packaging to reduce the
impact of packaging taxation in our operations, and we have continued to work with suppliers during 2022 to audit their GHG
emissions.
Technology: addressing climate-related risks where we have the most influence in our own-brand products
It is critical that food production, distribution and consumption is transformed to be able to achieve a low-carbon economy. We have
a specific opportunity due to our direct relationship with British farming to be able to directly influence our own-brand products to
support this low-carbon transition. In collaboration with our supply chain, we have plans in place to support changes in environmental
practice to mitigate and adapt to climate-related impacts, which can help the industry to decarbonise.
Market/Reputation: climate change damages the reputation of the retail sector
Stakeholder pressure for businesses to act responsibly continues to grow. Adverse publicity regarding business practices can
damage brand perception, so listening and responding to our customers and wider stakeholders on climate-related issues is vital in
upholding our reputation. Our Insights team monitors new and emerging trends and changes to customer buying habits. Each year
we survey customers to better understand sentiment associated with climate change and sustainability, which informs our response.
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Strategic report (continued)
Protecting the environment and supporting communities (continued)
Task Force on Climate-related Financial Disclosures (‘TCFD’) (continued)
Physical
Acute: extreme weather causes disruption to our operations
Potential impacts from extreme weather events, including floods and extreme wind, could result in property damage, lost stock,
disruption to key transportation routes and increased repair costs. We have already seen some risks in our UK operations impacted
by heavy rain and riverbanks overflowing. As part of our property risk-management activities, we identify key flooding risk sites and
mitigate the risk where possible.
Chronic: water scarcity causes disruption and impacts costs in the supply chain
Our business is reliant on a supply chain that will be impacted by longer-term changes in weather and precipitation patterns, potentially
causing disruption to our business operations. We have continued our work in sustainable sourcing during the year in terms of
understanding and managing the risk for products sourced from water stressed areas, and have invested in new collaborative project
work with WRAP and WWF in Southern Spain.
Scenario analysis
By aligning our current goals with a transition to a low-carbon economy we are taking active steps to improve resilience to the impacts
of climate-related risks. We aim to further evaluate the financial implications of our climate-related risks and opportunities by
considering future climate scenarios over the coming years.
Climate change risk management
The process for identifying climate change risks for our business is the same as other risks and uses our established risk management
framework. The framework incorporates both a top-down approach to identify the Group’s principal risks and a bottom-up approach
to identify operational risks.
Our environmental and sustainability risks are mapped across our functional risk registers, which detail the mitigating actions, as well
as the relevant responsible individuals monitoring the risk. These risks are discussed as part of our regular functional risk register
reviews. The risk registers are formally reviewed annually by the Board.
Specific climate-related risks are included in several functional risk registers and are referenced under existing Group principal risks,
as appropriate. Ownership and management of these risks is assigned according to where the risk arises and the responsibility for
implementing risk improvement plans.
Metrics and targets
Our carbon reduction strategy includes a goal for net zero emissions in our own operations (Scope 1 & 2) by 2035, and to reduce our
Scope 3 emissions in our own-brand supply chain by 30% by 2030. These reduction targets have been approved by the SBTi.
We provide an annual update on our progress on climate-related goals, including energy consumption and Scope 1 & 2 GHG
emissions in line with our SECR requirements (see pages 18 to 20).
Our biggest GHG impact comes from our Scope 3 emissions, mainly from upstream emissions from agriculture and produce suppliers
and downstream from the indirect emissions from customer use of fuel sales from our forecourts. We are continually working to
improve the data quality and accuracy of our Scope 3 footprint by collecting actual data from the supply chain. We provide additional
comprehensive annual carbon disclosure through our CDP climate and water disclosures.
We additionally measure and report progress annually against our food waste and plastic reduction targets and sustainable sourcing
certification coverage for deforestation, sustainable fishing and cotton procurement standards.
Food waste
In line with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goal 12.3, we continue to work towards halving our food waste in stores by
by 2030 compared to a 2016 baseline.
Alongside minimising the levels of surplus we create, we are committed to finding innovative ways to redistribute surplus food to
customers and communities. We have reduced our food waste by 13% since 2016.
Our stores also continue to provide surplus food to local causes such as food banks. Across our manufacturing and distribution sites
we continue to work with organisations such as FareShare, Company Shop and The Bread and Butter Thing to redistribute surplus
food to where it is needed most in communities.
22
Strategic report (continued)
Protecting the environment and supporting communities (continued)
Task Force on Climate-related Financial Disclosures (‘TCFD’) (continued)
Food waste (continued)
In January 2022, we scrapped ‘Use By’ dates on 90% of our own-brand milk to help reduce food waste in the home. Milk is the third
most wasted food and drink product in the UK, after potatoes and bread, with around 490 million pints wasted every year, and it also
has the largest carbon footprint of these food and drink products because its production is so resource intensive. Our milk now shows
a ‘Best Before’ date to indicate to customers when they should drink it by to get the best taste.
Reducing plastic packaging
We have a target to reduce our own-brand plastic packaging by 50% by 2025. So far we have reduced our plastic packaging by 14%
since 2017. We have committed that all of our own-brand plastic packaging will be reusable, recyclable or compostable by the same
date and so far we have achieved that 89.5% of our plastic packaging is recyclable either at kerbside or in our stores.
We are the first supermarket to commit to removing all plastic bags for life from our stores (which will remove 3,200 tonnes of plastic
per annum). We offer 76 varieties of loose fruit and vegetables in 332 stores. Loose fruit and vegetables is important to our customers
as it helps to reduce plastic and food waste in our customers’ homes by allowing them to buy exactly what they need. We have also
focused on reducing plastic on some of our biggest selling lines by using lighter (by weight) trays and bags. For example, we have
saved over 400 tonnes of plastic on our minced meat trays and over 110 tonnes of plastic on our bread bags.
We have continued to remove hard-to-recycle plastics and most recently we have moved our ice creams into a recyclable plastic tub
and moved our coffee cup lids from a non-recyclable plastic to a recyclable paper lid. These two initiatives saved another 154 tonnes
of plastic from being not recyclable.
Hard-to-recycle plastics
During the financial period, we became the first supermarket to invest in recycling operations through a joint venture with Yes
Recycling (Fife) Ltd. The site reprocesses hard-to-recycle soft plastics, such as chocolate wrappers, crisp packets and food film. The
site is the first of its type in the world, and has been designed to take 15,000 of tonnes of flexible plastic packaging a year at its
current capacity.
Paper bags
Our sustainable paper-based bags are stocked in all of our stores, which will remove approximately 3,200 tonnes of plastic a year.
They are manufactured at an eco-powered site in Wales and a life cycle analysis conducted by the University of Sheffield found they
have a lower carbon footprint than the plastic equivalent that they replace.
Plastic-free alternatives
We are the first UK supermarket to launch an own-brand range of shampoo and conditioner bars into our permanent haircare range.
Lasting up to 30 washes, our Nutmeg Shampoo and Conditioner Bars are 100% plastic free, vegan and packaged in fully recyclable
cardboard cartons.
Sourcing global resources sustainably
We recognise the pressure that certain commodities, including palm oil and soya, are having on our planet and are committed to
minimising our footprint, including zero deforestation in our supply chains by 2025.
Fish
During the previous financial period we bought Falfish, a family-owned seafood processor based in Cornwall. Sourcing directly from
a range of British fishermen continues to give us more control over where our fish comes from and supports our long-term sustainable
sourcing plans founded on British food production.
2022 marked the eighth year we have taken part in the Ocean Disclosure Project, a global platform for voluntary disclosure of seafood
sourcing. We also continue our support for Odyssey Innovation’s Net Regeneration Scheme, which provides end-of-life solutions for
plastics associated with fishing nets and tackle.
Textiles
We continue to make progress towards our sustainability targets across our Nutmeg clothing range. We continue to aim to source
100% of our cotton to the Better Cotton standard by 2025. This is a standard designed to make global cotton production better for
the people who produce it, better for the environment it grows in, and better for the sector’s future.
During the financial period we launched a new cleaning range, ‘Morrisons eco’, to provide customers with more environmentally
friendly alternatives to many household products.
23
Strategic report (continued)
Protecting the environment and supporting communities (continued)
Our community
We are committed to being a force for good in our communities and responding to local priorities.
Responding to local needs
At the heart of Morrisons community work is our team of Community Champions who play a vital role responding to local needs and
supporting good causes. We allocate hours for them to work directly with local organisations and key stakeholders to ensure we are
playing our full part in the communities we serve.
As part of our strategy to become locally integrated, our Community Champions continued their extensive listening programme to
better understand local priorities and needs. The information was used to ensure their Community Plans remained locally relevant.
Tackling food poverty
We know lots of people in our communities experience food poverty and this is being exacerbated by the cost of living crisis. As a
food maker and shopkeeper we see this as an area on which we should focus our support.
The school holidays can be a particular pinch point for families in hardship and we want to help community partners relieve some of
the pressure. Over the summer, we donated thousands of food products and essential items to local organisations and clubs
delivering support for low income families over the school holidays. Community Champions partnered with local schools and charities,
as well as local authority activities organised as part of the UK Government’s Holiday Activities and Food (‘HAF’) Programme.
Our Pick Up Pack scheme continues to resonate with customers, allowing them to add a pre-packed donation bag to their shopping.
Our Community Champions work closely with local food banks and community groups to understand the items that they need the
most. They then make dedicated packs of these items, and place them at the front of the store for customers to pick up on their way
in. The scheme generated over £4 million worth of donations in the financial period.
Morrisons Foundation
In the financial period ended 30 October 2022, the Morrisons Foundation donated nearly £3 million in grants (over £3 million including
match funding) to registered charities across England, Scotland and Wales. Since its launch, it has donated over £35 million in grants
(over £38 million including match funding) and supported over 3,100 charities which are making a positive difference in local
communities.
During the financial period, the Morrisons Foundation placed particular focus on grant funding to organisations and projects that are
helping to tackle food insecurity such as food banks and community kitchens.
Supporting charities
Our colleagues, customers and suppliers raised over £1 million in the financial period for our previous national charity partner Young
Lives vs Cancer. Our partnership ended in February 2022 and we raised a total of over £18 million since it began in February 2017.
Our new charity partner for the next three years is Together for Short Lives. Our partnership will raise vital funds for children’s hospices
across the country. Over £2 million has been raised in the financial period since the partnership launched in February 2022.
As a strategic partner of the Poppy Appeal we were pleased to welcome volunteers back into our stores in November 2021. Alongside
implementing systems to collect donations at our checkouts and online, many of our store colleagues also volunteered to fundraise
and together we raised nearly £2 million. We also raised over £670,000 for Marie Curie’s Great Daffodil Appeal in March 2022 and
were the headline partner for the NHS Big Tea in July 2022, raising over £130,000 for NHS Charities Together.
As an emergency response partner for the Disasters Emergency Committee (‘DEC’) we raised almost £1 million for the DEC Ukraine
Appeal, which launched in March 2022 and has helped deliver essential aid to hundreds of thousands of people in Ukraine and
neighbouring countries, including refugees and displaced families. In September 2022, we also raised much-needed funds for the
DEC’s Pakistan Flood Appeal. Our Community Champions also continuously support local causes in their communities with
fundraising, product donations and practical support given throughout the financial period.
24
Strategic report (continued)
Managing our risks
Successful delivery of our priorities depends on our ability to make sound, risk-informed decisions. Managing risk and uncertainty is
an integral part of the Board’s strategic thinking.
Risk management approach
We respond to changes in our industry and the wider political-economic climate by maintaining a business-wide understanding of our
key risks and how to manage them. This helps us deliver our ambitions for all of our stakeholders and means that we are in a better
position to achieve our priorities, respond to emerging risks and to create and take advantage of new opportunities.
The Risk Management process
Our established risk management framework has been built to identify, evaluate, mitigate and monitor those risks which threaten our
ability to deliver on our six priorities. The framework incorporates both a top-down approach to identify the Group’s principal risks and
a bottom-up approach to identify operational risks.
Risk registers for each business function sit at the heart of this process. These registers detail the main functional risks and are used
to assess the gross level of risk to the business (likelihood and impact), the extent of any mitigating controls and the resultant net
level of risk. They also detail any further plans to mitigate or reduce risks and the associated target level of risk. The impact
assessment of a risk includes considering its potential reputational, financial and operational effects. We assign targets to each risk
based on the risk appetite framework established and agreed with the Board.
The risk registers are owned and managed by operational management, with the head of each function certifying annually that these
have been reviewed and that action plans are in place where required. The risk registers are also formally reviewed and challenged
each year.
The Risk Sub-Committee reviews coverage across the Group’s principal risks, the key controls already in place and any risk mitigation
plans. Their review considers the completeness of risks captured in the detailed functional risk registers, strategic risks, external
factors and any emerging risks. The Board reviews and approves the principal risks.
The Group’s principal risks are monitored every month by the Risk Committee using key risk indicator reporting. In addition, the Risk
Committee supports the Group in managing its key risks through a rolling agenda of deep dive reviews of key or emerging risk areas
and approval of key policies.
The Risk and Internal Audit function facilitates the preparation of both the functional and Group risk registers. It supported the Board
in the period in reviewing the effectiveness of the Group’s risk management and systems of internal control. Where potential
weaknesses are identified, the Risk and Internal Audit team work with the business to agree robust mitigating actions.
The Board maintains a robust risk management framework by approving the risk management process and reviewing the Group’s
principal risks, risk appetite and key risk indicator reporting on a regular basis.
Principal and Emerging Risks
The Directors have carried out a robust assessment of the emerging and principal risks facing the Group, including those that would
threaten its business model, the achievement of our priorities, solvency or liquidity.
Changes to Principal Risks
During the period, one new Group risk has been added relating to the integration of the McColl’s business following its acquisition.
The Board has also removed the principal risk for Covid-19 and increased the net risk ratings for the existing risks for Financial and
Treasury, Competitiveness and Customer.
1. Integration of McColl’s
Following the acquisition of McColl’s and the conclusion of the CMA investigation, the process of integrating McColl’s into Morrisons
has now begun. Plans are in place to manage this and realise the natural efficiencies whilst managing the cost and complexity of
doing so. The Board recognises that new risks could arise during this process and have approved the creation of a new Group
principal risk of Integration of McColl’s.
2. Competitiveness
With cost price increases and wider inflationary pressures increasingly having to be passed onto customers, the net risk for
competitiveness has increased in the year. Our vertical integration has meant that in instances we have felt the impact of this earlier
than other retailers, but conversely will enable us to see benefits more quickly when inflation falls.
25
Strategic report (continued)
Managing our risks (continued)
3. Customer
The net risk for Customer has also increased, with rising energy costs and the cost of living crisis at the heart of customer decision
making when trying to make their money go further. Changing customer sentiment and increased focus on value for money is
increasingly seeing customers being more prepared to shop around, switch to own-brand alternatives or reconsider what they need
to put in their basket altogether.
4. Financial and Treasury
The more challenging economic environment, ongoing conflict in Ukraine, weakening of the pound and significant upwards
movements in inflation and interest rates mean the net risk for Financial and Treasury has also increased in the year.
5. COVID-19
With business-as-usual controls and tried and tested plans in place to manage the impacts of Covid-19 as necessary, we believe it
is now the right time to remove this principal risk. While aspects of the risk remain relevant, these are now included within the existing
Group principal risks for business interruption, health and safety and people.
Emerging Risks
Our Risk Management process incorporates the formal identification and management of emerging risks and these are reported to
the Risk Committee and the Board alongside our known principal risks.
We employ the following strategies to ensure that our business is adequately prepared for the potential threats or opportunities these
present, and that we have a clear reporting route to the Board when necessary:
strategic and operational horizon scanning across the business;
working with our key strategic partners to share emerging consumer trends; and
using third party experts to assist with the consideration of emerging risks and legislation.
We continue to review and assess the potential impacts of evolving risks including those associated with the war in Ukraine, climate
change, the trading environment, consumer trends, labour market changes, innovations in technology and new regulation.
The Risk Management Framework
T
o
p
d
o
w
n
B
o
t
t
o
m
u
p
Board of Directors
Maintains sound risk management and control systems, assesses principal risks
Risk Committee
Assesses principal, operational and emerging risks and undertakes regular monitoring of
risk
Risk and Internal Audit
Coordinates risk management activity through review of risk registers, agreement of risk
mitigation plans and preparation of risk reporting
Operational Management
Reviews operational risks, operates controls and implements risk mitigation plans
The following keys have been used in the Principal Risks table on pages 27 to 30.
Key
Increase in net risk
No change in net risk
Decrease in net risk
1
2
3
Serve customers better
so more choose
Morrisons
Be more competitive
Simplify and remove
wasted effort
4
5
6
Link to six priorities
Provide easy shopping
experience
#
Links to all six
priorities
Grow volume, reduce cost,
improve free cash flow
Be the supermarket Britain
needs
26
Strategic report (continued)
Managing our risks (continued)
Principal Risks
Risk
Description
Mitigation
Business Interruption
#
There is a risk that a major incident
could cause significant disruption to
business operations.
Competitiveness
1,2,3,5
The Grocery Sector continues to be
highly competitive with increased price
pressure caused by inflation.
If we do not engage with our suppliers
or effectively manage our prices, trade
or promotional plans there is a risk this
will adversely impact like-for-like sales
and financial performance.
Customer
#
There is a risk that we do not meet the
needs and expectations of our
customers in respect of price, range,
quality and service across all our sales
channels.
We have recovery plans in place covering our stores,
depots, online operation, sites and offices;
Business continuity resilience and disaster recovery
exercises are undertaken to test processes and
management’s ability to respond effectively;
A Crisis Management Group is in place to oversee
these plans and to manage and respond to any major
incidents;
We conduct supplier risk assessments and have
contingency plans in place, where possible, to manage
the risk of loss of supply;
There has been continued investment in cloud
technologies to provide further resilience to our
Technology; and
We work alongside our strategic third party partners
ensuring both parties’ continuity plans are robust and
aligned.
Our pricing, trade plan and promotional and marketing
campaigns are actively managed using customer insight
so we invest in what matters most to our customers;
Long-term agreements are established with suppliers,
ensuring a competitive customer offer and to help
maintain security of supply;
We continue to actively engage our key suppliers, work
closely with British growers and farmers; and
We continually review our range, category plans and
quality and respond to customer feedback.
An ongoing programme to monitor customer satisfaction
helps us to gain a deep understanding of what is most
important to their shopping trip. This view informs the
key activities we undertake, be it online or in store, such
as changes to range and the introduction of more locally
sourced products and is shared with Store Managers;
We closely monitor and carefully manage the price,
quality and availability of the products most important to
our customers;
We have invested in our loyalty scheme through
improvements to the My Morrisons app and offers;
We closely monitor research on customer perceptions
and respond quickly wherever possible, such as to
environmental issues and changes to eating habits;
We have made our products accessible to more
customers through our acquisition of McColl’s,
expansion of Online and growth with our Wholesale
partners;
We actively respond to customer complaints and aim to
continually improve the customer experience; and
Our network of Community Champions actively engage
local communities and support local charities.
27
Strategic report (continued)
Managing our risks (continued)
Principal Risks (continued)
Risk
Description
Mitigation
Environment and
Sustainability
1,6
There is a risk that we fail to reduce the
environmental impact of the business,
or to meet the expectations of our
customers, colleagues and wider
stakeholders.
Financial
and Treasury
1,2,3,5
The key financial risks we may be
exposed to include the availability and
cost of funding, cash flow and liquidity
management, fluctuations in interest
rates, commodity, energy costs and
foreign currency rates.
Some suppliers benefit from access to
supply chain finance facilities. The
withdrawal of these facilities would lead
to some terms being reviewed.
We also have pension fund
commitments that require active
management and monitoring.
Developments and progress in our sustainability
agenda are reported to the Sustain Executive Sub-
Committee and to the Board;
The Sustain Executive Sub-Committee meets
regularly during the year and performs an oversight,
monitoring and advisory role for key areas which
deliver sustainable growth with a lower environmental
impact;
Each Sustain workstream commitment has a senior
responsible business owner providing updates to the
Sustain Group, chaired by the Group Corporate
Services Director. This group reports to the Sustain
Sub-Committee;
We have a clear strategy to reduce our emissions
footprint and expect to achieve net zero emissions by
2035 (Scope 1 & 2);
This includes our ambition to be net zero in our UK
agriculture supply chain by 2030, working with the
farmers who directly supply us to reduce emissions
from livestock and produce, increase carbon
sequestration and improve the use of renewable
energy on farm; and
We have pledged to reduce the plastic we use in our
products by 50% with 100% of plastic packaging used
on our products to be recyclable, reusable or
compostable by 2025.
Treasury operations are managed and monitored in
line with the approved Treasury Policy with reporting
to the Board. This includes an assumption that certain
supply chain finance facilities are not available for the
benefit of suppliers;
The Group’s Treasury function is responsible for the
forward planning and management of funding, interest
rates, foreign currency, exchange rates, energy costs
and certain commodity price risks including hedging
risks;
Governance forums and processes are in place to
review and manage the Group’s cash position and
maximise working capital;
Credit risk monitored across our Wholesale customers
to limit exposure while maintaining trade;
A long-term funding framework and pension strategy
exists with ongoing communication and engagement
with the Pension Trustees; and
The McColl’s pension schemes will be managed using
this framework.
28
Strategic report (continued)
Managing our risks (continued)
Principal Risks (continued)
Risk
Description
Mitigation
Food Safety,
Product Integrity
and Ethical
Sourcing
(continued)
1,4,6
There is a risk that the products we sell
are unsafe, or not of the integrity or
ethical standards that our customers
expect.
It is also important to us to support
sustainable, ethical and resilient
supply chains.
Health
and Safety
1,4,6
There is a risk of injury or harm to
customers or colleagues if we do not
have the right controls, policies and
procedures in place to keep people
safe and healthy across all of our
stores and sites.
Information
Security
1,6
A cyber-attack or security breach could
lead to a loss of customer, colleague or
Group confidential data, business
disruption, reputational damage and
significant fines.
Monitoring processes are in place to manage food
safety and product integrity throughout the Group and
supply chain. Horizon scanning is also in place to
anticipate emerging issues;
Regular assessments of our suppliers and our own
manufacturing and store production facilities are
undertaken to ensure adherence to standards;
Our vertical integration model gives us control over the
integrity of a significant proportion of our fresh food;
The process is supported by external accreditation and
internal training programmes;
Systems and processes are in place to ensure ongoing
compliance with allergen labelling under Natasha’s Law;
Our Ethical Trading Policy and Code establishes key
requirements for all suppliers. We actively monitor
compliance through an extensive third party audit
programme and provide support for suppliers if issues
are identified;
We work closely with our supply chain to understand
food provenance, sustainable and ethical practices
including animal welfare; and
Our measures to tackle Modern Slavery are reported
annually in our Modern Slavery Act Statement.
We have clear policies and procedures detailing the
controls required to manage health and safety risks
across the business;
An ongoing training programme is in place for front line
colleagues and management;
A programme of health and safety audits is in place
across the Group;
A dedicated health and safety team is in place to ensure
our risks are managed effectively; and
Management regularly monitors health and safety
performance and compliance with electronic accident
reporting across all stores and sites to help identify and
respond to any trends.
Information Security policies, procedures and controls
are in place, including encryption, network security,
systems access and data protection;
This is supported by ongoing monitoring, reporting and
rectification of vulnerabilities;
The Information Security Steering Group oversee a
rolling programme of work to review and enhance our
information security controls, ensuring these remain
commensurate with our level of risk and the evolving
cyber landscape; and
The General Data Protection Regulation (‘GDPR’)
Working Group has responsibility for overseeing data
management practices, policies, regulatory awareness
and training associated with customer and colleague
data. This includes change management activities and a
review of third parties managing data on our behalf.
29
Strategic report (continued)
Managing our risks (continued)
Principal Risks (continued)
Risk
Description
Mitigation
McColl’s Integration
(New)
#
Without an appropriate plan, there is a
risk that integration of the McColl’s
business could result in management
distraction, additional cost, complexity
and duplication which then impacts the
profitability of the whole Group.
People
#
There is a risk that if we fail to attract,
retain or motivate talented colleagues,
we will not provide the quality of service
that our customers expect.
Regulation
1,4,6
The Group operates in an environment
governed by numerous regulations
including GSCOP, GDPR, competition,
employment and regulations over the
Group’s products.
The Board takes its responsibilities
very seriously and recognises that a
breach of regulations can lead
to reputational damage and financial
penalties.
A governance group has been established with Senior
Leadership representation and meets regularly to
provide oversight, monitoring and advice to deliver the
integration as well as providing updates to the Board;
and
Dedicated workstreams have been set up to manage
specific areas of the integration while ensuring
minimal disruption to the wider Group.
We have fair employment policies and competitive
remuneration and benefits packages;
A Group-wide reward framework is in place and roles
are evaluated against an external framework, driving
stronger consistency of rewards;
Our training and development programmes are
designed to give colleagues the skills they need to do
their job and support their career aspirations;
Line managers conduct regular talent reviews and
processes are in place to identify and actively manage
talent;
We have worked to give colleagues increased visibility
and flexibility of their hours and rotas with the
introduction of a new People System and modernised
working patterns;
We continue to monitor the availability of labour
across the Group and we have enacted specific
people plans across our manufacturing and logistics
sites;
Colleague engagement surveys, listening sessions
and networking forums are used to understand and
respond to our colleagues; and
We take pride in creating an inclusive work
environment where everyone feels welcome and we
celebrate our differences.
We have training, policies and legal guidance in place
to support compliance with all applicable regulations;
The Group monitors for potential regulatory and
legislative changes and the impact on contractual
arrangements;
We actively engage with government and regulatory
bodies on policy changes which could impact our
colleagues and our customers;
We have a GSCOP compliance framework in place to
monitor compliance with key regulations so that action
can be taken as necessary; and
We have an independent whistleblowing line for
colleagues and suppliers to provide feedback to
the Group so that action can be taken as necessary.
30
Strategic report (continued)
Managing our risks (continued)
Climate Change Risk Management
The process for identifying climate change risks for our business is the same as other risks and uses our established risk management
framework. The framework incorporates both a top-down approach to identify the Group’s principal risks and a bottom-up approach
to identify operational risks.
Our Environmental and Sustainability risks are mapped across all our functional risk registers, which detail the mitigation actions, as
well as the relevant responsible individuals monitoring the risk. Specific climate-related risks are included in several functional risk
registers and are referenced under several existing principal Group risks, as appropriate. Ownership and management of these risks
is assigned according to where the risk arises and the responsibility for implementing risk improvement plans.
Environmental and Sustainability risks are discussed as part of our regular functional risk register reviews and are considered when
reviewing our Group principal risks.
31
Strategic report (continued)
Section 172
The following section serves as our Section 172 statement. Section 172 requires that Directors act in the way they consider, in good
faith, would be most likely to promote the success of the Group for the benefit of its members as a whole. In doing so the Directors
should have regard (amongst other matters) to: the likely consequences of any decision in the long-term; the interests of employees;
the need to foster relationships with suppliers, customers and others; the impact of the Group’s operations on the community and the
environment; the maintaining of a reputation for high standards of business conduct; and the need to act fairly as between members
of the Company.
Morrisons has identified five main stakeholder groups: customers, colleagues, suppliers, communities and the environment, and debt
holders. The Directors also regularly consider the needs of other stakeholders such as Government, regulatory bodies, charities and
NGOs when making decisions.
Our business model and operations are focused on delivering long-term benefits for all of our stakeholders while maintaining a high
standard of business conduct. The Directors recognise the need for genuine, well-informed and dynamic engagement with our
stakeholders and believe that the Group has the right representatives formally and informally engaging with a wide and diverse
selection of stakeholders. The Group spends a lot of time listening to and understanding the views of our stakeholders which form
an integral part of any decision making. Particular areas of consideration in the year have been the acquisition of McColl’s and the
impact of the Group on the environment and community.
Customers
Why we engage
Customers are right at the heart of our business model. By striving to continually improve our offer through competitive pricing, quality
and the overall shopping trip, which makes us accessible to more people, this supports the ongoing success of the business.
Stakeholder Priorities
Our customers are looking for good quality at affordable prices, available when they want it. They enjoy the wide range of brands on
offer, which cater for all budgets, tastes and dietary requirements. It is important to them that our range is sustainably sourced and
that our company supports local suppliers and communities. Customers enjoy the distinctive offer of Market Street, the overall
experience of our stores and the convenience of our online channels.
How we engage
Our Insight team receives over 16,000 pieces of feedback every day through a variety of channels, including quantitative
surveys and qualitative focus groups, as well as communication through our contact centre.
Our Store Management teams are committed to listening to our customers on a daily basis and have access to store specific
customer feedback either received into our Support Office or through a customer survey opportunity that is provided to
Morrisons customers after their shopping trip.
The Directors visit stores across the country on a regular basis and use the opportunity to speak both with customers and
colleagues at a personal level.
Outcomes
The Directors considered customers when making the following decisions:
Launching a new My Morrisons app in July, which provides customers with a simpler interface and easier access to new
personalised offers on products which matter most to them.
Continuing to adapt ranges to provide healthier and more environmentally conscious options for customers. In this financial
period we have removed 10.79 billion calories, 255 tonnes of sugar and 117 tonnes of salt through recipe changes and
improvements across our own-brand ranges. Additionally, we have introduced new options to help customers reduce their
environmental impact, including selling milk in Tetra Pak cartons and launching a range of carbon neutral eggs.
Investing in price reductions including the lowering of prices of 130 lines in the Savers range.
Launching same-day home delivery and Click & Collect services, making it quicker for customers to get their shopping.
Deliveroo and Amazon also continue to increase in popularity for smaller, last-minute shopping requirements.
Decreasing the minimum spend amount on our online channel from £40 to £25 in May, giving those customers with smaller
budgets an easier and more convenient way to shop.
Adopting new customer satisfaction metrics, which focus on the aspects of the shopping trip that are most important to our
customers. The business improvement plans are aligned with these metrics.
32
Strategic report (continued)
Section 172 (continued)
Colleagues
Why we engage
Our colleagues are united by their food maker and shopkeeper credentials. Colleagues are key to our business and it is essential
that we have an engaged workforce to deliver for our customers.
Stakeholder Priorities
Our colleagues are looking to be trusted to do a fair day's work for a fair day's pay. They want to be supported with their health, safety
and wellbeing. It is important that our colleagues have the right tools and training available to do their job. They want Morrisons to be
an inclusive place to work, where success is celebrated.
How we engage
Each year, we invite all colleagues to share their opinions and suggestions through the annual Your Say survey.
There are also two National Your Say Forum meetings held each year. This gives our Directors the opportunity to hear views
and answer questions from our colleagues first hand.
Colleagues receive weekly business updates from our senior management team through 'Team Talk' live streams, with the
opportunity to ask questions.
All colleagues are invited to join the Morrisons Colleague Facebook Group, where they can provide direct feedback or
updates on any subject.
Outcomes
The Directors considered colleagues when making the following decisions:
Launching a newly designed uniform for our store colleagues, following feedback from colleagues in the nominated trial
stores and sites.
Introducing an updated 'Pathways' scheme for prospective new managers to develop and further their career.
Launching a new wellbeing app for colleagues to download, which offers support and advice on mental, physical and
financial concerns.
Inviting colleagues to select, by vote, our new charity partnership with Together for Short Lives, which started in February
2022.
Offering temporary increases to the colleague discount rate around paydays, to support our colleagues through the cost of
living crisis.
Increasing the minimum pay to £10.20 an hour for all store and manufacturing colleagues from October 2022.
Suppliers
Why we engage
Suppliers are fundamental to the success of the Company as they provide us with the variety and quality of goods and services
required to fulfil customers’ needs.
Stakeholder Priorities
Suppliers want a relationship with mutual trust and respect. They want to be able to grow with us in a mutually beneficial
partnership. We are a route to market for many new suppliers and products, and suppliers like the brand presence that we can offer,
especially through a wide variety of different channels.
How we engage
All Commercial team members are encouraged to work collaboratively with their supply base.
The Commercial team updates all suppliers on a quarterly basis through business team updates and at an annual supplier
conference. These communications provide suppliers with an opportunity to understand our business in more depth and
give them the opportunity to ask questions and provide feedback.
Suppliers are actively encouraged to take part in independent annual surveys, such as the Advantage Group Survey, to
enable the Company to gain valuable insight into how they feel about Morrisons, and how we benchmark against other
retailers.
The Company's supplier portal offers two way communication and is used by both the Morrisons Commercial teams and
suppliers.
33
Strategic report (continued)
Section 172 (continued)
Suppliers (continued)
Outcomes
The Directors considered suppliers when making the following decisions:
Continuing to develop and strengthen commercial policies and processes based on feedback from the Groceries Code
Adjudicator.
Launching the Morrisons Media Group, which is a dedicated resource for suppliers to agree and implement fully integrated
marketing and media plans with improved execution in stores.
Developing and launching a new supplier data hub, which consolidates two systems and gives access to all the information,
including additional reporting, that suppliers need about Morrisons in a central hub.
Communities and the Environment
Why we engage
It is a key part of our strategy to be locally integrated in the communities that we serve. Communities are our customers and our
neighbours, therefore the Company needs to have respect and generate a positive impact on them. It is important that Morrisons is
a responsible retailer to minimise our impact on the wider environment.
Stakeholder Priorities
Communities expect Morrisons to be a socially responsible business and to care about the impact on the surrounding area and
environment in which we operate.
How we engage
Each of our stores and sites strive to become truly integrated into the communities we serve and helps support good causes
locally. Last year we dedicated almost 750,000 hours for our Community Champions to lead this work.
Our annual Sustainability survey asks over 5,000 customers every year to rate the key issues that they think a responsible
retailer should consider. Protecting the environment through practical steps including reducing plastic packaging, reducing
food waste and protecting natural habitats, woodlands and forests remain high on our customer priority lists.
We are active members of key industry working groups, including our support as a signatory to the Courtauld Commitment
for 2030. This is a voluntary agreement that enables collaborative action across the entire UK food chain to deliver farm-to-
fork reductions in food waste, GHG emissions and water stress that will help the UK food and drink sector achieve global
environmental goals.
We are also founding partners in establishing the UK’s first ‘School of Sustainable Food and Farming’ at Harper Adams
University, which aims to educate, inspire and empower current and future farmers to achieve net zero within a sustainable
farming and food system.
Outcomes
The Directors considered communities and/or the environment when making the following decisions:
Relaunching the Seeds of Hope campaign, this year giving away almost three million packets of cornflower seeds in
recognition of the late Queen’s Jubilee celebrations. Seeds were also donated to local schools, care homes and other
community groups.
Continuing to drive and review the Company's Sustain programme to ensure continuing progress towards achieving ESG
targets, and approving additional activities to reduce water use in our own-brand supply chains in areas of water scarcity
and enhance biodiversity.
Approving an increase in the Company's existing investment in its joint venture in a new recycling plant in Fife, driven by
our dedication to create a circular economy.
Supporting the successful bid, as a Bradford based retailer, for Bradford to become UK City of Culture in 2025. This will
provide investment for events that will leave a lasting legacy in the community.
Debt Holders
Why we engage
It is important to engage regularly with debt holders, including bond holders, term loan counterparties, and other financial institutions,
to ensure that they remain comfortable with their exposure to the Company and to build and maintain long-term relationships. Other
similar stakeholders to debt holders include ratings agencies and trade credit insurers, and while they do not have a direct investment
in the Company, their understanding and commitment to the Company and its strategy is important to our business.
34
Strategic report (continued)
Section 172 (continued)
Debt Holders (continued)
Stakeholder Priorities
Debt holders and other similar financial institutions want to ensure their investments are secure and that our strategy is delivering
long-term growth. Timely dialogue, with honest and open conversations, supports building long-term relationships with these parties.
How we engage
The Directors present the results and host a Q&A session every quarter for debt holders, with additional meetings throughout
the year.
Debt holders and similar stakeholders have access to a secure part of the corporate website which contains financial
presentations and accounts.
Outcomes
The Directors consider debt holders and similar stakeholders when assessing the financial position of the Company, its use of capital
and its strategic direction.
Approval of the Strategic report
Pages 4 to 35 of the report form the Strategic report.
The Strategic report was approved by the Board and signed on its behalf by:
Jonathan Burke, Company Secretary
25 January 2023
35
Governance report
Wm Morrison Supermarkets Limited was acquired by Market Bidco Limited on 27 October 2021. Following the acquisition, this
Corporate Governance report applies to the Group from the ultimate parent company Market Topco Limited to Wm Morrison
Supermarkets Limited and its subsidiaries. All references to 'Group' within this section are in relation to Market Topco Limited and its
subsidiaries and all references to 'Company' relate to Wm Morrison Supermarkets Limited.
Corporate Governance Update
The Group’s current corporate governance framework is summarised within this Governance report. We expect to continue to develop
and adapt our corporate governance framework in accordance with the changing demands of our business and stakeholders.
Adoption of the ‘Wates Principles’ by Wm Morrison Supermarkets Limited
The Companies (Miscellaneous Reporting) Regulations 2018 require all companies of a significant size to disclose their corporate
governance arrangements. From the date of CD&R’s acquisition of the Company and its subsidiaries, whilst operating under the
restrictions of the CMA's IEO, the Company continued to apply the principles and procedurally followed the provisions of the UK’s
Corporate Governance Code to the extent that was practical within the interim governance structure available. From 14 February
2022 to the date of the signing of this Annual Report and Financial Statements, the Company has applied the Wates Corporate
Governance Principles for Large Private Companies (‘Wates Principles’). The principles were published by the Financial Reporting
Council (FRC) in December 2018 and comprise six key principles: Purpose & Leadership; Board Composition; Director
Responsibilities; Opportunity & Risk; Remuneration; and Stakeholder Relationships & Engagement. The following section
summarises how the Company has applied the principles since adoption.
The Directors consider that the corporate governance policies and procedures are appropriate for the Group.
Principle 1 - Purpose and Leadership
As the shareholder in the Company, CD&R plays an active role in its strategic development. CD&R has regular interaction, both with
the Directors and other senior managers within the Company and its subsidiaries. CD&R and the Directors meet formally on a monthly
basis to discuss the operations and performance of the business. CD&R provides an important contribution through the expertise,
knowledge and experience of its team.
Although the Company has had a change in ownership following the takeover by CD&R, the Directors continue to balance the
interests of our various stakeholder groups in a way that is consistent with previous years.
Our purpose continues to be: "To make and provide food we're all proud of, where everyone's effort is worthwhile, so more and more
people can afford to enjoy eating well." For further information on purpose, see our Strategic report on pages 4 to 6.
The Directors assess and monitor the Company culture in line with the Company’s purpose, ways of working and the needs of its
various stakeholder groups. More information on this can be found on pages 4 to 6 and 12 to 35.
The Directors have a good understanding of the views of Company colleagues and culture, facilitated by the Your Say survey results,
formal and informal discussions with the senior managers of the Company and its subsidiaries, and day-to-day interactions with our
colleagues in store. From these various sources, the Directors are able to confirm that the culture of our business is aligned to the
purpose, values and strategy that the Directors have set.
The Company’s approach to investing in and rewarding our colleagues is set out on page 13 and 14.
The Company is committed to ensuring that all individuals have the ability to raise genuine concerns in good faith, without fear of
victimisation, subsequent discrimination or disadvantage, even if they turn out to be mistaken. More information on our whistleblowing
policy can be found on our website: https://www.morrisons-corporate.com/about-us/whistleblowing-policy/.
The Directors assess the basis on which the Company generates and preserves value over the long-term and the opportunities for
the Company through a formal strategy and long-term planning process. More information on this can be found on pages 4 to 6 and
12 to 35.
To facilitate the takeover by CD&R of the Company and its subsidiaries, seven entities were created above the Company in the Group
structure. This includes the ultimate parent company Market Topco Limited. All of these seven entities are incorporated within England
and Wales.
36
Governance report (continued)
Principle 2 - Board Composition
The Company is an indirect subsidiary of Market Topco Limited, which was the ultimate parent company of the Group throughout the
period.
Market Topco Limited
The statutory Directors of Market Topco Limited are:
Sir Terry Leahy
Manvinder Banga
Joanna Goff
Marco Herbst
Gregory Lai
David Novak
David Potts
The role of the Chair of Market Topco Limited is fulfilled by Sir Terry Leahy. As Chair, Sir Terry ensures that appropriate information
is provided and that sufficient time is available for each of the discussion points during the Market Topco Limited Board meetings.
Wm Morrison Supermarkets Limited
As at 30 October 2022, and at the date of signing this Annual Report and Financial Statements, there were two Directors of Wm
Morrison Supermarkets Limited;
David Potts
Appointment
David joined the Group as Chief Executive Officer (‘CEO’) in March 2015.
Experience
David is a vastly experienced retailer who joined Tesco PLC at the age of 16 and worked there for 39 years. He rose to become CEO
of its Ireland business, its UK retail stores business and then CEO of Tesco Asia. David was also on the Tesco PLC Board from 1998
until he left in 2011. Prior to his appointment as CEO of Morrisons, David held several advisory positions with a number of private
equity and consultancy firms and developed his own retail concept to sell general merchandise. He also worked on two extensive
retail projects in the UK.
External roles
None
Joanna Goff
Appointment
Joanna joined the Group in 2011 and has held a number of positions including Group Finance Director, and most recently Operations
Development Director, with responsibilities that included Productivity, Procurement, Group Strategy, Loss Prevention and Fuel.
Joanna joined the Board on 4 April 2022 as Chief Financial Officer (‘CFO’).
Experience
Prior to joining Morrisons, Joanna was at PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP (‘PwC’) for 11 years and is a member of the Institute of
Chartered Accountants in England and Wales.
External Roles
None
Certain key business matters relevant to the Company are formally reserved for approval by CD&R. These include, for example, the
approval of the overall commercial and operating strategy; and annual financial plans and budgets.
The Directors regard the current structure of the Board as appropriate for the Company. The structure of the Board will continue to
be reviewed in the context of the Company's ownership by CD&R going forward.
Board Diversity, Skills and Experience
The Board's diversity is monitored and driven by the CEO and the Group People Director. The Directors understand the importance
of having diversity with regard to skills, length of service, experience, ethnicity, gender and knowledge among the Directors and
senior management team.
The Directors of the Group, together with the wider management team, are considered to have an appropriate combination of
background, skills and experience to make considered and effective decisions. The performance, experience, balance of skills,
independence and knowledge of the Directors and wider management team is monitored by the CEO and CD&R.
37
Governance report (continued)
Principle 2 - Board Composition (continued)
Previous Director Appointments
Michael Gleeson resigned as Director and CFO on 4 April 2022.
Trevor Strain resigned as Director and Chief Operating Officer on 27 September 2022.
Principle 3 - Director Responsibilities
Wm Morrison Supermarkets Limited
As referred to above, CD&R plays an active role in the Group’s strategic development. Following the lifting of the CMA’s IEO, Board
meetings, in the form of Operating Review Meetings, have been held with CD&R on a monthly basis. These meetings are attended
by the Directors, the Company Secretary, and senior members of the CD&R team. The meetings are chaired by Sir Terry Leahy. The
key responsibilities of the Operating Review Meeting include, for example, determining the strategy and financial plans for the Group,
setting the operational and capital budgets; reviewing ongoing financial performance against the budget; assessing the Company’s
risk profile and risk appetite; and considering the governance arrangements of the Group.
In advance of each Operating Review Meeting, papers are circulated to the attendees, allowing them sufficient time for meeting
preparation. The papers include, for example, updates on financial and operating performance (including a review against key
performance indicators), customer insight information; updates on strategic projects; and updates on governance matters.
Activities of the Operating Review Meeting, since inception, have included monitoring, considering, and reviewing the following
matters:
Approval of audited Annual Report and Financial Statements for the Company, including assessing whether the report is
fair, balanced and understandable, and that a going concern basis of accounting is appropriate;
Financial performance of the Company for each accounting period;
Current trading and market environment;
Development of the Company’s loyalty proposition;
Operation of the Company’s Logistics function and related productivity plans;
Energy management opportunities within the business;
Company principal and emerging risks and agreement of risk appetite;
Talent and succession planning; and
Current strategy with regard to the Company’s pension schemes.
Audit Committee
Following the acquisition by CD&R on 27 October 2021, along with the simultaneous departure of the previous Non-Executive
Directors, and the subsequent imposition of the CMA's IEO, the functions of the Audit Committee have been carried out by the Board.
On 12 January 2023, after the financial year end, the Audit Committee was formally reconstituted.
Initial members of the Committee are as follows:
Marco Herbst
Gregory Lai
It is intended that, going forward, the Audit Committee will include a majority of independent members (within the terms defined in
the UK Corporate Governance Code). At least one of the independent members will have recent and relevant experience with
financial accounting or auditing matters.
The Audit Committee's role is to assist the Board in fulfilling its oversight responsibilities by reviewing and monitoring:
The integrity of audited financial information provided to investors;
The Group’s system of internal controls and risk management;
The internal and external audit process and auditors;
The Group’s attitude to and appetite for risk and its future risk strategy; and
How risk is reported internally and externally.
38
Governance report (continued)
Principle 3 - Director Responsibilities (continued)
Remuneration Committee
Following the acquisition of the Company by CD&R on 27 October 2021, along with the simultaneous departure of the previous Non-
Executive Directors, and the subsequent imposition of the CMA's IEO, the functions of the Remuneration Committee have been
carried out by the Board.
It is intended that the Remuneration Committee will be formally reconstituted in the near future.
It is intended that the initial members of the Remuneration Committee will be as follows:
Marco Herbst
Gregory Lai
David Potts
The role of the Remuneration Committee is expected to include:
Determining and agreeing with the Board the framework and policy for the remuneration of Directors and other members of
the executive management;
Reviewing the ongoing appropriateness and relevance of the remuneration framework and policy;
Approving the design of, and determining the targets for, any performance-related pay schemes operated by the Group and
approving the total annual payments made under such schemes;
Reviewing the design of all share incentive plans and determining each year whether awards will be made to participants;
Determining the total individual remuneration package of each Director and other members of the executive management;
and
Overseeing the management of The Market Topco Employee Benefit Trust.
The function of the Executive Committee transferred to the Operations Group in September 2022. The Operations Group meets
weekly and comprises the CEO, CFO and senior directors from across the business.
At below Board level, formal committees were in place during the year for the following areas of the business:
Capital Approvals
Convenience (commenced November 2022)
Finance
GSCOP
Manufacturing
Online and Wholesale
Operations
Risk
Sustainability
Talent
Treasury
Each of the committees, with the exception of GSCOP and Sustainability, is attended by at least one of the Directors (the GSCOP
Committee formally reports into the Risk Committee). In addition to the Directors, committee membership also comprises the relevant
subject matter experts and senior managers within the business. Terms of reference have been agreed upon and set out for each
individual committee, including the authorities delegated to it.
Responsibilities and activities of the various committees named above include:
Developing plans to implement the Group's strategy;
Driving trading performance;
Reviewing financial performance throughout the period;
Periodically reviewing performance against strategic objectives;
Approving requests for capital expenditure;
Reducing the cost base of the organisation through productivity and procurement improvement
Discussing progress updates of key projects and growth opportunities;
Reviewing the talent, capabilities and capacity within the Group;
Monitoring the Company’s risk management and internal control systems; and
Reviewing compliance matters including but not limited to; health & safety, carbon reduction measures, corporate
responsibility, cyber & technology security, ethical trading and GSCOP.
39
Governance report (continued)
Principle 3 - Director Responsibilities (continued)
Market Topco Limited
The activities of Market Topco Limited include monitoring, considering, and reviewing the following:
Approval of audited Annual Report and Financial Statements and regulatory announcements, including assessing whether
the report is fair, balanced and understandable, and that a going concern basis of accounting is appropriate;
Operating and capital expenditure budgets;
Current trading performance;
Market updates;
Overview and tracking of current commercial initiatives;
McColl's acquisition and integration;
Financing arrangements; and
Tax strategy.
The Directors of the Group have access to the services and advice of the Company Secretary, who is responsible, in conjunction
with the Chair, for ensuring that Board procedures are followed and applicable rules and regulations are complied with. The Directors
of the Group also have access to independent professional advice, at the expense of the Company, if required.
Any conflicts or potential conflicts of interest are recorded and carefully managed, within the ordinary activities of the Board and
committees, in the way that they consider would be most likely to promote the success of the Company.
The structure and activities as set out above enable the Directors of both the Group and the Company to sufficiently discharge their
statutory directors’ duties and responsibilities as appropriate.
Principle 4 - Opportunity and Risk
Opportunities for the Company to create and preserve value are considered in the ordinary course of business, within each of the
committee meetings. The Directors consider recommendations for future opportunities during the relevant committees and decide
whether they align to the overall strategy and prospects of the Group.
Managing risk and uncertainty is an integral part of strategic thinking for the Directors of the Group.
There are 11 principal risks that have been identified within the Company and its subsidiaries:
Business interruption
Competitiveness
Customer
Environment and sustainability
Information security
Financial and treasury
Food safety and product Integrity
Health & safety
People
Regulation
Integration of McColl’s
More detailed information on the principal risks, approach to risk and the risk management process is found on pages 25 to 31.
The Risk Committee is responsible for risk management and internal control systems within the Group. The Committee meets every
month and its remit includes, for example, the following matters:
Principal risks of the Company and its subsidiaries;
Risk appetite;
Risk management systems;
Whistleblowing and fraud;
Employee listening;
Corporate compliance policies (such as GSCOP, Loss Prevention, Modern Slavery and Data & Information Security);
Health and safety, food safety and technical compliance; and
GDPR compliance.
40
Governance report (continued)
Principle 5 - Remuneration
There are three main remuneration mechanisms across the Company: base pay, annual bonus, and the new Morrisons Incentive
Plan. Base pay is set taking into account the Company’s pay frameworks, bands and the need to remain competitive in an aggressive
labour market, and this is the same at all levels within the Group. The Annual Bonus Plan is available for all front line managers up
to Directors. The performance conditions and targets are the same across all levels, creating alignment across the business to deliver
the shareholder's long-term priorities. Finally, the Morrisons Incentive Plan is offered to all colleagues at store manager level and
above. This creates alignment between all our leaders to the strategic direction and priorities of the Company.
Directors are not remunerated for directorships of subsidiaries.
Principle 6 - Stakeholder Relationships and Engagement
The principal stakeholders of the Group have been identified as the following:
Customers
Colleagues
Suppliers
Communities and the Environment
Debt holders
More information on how stakeholders are considered by the business, including the types of dialogue the Company has with these
stakeholders, can be found in the Section 172 statement on pages 32 to 35.
Dialogue with stakeholders helps the Group to understand, and cater for their needs, and supports towards achieving the purpose of
the Company. The following activities have been covered during the year:
ensuring that the strategy is aligned to long-term success for all stakeholders;
considering feedback received from customers, colleagues, suppliers, our shareholder and other stakeholders; and
overseeing the Group’s commitment to Corporate Social Responsibility, in particular the targets around carbon and plastic
reduction, as well as its support for the Group’s new charity partner Together for Short Lives, and for the charitable Morrisons
Foundation.
41
Directors’ report
Statutory disclosures
The following disclosures have been included elsewhere within the Annual Report and Financial Statements and are incorporated
into the Directors’ report by reference.
Disclosure
Future developments
Shareholder
Customers
Colleagues
Suppliers
Environment and supporting the community
Greenhouse gas emissions
Governance report
Directors of the Group
Dividends
Financial instruments
Financial risk management
Post-balance sheet events
Change of name
pages 4 to 35
pages 7 to 11
page 12
page 13 and 14
pages 15 to 17
pages 18 to 24
page 19
pages 36 to 41
page 37 and 38
page 69
page 94
page 94 and 95
page 107
On 17 November 2021, following the re-registration as a private company, the Company’s name was changed from Wm Morrison
Supermarkets PLC to Wm Morrison Supermarkets Limited.
Political donations
No political donations were made in the financial period, in line with the Group’s policy (31 October 2021: nil).
Going concern
The Directors’ assessment of the Group and the Company’s ability to continue as a going concern is based on cash flow forecasts
and the committed borrowing and debt facilities of the wider Group. These forecasts include consideration of future trading
performance, working capital requirements, changes to financing arrangements, retail market conditions and the wider economy.
The Group has negotiated and has available to it committed and uncommitted facilities that will meet the Group’s needs in the short
and medium term. In addition, Market Topco Limited (the ultimate parent of Market Bidco Limited) has provided a letter stating its
intentions to support the Group for at least the period of the going concern assessment.
Having assessed the principal and emerging risks as set out on pages 25 to 31, the Directors considered it appropriate to adopt the
going concern basis of accounting in preparing the financial statements. Further information can be found on page 60.
Forward-looking statements
The Strategic report and Directors’ report are prepared for the members of the Group and should not be relied upon by any other
party or for any other purpose. Where the Strategic report and Directors’ report include 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 the Annual Report and
Financial Statements.
Consequently, such statements should be treated with caution due to the inherent uncertainties, including both economic and
business risk factors, underlying such forward-looking statements and information.
The liabilities of the Directors in connection with the Strategic report and the Directors’ report shall be subject to the limitations and
restrictions provided by the Companies Act 2006.
Borrowing powers
The Articles of Association of the Company restrict the borrowings of the Group and its subsidiary undertakings to a maximum amount
equal to twice the share capital and consolidated reserves unless otherwise approved by the Company by ordinary resolution.
42
Directors’ report (continued)
Directors’ indemnities and Directors’ and Officers’ liability insurance
Qualifying third-party indemnity provisions (as defined by section 234 of the Companies Act 2006) were in force during the course of
the financial period ended 30 October 2022 for the benefit of the Directors of the Company and Directors of the Company's
subsidiaries in relation to certain losses and liabilities that they may incur or may have incurred in connection with their duties and
powers of office.
The Group also maintains insurance cover for the protection of Directors and senior management from personal liabilities and costs
which may arise in the course of fulfilling their duties.
Articles of Association
The Company’s Articles of Association may only be amended by a special resolution at a general meeting of shareholders.
Share capital
The authorised and called-up share capital of the Company, together with details of shares allotted and cancelled during the financial
period, are shown in note 6.7 of the financial statements.
On 27 October 2021, the entire issued and to be issued share capital of the Company was acquired by CD&R.
During the period, 690,739 (39 weeks ended 31 October 2021: 32,228,906) ordinary shares were issued to employees exercising
share options. In addition, no (39 weeks ended 31 October 2021: 3,841,275) LTIP share awards were settled out of the trust shares.
The vesting of shares was accelerated as a result of the takeover of the Group.
Equal opportunities for all
We have always said that the performance of this great British business would be led by colleagues, and as such we have five people
ambitions, which include being a business where everyone feels welcome and celebrated. This is promoted through a safe and
supportive environment free from racism, discrimination, harassment, bullying and victimisation.
We strive towards an environment where full and fair consideration is given to all applicants and where all colleagues regardless of
race, colour, nationality, ethnic origin, age, sex, marital or civil partnership status, disability, religion or belief, sexual orientation,
gender re-assignment or trade union membership have access to training and the opportunity to develop and progress. We also
encourage employment from anyone who wants to make a positive impact, with every application given full and fair consideration.
Dignity and respect underpins our behaviour towards all customers, colleagues and candidates. To ensure individual needs are
considered, the Group will make reasonable adjustments, where required, to the selection process, work environment or practices to
support those who need it.
The Group is more mindful than ever of mental health and wellbeing; and through our practices we should ensure the same respect
and support is provided to every candidate and colleague, and to treat them equally in respect of recruitment, promotion, training, pay
and other employment policies and conditions. Decisions are made based on relevant merits and abilities, and are made free from
bias.
Like most businesses, we know we are on a journey around diversity, inclusion, belonging and wellbeing; however we are committed
to improving and remaining responsive to customers, colleagues and the wider communities we serve, and truly being a business
where everyone is welcome and celebrated.
Human rights policy
Our approach is informed by the United Nations Guiding Principles on Business and Human Rights (‘UNGPs’) and underpinned by
the principles of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights and core International Labour Organisation standards. We ensure all of
our internal policies are consistent with this.
Whistleblowing policy
The Group is committed to ensuring that all individuals have the ability to raise genuine concerns in good faith without fear of
victimisation, subsequent discrimination or disadvantage, even if they turn out to be mistaken. More information on our whistleblowing
policy can be found on our website: morrisons-corporate.com/about-us/whistleblowing-policy. The Risk Committee reviews the
whistleblowing policy on an annual basis and receives reports which include an analysis of whistleblowing trends.
Anti-bribery and anti-corruption policy
The Risk Committee has considered the Company's anti-bribery and anti-corruption framework, which is based on our zero-tolerance
approach to bribery and corruption and the conduct expected of all of our colleagues and contractors. The Company's gifts and
hospitality policy, which defines the process which must be followed before any gifts or hospitality are offered or accepted, has also
been considered. Regular training is provided to all colleagues to maintain awareness of these policies and processes.
43
Directors’ report (continued)
Health and safety policy
It is the Group’s intention, so far as is reasonably practicable, to ensure the health, safety and welfare of all its employees, customers
and visitors to its premises. To deliver our policy, each division and subsidiary company has a comprehensive health and safety
management system, which contains the policy and procedures for complying with the Health and Safety at Work Act 1974, including
the provision, based on risk assessment, of safe working practices for all activities across the Group. To drive continuous
improvement in performance and practices, each division has a schedule of audits completed by our central health and safety team
as well as continuous improvement plans for each division, where applicable which are site and store-specific.
Non-financial information statement
In order to comply with the requirements of the Companies Act 2006, sections 414CA and 414CB, we have set out the following
information in the places referenced below:
information on social matters is shown in the Strategic report on page 24;
information on environmental matters is shown in the Strategic report on pages 18 to 20;
information on our colleagues is shown in the Strategic report on page 13 and 14;
our respect for human rights is set out in the Governance report on page 43;
our approach to anti-corruption and anti-bribery matters is set out in the Governance report on page 43;
our business model is described on pages 4 to 6;
our principal and emerging risks, and how we manage them, are described on pages 25 to 31; and
other non-financial key performance indicators are shown on page 11.
By order of the Board
Jonathan Burke, Company Secretary
25 January 2023
44
Statement of Directors’ responsibilities
in respect of the Report and Financial Statements
The Directors are responsible for preparing the Wm Morrison Supermarkets Limited Annual Report and the financial statements in
accordance with applicable law and regulation.
Company law requires the Directors to prepare financial statements for each financial period. Under that law the Directors have
prepared the Group financial statements in accordance with UK-adopted international accounting standards and the Company
financial statements in accordance with United Kingdom Generally Accepted Accounting Practice (United Kingdom Accounting
Standards, comprising FRS 101 “Reduced Disclosure Framework”, and applicable law).
Under company law, Directors must not approve the financial statements unless they are satisfied that they give a true and fair view
of the state of affairs of the Group and Company and of the profit or loss of the Group for that period. In preparing the financial
statements, the Directors are required to:
select suitable accounting policies and then apply them consistently;
state whether applicable UK-adopted international accounting standards have been followed for the Group financial
statements and United Kingdom Accounting Standards, comprising FRS 101 have been followed for the Company financial
statements, subject to any material departures disclosed and explained in the financial statements;
make judgements and accounting estimates that are reasonable and prudent; and
prepare the financial statements on the going concern basis unless it is inappropriate to presume that the Group and
Company will continue in business.
The Directors are responsible for safeguarding the assets of the Group and Company and hence for taking reasonable steps for the
prevention and detection of fraud and other irregularities.
The Directors are also responsible for keeping adequate accounting records that are sufficient to show and explain the Group’s and
Company’s transactions and disclose with reasonable accuracy at any time the financial position of the Group and Company and
enable them to ensure that the financial statements comply with the Companies Act 2006.
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.
Directors’ confirmations
Each of the Directors, whose names and functions are listed in the Governance Report confirm that, to the best of their knowledge:
the Group financial statements, which have been prepared in accordance with UK-adopted international accounting
standards, give a true and fair view of the assets, liabilities, financial position and profit of the Group;
the Company financial statements, which have been prepared in accordance with United Kingdom Accounting Standards,
comprising FRS 101, give a true and fair view of the assets, liabilities and financial position of the Company; and
the Financial Statements include a fair review of the development and performance of the business and the position of the
Group and Company, together with a description of the principal risks and uncertainties that it faces.
In the case of each Director in office at the date the Directors’ report is approved:
so far as the Director is aware, there is no relevant audit information of which the Group’s and Company’s auditors are
unaware; and
they have taken all the steps that they ought to have taken as a Director in order to make themselves aware of any relevant
audit information and to establish that the Group’s and Company’s auditors are aware of that information.
By order of the Board
Jonathan Burke, Company Secretary
25 January 2023
45
Independent auditors’ report to the members of Wm
Morrison Supermarkets Limited
Report on the audit of the financial statements
Opinion
In our opinion:
Wm Morrison Supermarkets Limited’s Group financial statements and Company financial statements (the “financial
statements”) give a true and fair view of the state of the Group’s and of the Company’s affairs as at 30 October 2022 and of
the Group’s loss and the Group’s cash flows for the 52 week period then ended;
the Group financial statements have been properly prepared in accordance with UK-adopted international accounting
standards as applied in accordance with the provisions of the Companies Act 2006;
the Company financial statements have been properly prepared in accordance with United Kingdom Generally Accepted
Accounting Practice (United Kingdom Accounting Standards, including FRS 101 “Reduced Disclosure Framework”, and
applicable law); and
the financial statements have been prepared in accordance with the requirements of the Companies Act 2006.
We have audited the financial statements, included within the Annual Report and Financial Statements (the “Annual Report”), which
comprise: the consolidated and Company statement of financial position as at 30 October 2022; the consolidated income statement,
consolidated statement of comprehensive income, consolidated statement of cash flows and the consolidated and Company
statements of changes in equity for the period then ended; and the general information and notes to the financial statements, which
include a description of the significant accounting policies.
Our opinion is consistent with our reporting to the Directors.
Basis for opinion
We conducted our audit in accordance with International Standards on Auditing (UK) (“ISAs (UK)”) and applicable law. Our
responsibilities under ISAs (UK) are further described in the Auditors’ responsibilities for the audit of the financial statements section
of our report. We believe that the audit evidence we have obtained is sufficient and appropriate to provide a basis for our opinion.
Independence
We remained independent of the Group in accordance with the ethical requirements that are relevant to our audit of the financial
statements in the UK, which includes the FRC’s Ethical Standard, as applicable to listed public interest entities, and we have fulfilled
our other ethical responsibilities in accordance with these requirements.
To the best of our knowledge and belief, we declare that non-audit services prohibited by the FRC’s Ethical Standard were not
provided.
Other than those disclosed in note 1.5 of the financial statements, we have provided no non-audit services to the Company or its
controlled undertakings in the period under audit.
Our audit approach
Overview
Audit scope
We identified two reporting units, Wm Morrison Supermarkets Limited and Safeway Stores Limited, which in our view,
required a full scope audit based on their size and risk.
During the period, the Group purchased the trade and majority of the assets of McColl’s Retail Group plc and certain
operating subsidiaries. Certain McColl's account balances were determined as being in the scope of our Group audit to
address specific risk characteristics or to provide sufficient overall Group coverage of particular financial statement line
items.
Key audit matters
Impairment of property, plant and equipment and right-of-use assets (Group and Company)
Commercial income (Group and Company)
Exceptional items (Group)
Valuation of retirement benefits (Group and Company)
46
Independent auditors’ report to the members of Wm Morrison
Supermarkets Limited (continued)
Materiality
Overall Group materiality: £23,500,000 (prior period: £15,000,000) based on 2.5% of EBITDA before exceptionals, supply
chain disruption and excluding McColl’s.
Overall Company materiality: £21,000,000 (prior period: £13,500,000) based on the Company allocation of Group
materiality.
Performance materiality: £17,500,000 (prior period: £11,250,000) (Group) and £15,500,000 (prior period: £10,125,000)
(Company).
The scope of our audit
As part of designing our audit, we determined materiality and assessed the risks of material misstatement in the financial statements.
Key audit matters
Key audit matters are those matters that, in the auditors’ professional judgement, were of most significance in the 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) identified by the auditors, including 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. These matters, and any comments we make on the results of our
procedures thereon, 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.
This is not a complete list of all risks identified by our audit.
The key audit matters below are consistent with last year.
Key audit matter
How our audit addressed the key audit matter
Value-in-use
In relation to the value-in-use assessment we have:
Obtained the Group’s and the Company’s financial
plan covering the next financial period and medium-
term outlook (upon which the forecasts underpinning
the value-in-use calculations are based);
Challenged management’s
forecasts by seeking
evidence over the key assumptions and compared
future cash flow performance to historical levels to
ensure that the planned performance is considered
reasonable;
Assessed the accuracy of management’s discounted
cash flow model including testing the mathematical
accuracy of the calculations included within the model
and the application of the requirements of IAS 36
‘Impairment of assets’ and impact of IFRS 16;
Assessed the discount rate applied, with the support of
our internal valuations specialists; and
Considered and assessed the sensitivity of the model
to changes in these key assumptions.
We found, based on our audit work, that the key assumptions
and calculations used by management were supportable and
appropriate.
Impairment of property, plant and equipment and right-of-use
assets (Group and Company)
Refer to page 62 (sources of estimation uncertainty), note 3.1
(accounting policies), notes 3.3 and 11.7 (property, plant and
equipment) and notes 3.4 and 11.8 (Right-of-use assets).
The Group has a large freehold store estate recognised within
property, plant and equipment (Group: £5,684m, Company:
£1,496m) and right of use assets representing leasehold land
and buildings (Group: £847m, Company: £962m) at 30 October
2022.
Given the challenging trading conditions in the UK grocery retail
market in recent years and the subsequent adverse impact on
the market value of traditional supermarket stores, the possibility
of impairment of these assets and the related trading assets is an
area of focus for management, as is the possibility that previously
charged impairments may need reversing where store trading
conditions have improved.
We focused on this area because of the judgement required in
applying various estimations when testing for impairment and
impairment write-backs and the significant carrying value of
freehold and leasehold property.
Management considers each store location to be a cash
generating unit (‘CGU’) and has calculated the recoverable
amount of each CGU as the higher of value-in-use and fair value
less costs of disposal.
Value-in-use
Value-in-use is based on discounted, future cash flow forecasts,
requiring management to make judgements relating to certain
key inputs including, for example, discount rates and future
growth rates.
47
Independent auditors’ report to the members of Wm Morrison
Supermarkets Limited (continued)
Key audit matter
How our audit addressed the key audit matter
Fair value less costs of disposal
in
We evaluated and challenged the estimates of store rental
the valuations prepared by
values and yields used
independent valuers which were used by the Directors in their
assessment of fair value less costs of disposal. This involved
using our own internal valuation experts, with a particular focus
on the assumptions and methodology used, obtaining third party
evidence and market data to corroborate the assumptions.
We determined that the valuations performed by management
were reasonable.
In addition, we evaluated the adequacy of the disclosures made
in notes 3.3 and 3.4 (Group) and notes 11.7 and 11.8
(Company) of the financial statements, including disclosures
regarding the key assumptions and sensitivities as required by
IAS 36 ‘Impairment of assets’ and found them to be appropriate.
Impairment of property, plant and equipment and right-of-use
assets (Group and Company) (continued)
Fair value less costs of disposal
Fair value less costs of disposal is based upon store level
valuations prepared by independent valuers. This assessment
takes into account the continued low demand from major grocery
retailers for supermarket space, when assessing rent and yield
assumptions on a store by store basis. The key judgements made
relate to the estimated rental values and yields for these stores.
The Group has recognised a net impairment charge of £88m on
tangible assets (£330m impairment charge offset by £242m
impairment write back). The £330m impairment charge includes
£276m in relation to property, plant and equipment, £51m in
relation to right-of-use assets and £3m in relation to investment
property. The £242m impairment write back includes £208m in
relation to property, plant and equipment and £34m in relation to
right-of-use assets.
The Company has recognised a net impairment charge of £48m
(£147m impairment charge offset by £99m impairment write
back). The £147m impairment charge includes £85m in relation
to property, plant and equipment, £62m in relation to right-of-use
assets. The £99m impairment write back includes £85m in
relation to property, plant and equipment and £14m in relation to
right-of-use assets.
48
Independent auditors’ report to the members of Wm Morrison
Supermarkets Limited (continued)
Key audit matter
How our audit addressed the key audit matter
We performed the following procedures in relation to both
income and manually calculated promotional
Commercial income (Group and Company)
Refer to page 62 (sources of estimation uncertainty), note 1.1
(accounting policies) and note 1.5 (operating profit).
Commercial income
commercial
funding:
The Group and Company have two categories of commercial
income: marketing and advertising funding, and volume-based
rebates on purchases.
Commercial income is recognised as a deduction from cost of
sales and is earned over the period of the contractual agreements
with individual suppliers, as disclosed in the accounting policies
on page 63 and 64. The total income recognised in the income
statement in a year is based on the expected entitlement earned
up to the balance sheet date under each supplier agreement. It
the
requires management
contractual terms in place with each of its suppliers, together with
estimates of amounts the Group and Company is entitled to where
transactions span the financial period end. We also recognise that
there could be a potential for fraud through possible manipulation
of this income.
judgement based on
to apply
Manual promotional funding
The Group and Company separately recognises promotional
funding on promotions that are partially funded by suppliers. The
majority of promotional funding is an automated deduction from
cost of sales, triggered when a sale is recognised. However, there
are some elements of promotional funding which include a
manually calculated element to the invoicing. We focused on the
manually calculated elements of promotional funding because of
the significant number of transactions and agreements in place
with suppliers covering a range of periods, the manual nature of
the invoicing process and the industry-wide focus on this area of
accounting.
understood, evaluated and tested management’s key
controls, including the monitoring of invoices raised
and the accuracy of confirmations received from
suppliers;
tested a sample of balance sheet items to supporting
documentation including supplier agreements and
independent external confirmations from suppliers.
This included testing accrued items on the balance
sheet to subsequent post year end invoicing as well as
independent confirmations;
tested a sample of supplier arrangements recognised
in the income statement to supporting agreements and
invoices. We have also assessed supplier dispute
provisions at the year-end for comfort over items
recognised in the income statement;
cut-off work involved testing a sample of commercial
income and the manually calculated elements of
promotional funding recognised both before and after
the period end and evaluating by reference to
documentation from suppliers that the timing of
recognition was appropriate;
tested a sample of credit notes raised after the period
end in order to identify any instances of commercial
income or
the manually calculated elements of
promotional funding being subsequently reversed;
assessed the recoverability of unsettled balances
included within trade receivables in note 5.3 to the
financial statements (where the Group does not have
the right of offset against trade creditors); and
considered the adequacy of related disclosure within
the Group’s financial statements.
No significant issues were identified as a result of this work.
49
Independent auditors’ report to the members of Wm Morrison
Supermarkets Limited (continued)
Key audit matter
How our audit addressed the key audit matter
We considered whether the presentation of these Alternative
Performance Measures was appropriate. We performed the
following procedures:
Reviewed management’s definition and classification of
exceptional items, including the sub-categorisation of
these items;
Obtained supporting evidence
to corroborate
the
accuracy and completeness of exceptional items;
Where estimation uncertainty exists, we challenged the
key assumptions in light of information available and
historical assessments made for similar circumstances;
Challenged management on
the classification of
exceptional
the
application of the accounting policy including those items
classified as ‘other exceptional costs’; and
through consideration of
items
Challenged management over disclosures relating to
exceptional items to ensure that these were appropriate
and consistent with the individual exceptional items and
the work performed.
No significant issues were identified as a result of this work.
Exceptional items (Group)
Refer to page 61 and 62 (critical accounting judgements) and note
1.4 (profit before exceptionals).
Two of the Group's Alternative Performance Measures are ‘Profit
before tax and exceptionals’ and 'Earnings before Interest, Tax,
Depreciation and Amortisation (‘EBITDA’) before exceptionals'.
Management uses these measures to improve the transparency
and clarity of the Group’s financial performance.
The Group's profit before tax and exceptional items of £186m is
stated before £10m of net retirement benefit credit and a net
charge from exceptional items of £229m. EBITDA before
exceptionals is £859m. The £229m net charge from exceptional
items is comprised of the following:
●
●
●
●
●
●
£18m of restructuring and store closure costs;
£105m net
contracts;
impairment and provision
for onerous
£10m profit arising on disposal and closure;
£9m of net finance costs associated with the early
repayment of borrowings;
£92m of transaction costs; and
£15m of other exceptional costs.
The determination of which items are to be excluded from EBITDA
before exceptionals and profit before exceptionals is subject to
judgement and therefore users of the Group financial statements
could be misled if amounts are not classified and disclosed in a
transparent manner and consistently with the Group’s accounting
policy.
Valuation of Retirement benefits (Group and Company)
We performed the following procedures:
Refer to page 62 (critical accounting judgements and sources of
estimation uncertainty), notes 8 and 11.21 (pensions).
We have focused on the valuation of the Group and Company’s
defined benefit pension schemes because of the level of
estimation required in determining the year end valuation. In
addition, the size of the gross assets (Group: £3,762m and
Company: £1,309m) and
liabilities (Group: £3,071m and
Company £1,011m) within the schemes are significant and
material. The net surplus position of the schemes at 30 October
2022 was £691m for the Group and £298m for the Company.
Where a defined benefit scheme is in a surplus position,
management needs to consider whether the Group and Company
has the right to recognise a surplus, or whether it is necessary to
restrict
the amount of surplus recognised. This requires
judgement as to the rights of the Group, Company and Trustees
in each of the Group’s schemes.
Obtained the IAS 19 valuation reports produced by the
Group’s independent actuaries;
Used our internal pensions experts to assess the
judgemental assumptions used
the
valuation of the pension schemes’ liabilities, including
discount rates, inflation and mortality rates;
in calculating
Obtained the detailed reports relating to the valuation of
the schemes’ assets and agreed the valuations to third
party confirmations;
Assessed the membership data used in valuing the
schemes’ liabilities and tested any significant changes
since the last valuation; and
Agreed a sample of contributions made by the Group to
bank statements.
Based on our work performed, the actuarial assumptions used in
calculating the pension surplus were within an acceptable range.
We considered management’s assessment of the Group’s right to
recognise the net surplus in the CARE and RSP schemes by
reference to the requirements of IFRIC 14 ‘Limit on defined benefit
asset’, including reviewing legal advice provided to management,
and satisfied ourselves that it is appropriate to recognise the net
surplus on the balance sheet.
50
Independent auditors’ report to the members of Wm Morrison
Supermarkets Limited (continued)
How we tailored the audit scope
We tailored the scope of our audit to ensure that we performed enough work to be able to give an opinion on the financial statements
as a whole, taking into account the structure of the Group and the Company, the accounting processes and controls, and the industry
in which they operate.
The Group’s accounting process is structured around a Group finance function at its head office in Bradford which is responsible for
the Group’s reporting units. Separate to this, the finance function relating to the reporting unit responsible for the newly acquired
McColl's business is based in Brentwood.
For each reporting unit we determined whether we required an audit of its reported financial information (‘full scope’), or whether
certain account balances of reporting units were required to be in the scope of our Group audit to address specific risk characteristics
or to provide sufficient overall Group coverage of particular financial statement line items.
A full scope audit was required for two components, being Wm Morrison Supermarkets Limited and Safeway Stores Limited, which
were determined as financially significant because they individually contribute more than 15% of the Group's EBITDA before
exceptionals. In addition, we determined that certain account balances (Revenue, Cash and cash equivalents and Inventory) in one
further reporting unit were in the scope of our Group audit to address specific risk characteristics or to provide sufficient overall Group
coverage of particular financial statement line items.
All of the audit procedures have been performed by the Group audit engagement team.
In aggregate, our audit procedures accounted for 99% of Group Revenues and 94% of Group EBITDA. In addition, the Group audit
team performed analytical review procedures over a number of smaller reporting units. This included an analysis of year-on-year
movements, at a level of disaggregation to enable a focus on higher risk balances and unusual movements. Those not subject to
analytical review procedures were individually, and in aggregate, immaterial. This gave us the evidence we needed for our opinion
on the financial statements as a whole.
As part of our audit we made enquiries of management to understand the process they have adopted to assess the extent of the
potential impact of climate change risk on the Group’s financial statements. Management consider that the impact of climate change
does not give rise to a material financial statement impact. We used our knowledge of the Group to evaluate management’s
assessment. We particularly considered how climate change risks would impact the assumptions made in the forecasts prepared by
management used in their impairment analyses and going concern. We discussed with management the ways in which climate
change disclosures should continue to evolve as the Group continues to develop its response to the impact of climate change. We
also considered the consistency of the disclosures in relation to climate change made in the other information within the Annual
Report with the financial statements and our knowledge from our audit.
Materiality
The scope of our audit was influenced by our application of materiality. We set certain quantitative thresholds for materiality. These,
together with qualitative considerations, helped us to determine the scope of our audit and the nature, timing and extent of our audit
procedures on the individual financial statement line items and disclosures and in evaluating the effect of misstatements, both
individually and in aggregate on the financial statements as a whole.
Based on our professional judgement, we determined materiality for the financial statements as a whole as follows:
Overall materiality
£23,500,000 (prior period: £15,000,000)
£21,000,000 (prior period: £13,500,000)
Group financial statements
Company financial statements
How we determined it
Rationale for benchmark
applied
2.5% of EBITDA before exceptionals, supply
chain disruption and excluding McColl’s
We applied the benchmark of EBITDA before
exceptionals, supply chain disruption and
excluding McColl’s as the most relevant metric
against which the performance of the Group is
most commonly measured.
The Company allocation of Group materiality
In our view, users focus on the consolidated
results of the Group rather than the individual
results of the Company, therefore we determined
our materiality in the overall context of the Group.
51
Independent auditors’ report to the members of Wm Morrison
Supermarkets Limited (continued)
Materiality (continued)
For each component in the scope of our Group audit, we allocated a materiality that is less than our overall Group materiality. The
range of materiality allocated across components was £16,000,000 to £21,000,000. Certain components were audited to a local
statutory audit materiality that was also less than our overall Group materiality.
We use performance materiality to reduce to an appropriately low level the probability that the aggregate of uncorrected and
undetected misstatements exceeds overall materiality. Specifically, we use performance materiality in determining the scope of our
audit and the nature and extent of our testing of account balances, classes of transactions and disclosures, for example in determining
sample sizes. Our performance materiality was 75% (Prior period: 75%) of overall materiality, amounting to £17,500,000 (Prior period:
£11,250,000) for the Group financial statements and £15,500,000 (Prior period: £10,125,000) for the Company financial statements.
In determining the performance materiality, we considered a number of factors - the history of misstatements, risk assessment and
aggregation risk and the effectiveness of controls - and concluded that an amount at the upper end of our normal range was
appropriate.
We agreed with the Directors that we would report to them misstatements identified during our audit above £1,175,000 (Group audit
- prior period: £750,000) and £1,050,000 (Company audit - prior period: £675,000) as well as misstatements below those amounts
that, in our view, warranted reporting for qualitative reasons.
Conclusions relating to going concern
Our evaluation of the Directors’ assessment of the Group's and the Company’s ability to continue to adopt the going concern basis
of accounting included:
We obtained from management their latest assessments that support the Board’s conclusions with respect to the going
concern basis of preparation of the financial statements;
We evaluated management’s base case forecast and severe but plausible downside scenarios and challenged the adequacy
and appropriateness of the underlying assumptions, including a decrease in like-for-like sales, profit sensitivities, and a
reduction in the level of available supply chain finance facilities, as well as an assessment of the available mitigating actions;
We have evaluated the Group's access to debt facilities throughout the period, including the intercompany funding provided
by the Group's parent company, Market Bidco Limited;
In conjunction with the above we have also reviewed management’s analysis of both liquidity and covenant compliance to
satisfy ourselves that no breaches are anticipated over the period of assessment; and
We have obtained and evaluated Market Topco Limited's letter of support to satisfy ourselves of its intention and ability to
continue to support the Group for at least 12 months from the date of signing this audit opinion.
Based on the work we have performed, we have not identified any material uncertainties relating to events or conditions that,
individually or collectively, may cast significant doubt on the Group's and the Company’s ability to continue as a going concern for a
period of at least twelve months from when the financial statements are authorised for issue.
In auditing the financial statements, we have concluded that the Directors’ use of the going concern basis of accounting in the
preparation of the financial statements is appropriate.
However, because not all future events or conditions can be predicted, this conclusion is not a guarantee as to the Group's and the
Company's ability to continue as a going concern.
Our responsibilities and the responsibilities of the Directors with respect to going concern are described in the relevant sections of
this report.
52
Independent auditors’ report to the members of Wm Morrison
Supermarkets Limited (continued)
Reporting on other information
The other information comprises all of the information in the Annual Report other than the financial statements and our auditors’
report thereon. The Directors are responsible for the other information, which includes reporting based on the Task Force on Climate-
related Financial Disclosures (TCFD) recommendations. Our opinion on the financial statements does not cover the other information
and, accordingly, we do not express an audit opinion or, except to the extent otherwise explicitly stated in this report, any form of
assurance 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 an apparent material inconsistency or material misstatement, we are
required to perform procedures to conclude whether there is a material misstatement of 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. We have nothing to report based on these responsibilities.
With respect to the Strategic report and Directors' report, we also considered whether the disclosures required by the UK Companies
Act 2006 have been included.
Based on our work undertaken in the course of the audit, the Companies Act 2006 requires us also to report certain opinions and
matters as described below.
Strategic Report and Directors’ Report
In our opinion, based on the work undertaken in the course of the audit, the information given in the Strategic report and Directors'
report for the period ended 30 October 2022 is consistent with the financial statements and has been prepared in accordance with
applicable legal requirements.
In light of the knowledge and understanding of the Group and Company and their environment obtained in the course of the audit,
we did not identify any material misstatements in the Strategic report and Directors' report.
Responsibilities for the financial statements and the audit
Responsibilities of the Directors for the financial statements
As explained more fully in the Statement of Directors’ responsibilities, the Directors are responsible for the preparation of the financial
statements in accordance with the applicable framework and for being satisfied that they give a true and fair view. The Directors are
also responsible for such internal control as they 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 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 Company or to cease operations, or have no realistic alternative but
to do so.
Auditors’ 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 auditors’ 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.
Irregularities, including fraud, are instances of non-compliance with laws and regulations. We design procedures in line with our
responsibilities, outlined above, to detect material misstatements in respect of irregularities, including fraud. The extent to which our
procedures are capable of detecting irregularities, including fraud, is detailed below.
53
Independent auditors’ report to the members of Wm Morrison
Supermarkets Limited (continued)
Responsibilities for the financial statements and the audit (continued)
Auditors’ responsibilities for the audit of the financial statements (continued)
Based on our understanding of the Group and industry, we identified that the principal risks of non-compliance with laws and
regulations related to employment law and health and safety legislation, and we considered the extent to which non-compliance might
have a material effect on the financial statements. We also considered those laws and regulations that have a direct impact on the
financial statements such as UK tax legislation including Income, Sales and Payroll tax and the Companies Act 2006. We evaluated
management’s incentives and opportunities for fraudulent manipulation of the financial statements (including the risk of override of
controls), and determined that the principal risks were related to forgery or intentional misrepresentations, or through collusion. Audit
procedures performed by the engagement team included:
review of the financial statement disclosures to underlying supporting documentation;
review of correspondence with, and reports to, the regulators;
review of correspondence with legal advisers;
enquiries of management and review of internal audit reports in so far as they related to the financial statements; and
auditing the risk of management override of controls, including through testing journal entries and other adjustments for
appropriateness, testing accounting estimates (because of the risk of management bias), and evaluating the business
rationale of significant transactions outside the normal course of business.
There are inherent limitations in the audit procedures described above. We are less likely to become aware of instances of non-
compliance with laws and regulations that are not closely related to events and transactions reflected in the financial statements.
Also, the risk of not detecting a material misstatement due to fraud is higher than the risk of not detecting one resulting from error, as
fraud may involve deliberate concealment by, for example, forgery or intentional misrepresentations, or through collusion.
Our audit testing might include testing complete populations of certain transactions and balances, possibly using data auditing
techniques. However, it typically involves selecting a limited number of items for testing, rather than testing complete populations.
We will often seek to target particular items for testing based on their size or risk characteristics. In other cases, we will use audit
sampling to enable us to draw a conclusion about the population from which the sample is selected.
A further description of our responsibilities for the audit of the financial statements is located on the FRC’s website at:
www.frc.org.uk/auditorsresponsibilities. This description forms part of our auditors’ report.
Use of this report
This report, including the opinions, has been prepared for and only for the Company’s members as a body in accordance with Chapter
3 of Part 16 of the Companies Act 2006 and for no other purpose. We do not, in giving these opinions, accept or assume responsibility
for any other purpose or to any other person to whom this report is shown or into whose hands it may come save where expressly
agreed by our prior consent in writing.
Other required reporting
Companies Act 2006 exception reporting
Under the Companies Act 2006 we are required to report to you if, in our opinion:
we have not obtained all the information and explanations we require for our audit; or
adequate accounting records have not been kept by the Company, or returns adequate for our audit have not been
received from branches not visited by us; or
certain disclosures of Directors’ remuneration specified by law are not made; or
the Company financial statements are not in agreement with the accounting records and returns.
We have no exceptions to report arising from this responsibility.
Appointment
Following the recommendation of the Directors, we were appointed by the members on 5 June 2014 to audit the financial statements
for the year ended 1 February 2015 and subsequent financial periods. The period of total uninterrupted engagement is nine years,
covering the periods ended 1 February 2015 to 30 October 2022.
54
Independent auditors’ report to the members of Wm Morrison
Supermarkets Limited (continued)
Other matter
In due course, as required by the Financial Conduct Authority Disclosure Guidance and Transparency Rule 4.1.14R, these financial
statements will form part of the ESEF-prepared annual financial report filed on the National Storage Mechanism of the Financial
Conduct Authority in accordance with the ESEF Regulatory Technical Standard (‘ESEF RTS’). This auditors’ report provides no
assurance over whether the annual financial report will be prepared using the single electronic format specified in the ESEF RTS.
John Ellis (Senior Statutory Auditor)
for and on behalf of PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP
Chartered Accountants and Statutory Auditors
Leeds
25 January 2023
55
Consolidated income statement
52 weeks ended 30 October 2022
Revenue
Cost of sales
Costs of sales before supply chain disruption
Supply chain disruption2
Gross profit
Other operating income
Profit/(loss) on disposal and closure
Administrative expenses
Operating profit/(loss)
Operating profit/(loss) before supply chain
disruption1
Supply chain disruption2
Finance costs
Finance income
Share of loss of joint venture (net of taxation)
Profit/(loss) before taxation
Taxation
Profit/(loss) for the period
52 weeks ended 30 October 2022
39 weeks ended 31 October 2021
Note
1.2
1.5
6.2
6.2
4.2
2.2
Before
exceptionals1
£m
18,479
(18,070)
(18,026)
(44)
409
123
-
(281)
251
295
(44)
(67)
3
(1)
186
(33)
153
Exceptionals
(note 1.4)
£m
-
(13)
(13)
-
(13)
-
10
(225)
(228)
(228)
-
(21)
30
-
(219)
41
(178)
Total
£m
18,479
(18,083)
(18,039)
Before
exceptionals1
£m
13,483
(13,146)
(13,116)
(44)
396
123
10
(506)
23
67
(44)
(88)
33
(1)
(33)
8
(25)
(30)
337
77
-
(203)
211
241
(30)
(83)
5
-
133
(39)
94
Exceptionals
(note 1.4)
£m
-
(16)
(16)
-
(16)
-
(28)
(218)
(262)
(262)
-
-
8
-
(254)
(87)
(341)
Total
£m
13,483
(13,162)
(13,132)
(30)
321
77
(28)
(421)
(51)
(21)
(30)
(83)
13
-
(121)
(126)
(247)
Consolidated statement of comprehensive income
52 weeks ended 30 October 2022
Other comprehensive income/(expense)
Items that will not be reclassified to profit or loss
Remeasurement of defined benefit schemes
Tax on defined benefit schemes
Items that may be reclassified subsequently to profit or loss
Cash flow hedging movement
Exchange differences on translation of foreign operations
Tax on items that may be reclassified subsequently to profit or loss
Other comprehensive income for the period, net of tax
Profit/(loss) for the period
Total comprehensive (expense)/income for the period
52 weeks ended 30
October 2022
£m
39 weeks ended
31 October 2021
£m
Note
8.2
2.3
2.3
(309)
236
77 (90)
(232)
335
(1)
(84)
250
18
(25)
(7)
146
167
1
(42)
126
272
(247)
25
1 Alternative performance measures are defined in the glossary (see pages 131-133)
2 Supply chain disruption costs in the 52 weeks 30 October 2022 amounted to £44m (39 weeks ended 31 October 2021: £30m) and are included in arriving at
gross profit. These costs relate to the mitigating actions and impact on the Group’s operations arising from the unprecedented nationwide disruption in the
supply chain and lack of availability in the labour market, including warehouse, transport and manufacturing costs. These costs began to be incurred during
August 2021 and returned to a stable level during March 2022. These costs have been disclosed separately to provide additional information to users of the
financial statements.
All of the results shown above relate to continuing operations.
56
Consolidated statement of financial position
As at 30 October 2022
30 October 2022
£m
31 October 2021
£m
Note
Assets
Non-current assets
Goodwill and intangible assets
Property, plant and equipment
Right-of-use assets
Investment property
Retirement benefit surplus
Investments in joint ventures
Trade and other receivables
Derivative financial assets
Current assets
Inventories
Trade and other receivables
Current tax asset
Derivative financial assets
Cash and cash equivalents
Assets classified as held-for-sale
Total assets
Liabilities
Current liabilities
Trade and other payables
Borrowings
Loan from parent undertaking
Lease liabilities
Derivative financial liabilities
Non-current liabilities
Borrowings
Lease liabilities
Derivative financial liabilities
Retirement benefit deficit
Deferred tax liabilities
Provisions
Total liabilities
Net assets
Shareholders’ equity
Share capital
Share premium
Capital redemption reserve
Merger reserve
Hedging reserve
Retained earnings
Total equity attributable to the owners of the Company
3.2
3.3
3.4
3.6
8.2
4.2
3.7
7.3
5.2
5.3
7.3
6.6
3.5
5.4
6.3
6.4
6.5
7.3
6.3
6.5
7.3
8.2
2.3
5.5
6.7
6.7
6.8
6.8
6.8
6.8
416
7,337
889
58
691
27
86
128
320
7,327
940
61
995
31
81
43
9,632
9,798
990
379
8
359
287
2,023
-
2,023
11,655
(3,452)
-
(1,843)
(73)
(3)
902
427
53
33
296
1,711
1
1,712
11,510
(3,187)
(838)
-
(76)
(19)
(5,371)
(4,120)
(84)
(1,239)
-
-
(740)
(43)
(2,106)
(7,477)
4,178
245
253
39
2,578
373
690
4,178
(1,107)
(1,284)
(2)
(28)
(730)
(55)
(3,206)
(7,326)
4,184
245
252
39
2,578
122
948
4,184
The notes on pages 63 to 107 form part of these financial statements. The financial statements on pages 56 to 107 were approved
by the Board of Directors on 25 January 2023 and were signed on its behalf by:
Joanna Goff, Chief Financial Officer
Company registration number: 00358949
57
Consolidated statement of cash flows
52 weeks ended 30 October 2022
Cash flows from operating activities
Cash generated from operations
Interest paid
Taxation received/(paid)
Net cash inflow from operating activities
Cash flows from investing activities
Interest received
Dividends received from joint ventures
Proceeds from disposal of property, plant and equipment, investment property and assets
held-for-sale
Purchase of property, plant and equipment and investment property
Purchase of intangible assets
Acquisition of business (net of cash received)
Investments in joint ventures
Net cash outflow from investing activities
Cash flows from financing activities
Purchase of trust shares
Settlement of share awards
Proceeds from trust shares
Proceeds from exercise of employee share options
Proceeds from settlement of derivative contracts
Costs incurred on repayment of borrowings
Repayment of borrowings
Loan from parent undertaking
Repayment of lease obligations
Dividends paid
Net cash outflow from financing activities
Net (decrease)/increase in cash and cash equivalents
Cash and cash equivalents at start of period
Cash and cash equivalents at end of period
Note
5.6
4.2
4.3
6.7
6.7
6.7
6.7
6.4
1.7
6.6
52 weeks ended
30 October 2022
£m
39 weeks ended
31 October 2021
£m
735
(78)
52
709
1
8
17
(430)
(79)
(187)
(2)
(672)
-
-
41
1
18
(12)
(1,859)
1,843
(78)
-
(46)
(9)
296
287
621
(76)
(17)
528
-
-
10
(307)
(53)
(8)
-
(358)
(3)
(8)
-
55
118
-
(94)
-
(59)
(123)
(114)
56
240
296
58
Consolidated statement of changes in equity
52 weeks ended 30 October 2022
Share
capital
£m
Share
premium
£m
Note
Capital
redemption
reserve
£m
Merger
reserve
£m
Hedging
reserve
£m
Retained
earnings
£m
Total
equity
£m
Current period
At 1 November 2021
Loss for the period
Other comprehensive income/(expense):
Cash flow hedging movement
Exchange differences on translation of foreign
operations
Remeasurement of defined benefit schemes
Tax in relation to components of other comprehensive
income
Total comprehensive income/(expense) for the period
Employee share option schemes:
Share options exercised
Total transactions with owners
At 30 October 2022
8.2
2.3
6.7
245
252
39
2,578
122
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
1
1
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
948
(25)
4,184
(25)
-
(1)
335
(1)
(309)
(309)
-
335
-
-
(84)
77
251
(258)
-
-
-
-
(7)
(7)
1
1
245
253
39
2,578
373
690
4,178
Share
capital
£m
Share
premium
£m
Note
Capital
redemption
reserve
£m
Merger
reserve
£m
Hedging
reserve
£m
Retained
earnings
£m
Total
equity
£m
241
201
39
2,578
Prior period
At 1 February 2021
Loss for the period
Other comprehensive income/(expense):
Cash flow hedging movement
Exchange differences on translation of foreign
operations
Remeasurement of defined benefit schemes
Tax in relation to components of other
comprehensive income
Total comprehensive income/(expense) for the period
Employee share option schemes:
Purchase of trust shares
Share-based payments charge
Settlement of share awards
Share options exercised
Sale of trust shares
Dividends
Total transactions with owners
At 31 October 2021
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
4
-
-
4
245
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
51
-
-
51
252
8.2
2.3
6.7
6.7
6.7
1.7
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
(3)
-
167
-
-
1,160
4,216
(247)
(247)
-
1
167
1
236
236
(42)
(90)
(132)
125
(100)
25
(3)
29
(3)
29
(56)
(56)
-
41
(123)
(112)
55
41
(123)
(57)
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
39
2,578
122
948
4,184
59
General information
Company information
Wm Morrison Supermarkets Limited is a company incorporated in the United Kingdom and registered in England and Wales under
the Companies Act 2006 (Registration number 00358949). Following the de-listing of its shares from the London Stock Exchange on
28 October 2021, the Company was re-registered as a private company limited by shares on 17 November 2021. The Company is
domiciled in the United Kingdom and its registered address is Hilmore House, Gain Lane, Bradford, BD3 7DL. See principal activity
in the Strategic Report on page 4.
Basis of preparation
The consolidated financial statements have been prepared for the 52 weeks ended 30 October 2022 and the 39 weeks ended 31
October 2021 in accordance with UK-adopted International Accounting Standards and International Financial Reporting Standards
(‘IFRS’) as issued by the International Accounting Standards Board (‘IASB’) and with the requirements of the Companies Act 2006
as applicable to companies reporting under those standards.
The consolidated financial statements are presented in pounds sterling, rounded to the nearest million. They are drawn up on the
historical cost basis of accounting, except as disclosed in the accounting policies set out within these consolidated financial
statements.
The Group’s accounting policies have, unless otherwise stated, been applied consistently to all periods presented in these
financial statements.
Accounting reference date
These consolidated financial statements of the Group represent the 52 week period to 30 October 2022. The Group changed its
accounting reference date from 31 January to 31 October in the previous financial period. Consequently, the comparative period
covers the 39 weeks to 31 October 2021. The accounting period of the Group ends on a Sunday not more than seven days before
or after the accounting reference date of 31 October.
Going concern
The consolidated financial statements have been prepared on the going concern basis as the Directors have a reasonable expectation
that the Group has adequate resources for a period of at least 12 months from the date of approval, having reassessed the principal
risks facing the Group and determined that there are no material uncertainties to disclose. In making their assessment of the Group’s
ability to continue as a going concern, the Directors have considered the projected performance of the Group and its financial
resources under new ownership, including the impact of the acquisition of McColl’s.
The Directors’ assessment of the Group’s ability to continue as a going concern includes consideration of cash flow forecasts and
the committed borrowing facilities in place of the Group and its parent entities. These forecasts include consideration of future trading
performance including McColl’s, working capital requirements, and the wider Group’s current financing arrangements, along with
wider economic conditions, and include the modelling of a number of downside scenarios. The scenarios considered take account of
a number of severe, but plausible, downsides that the Group might experience by flexing the forecasts for a number of financial
assumptions, such as reductions in like-for-like (‘LFL’) sales, fuel price and volumes, profit sensitivities, and a reduction in the level
of available supply chain finance facilities.
The Group continues to maintain a robust financial position providing it with sufficient access to liquidity, through a combination of
cash, intercompany loans, committed facilities and supply chain finance facilities to meet its needs in the short and medium term.
The Group has a centralised treasury function which manages funding, liquidity and other financial risk in accordance with the Board
approved Treasury Policy, as detailed on page 94.
As at 30 October 2022, the Group (including its parent entities) had total committed revolving credit facilities of £1,000m available
and a supply chain finance facility of £997m. In respect of financial covenants in relation to the wider Group’s financing structure at
30 October 2022, the base and downside scenarios modelled, which include mitigating actions available, demonstrate sufficient
financial covenant headroom being available. In addition, Market Topco Limited (the ultimate parent of Market Bidco Limited) has
provided a letter stating its intentions to support the Group for at least the period of the going concern assessment.
As a result, the Directors are satisfied that the going concern basis remains appropriate for the preparation of the consolidated
financial statements, with the wider Group remaining well-funded, profitable and cash generative for a period of at least 12 months
from the date of approval of these consolidated financial statements.
New standards, interpretations and amendments adopted in the financial period ended 30 October 2022
There are no new standards, interpretations and amendments to standards which are mandatory for the Group for the first time for
the 52 weeks ended 30 October 2022 which have a material impact on the Group’s consolidated financial statements.
New standards, interpretations and amendments to published standards that are not yet effective
There are a number of standards and interpretations which have not yet been endorsed and not yet effective, during or after this
current reporting period. Of these new standards, amendments and interpretations, there are none that are expected to have a
material impact on the Group’s consolidated financial statements.
60
General information (continued)
Basis of consolidation
Subsidiaries (including partnerships) are all entities over which the Group has control. The Group has control when it has power over
that entity, is exposed to, or has rights to, variable returns from its involvement with the entity and has the ability to affect those
returns through its power over the entity. Subsidiaries are fully consolidated from the date on which control is transferred to the Group.
They are deconsolidated from the date the control ceases. The financial statements of subsidiaries used in the consolidation
are prepared for the same reporting period as the Group and where necessary, adjustments are made to bring the accounting policies
in line with those used by the Group. Intra-group balances and any unrealised gains and losses or income and expenses arising from
intra-group transactions are eliminated on consolidation, other than where they relate to balances associated with parent entities of
Wm Morrison Supermarkets Limited.
Foreign currencies
Transactions in foreign currencies are recorded at the rates of exchange at the dates of the transactions. At each reporting date,
monetary assets and liabilities that are denominated in foreign currency are retranslated at the rates of exchange at the reporting
date. Gains and losses arising on retranslation are included in the consolidated income statement for the period.
Fair value measurement
All assets and liabilities for which fair value is measured or disclosed in the financial statements are categorised within a fair value
hierarchy, described as follows, based on the lowest level input that is significant to the fair value measurement as a whole:
Level 1 – Quoted (unadjusted) market prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities
Level 2 – Valuation techniques for which the lowest level input that is significant to the fair value measurement is directly or
indirectly observable
Level 3 – Valuation techniques for which the lowest level input that is significant to the fair value measurement is unobservable
The Group uses valuation techniques that are appropriate in the circumstances and for which sufficient data is available to measure
fair value, maximising the use of relevant observable inputs and minimising the use of unobservable inputs.
For assets and liabilities that are recognised in the financial statements at fair value on a recurring basis, the Group determines
whether transfers have occurred between levels in the hierarchy by reassessing categorisation at the end of each reporting period.
Alternative Performance Measures
The Directors measure the performance of the Group based on a range of financial measures, including measures not recognised
by IFRS. These Alternative Performance Measures may not be directly comparable with other companies’ Alternative Performance
Measures and the Directors do not intend these to be a substitute for, or superior to IFRS measures. For definitions of the Alternative
Performance Measures used, see the Glossary on pages 131 to 133.
Critical accounting judgements and key sources of estimation uncertainty
In the process of applying its accounting policies, the Group is required to make certain judgements, estimates and assumptions that
it believes are reasonable based on the information available. These judgements, estimates and assumptions affect the carrying
amounts of assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements and the amounts of revenues and expenses recognised during
the reporting periods presented. Changes to these could have a material effect on the financial statements.
The judgements, estimates and assumptions are evaluated on an ongoing basis and are based on historical experience, consultation
with experts and other factors that the Directors believe to be reasonable. Actual results may differ significantly from the estimates
and assumptions made, the effect of which is recognised in the period in which the facts become known.
As at 30 October 2022, the Group has considered the impact of its acquisition of McColl’s on its critical estimates and judgements
and does not consider that there is a significant impact on any of those areas. For further details on the acquisition, see note 4.3.
Critical accounting judgements
The critical judgements made in the process of applying the Group’s accounting policies are detailed below:
Profit before exceptionals
Profit before exceptionals is defined as ‘Profit before exceptional items and net retirement benefit credit’. For further details,
see the Glossary on page 131. The Directors consider that this adjusted profit measure provides useful information for stakeholders
on ongoing trends and performance.
The profit before exceptionals measure is not a recognised measure under IFRS and may not be directly comparable with adjusted
measures used by other companies. The Group’s definition of items excluded, together with details of adjustments made during the
period, is provided in note 1.4. The classification of items excluded from profit before exceptionals requires judgement including
consideration of the nature, circumstances, scale and impact of a transaction. Reversals of previous exceptional items are assessed
based on the same criteria.
Given the significance of the Group’s property portfolio and the quantum of impairment and property-related provisions recognised
in the consolidated statement of financial position, movements in impairment and other property-related provisions would typically
be included as exceptional items, as would significant impairments or impairment write backs of other non-current assets.
61
General information (continued)
Profit before exceptionals (continued)
Despite being a recurring item, the Group has chosen to also exclude net retirement benefit credit from profit before exceptionals as
it is not part of the operating activities of the Group, and its exclusion is consistent with how the Directors assess the performance of
the business.
Leases
In determining the value of lease liabilities and associated right-of-use assets, the Group must make an assessment of the lease
term. This assessment requires judgement with regard to the likelihood that any extension or break options included in a lease will
be exercised. The duration of the lease term can have a significant impact on the amounts recognised in the financial statements for
the lease. To assess whether the Group is reasonably certain to extend a lease, or to not exercise a break, all relevant facts and
circumstances that create an incentive to continue that lease are considered.
Currently only the Group’s leases of stores and distribution centres contain major extension and break options. For these the main
factors considered are the lease specific terms and the business forecasts for these stores. Typically this has led to periods after
breaks, which are exercisable in the short-to-medium term, being included in the lease term. The periods covered by extension
options, which are normally exercisable in the longer-term, are generally excluded from the lease term.
These judgements are reassessed annually as required by the Group’s accounting policies for lease liabilities. Further detail is
provided in notes 6.1 and 6.5.
Lease liabilities are initially measured at the present value of the lease payments due during the lease term but that are not paid at
the commencement date, discounted using the interest rate implicit in the lease or, if that rate cannot be readily determined, the
lessee’s incremental borrowing rate. This is a key source of estimation uncertainty. Further details are provided in note 6.1.
Retirement benefit schemes
Accounting for defined benefit retirement schemes requires the application of a number of assumptions which have an impact on
the valuation of the schemes’ assets and obligations. The significant assumptions include discount rate, inflation, the rate of salary
increases and longevity. The Group uses an independent actuary to calculate defined benefit obligations. Details of these
assumptions are provided in note 8.4.1.
Where a defined benefit scheme is in a surplus position, consideration is made as to whether the Group has the right to recognise
that surplus or whether it is necessary to restrict the amount of surplus recognised.
This requires judgement as to the rights of the Group and Trustees under the terms of the Group’s Schemes. Following updated
legal advice received, the Directors have concluded that the Group does have the right to recognise a surplus. Further details are
provided in note 8.5.
Sources of estimation uncertainty
The areas of estimation uncertainty that the Group believes could have the most significant risk of causing a material adjustment to
the carrying value of assets and liabilities within the next financial period, in addition to the estimation uncertainty in the retirement
benefit schemes set out above, are detailed below:
Impairment of property, plant and equipment, right-of-use assets and intangible assets
Property, plant and equipment, right-of-use assets and intangible assets are reviewed at each period end for impairment or where
changes in circumstances indicate a risk of impairment (or impairment write back). This requires the carrying value of assets to be
compared to the recoverable amount, where the recoverable amount is based on the higher of value-in-use and fair value less costs
of disposal. The assessment of value-in-use requires expected future cash flows discounted using an appropriate discount rate.
Judgement is required in applying estimates to assess the level of provision needed, specifically in relation to discount rates and
future growth rates. Further detail is provided in notes 3.1, 3.2, 3.3, 3.4 and 3.6.
Other sources of estimation uncertainty include:
Commercial income
Commercial income is accounted for as a deduction from the cost of purchase, and it is recognised in accordance with signed supplier
agreements, with most income subject to little or no subjectivity or judgement. A level of estimation or judgement is required for
certain agreements in assessing future sales or purchase volumes and whether performance obligations have been achieved, this
level of judgement is higher when supplier agreements do not end co-terminously with the financial reporting period. This is estimated
based on historical trends and information on sales or purchase projections. The Group’s recognition policy for commercial income
along with areas of estimation is included in note 1.1.
Inventories
Certain estimates are required to assess the net realisable value of inventories, along with provisions for obsolete and slow moving
inventories and inventory loss, where estimation is required. Estimating the level of loss between inventory counts is inherently
judgemental and is based on previous loss rates and other relevant information. The Group’s accounting policy for inventories is
provided in note 5.1.
62
Notes to the Group financial statements
1 Performance in the period
1.1 Accounting policies
Revenue recognition
Revenue is recognised when the Group has a contract with a customer and a performance obligation has been satisfied, at the
transaction price allocated to that performance obligation.
The Group does not adjust any of the transaction prices for the time value of money due to the nature of the vast majority of the
Group’s transactions being completed shortly after the transaction is entered into with the customer.
Sale of goods in-store and online, and sale of fuel
For revenue from the sale of goods in-store, fuel and online, the transaction price is the value of the goods net of returns, colleague
discounts, coupons, vouchers and the free element of multi-save transactions. It comprises sales proceeds from customers and
excludes VAT. Sale of fuel is recognised net of VAT. Revenue is recognised when the customer obtains control of the goods, which
is when the transaction is completed in-store or at the filling station, or in the case of online, when goods are accepted by the customer
on delivery.
Other sales
Other sales include wholesale sales made direct to third party customers, and income from concessions and commissions, and is
net of returns and net of promotional funding to customers. Wholesale revenue is recognised when the goods are delivered to the
customer. Revenue collected on behalf of others is not recognised as revenue, other than the related commission which is based on
the terms of the contract. Sales are recorded net of VAT and intra-group transactions.
Cost of sales
Cost of sales consists of all costs of the goods being sold to the point of sale, net of promotional funding and commercial income,
and includes property, manufacturing, warehouse and transportation costs. Store depreciation, store overheads and store-based
employee costs are also allocated to cost of sales.
Promotional funding
Promotional funding refers to investment in the customer offer by suppliers by way of promotion. Funding is recognised as units are
sold and invoiced in accordance with the specific supplier agreement. Funding is recorded effectively as a direct adjustment to the
cost price of the product in the period. Funding is invoiced and collected through the period, shortly after the promotions have ended.
Commercial income
Commercial income is recognised as a deduction from cost of sales, based on the expected entitlement that has been earned up to
the reporting date, for each relevant supplier contract. The Group only recognises commercial income where there is documented
evidence of an agreement with an individual supplier and when associated performance conditions are met. The types of commercial
income recognised by the Group and the recognition policies are:
Type of commercial income
Description
Recognition
Marketing and
advertising funding
Volume-based rebates
Examples include income in respect
of in-store and online marketing and
point of sale, as well as funding for
advertising.
Income earned by achieving volume
or spend targets set by the supplier
for specific products over specific
periods.
Income is recognised dependent on the terms of the specific
supplier agreement in line with when performance obligations
in the agreement are met. Income is invoiced once the
performance conditions in the supplier agreement have been
achieved.
Income is recognised through the financial period based on
forecasts for expected sales or purchase volumes, informed by
current performance, trends and the terms of the supplier
agreement. Income is invoiced throughout the financial period
in accordance with the specific supplier terms.
Uncollected commercial income at the reporting date is classified within the financial statements as follows:
Trade and other payables: A large proportion of the Group’s trading terms state that income due from suppliers is netted
against amounts owing to that supplier. Any outstanding invoiced commercial income relating to these suppliers at the
reporting date is included within trade payables. Any amounts received in advance of income being recognised are included
in accruals and deferred income.
Trade and other receivables: Where the trading terms described above do not exist, the Group classifies outstanding
commercial income within trade receivables. Where commercial income is earned and not invoiced to the supplier at the
reporting date, this is classified within accrued commercial income.
63
Notes to the Group financial statements (continued)
1 Performance in the period (continued)
1.1 Accounting policies (continued)
Commercial income (continued)
Inventories: The carrying value of inventories is adjusted to reflect unearned elements of commercial income when it relates
to inventory which has not yet been sold. This income is subsequently recognised in cost of sales when the product is sold.
In order to provide users of the financial statements with greater understanding in this area, additional income statement and
statement of financial position disclosure is provided in notes 1.5, 5.2, 5.3 and 5.4 to the financial statements.
Other operating income
Other operating income primarily consists of income not directly related to in-store, online grocery retailing and wholesale supply. It
mainly comprises rental income from investment properties, income generated from the recycling of packaging and certain
commissions.
Profit/(loss) on disposal and closure
Profit/(loss) from disposal and closure includes gains and losses on the disposal of assets and other costs incurred by the Group
following a decision to dispose, close or no longer purchase properties or businesses. Where the Group disposes of a property, this
disposal transaction is accounted for upon unconditional exchange of contracts. Gains and losses are determined by comparing sale
proceeds with the asset’s carrying amount and are presented net of costs associated with disposal.
1.2 Revenue
Sale of goods in-store and online1
Other sales1
Total sales excluding fuel
Fuel
52 weeks ended
30 October 2022
£m
39 weeks ended
31 October 2021
£m
13,752
737
14,489
3,990
10,298
801
11,099
2,384
Total revenue
1 Prior to the acquisition of McColl’s on 9 May 2022, wholesale revenues to McColl’s were presented in ‘other sales’. After the acquisition, wholesale revenues to
McColl’s are eliminated on consolidation and the retail sales made by McColl’s are included in ‘sale of goods in-store and online’.
18,479
13,483
All revenue is derived from contracts with customers and is generated in the UK.
1.3 Segmental reporting
The Group’s principal activity is that of retailing, derived from the UK, both in-store and online. The Group is required to determine
and present its operating segments based on the way in which financial information is organised and reported to the chief operating
decision-maker (‘CODM’). The CODM has been identified as the Board of Directors, as this makes the key operating decisions of the
Group and is responsible for allocating resources and assessing performance.
Key internal reports received by the CODM, primarily the management accounts, focus on the performance of the Group as a whole.
The operations of all elements of the business are driven by the retail sales environment and hence have fundamentally the same
economic characteristics. All operational decisions made are focused on the performance and growth of the retail outlets and the
ability of the business to meet the supply demands of the stores in servicing their customer base, both in-store and through the
various online channels.
The Group has considered the overriding core principles of IFRS 8 ‘Operating segments’ as well as its internal reporting framework,
management and operating structure. In particular, the Group considered its retail outlets, the fuel sale operation, the manufacturing
entities, online operations, wholesale supply and convenience business. The Directors’ conclusion is that the Group has one operating
segment, that of retailing.
Reconciliations of reportable segment revenues, profit or loss, assets and liabilities and other material items
Performance is measured by the CODM based on EBITDA as reported in the management accounts. Management believes that this
adjusted profit measure is the most relevant in evaluating the results of the Group. This information and the reconciliation to the
statutory position can be found in the financial results section of the strategic report on page 8 and in the glossary on page 132. In
addition, the management accounts present a Group statement of financial position containing assets and liabilities.
64
Notes to the Group financial statements (continued)
1 Performance in the period (continued)
1.4 Profit before exceptionals
Profit before exceptionals exclude the items listed in the table below, which are deemed significant in size and/or nature including any tax
on those items.
52 weeks ended
30 October 2022
£m
39 weeks ended
31 October 2021
£m
Profit/(loss) after tax
Add back: tax (credit)/charge for the period
Profit/(loss) before tax
Adjustments for:
Net impairment and provision for onerous contracts
(Profit)/loss on disposal and closure
Restructuring and store closure costs
Net finance costs relating to repayment of borrowings (note 6.2)
Net retirement benefit credit (note 8.2) 1
Transaction costs
Other exceptional items
Profit before tax and exceptionals 2
Tax charge before exceptionals 2
(25)
(8)
(33)
105
(10)
18
9
(10)
92
15
186
(33)
Profit before exceptionals after tax
1 Net retirement benefit credit in the period is made up of net retirement benefit interest income of £18m net of retirement benefit administrative costs of £8m
2 This is defined in the Glossary, see page 131-133
153
(247)
126
(121)
110
28
19
-
(4)
98
3
133
(39)
94
Net impairment and provision for onerous contracts
A net charge of £105m (39 weeks ended 31 October 2021: net charge of £110m) has been recognised in respect of impairment and
provision for onerous contracts for the 52 weeks ended 30 October 2022.
The net charge of £105m includes:
A net £95m impairment charge, comprising a £7m impairment charge on intangible assets and an £88m impairment charge
on tangible assets (comprising a £330m impairment charge offset by a £242m impairment write back); and
A net charge of £10m in respect of onerous contract provisions.
The £88m impairment charge on tangible assets includes £68m in relation to property, plant and equipment (comprising a £276m
charge offset by a £208m write back), £17m in respect of right-of-use assets (comprising a £51m charge offset by a £34m write back)
and £3m charge for investment property (see notes 3.3, 3.4 and 3.6 respectively).
In the 39 weeks ended 31 October 2021, the net charge of £110m included:
a net £70m impairment charge, comprising a £10m impairment charge on intangible assets offset by a £1m write back (net
£9m intangible asset charge) and a £230m impairment charge on tangible assets offset by a £169m write back of impairment
on tangible assets (net £61m tangible asset charge);
a £3m charge relating to temporary store build costs associated with one site; and
a charge of £37m in respect of amounts provided for onerous contractual commitments and related assets
Profit/(loss) arising on disposal and closure
A net profit arising on disposal and closure of £10m has been recognised (39 weeks ended 31 October 2021: £28m net loss) in
relation to property disposals (net profit of £13m) and closure of certain operations (costs incurred of £3m).
A net loss arising on disposal and closure of £28m was recognised in the 39 weeks ended 31 October 2021. The business closure
costs included a £33m charge in relation to the closure of some operations and the consolidation of certain store pick sites, and a net
£5m credit recognised in respect of profits on disposal of properties.
Restructuring and store closure costs
Restructuring and store closure costs total £18m for the 52 weeks ended 30 October 2022 (39 weeks ended 31 October 2021: £19m).
These costs include £6m, £7m and £5m for reorganisations within logistics, retail and central functions, respectively.
Net finance costs
Net finance costs of £9m for the 52 weeks ended 30 October 2022 (39 weeks ended 31 October 2021: £nil) relate to costs associated
with the early repayment of borrowings of £21m, offset by an interest rate swap credit of £12m, linked to the repaid borrowings.
65
Notes to the Group financial statements (continued)
1 Performance in the period (continued)
1.4 Profit before exceptionals (continued)
Transaction costs
During the current year, £92m of exceptional costs have been recognised, principally in relation to McColl’s (39 weeks ended 31
October 2021: £98m relating to the acquisition of the Group by Market Bidco Limited). The current year charge comprises £7m of
professional fees in connection with the McColl's transaction, £3m of post-acquisition property and other one-off costs and an £81m
write-off of trade and other receivable balances, mainly as a direct result of the McColl's business entering into administration pre-
acquisition, with a further £1m relating to the Market Bidco Limited acquisition.
Other exceptional items
Other exceptional items total £15m (39 weeks ended 31 October 2021: £3m), and principally represent costs incurred in relation to
legal cases in respect of historic events.
Taxation
The total tax credit for the 52 week period ended 30 October 2022 of £8m (39 weeks ended 31 October 2021: £126m) includes an
exceptional tax credit of £41m largely relating to tax deductible exceptional costs (39 weeks ended 31 October 2021: £87m charge).
Tax before exceptionals is £33m (39 weeks ended 31 October 2021: £39m) which implies a normalised tax rate of 17.5% (31 October
2021: 29.5%).
66
Notes to the Group financial statements (continued)
1 Performance in the period (continued)
1.5 Operating profit/(loss)
52 weeks ended 30
October 2022
£m
39 weeks ended
31 October 2021
£m
The following items have been included in arriving at operating profit/(loss):
Employee costs (note 1.6)
Depreciation and impairment:
Property, plant and equipment (note 3.3)
Right-of-use assets (note 3.4)
Investment property (note 3.6)
Net impairment charge (notes 3.3, 3.4 and 3.6)
Amortisation and impairment:
Intangible assets (note 3.2)
Net impairment charge (note 3.2)
Other lease expenses:
Short-term leases longer than one month
Leases of low-value assets, excluding short-term
Value of inventories expensed
2,020
1,502
452
317
66
2
88
89
7
5
2
50
2
61
60
9
9
2
14,214
10,410
Commercial income
The amounts recognised as a deduction from cost of sales for the two types of commercial income are detailed as follows:
Marketing and advertising funding
Volume-based rebates
Total commercial income
52 weeks ended 30
October 2022
£m
39 weeks ended
31 October 2021
£m
169
116
285
71
99
170
Auditor remuneration
During the period, PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP, the Group’s auditor, provided the following services:
Audit services
Fees payable to the Group’s auditor for the audit of the Group and the Company financial statements
Fees payable to the Group’s auditor for the audit of the Group’s subsidiaries pursuant to legislation
Non-audit services
Other services
52 weeks ended
30 October 2022
£m
39 weeks ended
31 October 2021
£m
1.0
0.8
0.1
1.9
1.2
0.4
0.2
1.7
The Board has a policy on the engagement of the external auditor to supply non-audit services and that policy has not been breached
during the period. Non-audit services arose in relation to interim reviews in both periods.
67
Notes to the Group financial statements (continued)
1 Performance in the period (continued)
1.6 Employees and Directors
Employee benefit expense for the Group during the period
Wages and salaries
Social security costs
Share-based payments
Retirement benefit costs
52 weeks ended
30 October 2022
£m
39 weeks ended
31 October 2021
£m
1,781
136
2
101
1,320
101
2
79
2,020
1,502
In addition to the amounts disclosed in the table above, there was an £14m exceptional charge relating to restructuring costs. (39
weeks ended 31 October 2021: £61m exceptional charge for restructuring costs and share-based payments).
Average monthly number of people, including Directors
Stores
Manufacturing
Distribution
Centre
Directors’ remuneration
Aggregate emoluments, excluding pension contributions
Contributions in lieu of pension schemes’ supplements
52 weeks ended
30 October 2022
No
39 weeks ended
31 October 2021
No
95,200
93,678
8,599
6,570
3,292
8,911
6,631
3,141
113,661
112,361
52 weeks ended
30 October 2022
£m
39 weeks ended
31 October 2021
£m
3.2
0.4
3.6
2.5
0.4
2.9
In addition to the amounts disclosed in the table above, there was a £2m charge included in exceptional costs for the year relating to
compensation for loss of office (39 weeks ended 31 October 2021: £8m exceptional charge for amounts receivable under long-term
incentive schemes).
No Directors are accruing retirement benefits under defined benefit contribution personal pension schemes (39 weeks ended 31
October 2021: none). Contributions in lieu of pension schemes’ supplements have been received by four directors over the period
(39 weeks ended 31 October 2021: three).
Highest paid Director
The highest paid Director emoluments attributable to the same Director in both periods presented below were as follows:
Total amount of emoluments and amounts receivable under long-term incentive schemes
Company contributions in lieu of pension schemes’ supplements
52 weeks ended
30 October 2022
39 weeks ended
31 October 2021
£m
1.5
0.2
1.7
£m
4.1
0.2
4.3
In addition to the amounts disclosed in the table above, there was no charge included in exceptional costs for the year (39 weeks
ended 31 October 2021: £4m exceptional charge for share-based payments).
68
Notes to the Group financial statements (continued)
1 Performance in the period (continued)
1.6 Employees and Directors (continued)
Senior management remuneration
The table below shows the remuneration of senior managers. It excludes employees already included in the Directors’ remuneration
set out above, except for the share based payments charge which is attributable to both the senior managers and two Directors.
Senior managers are considered to be key management personnel in accordance with the requirements of IAS 24 ‘Related party
disclosures’.
Senior managers
Wages and salaries
Social security costs
Share-based payments
Retirement benefit costs
52 weeks ended
30 October 2022
£m
39 weeks ended
31 October 2021
£m
16
2
1
2
21
12
1
-
1
14
In addition to the amounts disclosed in the table above, there was a £1m charge included in exceptional restructuring costs for the
year (39 weeks ended 31 October 2021: £13m exceptional charge for restructuring and share-based payments).
1.7 Dividends
There have been no dividends paid or declared in this financial period (39 weeks ended 31 October 2021: total of £123m at 5.11p
per share).
69
Notes to the Group financial statements (continued)
2 Taxation
The Group takes a compliance-focused approach to its tax affairs, has a transparent relationship with the UK and overseas tax
authorities and interacts with HMRC on a regular basis. The Group’s tax policy provides a governance framework with all related
risks and stakeholder interests taken into consideration. The tax policy is approved by the Board of Directors, who also review updates
on tax compliance and governance matters.
The Group’s approach to tax is to ensure compliance with the relevant laws of the territories in which the Group operates. The vast
majority of the Group’s business is in the UK so the vast majority of the Group’s taxes are paid in the UK. The Group operates a very
small number of branches and subsidiary companies outside of the UK in overseas territories.
2.1 Accounting policies
Current tax
The current income tax charge is calculated on the basis of the tax laws in effect during the period and any adjustments to tax payable
in respect of previous periods. Taxable profit differs from the reported profit for the period as it is adjusted both for items that will
never be taxable or deductible, and temporary differences. Current tax is charged to profit or loss for the period, except when it relates
to items charged or credited directly in other comprehensive income or equity, in which case the current tax is reflected in other
comprehensive income or equity as appropriate.
Deferred tax
Deferred tax is recognised using the balance sheet method. Provision is made for temporary differences between the carrying
amounts of assets and liabilities for financial reporting purposes and the amounts used for taxation purposes. No deferred tax is
recognised for temporary differences that arise on the initial recognition of goodwill or the initial recognition of assets and liabilities
that are not a business combination and that affect neither accounting nor taxable profits.
Deferred tax is calculated based on tax law that is enacted or substantively enacted at the reporting date and provided at rates
expected to apply when the temporary differences reverse. Deferred tax is charged or credited to profit for the period except when it
relates to items charged or credited directly to other comprehensive income or equity, in which case the deferred tax is reflected in
other comprehensive income or equity as appropriate.
Deferred tax assets are recognised to the extent that it is probable that the asset can be utilised. Deferred tax assets are reviewed
at each reporting date as judgement is required to estimate the probability of recovery. Deferred tax assets and liabilities are offset
where amounts will be settled on a net basis as there is a legally enforceable right to offset.
Uncertain Tax Positions
Uncertain tax positions are assessed in line with IFRIC 23 Accounting for Uncertainties in Income Taxes which provides guidance on
the determination of taxable profit and tax bases.
The Group uses in-house tax specialists, professional advisors and relevant previous experience to assess tax risks. The Group
recognises a tax provision when it is considered probable that there will be a future outflow of funds to a tax authority. Provisions are
measured based on the single most likely outcome for each item unless there is a range of possible outcomes for a particular item
where a weighted average measurement is more appropriate. Provisions are included in current liabilities.
2.2 Taxation
2.2.1 Analysis of (credit)/charge in the period
Current tax
UK corporation tax
Foreign tax
Adjustments in respect of prior periods
Deferred tax
Origination and reversal of timing differences
Adjustments in respect of prior periods
Impact of change in tax rate
Tax (credit)/charge for the period
52 weeks ended
30 October 2022
£m
39 weeks ended
31 October 2021
£m
-
1
(9)
(8)
(6)
11
(5)
-
(8)
-
1
(10)
(9)
9
11
115
135
126
70
Notes to the Group financial statements (continued)
2 Taxation (continued)
2.2.2 Tax on items charged in other comprehensive income and equity
Remeasurements of defined benefit retirement schemes and impact of rate change
Cash flow hedges
Total tax on items included in other comprehensive income and equity (note 2.3)
52 weeks ended
30 October 2022
£m
39 weeks ended
31 October 2021
£m
(77)
84
7
90
42
132
2.2.3 Tax reconciliation
The reconciliation below shows how the tax credit of £8m (39 weeks ended 31 October 2021: charge of £126m) has arisen on the
loss before tax of £33m (39 weeks ended 31 October 2021: loss before tax of £121m).
The tax for the period is different to the standard rate of corporation tax in the UK of 19% (31 October 2021: 19%). The differences
are explained below:
Loss before taxation
Loss before taxation at 19% (31 October 2021: 19%)
Effects of:
Recurring items:
Expenses not deductible for tax purposes
Tax relief on share-based payments
Disallowed depreciation on UK properties
Group relief claimed
Deferred tax on Safeway acquisition assets
Non-recurring items:
Profit on property transactions
Exceptional costs
Adjustments in respect of prior periods
Effect of change in tax rate
Tax (credit)/charge for the period
52 weeks ended
30 October 2022
£m
39 weeks ended
31 October 2021
£m
(33)
(6)
3
-
21
(5)
(25)
1
6
2
(5)
(8)
(121)
(23)
9
(17)
22
-
-
1
18
1
115
126
Factors affecting current and future tax charges
The effective tax rate for the period was 24.2% (31 October 2021: 98.9%). The normalised (pre-exceptionals) tax rate for the year
was 17.5% (31 October 2021: 29.5%).
The normalised tax rate was 1.5% below (31 October 2021: 10.5% above) the UK statutory tax rate. This rate reduced year on year
due to an increase in profit before exceptionals and release of deferred tax on Safeway acquisition assets.
An increase in the standard rate of corporation tax from 19% to 25% from 1 April 2023 was announced at the Budget in 2021 and
was substantively enacted during the prior period, so deferred tax balances have been calculated at 19% or 25% depending upon
when the temporary difference is expected to reverse. There were no changes to the corporate tax rate announced at the Budget in
2022.
2.3 Deferred tax liabilities
Deferred tax liability
Deferred tax asset
Net deferred tax liability
30 October 2022
£m
31 October 2021
£m
(832)
92
(740)
(839)
109
(730)
IAS 12 ‘Income taxes’ requires the offsetting of balances within the same tax jurisdiction. All of the deferred tax assets are available
for offset against deferred tax liabilities.
71
Notes to the Group financial statements (continued)
2 Taxation (continued)
2.3 Deferred tax liabilities (continued)
The movements in deferred tax (liabilities)/assets during the period are shown below:
Current period
At 1 November 2021
On acquisition of business
Credited/(charged) to profit/loss for the period
Credited to profit/loss for the period – impact of rate change
Credited/(charged) to other comprehensive income and equity
At 30 October 2022
Prior period
At 1 February 2021
(Charged)/credited to profit/loss for the period
(Charged)/credited to profit/loss for the period – impact of rate change
Charged to other comprehensive income and equity
Charged to other comprehensive income and equity – impact of rate change
At 31 October 2021
The analysis of deferred tax liabilities are as follows:
Deferred tax liability to be settled within 12 months
Deferred tax liability to be settled after more than 12 months
Property,
plant and
equipment
£m
Retirement
benefit
obligation
£m
Other
short-term
temporary
differences
£m
(532)
(241)
-
14
-
-
(3)
(5)
-
77
(518)
(172)
(387)
(23)
(122)
-
-
(136)
(3)
(12)
(59)
(31)
(532)
(241)
43
-
(14)
5
(84)
(50)
60
6
19
(42)
-
43
Total
£m
(730)
(3)
(5)
5
(7)
(740)
(463)
(20)
(115)
(101)
(31)
(730)
30 October 2022
£m
31 October 2021
£m
(10)
(730)
(740)
16
(746)
(730)
72
Notes to the Group financial statements (continued)
3 Operating assets
3.1 Accounting policies
Intangible assets
Goodwill
Goodwill arising on a business combination is not amortised, but is reviewed for impairment at each period end or more frequently if
there are indicators that it may be impaired. Goodwill is allocated to cash generating units (‘CGUs') that will benefit from the synergies
of the business combination for the purpose of impairment testing.
Other intangible assets (software development costs, licences and reacquired right)
Costs that are directly attributable to the creation of identifiable software, which meet the development asset recognition criteria, as
stated in IAS 38 ‘Intangible assets’, are recognised as intangible assets.
Direct costs include consultancy costs, the employment costs of internal software developers, and borrowing costs. All other software
development and maintenance costs are recognised as an expense as incurred. Software development assets are held at historical
cost less accumulated amortisation and accumulated impairment, and are amortised over their estimated useful lives (three to ten
years) on a straight line basis. Amortisation is charged in cost of sales.
Acquired pharmaceutical licences and software licences are recognised at historical cost less accumulated amortisation and
accumulated impairment losses. Those acquired in a business combination are recognised at fair value at the acquisition date.
Pharmaceutical licences and software licences are amortised over their useful lives (three to ten years) on a straight-line basis or
over the life of the licence if different. Amortisation is charged in cost of sales.
The reacquired right was established as part of the McColl’s business combination and measured at fair value at the acquisition date.
This is amortised over the remaining contractual period of the contract in which the right was granted. Amortisation is charged in cost
of sales.
Property, plant and equipment
Property, plant and equipment is stated at cost less accumulated depreciation and accumulated impairment losses. Costs include
directly attributable costs such as borrowing costs and employment costs of those people directly working on the construction and
installation of property, plant and equipment.
Depreciation is charged from when the asset is available to use. Depreciation rates are used to write off cost less residual value on
a straight line basis:
Freehold land
Freehold buildings
Leasehold property improvements
Plant, equipment, fixtures and vehicles
Assets under construction
0%
2.5%
2.5% or the lease term if shorter
10% to 33%
0%
Depreciation expense is primarily charged in cost of sales.
Right-of-use assets
Right-of-use assets are stated at cost less accumulated depreciation and accumulated impairment losses. Costs include the initial
amount of the lease liability, any initial direct costs incurred, and an estimate of any applicable dilapidation costs. Also included are
the costs of lease payments made, less any lease incentives received, at or before the commencement date.
Depreciation is charged from the commencement date which is when the underlying asset is made available for use. Depreciation
rates are used to write off cost on a straight line basis:
Leasehold land
Leasehold buildings
Leased plant, equipment, fixtures and vehicles
Depreciation expense is primarily charged in cost of sales.
The lease term
2.5% or the lease term if shorter
10% to 33% or the lease term if shorter
Subsequent to initial measurement, the right-of-use asset is also adjusted for certain remeasurements of the associated lease liability
and provision for dilapidations.
Investment property
Property held to earn rental income is classified as investment property and is held at cost less accumulated depreciation and
accumulated impairment losses. This includes leasehold properties which are held as right-of-use assets. The depreciation policy is
consistent with that described for property above.
73
Notes to the Group financial statements (continued)
3 Operating Assets (continued)
3.1 Accounting policies (continued)
Non-current assets classified as held-for-sale
Non-current assets are classified as held-for-sale under IFRS 5 ‘Non-current Assets Held for Sale and Discontinued Operations’, if
their carrying amount is to be recovered principally through a sale transaction, rather than continuing use within the Group, and the
sale is considered highly probable. The sale is expected to complete within one year from the date of classification and the assets
are available for sale in their current condition. The classification of assets as non-current assets held-for-sale is reassessed at the
end of each reporting period. Non-current assets held-for-sale are stated at the lower of carrying amount and fair value less costs of
disposal and are not depreciated.
Impairment of non-financial assets
Intangible assets with indefinite lives, such as goodwill, and those in construction that are not yet being amortised, are tested for
impairment annually. Group policy is to test other non-financial assets at each period end for impairment or more frequently if events
or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amount may not be recoverable.
Testing is performed at the level of a CGU in order to compare the CGU’s recoverable amount against its carrying value. An impaired
CGU is written down to its recoverable amount, which is the higher of value-in-use or its fair value less costs to dispose. In assessing
value-in-use, the estimated future cash flows are discounted to their present value using a pre-tax discount rate that reflects current
market assessments of the time value of money and the risks specific to the asset. Impairment expense is charged primarily to
administration expenses and regarded as an exceptional item.
The Group considers that each of its store locations is a CGU, which together form a grocery group of CGUs supported by corporate
assets (excluding McColl’s stores). Corporate assets include assets which typically service the store estate such as intangible assets,
and those used by head office, centralised online operations and vertically integrated suppliers. The cash flows for online store pick
are considered as part of the store location CGU where a reliable store pick trading history has been established.
Impairment losses are reversed if there is evidence of an increase in the recoverable amount of a previously impaired asset, but only
to the extent that the recoverable amount does not exceed the carrying amount that would have been determined if no impairment
loss had been recognised. Impairment losses relating to goodwill are not reversed. Any write back of impairment losses is excluded
from profit before exceptionals.
Trade and other receivables
Leases – Group is the lessor
Where the Group is a lessor, the Group classifies each lease at inception either as a finance lease or an operating lease. Leases in
which substantially all the risks and rewards of ownership are retained by the Group are classified as operating leases; all other
leases are classified as finance leases. Property leases are analysed into separate components for land and buildings and tested to
establish whether the components are operating leases or finance leases. The risks and rewards of ownership considered for sub-
leases are those granted by the underlying lessee agreement rather than the underlying assets.
Operating lease income is recognised within other operating income on a straight-line basis over the term of the lease.
At the commencement date of finance leases, the Group recognises a receivable equal to the discounted contractual lease payments
receivable and any residual value of the asset. The discount rate uses the interest rate implicit in the lease or, if that rate cannot be
readily determined for a sub-lease, a rate based on the head-lease discount rate. Each lease payment is allocated between the
capital repayment of the receivable and the finance income element. The finance income is recognised over the lease period so as
to produce a constant periodic rate of interest on the remaining balance of the receivable for each period.
Other receivables
Other receivables that are financial assets are initially recognised at fair value and subsequently held at amortised cost. Provision for
impairment of other receivables is based on expected credit losses at each reporting date. Other receivables that are non-financial
assets, such as deferred non-cash sale consideration, are recognised at fair value.
74
Notes to the Group financial statements (continued)
3 Operating Assets (continued)
3.2 Goodwill and intangible assets
Current period
Cost
At 1 November 2021
On acquisition of business
Additions
Interest capitalised
Disposals
Fully written down assets
At 30 October 2022
Accumulated amortisation and accumulated impairment losses
At 1 November 2021
Amortisation charge for the period
Impairment
Disposals
Fully written down assets
At 30 October 2022
Net book amount at 30 October 2022
Assets under construction included above
Note
Goodwill
£m
Other intangibles
£m
Total
£m
4.3
10
95
-
-
-
-
105
-
-
-
-
-
-
105
-
589
17
79
1
(15)
(70)
601
599
112
79
1
(15)
(70)
706
279
279
89
7
(15)
(70)
290
311
35
89
7
(15)
(70)
290
416
35
Other intangibles include software development costs, licences and reacquired rights. The net book amount of licences at 30 October
2022 was £11m (31 October 2021: £11m).
The Group has performed an assessment of its amortisation policies and asset lives and deemed them to be appropriate. As in
previous financial periods, fully amortised assets are retained in the Group’s fixed asset register. In order to provide greater
understanding of the Group’s amortisation charge, assets which have become fully amortised in the financial period have been
removed from both cost and accumulated amortisation.
Having applied the same impairment methodology and key assumptions as for property, plant and equipment disclosed in note 3.3,
a net impairment charge of £7m (39 weeks ended 31 October 2021: £9m) has been recognised in relation to intangible assets. This
has been excluded from profit before exceptionals (see note 1.4).
Goodwill
The goodwill brought forward of £10m arose on the acquisition of Flower World Limited (£3m) and Farmers Boy (Deeside) Limited
(£7m). During the year, goodwill of £95m arose on the acquisition of McColl’s (see note 4.3).
Impairment testing of goodwill
Goodwill has been tested for impairment via the value-in-use calculation described in note 3.3, and no impairment is considered
necessary at 30 October 2022 (31 October 2021: none).
Software development costs
The cost of internal labour capitalised during the period is £16m (31 October 2021: £13m).
75
Notes to the Group financial statements (continued)
3 Operating Assets (continued)
3.2 Goodwill and intangible assets (continued)
Prior period
Cost
At 1 February 2021
Additions
Interest capitalised
Disposals
Fully written down assets
At 31 October 2021
Accumulated amortisation and accumulated impairment losses
Goodwill
£m
Other intangibles
£m
Total
£m
10
-
-
-
-
10
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
10
-
579
60
1
(15)
(36)
589
261
60
10
(1)
(15)
(36)
279
310
14
589
60
1
(15)
(36)
599
261
60
10
(1)
(15)
(36)
279
320
14
Note
4.3
Freehold
land
£m
Freehold
buildings
£m
Leasehold
property
improvements
£m
Plant,
equipment,
fixtures and
vehicles
£m
Total
£m
3,848
4,215
634
2,461
11,158
-
11
-
(10)
-
2
14
-
(6)
(6)
3,849
4,219
331
-
138
(100)
(6)
-
363
3,486
10
1,968
110
44
(90)
(5)
(6)
2,021
2,198
-
-
1
-
(1)
(42)
592
400
16
12
(12)
-
(42)
374
218
-
70
437
1
(4)
(231)
2,734
1,132
326
82
(6)
(4)
(231)
1,299
1,435
37
72
463
1
(21)
(279)
11,394
3,831
452
276
(208)
(15)
(279)
4,057
7,337
47
At 1 February 2021
Amortisation charge for the period
Impairment
Impairment write back
Disposals
Fully written down assets
At 31 October 2021
Net book amount at 31 October 2021
Assets under construction included above
3.3 Property, plant and equipment
Current period
Cost
At 1 November 2021
On acquisition of business
Additions
Interest capitalised
Disposals
Fully written down assets
At 30 October 2022
Accumulated depreciation and accumulated
impairment losses
At 1 November 2021
Depreciation charge for the period
Impairment
Impairment write back
Disposals
Fully written down assets
At 30 October 2022
Net book amount at 30 October 2022
Assets under construction included above
The Group has performed its assessment of its depreciation policies and asset lives and deemed them to be appropriate.
As in previous years, fully depreciated assets are retained in the Group’s fixed asset register. In order to provide greater understanding
of the Group’s depreciation charge, assets which have been fully depreciated in the period have been removed from both cost and
accumulated depreciation.
The cost of financing property developments prior to their opening date has been included in the cost of the asset.
76
Notes to the Group financial statements (continued)
3 Operating Assets (continued)
3.3 Property, plant and equipment (continued)
Impairment
At each reporting date, in line with IAS 36 ‘Impairment of assets,’ the Group reviews the carrying amount of its property, plant and
equipment, right-of-use assets, investment property and intangible assets to determine whether there is an indication that those
assets have suffered an impairment loss or write back. In addition, it is Group policy to consider specific indicators of impairment for
certain assets on an ongoing basis.
The Group considers each store location as a separate CGU. The Group calculates each location’s recoverable amount and
compares this amount to its book value. The recoverable amount is determined as the higher of ‘value-in-use’ and ‘fair value less
costs of disposal’. If the recoverable amount is less than the net book value, an impairment charge is recognised based on the
following methodology:
‘Value-in-use’ is calculated by projecting an individual location’s pre-tax cash flows over the life of the store, based on forecasting
assumptions. The methodology used for calculating future cash flows is to:
use the actual cash flows for each location;
allocate a proportion of the Group’s central costs to each location on an appropriate basis;
allocate online store pick cash flows to locations where a reliable store pick trading history has been established;
allocate an element of future capital cost, including energy efficiency spend required as part of environmental strategy;
project cash flows over the next three years by applying forecast sales and cost growth assumptions in line with the Group
budget;
project cash flows beyond year three by applying a long-term growth rate;
discount the cash flows using a pre-tax rate of 11.5% (31 October 2021: 7.5%). The Group takes into account a number of
factors when assessing the discount rate, including the Group’s WACC and other wider market factors. A combination of
these factors has resulted in the increase of the discount rate used in the financial period ended 30 October 2022; and
consideration is given to any significant one-off factors impacting the locations and any strategic, climate-related or market
factors which may impact future performance.
‘Fair value less costs of disposal’ is estimated by the Directors based on store level valuations prepared by independent valuers,
aided by their knowledge of individual stores, the markets they serve and likely demand from grocers or other retailers. This
assessment takes into account the continued low demand from major grocery retailers for supermarket space, when assessing rent
and yield assumptions on a store by store basis.
The Group also considers its corporate assets for impairment at each reporting date. The Group calculates the recoverable amount
of its corporate assets and compares this amount to its book value. The recoverable amount is based on the ‘value-in-use’ calculation
undertaken for the store location CGU assessment, less the carrying value of the location CGUs. As at 30 October 2022, there was
no indication of impairment of the corporate assets as part of this assessment. In addition to this assessment, the Group undertakes
an obsolescence review to identify any specific corporate assets which require impairment on an ongoing basis.
Having applied the above methodology and assumptions, the Group has recognised a net impairment charge of £68m (£276m
impairment charge offset by a £208m impairment write back) during the period in respect of property, plant and equipment (39 weeks
ended 31 October 2021: net £9m impairment charge, being a £147m impairment charge offset by £138m impairment write back).
This movement reflects fluctuations from store level trading performance, discount rates and the valuation assessment of the
properties.
At 30 October 2022, the assumptions to which the value-in-use calculation is most sensitive are the discount and cash flow growth
rates. The Group has estimated that a reasonably possible change of +1% discount rate or -1% growth rate would result in a c.£30m
net increase in impairment and -1% discount rate or +1% growth rate would result in a c.£40m net reduction in impairment.
77
Notes to the Group financial statements (continued)
3 Operating Assets (continued)
3.3 Property, plant and equipment (continued)
Prior period
Cost
At 1 February 2021
Additions
Interest capitalised
Transfers to assets classified as held-for-sale
Disposals
Fully written down assets
At 31 October 2021
Accumulated depreciation and accumulated impairment
losses
At 1 February 2021
Depreciation charge for the period
Impairment
Impairment write back
Disposals
Fully written down assets
At 31 October 2021
Net book amount at 31 October 2021
Assets under construction included above
3.4 Right-of-use assets
Current period
Cost
At 1 November 2021
Additions
Disposals
Fully written down assets
At 30 October 2022
Accumulated depreciation and accumulated impairment losses
At 1 November 2021
Depreciation charge for the period
Impairment
Impairment write back
Fully written down assets
At 30 October 2022
Net book amount at 30 October 2022
Freehold
land
£m
Freehold
buildings
£m
Leasehold
property
improvements
£m
Plant,
equipment,
fixtures and
vehicles
£m
3,848
4,201
635
4
-
-
(4)
-
16
-
(1)
(1)
-
3,848
4,215
1
-
-
-
(2)
634
2,355
283
1
-
(34)
(144)
2,461
386
-
28
(79)
(4)
-
331
3,517
3
1,891
372
1,032
83
30
(35)
(1)
-
1,968
2,247
-
12
25
(7)
-
(2)
400
234
-
222
64
(17)
(25)
(144)
1,132
1,329
14
Leasehold land
and buildings
£m
Leased plant,
equipment,
fixtures and
vehicles
£m
Total
£m
11,039
304
1
(1)
(39)
(146)
11,158
3,681
317
147
(138)
(30)
(146)
3,831
7,327
17
Total
£m
1,841
102
1,943
29
-
(17)
1,853
956
50
51
(34)
(17)
1,006
847
4
(1)
(8)
97
47
16
-
-
(8)
55
42
33
(1)
(25)
1,950
1,003
66
51
(34)
(25)
1,061
889
The Group has performed its assessment of its depreciation policies and asset lives and deemed them to be appropriate.
Fully depreciated assets are retained in the Group’s fixed asset register. In order to provide greater understanding of the Group’s
depreciation charge, assets which have been fully depreciated in the period have been removed from both cost and accumulated
depreciation.
78
Notes to the Group financial statements (continued)
3 Operating Assets (continued)
3.4 Right-of-use assets (continued)
Impairment
Having applied the same methodology and key assumptions as for property, plant and equipment as set out in note 3.3, the Group
has recognised a net impairment charge of £17m (£51m impairment charge offset by £34m impairment write back) during the period
in respect of right-of-use assets (39 weeks ended 31 October 2021: net £56m impairment charge; £83m impairment charge offset by
£27m impairment write back). This movement reflects fluctuations from store level trading performance and local market conditions.
At 30 October 2022, the assumptions to which the value-in-use calculation is most sensitive are the discount and cash flow growth
rates. The Group has estimated that a possible change of +1% discount rate or -1% growth rate would result in a c.£5m loss and -
1% discount rate or +1% growth rate would result in a c.£5m gain.
Prior period
Cost
At 1 February 2021
Additions
Disposals
Fully written down assets
At 31 October 2021
Accumulated depreciation and accumulated impairment losses
At 1 February 2021
Depreciation charge for the period
Impairment
Impairment write back
Disposals
Fully written down assets
At 31 October 2021
Net book amount at 31 October 2021
3.5 Assets classified as held-for-sale
At start of period
Transfers from property, plant and equipment at net book value
Disposals
At end of period
Leasehold land
and buildings
£m
Leased plant,
equipment,
fixtures and
vehicles
£m
1,833
15
(5)
(2)
1,841
869
38
83
(27)
(5)
(2)
956
885
92
34
-
(24)
102
59
12
-
-
-
(24)
47
55
Total
£m
1,925
49
(5)
(26)
1,943
928
50
83
(27)
(5)
(26)
1,003
940
30 October 2022
£m
31 October 2021
£m
1
-
(1)
-
-
1
-
1
During the 52 weeks ended 30 October 2022 no assets were transferred from property, plant and equipment to assets classified as
held-for-sale (31 October 2021: cost of £1m and accumulated depreciation of £nil).
79
Notes to the Group financial statements (continued)
3 Operating Assets (continued)
3.6 Investment property
Current period
Cost
At 1 November 2021
Additions
Disposals
Fully written down assets
At 30 October 2022
Accumulated depreciation and accumulated impairment losses
At 1 November 2021
Depreciation charge for the period
Impairment charge
Disposals
Fully written down assets
At 30 October 2022
Net book amount at 30 October 2022
Freehold
£m
Leasehold
£m
Total
£m
43
-
(1)
-
42
21
1
3
(1)
-
24
18
124
2
-
(7)
119
85
1
-
-
(7)
79
40
167
2
(1)
(7)
161
106
2
3
(1)
(7)
103
58
Included in other operating income for the 52 weeks ended 30 October 2022 is £9m (39 weeks ended 31 October 2021: £8m) of
rental income generated from investment properties. At the end of the period the fair value of freehold investment properties was
£25m (31 October 2021: £32m), with leasehold investment properties supported by their value-in-use. Freehold investment properties
are valued by independent surveyors on a vacant possession basis using observable inputs (fair value hierarchy level 2).
Prior period
Cost
At 1 February 2021 and at 31 October 2021
Accumulated depreciation and accumulated impairment losses
At 1 February 2021
Depreciation charge for the period
Impairment write back
At 31 October 2021
Net book amount at 31 October 2021
3.7 Trade and other receivables – non-current
Finance leases – Group is lessor
Other receivables
Freehold
£m
Leasehold
£m
43
21
-
-
21
22
124
87
2
(4)
85
39
Total
£m
167
108
2
(4)
106
61
30 October 2022
£m
31 October 2021
£m
7
79
86
8
73
81
The Group is the lessor on a number of property leases, many of which contain rent review terms that require rents to be reassessed
on a periodic basis. The rent reassessments are normally based on changes in market rents or capped increases in measures of
inflation.
80
Notes to the Group financial statements (continued)
3 Operating Assets (continued)
3.7 Trade and other receivables – non-current (continued)
Finance leases
The table below summarises the maturity profile of undiscounted finance lease payments due to the Group.
Less than one year
After one year but not more than five years
More than five years
Total undiscounted lease payments
Unearned finance income
Net investment in the lease
30 October 2022
£m
31 October 2021
£m
1
4
5
10
(3)
7
1
4
6
11
(3)
8
Finance lease income of £1m has been recognised in the 52 weeks ended 30 October 2022 (39 weeks ended 31 October 2021:
£1m).
Operating leases
The table below summarises the maturity profile of undiscounted minimum operating lease payments due to the Group.
Less than one year
One to two years
Two to three years
Three to four years
Four to five years
More than five years
Total undiscounted lease payments receivable
30 October 2022
£m
31 October 2021
£m
7
5
5
4
3
16
40
10
6
5
5
4
19
49
Operating lease income of £13m has been recognised in the 52 weeks ended 30 October 2022 (39 weeks ended 31 October 2021:
£10m).
Other receivables
Other receivables of £79m (31 October 2021: £73m) comprise deferred consideration due after more than one year in relation to the
disposal of two sites in previous years. The amount includes £37m (31 October 2021: £36m) of deferred cash consideration on a
discounted basis and £42m (31 October 2021: £37m) representing the fair value of future leases of newly constructed
supermarkets/convenience stores.
At 30 October 2022, none of these receivables were past due and they have not been impaired. The carrying value of the deferred
cash consideration approximates to its fair value. The fair value of the future lease is based on the net present value of observable
market rentals for similar developments in the surrounding locality (fair value hierarchy level 2).
3.8 Capital commitments
Contracts placed for future capital expenditure not provided in the financial statements
(property, plant and equipment, right-of-use assets and intangible assets)
Contracts placed for future leases not provided in the financial statements
30 October 2022
£m
31 October 2021
£m
47
19
79
25
81
Notes to the Group financial statements (continued)
4 Interests in other entities
4.1 Accounting policies
Joint ventures
The Group applies IFRS 11 ‘Joint Arrangements’ to all joint arrangements. Under IFRS 11, investments in joint arrangements are
classified as either joint operations or joint ventures depending on the contractual rights and obligations of each investor. The Group
has assessed the nature of its joint arrangements and determined them to be joint ventures. Joint ventures are accounted for under
the equity method and are initially recognised at cost.
The consolidated financial statements include the Group’s share of the profit or loss and other comprehensive income of the equity
accounted investees, from the date that joint control commences until the date that joint control ceases.
Business combinations
The acquisition method is used to account for business combinations under IFRS 3 ‘Business Combinations’. Consideration is the
fair value of the assets transferred, the liabilities incurred and the equity interests issued by the Group, including the fair value of any
contingent consideration arrangement. Acquisition-related costs are expensed as incurred. Identifiable assets acquired, and liabilities
and contingent liabilities assumed, are measured initially at their fair values at the acquisition date. On an acquisition by acquisition
basis, the Group recognises any non-controlling interest in the acquiree either at fair value or at the non-controlling interest’s
proportionate share of the acquiree’s net assets.
Goodwill is the excess of consideration transferred, plus any non-controlling interest and the fair value of any previous equity interest
in the acquiree, over the fair value of the identifiable net assets acquired. In the event that this excess is negative the difference is
recognised directly in profit for the period.
Disposal of subsidiaries
When the Group ceases to have control over a subsidiary, any retained interest in the entity is remeasured to its fair value at the date
when control is lost, with the change in carrying amount recognised in profit or loss. The fair value is the initial carrying amount for
the purposes of subsequently accounting for the retained interest as an associate, joint venture or financial asset. In addition, any
amounts previously recognised in other comprehensive income in respect of that entity are accounted for as if the Group had directly
disposed of the related assets or liabilities. This may mean that amounts previously recognised in other comprehensive income are
reclassified to profit or loss.
4.2 Investments in joint ventures
At start of period
Additions
Share of movement in retained earnings
At end of period
30 October 2022
£m
31
4
(8)
27
The Group and Ocado Group plc are sole investors in a company (MHE JVCo Limited), which owns the plant and equipment at the
Dordon customer fulfilment centre. The Group has a c.51% interest in MHE JVCo Limited. Decisions regarding MHE JVCo Limited
require the unanimous consent of both parties. The Directors have considered the requirements of IFRS 11 and determined that the
Group continues to jointly control MHE JVCo Limited. The share of movement in retained earnings relates to a dividend received in
the year.
On 1 July 2022, the Group increased its share in Yes Recycling (Fife) Ltd to 50% of the share capital. The Directors have considered
the requirements of IFRS 11 and determined the Group jointly controls Yes Recycling (Fife) Ltd and have disclosed the results for
the period. As such, there are no comparatives.
The Group’s share of loss for Yes Recycling (Fife) Ltd and MHE JVCo Limited amounted to £0.7m in the 52 weeks ended 30 October
2022 (39 weeks ended 31 October 2021: profit of £0.2m for MHE JVCo Limited). Management has considered that no impairment is
required for its investment in Yes Recycling (Fife) Ltd as the entity is in start-up phase.
82
Notes to the Group financial statements (continued)
4 Interests in other entities (continued)
4.2 Investments in joint ventures (continued)
Non-current assets
Current assets
Non-current liabilities
Current liabilities
Net (liabilities)/assets
Group’s share of net (liabilities)/assets
Loss after tax
Group’s share of loss after tax
4.3 Business combinations
Yes Recycling Ltd
MHE JVCo Limited
MHE JVCo Limited
30 October 2022
£m
30 October 2022
£m
31 October 2021
£m
5
-
(5)
(2)
(2)
(1)
(2)
(1)
15
33
-
(2)
46
23
-
-
29
36
-
(3)
62
31
-
-
The Group entered into an agreement to purchase the trade and the majority of the assets of McColl’s Retail Group plc and certain
operating subsidiaries, via a pre-pack administration sale for consideration of £201m. This completed on 9 May 2022, shortly after
the appointment of administrators over the seller entities earlier on the same day. The properties are currently operated by the Group
under a licence to occupy under the terms agreed with the companies in administration as leaseholders (pending the transfer of legal
title to those stores). It was also agreed that the two McColl’s defined benefit pension schemes would be taken on by the Group, and
Wm Morrison Supermarkets Limited provided a guarantee.
The acquisition has been accounted for using the acquisition method of accounting under IFRS 3 'Business Combinations', whereby
the total purchase price is allocated to the acquired identifiable net assets of McColl’s based on assessments of their respective fair
values, and the excess of the purchase price over the fair values of these identifiable net assets is allocated to goodwill. A summary
of the purchase price and the opening balances of the acquired trade and assets at the acquisition date is presented in the following
table:
Purchase consideration
Cash paid
Deferred consideration
30 October 2022
£m
191
1
Additional cost of acquiring the business
Total purchase consideration1
1 Total purchase price excludes direct acquisition costs of £7m incurred during the 52 week period ended 30 October 2022, which are included within
exceptional items. See note 1.4.
201
9
The additional cost of acquiring the business of £9m represents the estimated amount of recoverable debt foregone by Wm Morrison
Supermarkets Limited had the Company made a claim against McColl’s as an unsecured creditor. The assets and liabilities
recognised as a result of the acquisition based on the purchase price allocation are as follows:
30 October 2022
Cash
Inventory
Other debtors
Property, plant and equipment
Software intangible assets
Defined benefit pension assets
Vehicle finance leases
Provisions
Franchise asset / reacquired rights
Deferred tax liability
Net identifiable assets acquired
Goodwill
Net assets acquired
£m
4
9
4
72
11
11
(1)
(7)
6
(3)
106
95
201
83
Notes to the Group financial statements (continued)
4 Interests in other entities (continued)
4.3 Business combinations (continued)
There are 132 McColl's stores where management has assessed that there is no realistic prospect of achieving a breakeven position
in the medium term. All of these stores have subsequently been closed since the year end, with around 1,300 McColl’s colleagues
placed at risk of redundancy. No value has been placed on the fixtures and fittings held in these stores on acquisition.
The Group also made a commitment to dispose of 28 stores to resolve competition concerns raised by the CMA during their
investigation. It is management's intention that these will be disposed of during the year ending 29 October 2023.
During the period since the acquisition, an IEO was imposed by the CMA on Morrisons and McColl’s. This was, effectively, a ‘hold
separate’ requirement, which amongst other things prohibited the two companies from integrating or exchanging confidential or
commercially sensitive information, until the IEO was revoked or the CMA’s investigation was complete. The CMA restrictions were
lifted on 27 October 2022.
During this period while under the hold separate enforcement, the McColl's acquired business contributed revenues of £463m, net
loss before tax and exceptionals of £39m and net loss before tax and after exceptionals of £41m to the Group. Included within net
loss before tax is a £14m rent cost. As the properties are held under licence to occupy, IFRS 16 does not apply. If the acquisition of
the McColl's business had been completed on the first day of the financial period (1 November 2021), estimated Group revenues for
the year would have been £18,627m, estimated Group profit before tax and exceptionals would have been £163m and estimated
Group loss before tax and after exceptionals would have been £60m.
These amounts have been calculated using the subsidiary’s results and adjusting them for the additional depreciation and
amortisation that would have been charged assuming the fair value adjustments to property, plant and equipment and intangible
assets had applied from 1 November 2021.The differences in the accounting policies between the Group and the subsidiary are
considered to be immaterial.
In the prior period, the Group acquired 100% of the share capital of Falfish (Holdings) Limited, a leading supplier of fresh seafood,
for a total consideration of £9m. Of this consideration, £8m was paid in the period and £1m was deferred by up to two years. The fair
value of the net assets acquired was £9m. Goodwill recognised in the transaction was negligible.
84
Notes to the Group financial statements (continued)
5 Working capital and provisions
5.1 Accounting policies
Inventories
Inventories represent raw materials and goods for resale and are measured at the lower of cost and net realisable value. Net realisable
value is the estimated selling price in the ordinary course of business, less the estimated costs necessary to make the sale. Cost is
calculated on a weighted average basis and comprises purchase price, and other directly attributable costs, including import duties
and other non-recoverable taxes, reduced by promotional funding and commercial income and a provision for estimated inventory
losses relating to shrinkage and obsolescence. Losses relating to shrinkage in stores are based on historical losses, verified by
physical inventory counts conducted by an independent third party. Provision is made for obsolete and slow moving items.
Trade and other receivables
Trade and other receivables are initially recognised at fair value, which is generally equal to face value, and subsequently held at
amortised cost. Provision for impairment of trade receivables is recognised based on lifetime expected credit losses at each reporting
date, with the charge being included in administrative expenses.
Cash and cash equivalents
Cash and cash equivalents for cash flow purposes includes cash-in-hand, cash-at-bank, bank overdrafts and deposits readily
convertible to known amounts of cash and that have an original maturity of three months or less. In the statement of financial position,
bank overdrafts that do not have the right of offset are presented within current liabilities.
Cash and cash equivalents includes debit and credit card payments made by customers, which clear the bank shortly after the sale
takes place. It also includes BACS receipts in flight at the reporting date for transactions where control is considered to have passed
to the Group. BACS payments in flight at the reporting date are excluded from cash and cash equivalents as control is deemed to
have passed from the Group.
Trade and other payables
Trade and other payables are initially recognised at fair value, which is generally equal to face value of the invoices received, and
subsequently held at amortised cost. Trade payables are presented net of commercial income due when the Group’s trading terms
state that income from suppliers will be netted against amounts owing to that supplier.
Supply chain financing
The Group offers suppliers the option to access supply chain financing through certain third party providers. These facilities allow
suppliers to receive payments earlier than the contractual payment terms. The Group did not receive any fees or rebates from the
providers where the suppliers choose to utilise these facilities. Payment terms continue to be agreed directly between the Group and
suppliers, and are independent of supply chain financing being available.
The Group makes an assessment of its supply chain finance arrangements to determine if the associated balance is appropriately
presented as trade payables or as borrowings. This assessment considers factors such as the commercial purpose of the facility, the
nature and specific terms of the arrangements and the credit terms in place with the banks and suppliers. Based on this assessment,
the Group has determined that it is appropriate to present amounts outstanding through the supply chain financing arrangement as
trade payables. Consistent with this classification, the reported cash flows are reported within cash generated from operations within
the consolidated statement of cash flows.
Provisions
Provisions are created where the Group has a present obligation as a result of a past event, where it is probable that it will result in
an outflow of economic benefits to settle the obligation, and where it can be reliably measured. The Group assesses the
appropriateness of its provisions at each reporting date. The amounts provided are based on the Group’s best estimate of the least
net cost of exit. Where material, these estimated outflows are discounted to net present value using a pre-tax rate that reflects current
market assumptions. The unwinding of this discount is recognised as a financing cost in the income statement.
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 an outflow of
economic benefits will be required to settle the obligation or the amount cannot be measured reliably. The Group does not recognise
contingent liabilities. The disclosure includes an estimate of their potential financial effect and any uncertainties relating to the amount
or timing of any outflow, unless the possibility of settlement is remote or the Group cannot measure it reliably (see note 10.2).
85
30 October 2022
£m
31 October 2021
£m
57
933
990
61
841
902
30 October 2022
£m
31 October 2021
£m
4
46
116
(3)
163
191
25
379
6
57
167
(4)
226
133
68
427
Total
£m
166
(3)
Total
£m
230
(4)
Notes to the Group financial statements (continued)
5 Working capital and provisions (continued)
5.2 Inventories
Raw materials
Finished goods
5.3 Trade and other receivables
Commercial income trade receivables
Accrued commercial income
Other trade receivables
Less: provision for impairment of trade receivables
Trade receivables
Prepayments and accrued income
Other receivables
The carrying amounts of trade and other receivables approximate to their fair value at 30 October 2022 and 31 October 2021.
Current period
Expected credit loss rate
Gross carrying amount – trade receivables
Provision for impairment of trade receivables
Prior period
Expected credit loss rate
Gross carrying amount – trade receivables
Provision for impairment of trade receivables
Current
%/£m
0.20%
152
(1)
Current
%/£m
0.18%
177
-
1 to 30 days
past due
%/£m
31 to 60 days
past due
%/£m
61 to 90 days
past due
%/£m
91 days plus
past due
%/£m
4%
11
(1)
13%
50%
100%
1
-
1
-
1
(1)
1 to 30 days
past due
%/£m
31 to 60 days
past due
%/£m
61 to 90 days
past due
%/£m
91 days plus
past due
%/£m
0.39%
46
-
5%
2
-
21%
100%
1
-
4
(4)
As at 22 January 2023, £4m of the £4m commercial income trade receivables balance had been settled and of the £46m accrued
commercial income £1m has still to be invoiced.
5.4 Trade and other payables
Trade payables
Less: commercial income due, offset against amounts owed
Other taxes and social security payable
Other payables
Accruals and deferred income
30 October 2022
£m
31 October 2021
£m
(3,018)
(2,677)
26
17
(2,992)
(2,660)
(45)
(169)
(246)
(97)
(145)
(285)
(3,452)
(3,187)
As at 22 January 2023, £23m of the £26m commercial income due above had been offset against payments made.
Trade payables include £734m (31 October 2021: £692m) where suppliers have chosen to receive early payment under the Group’s
supply chain finance facilities (see note 7.2).
86
Notes to the Group financial statements (continued)
5 Working capital and provisions (continued)
5.5 Provisions
At 1 November 2021
Charged for the period
Utilised during the period
Released during the period
At 30 October 2022
Onerous
contracts
£m
Other
provisions
£m
(43)
(15)
15
5
(38)
(12)
-
1
6
(5)
Total
£m
(55)
(15)
16
11
(43)
Included with the above balance at 30 October 2022 is £7m (31 October 2021: £16m) relating to a balance due within one year.
Provisions are revised regularly in response to market conditions.
5.6 Cash generated from operations
Operating profit/(loss)
Adjustments for:
Depreciation and amortisation
Impairment
Impairment write back
Profit arising on disposal and exit of properties
Defined benefit scheme contributions paid less operating expenses
Derivatives settlement unwind
Share-based payments
Settlement of share awards
Increase in inventories
Decrease/(increase) in trade and other receivables
Increase in trade and other payables
(Decrease)/increase in provisions
Cash generated from operations
52 weeks ended
30 October 2022
£m
39 weeks ended
31 October 2021
£m
23
(51)
609
337
(242)
(13)
(6)
(105)
-
(48)
(88)
(4)
284
(12)
735
429
240
(170)
(6)
(5)
-
29
-
(88)
(55)
296
2
621
Cash generated from operations of £735m (31 October 2021: £621m) is stated after paying £97m in relation to exceptional items
(31 October 2021: £88m).
87
Notes to the Group financial statements (continued)
6 Capital and borrowings
6.1 Accounting policies
Borrowings
Interest-bearing loans and overdrafts are initially recorded at fair value, net of attributable transaction costs and fees. Subsequent to
initial recognition they are measured at amortised cost, with any difference between the redemption value and the initial carrying
amount being recognised in profit and loss for the period over the term of the borrowings on an effective interest rate basis.
Borrowing costs
All borrowing costs are recognised in the Group’s income statement for the period on an effective interest rate basis except for interest
costs that are directly attributable to the construction of buildings and other qualifying assets, which are capitalised and included
within the initial cost of the asset. Capitalisation commences when both expenditure on the asset and borrowing costs are being
incurred, and necessary activities to prepare the asset for use are in progress. In the case of new stores, this is generally once
planning permission has been obtained. Capitalisation ceases when the asset is ready for use. Interest is capitalised at the effective
rate incurred on borrowings before taxation of 4% (31 October 2021: 4%). Capitalised interest is included within interest paid in cash
flow from operating activities.
Lease liabilities
For leases where the Group is a lessee, the Group recognises a right-of-use asset and a lease liability at the commencement date
of the lease. Lease liabilities are initially measured at the present value of the lease payments due during the lease term but that are
not paid at the commencement date, discounted using the interest rate implicit in the lease or, if that rate cannot be readily determined,
the lessee’s incremental borrowing rate.
Lease payments included in the measurement of the lease liability comprise fixed payments and applicable variable lease payments
(which depend on an index or a rate). The exercise price of purchase options are also included if reasonably certain to exercise the
option.
The lease term includes periods covered by extension and break options if the Group is reasonably certain to extend the lease or to
not exercise the break.
The discount rates applied in the measurement of the lease liabilities represent the Group’s incremental borrowing rates. The
incremental borrowing rates are determined through a build-up approach, starting with a risk-free rate specific to the term and
economic environment of the lease, adjusted for both the credit risk of the lessee and other characteristics of the lease (for example
the quality of the underlying assets). The inputs used to determine the rates are regularly reassessed, based on historical experience
and other factors which the Directors consider to be reasonable.
Each lease payment is allocated between the capital repayment of the liability and the finance cost element. The finance cost is
charged to the consolidated income statement over the lease term so as to produce a constant periodic rate of interest on the
remaining balance of the liability for each period. In the consolidated statement of cash flows the finance cost element is reported
within interest paid and the capital repayment of the liability is reported within repayment of lease obligations.
Lease liabilities are remeasured when there is a change in future lease payments arising from a change in an index, rate or a lease
modification. When purchase, extension or break options are exercised (or not exercised) in a way inconsistent with the prior
assessments of those options, or if those assessments are changed, then lease liabilities will also be remeasured. The likelihood of
options being exercised will only be reassessed on the occurrence of a significant event or change in circumstance within the control
of the Group (for example when a final decision to close or vacate a site is made).
The Group has elected to use the recognition exemptions for lease contracts that, at the commencement date, have a lease term of
12 months or less and do not contain a purchase option (‘short-term leases’), and lease contracts for which the underlying asset is
of low value (‘low-value assets’). Lease payments on short-term leases and leases of low-value assets are recognised as an expense
in the Consolidated income statement on a straight-line basis over the lease term.
Share capital
Ordinary shares are classified as equity. Incremental costs directly attributable to the issue of new shares or options are shown in
equity as a deduction, net of tax, from the proceeds. Where any Group company has purchased the Company’s equity share capital,
the consideration paid, including directly attributable incremental costs, is deducted from retained earnings until the shares are
cancelled. On cancellation, the nominal value of the shares is deducted from share capital and the amount is transferred to the capital
redemption reserve.
Own shares held
The Group held an employee trust for the granting of Group shares to executives and members of the employee share plans during
the previous financial period, however following the takeover by CD&R on 27 October 2021 and the subsequent delisting of the
Company from the London Stock Exchange, the trust was no longer in use at the prior reporting date and has not been used during
the current financial period. Shares in the Group held by the employee share trust were presented in the statement of financial position
as a deduction from retained earnings.
88
Notes to the Group financial statements (continued)
6 Capital and borrowings (continued)
6.1 Accounting policies (continued)
Net debt
Net debt is cash and cash equivalents, long-term cash on deposit, bank and other loans, bonds, intercompany loans, lease liabilities
and derivative financial instruments (stated at current fair value).
6.2 Finance costs and income
Finance costs
Interest payable on short-term loans and bank overdrafts
Interest payable on bonds
Interest on lease liabilities
Interest capitalised
Total interest payable
Other finance costs
Finance costs before exceptionals1
Costs associated with the repayment of borrowings
Finance costs
Finance income
Bank interest and other finance income
Other receivables: unwinding of discount
Finance income before exceptionals1
Credit associated with the repayment of borrowings
Net retirement benefit interest (note 8.2)
Finance income
52 weeks ended
30 October 2022
£m
39 weeks ended
31 October 2021
£m
(2)
(10)
(57)
2
(67)
-
(67)
(21)
(88)
1
2
3
12
18
33
(8)
(31)
(43)
2
(80)
(3)
(83)
-
(83)
3
2
5
-
8
13
Net finance costs
1 Net finance costs before exceptionals marked 1 amount to £64m (39 weeks ended 31 October 2021: £78m) and is defined in the glossary
(55)
(70)
6.3 External borrowings
Current
The Group has no external current borrowings and other financial liabilities measured at amortised cost (31 October 2021: £838m
revolving credit facility). During the financial period the revolving credit facility was repaid in full and cancelled by the Group, being
replaced by an intercompany loan from Market Bidco Limited (see note 6.4).
The Group has the following non-current borrowings and other financial liabilities measured at amortised cost:
Non-current
£250m sterling bonds 4.625% December 2023
£250m sterling bonds 3.50% July 2026
£250m sterling bonds 4.75% July 2029
£350m sterling bonds 2.50% October 2031
30 October 2022
£m
31 October 2021
£m
-
(39)
(45)
-
(84)
(250)
(264)
(246)
(347)
(1,107)
Following the settlement of a tender and consent process on 2 December 2021, £843m of the Group’s bonds were repaid (including
interest and applicable premium). On 6 May 2022, a further £180m was repaid when the Company redeemed the 2023 Notes at a
price equal to the aggregate principal amount of the outstanding value, plus the accrued and unpaid interest and the applicable
premium.
Following these redemptions, the aggregate principal amount of the existing notes outstanding is £82m at 30 October 2022.
Borrowing facilities
Information in relation to the Group’s borrowing facilities are detailed in the liquidity risk section of note 7.2.
89
Notes to the Group financial statements (continued)
6 Capital and borrowings (continued)
6.3 External borrowings (continued)
Maturity of borrowings
The table below summarises the maturity profile of the Group’s external borrowings based on contractual, undiscounted payments,
which include future interest payments. As a result, amounts shown below do not agree to the amounts disclosed in the statement of
financial position for borrowings, which exclude future interest payments. Trade and other payables (note 5.4) are also excluded from
this analysis.
Less than one year
One to two years
Two to three years
Three to four years
Four to five years
More than five years
30 October 2022
£m
31 October 2021
£m
(3)
(3)
(3)
(40)
(2)
(49)
(881)
(41)
(281)
(29)
(277)
(676)
Fair values
The fair value of bonds is measured using closing market prices (level 1). The fair values of borrowings included in level 2 are based
on the net present value of the anticipated future cash flows associated with these instruments using rates currently available for debts
on similar terms, credit risk and equivalent maturity dates.
These compare to carrying values as follows:
Total borrowings: non-current and current
30 October 2022
31 October 2021
Amortised cost
£m
Fair value
£m
(84)
(64)
Amortised cost
£m
(1,945)
Fair value
£m
(1,956)
The fair value of other items within current and non-current borrowing equals their carrying amount, as the impact of discounting is
not material.
6.4 Loan from parent undertaking
Loan from parent undertaking
30 October 2022
£m
31 October 2021
£m
(1,843)
-
On 8 November 2021, intercompany funding was provided by Market Bidco Limited (the immediate parent) to the Group. The loan is
unsecured, bears no interest and is repayable on demand.
6.5 Lease liabilities
Current lease liabilities
Non-current lease liabilities
30 October 2022
£m
31 October 2021
£m
(73)
(1,239)
(1,312)
(76)
(1,284)
(1,360)
Maturity of lease liabilities
The table below summarises the maturity profile of the Group’s lease liabilities based on contractual, undiscounted payments.
Less than one year
One to two years
Two to three years
Three to four years
Four to five years
More than five years
30 October 2022
£m
31 October 2021
£m
(129)
(121)
(118)
(115)
(108)
(132)
(126)
(118)
(115)
(112)
(1,420)
(1,492)
90
Notes to the Group financial statements (continued)
6 Capital and borrowings (continued)
6.5 Lease liabilities (continued)
Maturity of lease liabilities (continued)
Lease liabilities include periods beyond extension and break option dates if the Group is reasonably certain to extend or continue the
lease. As at 30 October 2022, the undiscounted future rentals payments relating to periods beyond what is considered reasonably
certain total £61m for breaks and £922m for lease extensions (31 October 2021: £60m and £915m respectively). The lease extensions
relate to leases where the initial term expires between 12 and 62 years after the year end, with some extensions available of up to
25 years.
The interest expense on lease liabilities is shown in note 6.2. The value of contracts placed for future leases not provided in the
financial statements is disclosed in note 3.8.
Other information
The Group is the lessee on a diverse portfolio of leases for property and equipment, with the vast majority of lease liabilities relating
to property (see note 3.4 and note 3.6). Property leases typically include rent review terms that require rents to be adjusted on a
periodic basis, following market rent or capped increases in inflation measurements. A number of these property leases also contain
clauses to extend, or exit leases early. These clauses are negotiated with the lessors to ensure appropriate options are available for
the Group’s operations in future years, for example to minimise the risk that a store, still profitable at the end of the initial lease term,
will be forced to close.
The depreciation expense for right-of-use is shown in note 1.5. This note also includes the expense of variable lease payments
incurred during the periods and expenses incurred on both low-value leases and short-term leases longer than one month.
6.6 Analysis of net debt1
Fuel and energy price contracts
Non-current financial assets
Foreign exchange forward contracts
Fuel and energy price contracts
Current financial assets
Lease liabilities1
Foreign exchange forward contracts
Revolving credit facility1
Fuel and energy price contracts
Current financial liabilities
Bonds1
Loans from group undertakings1
Lease liabilities1
Fuel and energy price contracts
Non-current financial liabilities
Cash and cash equivalents
Net debt1
1 Net debt is defined in the Glossary on page 133.
Note
7.3
7.3
7.3
6.5
7.3
6.3
7.3
6.3
6.4
6.5
7.3
30 October 2022
£m
31 October 2021
£m
128
128
17
342
359
(73)
(3)
-
-
(76)
(84)
(1,843)
(1,239)
-
43
43
2
31
33
(76)
(7)
(838)
(12)
(933)
(1,107)
-
(1,284)
(2)
(3,166)
(2,393)
287
296
(2,468)
(2,954)
91
Notes to the Group financial statements (continued)
6 Capital and borrowings (continued)
6.6 Analysis of net debt1 (continued)
Reconciliation of net cash flow to movement in net debt1 in the period
Financing activities:
Cash outflow from repayment of borrowings
Cash inflow on loan from parent undertaking
Cash outflow from repayment of lease liabilities
Non-cash movements on lease liabilities2
Other financing non-cash movements
Net decrease from financing activities
Other non-cash movements3
Net (decrease)/increase in cash and cash equivalents
Opening net debt1
Closing net debt1
52 weeks ended
30 October 2022
£m
39 weeks ended
31 October 2021
£m
Note
1,859
(1,843)
78
(33)
4
65
430
(9)
94
-
59
(48)
1
106
53
56
(2,954)
(2,468)
(3,169)
(2,954)
1 Net debt is defined in the Glossary on page 133.
2 Non-cash movement on lease liabilities comprises £nil (31 October 2021: £41m) in relation to new leases and £33m (31 October 2021: £7m) from the remeasurement
of existing leases.
3 Other non-cash movements is comprised of movements on derivatives.
6.7 Called-up share capital
At 31 October 2021
Share options exercised and shares issued under LTIP schemes
At 30 October 2022
Number of
shares
millions
2,450
1
2,451
Share capital
£m
Share premium
£m
245
-
245
252
1
253
Total
£m
497
1
498
All issued shares are fully paid and have a par value of 10p per share (31 October 2021: 10p per share). The holders of ordinary
shares are entitled to receive dividends as declared and are entitled to one vote per share at the meetings of the Company.
Trust shares
Following the de-listing of the Company from the London Stock Exchange on 28 October 2021, the Company no longer holds a
deduction in retained earnings in respect of own shares at the reporting date. These shares were not treasury shares as defined by
the London Stock Exchange.
As a result of the takeover of the Company, remaining trust shares were transferred to CD&R for proceeds of £41m on 28 October
2021. The cash was received shortly after the year end (during this financial period), and was held on the balance sheet as a
receivable in the prior year.
During the period, the Group acquired none of its own shares (31 October 2021: 1,455,420) for a consideration of £nil (31 October
2021: £3m) and issued no new shares at nominal value to hold in trust (31 October 2021: 7,997,629). The Group utilised no trust
shares to satisfy awards under the Group’s employee share plans (31 October 2021: 18,173,931).
Proceeds from exercise of share awards
Following the takeover of the group by CD&R and the subsequent delisting of the Company’s shares from the London Stock
Exchange, all outstanding Sharesave and LTIP schemes were settled. During the period, the Group issued 690,739 (31 October
2021: 32,228,906) new shares to satisfy options exercised by employees in the prior year in respect of the Group’s previous
Sharesave schemes. Proceeds received on exercise of these shares amounted to £1m (31 October 2021: £55m). The Group issued
no (31 October 2021: 7,997,629) shares under the Group’s Long-term Incentive Plan (LTIP) scheme for nominal value, which were
held in trust to satisfy awards under the Group’s employee share plans.
All long-term incentive plans and other employee share incentive schemes automatically vested on the takeover and therefore a full
vest was accounted for in the financial period to 31 October 2021. These awards were settled in cash through Wm Morrison
Supermarkets Limited's payroll during November 2021.
Settlement of share awards
During the 52 weeks ended 30 October 2022, the Group settled no share options out of trust shares (31 October 2021: 3,880,655
shares).
92
Notes to the Group financial statements (continued)
6 Capital and borrowings (continued)
6.8 Reserves
Capital redemption reserve
Merger reserve
Hedging reserve
Retained earnings1
Total
30 October 2022
£m
31 October 2021
£m
39
2,578
39
2,578
373 122
690
3,680
948
3,687
1 Included in retained earnings is £28m relating to a gain on trust shares.
Capital redemption reserve
The capital redemption reserve relates to 389,631,561 of the Company’s own shares which it purchased on the open market for
cancellation between 31 March 2008 and 8 March 2013 at a total cost of £1,081m.
Merger reserve
The merger reserve represents the reserve arising on the acquisition in 2004 of Safeway Limited.
Hedging reserve
This represents the gains and losses arising on derivatives used for cash flow hedging.
6.9 Capital management
The Group defines the capital that it manages as the Group’s total equity and net debt balances.
The Group's capital management objective is to safeguard its viability taking into consideration the risks that it faces. During the
financial period, the Group did this by maintaining adequate liquidity headroom, along with managing the capital structure and debt
outstanding. The Group has secured and unsecured debt, maintaining significant assets that do not hold a fixed charge over them.
Managing the Group's credit rating, maintaining liquidity headroom and monitoring cash generation continue to be key elements of
the Group's capital management activity.
93
Notes to the Group financial statements (continued)
7 Financial risk and hedging
7.1 Accounting policies
Derivative financial instruments and hedge accounting
Derivatives are transacted to mitigate financial risks that arise as a result of the Group’s operating activities and funding arrangements.
At the inception of a hedge, the Group documents the economic relationship between the hedging instrument and the hedged item,
the risk management objective and strategy for undertaking the hedge. This includes an assessment of whether changes in fair
values or the cash flows of the hedging instruments are expected to offset changes in the fair values or cash flows of hedged items.
All derivatives are initially recognised at fair value and are remeasured at fair value at each reporting date. Derivatives with positive
fair values are recognised as assets and those with negative fair values as liabilities. They are also categorised as current or non-
current according to the maturity of each derivative. All gains or losses arising due to changes in the fair value of derivatives are
recognised in profit or loss except when the derivative qualifies for cash flow hedge accounting.
Cash flow hedges
The Group designates derivatives into a cash flow hedge where they have been transacted to hedge a highly probable forecast
transaction or a particular risk associated with an asset or liability. The effective portion of the change in the fair value of the derivatives
that are designated into cash flow hedge relationships, are recognised in other comprehensive income. Cumulative gains or losses
on derivatives are reclassified from other comprehensive income into profit or loss in the period when the transaction occurs. Any
ineffective portion of the gain or loss on the derivative is immediately recognised in profit or loss.
When option contracts are used to hedge forecast transactions, both the intrinsic and time value of the options are designated as
hedging instruments. Gains or losses relating to the effective portion of the change in fair value of the options are recognised in the
cash flow hedge reserve within equity. Any changes in the fair value of the option premium are recognised in other comprehensive
income.
When forward contracts are used to hedge forecast transactions, the Group designates the change in fair value of the forward contract
as the hedging instrument. Gains or losses relating to the effective portion of the change in fair value of the entire forward contract
are recognised in the cash flow hedge reserve within equity.
Hedge accounting is discontinued when the hedging instrument expires or is sold, terminated or exercised or no longer qualifies for
hedge accounting. At that time, any cumulative gain or loss on the hedging instrument recognised in equity is retained in equity until
the forecasted transaction occurs, at which point the net cumulative gain or loss recognised in equity is transferred to profit or loss in
the period.
7.2 Financial risk management
The Group has a centralised treasury function which manages funding, liquidity and other financial risk in accordance with the Board
approved Treasury Policy. The objective of the policy and controls that are established is to mitigate the risk of an adverse impact on
the performance of the Group as a result of its exposure to financial risks arising from the Group’s operations and its sources of
finance. It is the Group’s policy not to engage in speculative trading of financial instruments.
The Board retains ultimate responsibility for treasury activity and is involved in key decision making, providing governance and
oversight to treasury activity.
Liquidity risk
The Group policy is to maintain an appropriate maturity profile across its borrowings and a sufficient level of committed headroom to
meet obligations. The Group finances its operations using an intercompany loan provided by its parent company.
A central cash forecast is maintained by the treasury function who monitor the availability of liquidity to meet business requirements
and any unexpected variances. The treasury function seek to centralise surplus cash balances to minimise the level of gross debt.
Short-term cash balances, together with undrawn facilities, enable the Group to manage its day-to-day liquidity risk. Any short-term
surplus is invested in accordance with the Treasury Policy. Some suppliers have access to supply chain finance facilities, which allow
those suppliers to benefit from the Group’s credit profile. The total size of the facility at 30 October 2022 was £997m (31 October
2021: £1,078m) across a number of banks and platforms. The level of utilisation is dependent on the individual supplier requirements
and varies significantly over time (see note 5.4).
The Board compares the committed liquidity available to the Group against the forecast requirements including policy headroom.
This policy includes a planning assumption that supply chain finance facilities are not available.
Cash and committed facilities
At 30 October 2022, the Group has £287m (31 October 2021: £296m) of cash and cash equivalents and £82m (31 October 2021:
£2,650m) of total committed facilities, comprising bond debt of £82m (31 October 2021: £1,100m bond debt and £1,550m of
committed bank facilities). As at 30 October 2022, the Group had £nil (31 October 2021: £710m) of undrawn committed bank facilities
available.
94
Notes to the Group financial statements (continued)
7 Financial risk and hedging (continued)
7.2 Financial risk management (continued)
Cash and committed facilities (continued)
The Group previously had a committed revolving credit facility of £1,350m, with a contractual maturity date of June 2025. At 31
October 2021, the Group had £510m of undrawn committed headroom available on this facility. On 8 November 2021 this facility was
repaid in full and cancelled by the Group, being replaced by an intercompany loan from Market Bidco Limited. The Group also
cancelled two £100m 364 day committed revolving credit facilities on the same day. The intercompany loan with the Market Bidco
Limited at £1,843m at the year end is unsecured and bears no interest (see note 6.4).
As at 30 October 2022, the Group had no external borrowings on uncommitted facilities (31 October 2021: £54m).
The Group policy is to maintain an appropriate maturity profile across its borrowings and a sufficient level of committed headroom to
meet obligations. The Group finances its operations using a diversified range of funding providers including banks and bondholders.
The Treasury Committee compares the committed liquidity available to the Group against the forecast requirements including policy
headroom. This policy includes a planning assumption that supply chain finance facilities are not available.
Interest rate risk
The wider Group seeks to protect itself against adverse movements in interest rates by aiming to maintain at least 60% of its total
borrowings at fixed interest rates. As at the reporting date, 100% (31 October 2021: 57%) of the Group’s borrowings are at a fixed
interest rate. Whilst still applying the policy described above, from time-to-time the Group enters into fixed-to-floating interest rate
swaps to achieve the appropriate proportion of fixed versus floating rate borrowings.
Credit risk
The majority of the Group’s revenue is received in cash at the point of sale. Some credit risk does arise from cash and cash
equivalents, deposits with banking groups and exposures from other sources of income such as commercial income, third party
wholesale customers and tenants of investment properties.
The principal areas of credit risk relate to financial institution and trading counterparties such as wholesale customers. The Group
has well established credit verification procedures in place for key exposures. Limits on the total exposure to a counterparty or Group
of connected counterparties are established within the Treasury Policy. Compliance with limits is regularly monitored. With respect
to wholesale customers, the Group establishes a credit limit for each individual entity, which takes into account a number of factors
including the level of credit insurance in place, the customer’s payment history, third party credit reports and other relevant factors
including the Group’s rights within the specific terms of the contract.
Foreign currency risk
The majority of purchases made by the Group are denominated in sterling, however some trade purchases are made in other
currencies, primarily the euro and US dollar. The Group’s objective is to reduce short-term profit volatility from exchange rate
fluctuations. The Group policy specifies the minimum percentage of committed and highly probable exposures that must be hedged.
Cross-currency interest rate swaps are used to mitigate the Group’s currency exposure arising from payments of interest and principal
in relation to foreign currency funding.
At the reporting date, the sensitivity to a reasonably3 possible change (+/-10%) in the US dollar and euro exchange rates would
equate to a £7m post-tax profit or loss exposure in relation to the euro (31 October 2021: £10m) and £5m in relation to the US dollar
(31 October 2021: £5m), for the unhedged forecast foreign currency exposures over the next 12 months. A movement of the
pound sterling by +/-10% against the euro and US dollar exchange rates would impact other comprehensive income by £28m for the
hedged amount (31 October 2021: £31m).
Commodity price risk
The Group manages the risks associated with the purchase of electricity, gas and diesel consumed by its activities (excluding fuel
purchased for resale to customers) by entering into hedging contracts to fix prices for expected consumption.
The Group has adopted a capital at risk model for hedging its fuel and power consumption. The Board reviews the Group’s exposure
to commodity prices and ensures it remains within policy limits.
A change of +/-10% in the market value of the commodity price at the reporting date would affect other comprehensive income by
£53m (31 October 2021: £31m) for the hedged amount.
95
Notes to the Group financial statements (continued)
7 Financial risk and hedging (continued)
7.3 Derivative financial assets and liabilities
Derivative financial assets
Current
Foreign exchange forward contracts
Fuel and energy price contracts
Non-current
Foreign exchange forward contracts
Fuel and energy price contracts
30 October 2022
Fair Value
£m
30 October 2022
Notional Value
£m
31 October 2021
Fair Value
£m
31 October 2021
Notional Value
£m
17
342
359
-
128
128
304
107
411
-
38
38
2
31
33
-
43
43
122
99
221
7
79
86
All derivatives are categorised as level 2 instruments. Level 2 fair values for simple, over-the-counter derivatives are calculated by
using benchmarked, observable market interest rates to discount future cash flows.
Derivative financial liabilities
Current
Foreign exchange forward contracts
Fuel and energy price contracts
Non-current
Fuel and energy price contracts
30 October 2022
Fair Value
£m
30 October 2022
Notional Value
£m
31 October 2021
Fair Value
£m
31 October 2021
Notional Value
£m
(3)
-
(3)
-
-
(105)
(3)
(108)
-
-
(7)
(12)
(19)
(2)
(2)
(306)
(71)
(377)
(25)
(25)
The amounts disclosed in the table below are the contractual undiscounted derivative cash flows and therefore differ to those in the
statement of financial position.
Maturity analysis of derivatives
Derivatives settled on a gross basis
Forward contracts – cash flow hedges:
Outflow
Inflow
Derivatives settled on a net basis
Fuel and energy price contracts – cash flow hedges:
Inflow
30 October 2022
£m
1-5 years
< 1 year
31 October 2021
£m
1-5 years
< 1 year
(397)
411
-
-
(411)
405
368
102
19
(7)
7
41
The fuel and energy price contracts and foreign currency derivatives are designated as cash flow hedges.
96
Notes to the Group financial statements (continued)
8 Retirement benefits
8.1 Accounting policies
A defined contribution scheme is a retirement scheme under which the Group pays fixed contributions into a separate entity and
provides no guarantee as to the quantum of retirement benefits that those contributions will ultimately purchase. A defined benefit
scheme is one that is not a defined contribution scheme.
8.1.1 Defined benefit schemes
Retirement scheme assets are valued at fair market value as required by IAS19. Retirement benefit obligations are an estimate of
the amount required to pay the benefits that employees have earned in exchange for current and past service, assessed and
discounted to present value using the assumptions shown in note 8.4.1. The net retirement benefit deficit or surplus recognised in
the consolidated statement of financial position is the net of the schemes’ assets and obligations, which are calculated separately for
each scheme.
Net interest income/expense is calculated by applying the discount rate used to value the liabilities to the net retirement benefit deficit
or surplus (adjusted for cash flows over the accounting period) and is recognised in finance costs or income and excluded from profit
before exceptionals.
Expenses incurred in respect of the management of scheme assets are included in the consolidated statement of comprehensive
income as a reduction in the return on scheme assets. Other scheme expenses are recognised in the consolidated income statement
as an operating expense.
Remeasurements comprise actuarial gains and losses on the obligations and the return on scheme assets (excluding interest). They
are recognised immediately in the consolidated statement of comprehensive income. Amounts shown within note 8 are before any
adjustments for deferred taxation.
8.1.2 Defined contribution schemes
The cost of defined contribution schemes is recognised in the consolidated income statement as incurred. The Group has no further
payment obligations once the contributions have been paid.
8.2 Defined benefit schemes: summary and description
The Group operates a number of defined benefit retirement schemes (together ‘the Schemes’) providing benefits based on a benefit
formula that depends on factors including the employee’s age and number of years of service.
The Morrison and Safeway Schemes (the ‘CARE Schemes’) provide retirement benefits based on either the employee’s
compensation package and/or career average revalued earnings (CARE). The CARE Schemes are not open to new members and
were closed to future accrual in July 2015.
The Retirement Saver Plan (‘RSP’) is a cash balance scheme, which provides a lump sum benefit based upon a defined proportion
of an employee’s annual earnings in each year, which is revalued each year in line with inflation subject to a cap. The RSP was
closed to future accrual in September 2018.
The TM Group Pension Scheme and TM Pension Plan (the ‘McColl’s Schemes’) were acquired by the Group as part of the Group’s
rescue of McColl’s Retail Group plc during the year. Therefore no comparatives are included for these Schemes. These Schemes
are not open to new members and are closed to future accrual.
The net funding position of each scheme at 30 October 2022 is as follows:
CARE Schemes
RSP
McColl’s Schemes
Net retirement benefit surplus
The statements below show further details for the schemes combined:
30 October 2022
£m
31 October 2021
£m
639
50
2
691
995
(28)
-
967
Statement of financial position
Fair value of scheme assets
Present value of obligations
Net retirement benefit surplus/(deficit)
30 October 2022
CARE
£m
30 October 2022
RSP
£m
30 October 2022
McColl’s
£m
31 October 2021
CARE
£m
31 October 2021
RSP
£m
3,344
(2,705)
639
323
(273)
50
95
(93)
2
5,259
(4,264)
995
417
(445)
(28)
97
Notes to the Group financial statements (continued)
8 Retirement benefits (continued)
8.2 Defined benefit schemes: summary and description (continued)
Consolidated income statement:
Transfer of McColl’s pension schemes
Administrative costs paid by the Schemes 1
Settlement and curtailment gain
Net interest on net retirement benefit (surplus)/deficit 1
Total expense (credited)/charged to income statement
52 weeks
ended 30
October 2022
CARE
£m
52 weeks
ended 30
October 2022
RSP
£m
52 weeks
ended 30
October 2022
McColl’s
£m
39 weeks
ended 31
October 2021
CARE
£m
39 weeks
ended 31
October 2021
RSP
£m
-
5
-
(18)
(13)
-
2
-
-
2
(11)
1
-
-
(10)
n/a
2
(1)
(8)
(7)
n/a
2
-
-
2
Consolidated statement of other comprehensive income:
Remeasurements in other comprehensive income – charge/(credit)
1 Included within exceptional items, see note 1.4.
372
(72)
9
(233)
(3)
The Schemes are registered schemes under the provisions of Schedule 36 of the Finance Act 2004 and the assets are held in legally
separate, trustee-administered funds. The Trustees of each scheme are required by law to act in the best interests of the scheme
participants within the context of administering the scheme in accordance with the purpose for which the trust was created, and is
responsible for setting the investment, funding and governance policies of the fund. A representative of the Group attends Trustee or
Investment Committee meetings in order to provide the Group’s view on investment strategy, but the ultimate power lies with the
Trustees. For the Group’s most significant schemes, the Deed and Rules of the Morrison Scheme gives the Trustees the power to
set contributions, while in the Safeway Scheme and the RSP this power is given to the Group, subject to regulatory override.
8.3 Scheme assets
Assets of the Schemes generate returns and ultimately cash that is used to satisfy the Schemes’ obligations. They are not necessarily
intended to be realised in the short term. The Trustees of each Scheme invest in different categories of asset and with different
allocations amongst those categories, according to the investment principles of that Scheme. Currently, the investment strategy of
the Schemes is to maintain a balance of income assets (including credit investments and corporate bonds) and protection assets
(comprising liability driven investment (LDI) portfolios and buy-in annuity policies), with a weighting towards protection assets. There
are no direct investments in the parent Company’s own shares or property occupied by any member of the Group.
Fair value of Scheme assets:
Equities (quoted)
Corporate bonds (quoted)
Infrastructure (unquoted)
Credit funds (unquoted)
Liability driven investments (unquoted) 1
Annuity policies (unquoted)
Cash (quoted)
30 October 2022
CARE
£m
30 October 2022
RSP
£m
30 October 2022
McColl’s
£m
31 October 2021
CARE
£m
31 October 2021
RSP
£m
3
995
-
361
1,268
685
32
3,344
-
149
-
-
107
-
67
323
-
32
8
13
40
-
2
95
360
900
-
385
2,504
1,087
23
5,259
115
28
-
-
271
-
3
417
1 Liability Driven Investments includes investments that are debt securities, cash, derivatives and pooled investment vehicles. There are classed as unquoted because
the investments include derivatives and pooled investment vehicles which are unquoted.
Liability driven investments (‘LDI’)
Part of the investment objective of the Schemes is to minimise fluctuations in the Schemes’ funding levels due to changes in the
value of the liabilities. This is primarily achieved through the use of LDI, whose main goal is to align movements in the value of the
Schemes’ assets with movements in the Schemes’ liabilities arising from changes in market conditions. The Schemes have hedging
that broadly covers interest rate movements and inflation movements, as measured on the Trustees' funding assumptions which use
a discount rate derived from gilt yields.
98
Notes to the Group financial statements (continued)
8 Retirement benefits (continued)
8.3 Scheme assets (continued)
Liability driven investments (‘LDI’) (continued)
LDI primarily involves the use of government bonds (including re-purchase agreements). Derivatives such as interest rate and inflation
swaps are also used. There are no annuities or longevity swaps in the LDI portfolios. The value of the LDI assets is determined
based on the latest market bid price for the underlying investments, which are traded daily on liquid markets.
The Group and the Trustees have historically sought to ensure that the LDI operates with low levels of leverage and sufficient liquid
collateral in order to withstand market shocks. Hedging of interest rates and inflation in the Schemes was maintained in full throughout
the market volatility which followed the ‘mini budget’ in September 2022, protecting the Schemes’ funding levels and with no
requirement for support from the Company.
Annuity policies
The Safeway Scheme has four buy-in annuity policies and the Morrison Scheme has one buy-in annuity policy which provide
insurance for a proportion of the pensioner population. The policies pay income to the Schemes that is exactly equal to the benefits
paid to the insured populations. This has removed all investment, interest rate, inflation and longevity risks in respect of these
members. A further annuity policy buy-in has been entered into subsequent to the year end (see note 10.3).
The value of the annuity policies is determined using the disclosed assumptions used for valuing the benefits of the Schemes and is
equal to the accounting liabilities of the insured pensioner populations.
Credit funds
The Schemes invest in credit funds in order to improve returns available from their bond assets. These funds typically lend directly
to corporations on a senior secured basis, rather than purchasing debt issued in the public markets.
The credit funds invest in a portfolio of different debt instruments and their value is equal to the value of the component assets. For
high yield debt, the value is based on the latest available market price. For senior debt and private credit, where no such market price
exists, the value is taken either at par value or by determining a fair enterprise value using a variety of techniques. For real-estate
related investments, the value is derived from market comparables or third party valuations.
The movement in the fair value of the Schemes’ assets over the period was as follows:
52 weeks ended
39 weeks ended
30 October
2022
CARE
£m
30 October
2022
RSP
£m
30 October
2022
McColl’s
£m
31 October
2021
CARE
£m
31 October
2021
RSP
£m
Fair value of scheme assets at start of period
5,259
417
Transfer of McColl’s pension schemes
Interest income
Return on scheme assets excluding interest
Employer contributions
Benefits paid
Administrative expenses
Fair value of scheme assets at end of period
-
96
(1,878)
3
(131)
(5)
3,344
-
8
(97)
8
(11)
(2)
323
-
121
2
(25)
1
(3)
(1)
95
5,111
407
-
57
170
1
(78)
(2)
5,259
-
5
6
7
(6)
(2)
417
Scottish Limited Partnership
The Group has previously entered into a pension funding limited partnership structure with the CARE Schemes whereby the
partnership structure holds properties which are leased back to the Group in return for rental income payments. The Group retains
control over these properties, including the flexibility to substitute alternative properties. The CARE schemes were entitled to receive
fixed distributions until 2033 subject to certain conditions.
During the 52 weeks ended 31 January 2021, the Group and the Schemes’ Trustees agreed to reorganise the limited partnership
structure, so that future distributions will be made to the RSP. The pension funding partnership structure was amended to permanently
cease fixed distributions to the CARE Schemes, with the Group entering into a new pension funding limited partnership with the RSP.
As a partner, the RSP is entitled to receive an annual fixed distribution of £7m from the profits of the partnership for 13 years from
2020, subject to certain conditions. The fixed distribution is comparable to the distributions that would have been made under the
previous partnership structure.
The distributions made to the RSP are reflected in the Group financial statements as employer retirement benefit contributions.
99
Notes to the Group financial statements (continued)
8 Retirement benefits (continued)
8.3 Scheme assets (continued)
Scottish Limited Partnership (continued)
The RSP’s interest in the partnership reduces the scheme’s deficit on a funding basis, although the agreement does not affect the
position directly on an IAS19 accounting basis because the investment held by the RSP does not qualify as a scheme asset for Group
IAS 19 purposes.
As part of the takeover by CD&R in 2021, a Memorandum of Understanding committed the Group to providing additional property
security to the CARE Schemes and the RSP, taking the total value of property security supporting these Schemes to at least £660m.
No additional annual cash flows are payable as a result of the agreement, and the new security is only triggered in the event of an
insolvency of the sponsoring employers. This was completed during February 2022.
8.4 Present value of obligations
The movement in the defined benefit obligation over the period was as follows:
Defined benefit obligation at start of period
Transfer of McColl’s pension schemes
Interest expense
Actuarial (loss)/gain– demographic assumptions
Actuarial gain/(loss) – financial assumptions
Actuarial (loss)/gain – experience
Settlement and curtailment gain
Benefits paid
30 October 2022
CARE
£m
30 October 2022
RSP
£m
30 October 2022
McColl’s
£m
31 October 2021
CARE
£m
31 October 2021
RSP
£m
(4,264)
(445)
-
(78)
(5)
1,591
(80)
-
131
-
(8)
-
162
7
-
11
-
(110)
(2)
-
18
(2)
-
3
(4,357)
(443)
-
(49)
134
(57)
(14)
1
78
-
(5)
-
1
(4)
-
6
Defined benefit obligation at end of period
(2,705)
(273)
(93)
(4,264)
(445)
The durations of the defined benefit obligations at the end of the 2022 reporting period are: RSP 15 years; Morrison CARE 17 years;
Safeway CARE 13 years; TM Group Pension Scheme 10 years; TM Pension Plan 11 years. The weighted average duration of all the
Schemes is 14 years.
8.4.1 Significant actuarial assumptions
The following are the principal actuarial assumptions at the reporting date (expressed as weighted averages):
Financial assumptions
Discount rate applied to scheme liabilities (% p.a.)
Safeway CARE Scheme
Morrison CARE Scheme
RSP
McColl’s
Inflation assumption (RPI) (% p.a.)
Safeway CARE Scheme
Morrison CARE Scheme
RSP
McColl’s
Life expectancies (CARE)
Longevity in years from age 65 for current pensioners
Male
Female
Longevity in years from age 65 for current members aged 45
Male
Female
30 October 2022
31 October 2021
4.7%
4.7%
4.7%
4.8%
3.5%
3.5%
3.4%
3.5%
1.9%
1.9%
1.9%
n/a
3.6%
3.5%
3.5%
n/a
CARE
CARE
Safeway Morrisons
20.6
22.9
22.4
24.8
20.3
23.6
22.0
25.4
21.0
22.5
22.6
24.4
100
Notes to the Group financial statements (continued)
8 Retirement benefits (continued)
8.4 Present value of obligations (continued)
8.4.1 Significant actuarial assumptions (continued)
Life expectancies (McColl’s)
Longevity in years from age 65 for current pensioners
Male
Female
Longevity in years from age 65 for current members aged 45
Male
Female
21.3
23.6
22.9
25.3
n/a
n/a
n/a
n/a
The Group estimates discount rates with reference to high quality corporate bonds. At very long durations, where there are no high
quality corporate bonds, the yield curve is extrapolated based on available corporate bond yields of mid to long duration. The Group
believes that this approach appropriately reflects expected yields on high quality corporate bonds over the duration of the Group’s
retirement schemes, as required by IAS 19.
Assumptions regarding future mortality experience are set based on actuarial advice and in accordance with published statistics.
The mortality tables used for the 52 weeks ended 30 October 2022 for the Group’s most material schemes are the S3PMA-
Heavy/S3PFA-Heavy tables (males/females) based on year of birth with a scaling factor of 95% applied to the mortality rates in the
Morrison Scheme and 91% / 104% applied to the mortality rates in the Safeway Scheme, with CMI 2021 core projections and a long-
term rate of improvement of 1.5% pa. Different scheme-specific mortality rates are used for the McColl’s schemes.
The mortality tables used for the 39 weeks ended 31 October 2021 were the S2PMA/S2PFA-Heavy tables (males/females) based
on year of birth with a scaling factor of 110% applied to the mortality rates in both the Morrison and Safeway Schemes, with CMI
2020 core projections and a long-term rate of improvement of 1.5% pa.
Related actuarial assumptions (expressed as weighted averages)
Rate of increase of retirement benefits in payment: RPI inflation
capped at either 2.5% p.a. or 5% p.a. (% p.a.)
Safeway CARE Scheme
Morrison CARE Scheme
RSP
McColl’s
Rate of increase of retirement benefits in deferment: CPI inflation
capped at either 2.5% p.a. or 5% p.a. (% p.a.)
Safeway CARE Scheme
Morrison CARE Scheme
RSP
McColl’s
CPI inflation (% p.a.)
Safeway CARE Scheme
Morrison CARE Scheme
RSP
McColl’s
30 October 2022 31 October 2021
2.2%/3.3%
2.2%/3.4%
2.2%/3.3%
2.2%/3.3%
n/a
2.2%/3.3%
n/a
n/a
-/2.9%
-/2.9%
2.5%/-
-/2.9%
2.9%
2.9%
2.8%
2.9%
-/3.0%
-/2.9%
2.5%/-
n/a
3.0%
2.9%
2.9%
n/a
101
Notes to the Group financial statements (continued)
8 Retirement benefits (continued)
8.4 Present value of obligations (continued)
8.4.2 Sensitivity analysis on significant actuarial assumptions
The following table summarises the impact on the defined benefit obligation at the end of the reporting period if each of the significant
actuarial assumptions listed above were changed, in isolation, assuming no other changes in market conditions at the accounting
date. In practice any movement in assumptions could be accompanied by a partially offsetting change in asset values, and the
corresponding overall impact on the net asset/(liability) is therefore likely to be lower than the amounts below in a number of scenarios.
Extrapolation of the sensitivities shown may not be appropriate.
Discount rate applied to Scheme
obligations
Inflation assumption (RPI and
associated assumptions)
Longevity
8.5 Funding
30 October
2022
CARE
30 October
2022
RSP
30 October
2022
McColl’s’
31 October
2021
CARE
31 October
2021
RSP
31 October
2021
McColl’s
+/- 0.1% p.a.
+/- 0.1% p.a.
+ one year
-/+35
-/+5
-/+2
-/+80
-/+8
n/a
+/-20
+60
+/-0
n/a
+/-0
+3
+/-60
+150
+/-0
n/a
n/a
n/a
The Morrison Scheme is entirely funded by Wm Morrison Supermarkets Limited and the Safeway Scheme is funded by Safeway
Limited and its subsidiaries. Wm Morrison Supermarkets Limited and its subsidiaries participated in the RSP until its closure. The
McColl’s Schemes are funded by the Group. There is no contractual agreement or stated policy for charging the net defined benefit
cost between Wm Morrison Supermarkets Limited and its subsidiaries. The contribution of each participating subsidiary to the RSP
was calculated in proportion to the number of employees that are members of the RSP.
The latest agreed full actuarial valuations were carried out in April 2022 for the Safeway Scheme, the Morrison Scheme and the RSP,
and at 31 March 2019 for the McColl’s Schemes. The valuations indicated that, on the agreed funding basis, the Safeway, Morrison
and RSP Schemes had surpluses of £528m, £214m and £37m respectively. As a result of these funding positions there are currently
no deficit contributions payable. The valuations of the McColl’s Schemes indicated that, on the agreed funding basis, there was a
surplus of £6m for the TM Group Pension Scheme and a deficit of £8m for the TM Pension Plan.
These results have been used and updated for IAS19 ‘Employee benefits’ purposes for the period to 30 October 2022 by a qualified
independent actuary. The Schemes expose the Group to inflation risk, interest rate risk and market investment risk. In addition, the
CARE Schemes and McColl’s Schemes expose the Group to longevity risk.
At 30 October 2022, schemes in surplus have been disclosed within the assets in the consolidated statement of financial position.
For the Group’s most material pension schemes, legal advice has been obtained with regard to the recognition of a retirement benefit
surplus and also recognition of a minimum funding requirement under IFRIC 14 ‘IAS19 – The limit on a defined benefit asset, minimum
funding requirement and their interaction’. This advice concluded that recognition of a surplus is appropriate on the basis that the
Group has an unconditional right to a refund of a surplus. In respect of the RSP this on the basis that paragraph 11(a) of IFRIC 14
applies enabling a refund of surplus during the life of the RSP. In respect of the Morrison Scheme, it is on the basis that paragraph
11(b) or 11(c) of IFRIC 14 applies, enabling a refund of surplus assuming the gradual settlement of the scheme liabilities over time
until all members have left the scheme or the full settlement of the Scheme's liabilities in a single event (i.e. as a scheme wind up).
In respect of the Safeway Scheme, a refund is available on the basis that paragraph 11(b) of IFRIC14 applies.
The current best estimate of Group contributions to be paid to the defined benefit schemes for the accounting period commencing
30 October 2022 is £9m (period commencing 31 October 2021: £12m).
8.6 Defined contribution schemes
The Group operates two defined contribution retirement benefit schemes, which means that the Group is not subject to the same
investment, interest rate, inflation or longevity risks as it is for the defined benefit schemes. The benefits that the employees receive
are dependent on the contributions paid, investment returns, and the form of benefit chosen at retirement. The Group paid
contributions of £99m to the Morrisons scheme and £2m to the McColl’s scheme during the period, and expects to contribute £94m
in total to the schemes for the following period.
102
Notes to the Group financial statements (continued)
9 Share-based payments
9.1 Accounting policy
Prior to the takeover by CD&R, the Group issued equity-settled share-based payments to certain employees in exchange for services
rendered by them. The fair value of the share-based award was calculated at the date of grant and was expensed on a straight-line
basis over the vesting period with a corresponding increase in equity. This was based on the Group’s estimate of share options that
would eventually vest. This took into account movement of non-market conditions, being service conditions and financial performance,
if relevant.
The fair value of share options was measured using a Black-Scholes model. The expected life used in the model was adjusted, based
on management’s best estimate, for effects of non-transferability, exercise restrictions and behavioural considerations. In the 39
weeks ended 31 October 2021 there was a charge of £29m relating to share based payments.
9.2 Sharesave schemes
Prior to the takeover by CD&R, all employees (including Directors) were eligible for the Sharesave schemes once the necessary
service requirements were met. The scheme allowed participants to save up to a maximum of £350 each month for a period of three
years. Options were offered at a discount to the mid-market closing price on the day prior to the offer and were exercisable for a
period of six months commencing after the end of the fixed period of the contract. The exercise of options under this scheme was
subject only to service conditions.
The fair value of options granted, and the inputs used to determine it were as follows:
Grant date
Share price at grant date
Fair value of options granted
Exercise price
Dividend yield
Annual risk-free interest rate
Expected volatility1
14 May 2021
19 May 2020
17 May 2019
15 May 2018
£1.84
£6.8m
£1.45
5.90%
0.18%
£1.88
£6.8m
£1.52
5.59%
0.40%
£2.11
£6.3m
£1.78
4.60%
0.71%
£2.55
£13.2m
£1.87
3.96%
0.56%
21.25%
19.35%
20.61%
24.90%
1 The volatility measured at the standard deviation of expected share price returns is based on statistical analysis on weekly share prices over the past 3.37 years prior
to the date of grant.
The requirement that the employee has to save in order to purchase shares under the Sharesave plan was a non-vesting condition.
This feature was incorporated into the fair value at grant date by applying a discount to the valuation obtained from the Black-Scholes
option pricing model. The discount was determined by estimating the probability that the employee will stop saving based on expected
future trends in the share price and employee behaviour. At 30 October 2022 and 31 October 2021, the Sharesave plan is no longer
applicable following the takeover of the Group by CD&R and the subsequent delisting of the Company’s shares from the London
Stock Exchange. All outstanding Sharesave schemes were cash settled with colleagues as a result of the takeover in the previous
period.
52 weeks ended 30 October 2022 39 weeks ended 31 October 2021
Weighted average
exercise price in
£ per share
Weighted average
exercise price in
£ per share
Options
thousands
Options
thousands
Movement in outstanding options
Outstanding at start of period
Granted
Exercised
Forfeited
Outstanding at end of period
Exercisable at end of period
-
-
-
-
-
-
690
-
(690)
-
-
-
1.68
1.45
1.70
1.53
-
-
54,526
25,891
(32,228)
(47,499)
690
690
52 weeks ended 30 October 2022
39 weeks ended 31 October 2021
Weighted average
share price at date
of exercise
£
Weighted average
option price at date
of exercise
£
Number of
shares
thousands
Weighted average
share price at date
of exercise
£
Weighted average
option price at date
of exercise
£
Number of
shares
thousands
Share options exercised in the financial
period
-
-
690
2.77
1.70
32,228
103
Notes to the Group financial statements (continued)
9 Share-based payments (continued)
9.3 Long Term Incentive Plans (LTIPs)
Prior to the takeover by CD&R, the LTIP awards had no exercise price and accrued the value of dividends over the vesting period
with the exception of senior employees within the schemes granted in 2020. The schemes granted in 2020 were due to vest in 2023
and 2024.
All LTIP schemes granted had service and performance conditions for all employees. The performance conditions associated with
all awards are measured through adjusted free cash flow, sales and earnings per share performance.
Awards normally vested three years after the original grant date, provided the relevant service and performance criteria were met.
The fair value of awards granted and the inputs used to determine it were as follows:
Grant date
19 March
2021
6 Oct
2020
31 March
2020
14 Oct
2019
19 April
2019
18 Sept
2018
22 March
2018
24 Oct
2017
22 March
2017
Option fair value at grant date
£1.77
£1.71
£1.79
£1.96
£2.23
£2.62
£2.09
£2.34
£2.37
Fair value of share awards
£28.4m £3.2m
£29.3m £1.0m £27.2m £0.9m
£27.3m £2.0m
£29.4m
25 Oct
2016
£2.28
£9.2m
Movement in outstanding share awards
Outstanding at start of period
Granted
Exercised
Forfeited
Outstanding at end of period
Exercisable at end of period
52 weeks ended
30 October 2022
Share awards
thousands
39 weeks ended
31 October 2021
Share awards
thousands
-
-
-
-
-
-
37,586
16,085
(16,827)
(36,844)
-
-
Given the schemes are no longer active, the weighted average remaining contractual life of the share awards is nil years (31 October
2021: nil years).
LTIP awards were no longer relevant following the takeover of the Group by CD&R and the subsequent delisting of its shares from
the London Stock Exchange during the previous financial period. All invested LTIP schemes were cash settled on a pro-rata basis
after the last period end.
9.4 Deferred share bonus plan
Prior to the takeover by CD&R, certain members of senior management participated in the deferred share bonus plan under which
50% of any bonus payable was deferred in shares from the date the deferred share award was made. Dividend equivalents accrued
over the vesting period, to be paid when the shares vested. Vesting of these share awards was subject only to service conditions.
The fair value of awards granted and the inputs used to determine it were:
Grant date
Share price at grant date
Exercise price
Fair value of share awards granted
Movement in outstanding share awards
Outstanding at start of period
Granted
Exercised
Outstanding at end of period
2022/23 scheme 2021/22 scheme
n/a
n/a
n/a
£1.75
£nil
£3.2m
52 weeks ended
30 October 2022
Share awards
thousands
39 weeks ended
31 October 2021
Share awards
thousands
-
-
-
-
2,821
1,800
(4,621)
-
Given the schemes are no longer active, the weighted average remaining contractual life of the share awards is nil years (31 October
2021: nil years).
Share awards were no longer relevant following the takeover of the Group by CD&R and the subsequent delisting of its shares from
the London Stock Exchange. All deferred share bonus plan awards were cash settled after the period end.
104
Notes to the Group financial statements (continued)
9 Share-based payments (continued)
9.5 Management Incentive Plan (‘MIP’)
During the year, certain employees of the Group, including Directors and members of key management, were invited to invest in
Preference and Ordinary shares of the ultimate parent company, Market Topco Limited. The share purchases were transacted in
September 2022, funded through a combination of an ex-gratia bonus payment and a proportionate level of personal funds, plus
additional voluntary personal investment.
Under the terms of the MIP, a total £17m of shares were purchased, of which £7m were funded via the ex-gratia bonus payment.
The acquired shares comprised £15m of Preference Shares and £2m of Ordinary shares across different classes. £5m of the ex-
gratia bonus payments were made to Directors and senior management, who purchased £11m of shares in total.
The B Preference and B Ordinary shares have the same rights as the equivalent A shares held by the principal investor shareholders
of Market Topco Limited. The B Preference shares accrue dividends at 10% which compound annually and are redeemable at the
discretion of the Company or on completion of an exit.
In all cases the shares are assessed as equity settled and will vest in full on completion of an exit, such as a listing or sale, with
management’s estimate of the vesting period being five years.
The cost of the Preference shares has been assessed as a reasonable proxy for fair value and, to the extent those shares were
funded by the ex-gratia bonus, this amount will be charged to the income statement over the estimated vesting period. This gave
rise to an immaterial in-year charge for the current year, given the short period of time elapsing between the effective grant/acquisition
date and the year end.
The attributable in-year share-based payment charge on the Ordinary shares is estimated at £2m, of which £1m is estimated as
attributable to Directors and Senior Management.
105
Notes to the Group financial statements (continued)
10 Other
10.1 Related party transactions
The Group’s related party transactions in the current and previous financial periods include the remuneration of the senior managers,
the Directors’ emoluments and retirement benefit entitlements, share awards and share options (see note 1.6).
10.2 Guarantees, contingent liabilities and contingent assets
Guarantees
Senior Facilities Agreement
A condition of the Market Bidco Limited Senior Facilities Agreement was that ‘material entities’ needed to become guarantors to the
facilities. ‘Material entities’ are ones which hold 5% or more of the consolidated Group’s gross assets or generate 5% or more of the
consolidated Group’s EBITDA, or those which hold real property of greater than £75m. As such, on 23 March 2022 Wm Morrison
Supermarkets Limited (along with its subsidiaries Safeway Limited, Safeway Stores Limited and Optimisation Investments Limited)
acceded as guarantors to each of the new Facilities Agreements. The Company granted a guarantee and indemnity in respect of
the obligations of the Obligors under each of the Facilities Agreements and provided security over its assets, pursuant to the Common
Transaction Security Agreement.
The terms and conditions of Wm Morrison Supermarkets Limited’s listed bonds are such that, if Group entities act as guarantors to
finance facilities, they must also act as guarantors to the bonds. Wm Morrison Supermarkets Limited and Safeway Limited already
guaranteed these bonds, so Safeway Stores Limited and Optimisation Investments Limited were required to accede as guarantors
in addition.
Dordon
Following the sub-lease of the land and building of its customer fulfilment centre at Dordon to a third party in June 2017, the Group
continues to guarantee the lease in respect of this site until 2038. If the lessee were to default during the period of guarantee, their
lease obligations could revert back to the Group under the terms and become a liability of the Group. Should the lessee default, the
additional future commitment is estimated at up to £29m (31 October 2021: £30m).
Equal pay claim
The Group has received claims from both current and former store colleagues alleging that their work is of equal value to certain
colleagues working within logistics and that differences relating to pay are not justifiable. The claims are looking for equivalent pay
terms and settlement for any historical differential in such pay terms. The Group does not accept these claims and is fully defending
them within the court process. In the event that the Group is unsuccessful in any part of its defence (which is not accepted) it is not
possible to quantify the impact of any potential damages at this early stage given the wide range of possible outcomes.
Interchange fee claim
The Group, along with other claimants, had an ongoing claim against Mastercard in respect of bank interchange fees. The Supreme
Court determined the fixing of interchange fees by Mastercard over many years was an unlawful infringement of competition law. The
Supreme Court’s definitive decision meant that, as at 30 October 2022, the case continued towards a quantum hearing to determine
what level of damages would be payable to the Group. The quantum trial was listed to be heard in January 2023. As at 30 October
2022, the Group was not able to quantify the amount of settlement which it would receive, and accordingly no asset had been
recognised in the financial statements as at 30 October 2022. In addition, legal costs associated with this claim will be recovered,
and the Group has made an estimate of the amount of fees to be recovered which were recognised in the prior period.
Prior to the quantum trial commencing, the claim has been settled to the satisfaction of all parties, on confidential terms, and the
parties are no longer in dispute. This settlement has been treated as a non-adjusting event after the end of the reporting period as
the settlement, which resulted in a material cash inflow to the Group, arose subsequent to the financial year end.
Other
The Company and various of its subsidiaries are, from time to time, parties to legal proceedings, including certain tax matters, and
claims which arise in the ordinary course of business. The directors do not anticipate that the outcome of these proceedings, actions
and claims, either individually or in aggregate, will have a material adverse effect upon the Group’s financial position.
106
Notes to the Group financial statements (continued)
10 Other (continued)
10.3 Post-balance sheet events
Sale and Leaseback
On 9 December 2022, the Group agreed a £219m sale and leaseback transaction on seven logistics properties. As part of the
transaction, the Group has undertaken to lease the properties for up to 25 years.
Wm Morrison 1967 section of the Retirement Saver Pension scheme (‘Morrison 1967 CARE scheme’)
In December 2022, the Morrison 1967 CARE scheme entered into a new buy-in policy for £762m that will provide insurance for the
pensioner population. The policy will pay income to the Scheme that is exactly equal to the benefits paid to the insured population.
This will remove all investment, interest rate, inflation and longevity risks in respect of these members. The value of the annuity is
determined using the disclosed assumptions used for valuing the benefits of the Scheme and is equal to the accounting liabilities of
the insured pensioner population.
Closure of McColl’s stores
A number of McColl’s stores have been loss-making for some time and although some of these stores will be able to return to
profitability in the future, there are 132 stores where it has been assessed that there is no realistic prospect of achieving a breakeven
position in the medium term. All of these stores have subsequently closed since the year end, with around 1,300 McColl’s colleagues
placed at risk of redundancy.
10.4 Ultimate parent undertaking controlling party
Following the takeover of Wm Morrison Supermarkets Limited by Market Bidco Limited on 27 October 2021, the ultimate parent
undertaking and controlling party of the Wm Morrison Supermarkets Limited Group is Market Topco Limited. The immediate parent
undertaking is Market Bidco Limited. Market Topco Limited and Market Bidco Limited were incorporated by Clayton, Dubilier and
Rice's Fund XI for the purposes of acquiring Wm Morrison Supermarkets Limited. The investment into Market Topco Limited was
made by a vehicle owned by Clayton, Dubilier & Rice Fund XI, L.P. and certain commonly-managed parallel and related investment
vehicles thereof.
In addition to Market Bidco Limited and Market Topco Limited, the following five entities are controlled by Market Topco Limited and
form part of the corporate structure above Wm Morrison Supermarkets Limited: Market Holdco 1 Limited; Market Holdco 2 Limited;
Market Holdco 3 Limited; Market Bidco Finco Plc; Market Parent Finco Plc.
The smallest group at which consolidated financial statements are prepared is Market Bidco Limited, a company incorporated in
England and Wales. The largest group at which consolidated financial statements are prepared is Market Topco Limited, a company
incorporated in England and Wales. The registered office address of these companies is the same as that of Wm Morrison
Supermarkets Limited. The consolidated Financial Statements of these groups are available to the public and may be obtained from
the Company Secretary, Wm Morrison Supermarkets Limited, Hilmore House, Gain Lane, Bradford, West Yorkshire, United Kingdom,
BD3 7DL.
107
Wm Morrison Supermarkets Limited
Company statement of financial position
As at 30 October 2022
30 October 2022
£m
31 October 2021
£m
Note
Fixed assets
Intangible assets
Property, plant and equipment
Right-of-use assets
Investment property
Investment in subsidiaries
Investments in joint ventures
Current assets
Inventories
Debtors – amounts falling due within one year
Debtors – amounts falling due after more than one year
Pension asset due after more than one year
Derivative financial assets due within one year
Derivative financial assets due after more than one year
Current tax asset
Cash and cash equivalents
Creditors – amounts falling due within one year
Lease liabilities due within one year
Derivative financial liabilities due within one year
Loan from parent undertaking
Net current assets
Total assets less current liabilities
Creditors – amounts falling due after more than one year
Lease liabilities due after more than one year
Derivative financial liabilities due after more than one year
Deferred tax liabilities
Provisions for liabilities
Net assets
11.6
11.7
11.8
11.9
11.10
11.11
11.12
11.13
11.21
11.17
11.17
11.14
11.16
11.17
11.18
11.15
11.16
11.17
11.19
11.20
290
2,385
1,003
26
508
27
304
2,414
1,019
25
307
31
4,239
4,100
581
8,361
7
298
359
128
16
224
9,974
(7,030)
(74)
(3)
(1,843)
(8,950)
1,024
5,263
(84)
(1,424)
-
(313)
(43)
(1,864)
3,399
568
9,450
8
367
33
43
94
200
10,763
(8,751)
(94)
(19)
-
(8,864)
1,899
5,999
(1,107)
(1,307)
(2)
(205)
(51)
(2,672)
3,327
Shareholders’ equity
Share capital
Share premium
Capital redemption reserve
Merger reserve
Hedging reserve
Retained earnings1
Total shareholders’ funds
3,327
1 Included within retained earnings is loss after tax of £123m (39 weeks ended 31 October 2021: £173m loss). After adjusting for exceptionals, profit before exceptionals
11.22
11.22
11.23
1,549
11.23
11.23
11.23
3,399
1,729
245
245
253
252
122
940
940
373
39
39
after tax is £14m (39 weeks ended 31 October 2021: £40m).
The accounting policies on pages 110 to 112 and the notes on pages 112 to 127 form part of these financial statements.
The financial statements on pages 108 to 127 were approved by the Board of Directors and authorised for issue on 25 January 2023.
They were signed on its behalf by:
Joanna Goff, Chief Financial Officer
Company registration number: 00358949
108
Wm Morrison Supermarkets Limited
Company statement of changes in equity
52 weeks ended 30 October 2022
Share
capital
£m
Share
premium
£m
Note
Capital
redemption
reserve
£m
Merger
reserve
£m
Hedging
reserve
£m
Retained
earnings
£m
Total
shareholders’
funds
£m
Current period
At 1 November 2021
Loss for the period
Other comprehensive income/(expense):
Cash flow hedging movement
Remeasurement of defined benefit schemes
11.21
Tax in relation to components of other
comprehensive income
Total comprehensive income/(expense) for
the period
Employee share option schemes:
Share options exercised
Total transactions with owners
At 30 October 2022
11.19
6.7
245
252
39
940
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
1
1
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
122
-
335
-
(84)
1,729
(123)
-
(73)
16
251
(180)
-
-
-
-
3,327
(123)
335
(73)
(68)
71
1
1
245
253
39
940
373
1,549
3,399
Share
capital
£m
Share
premium
£m
Note
Capital
redemption
reserve
£m
Merger
reserve
£m
Hedging
reserve
£m
Retained
earnings
£m
Total
shareholders’
funds
£m
Prior period
At 1 February 2021
Loss for the period
Other comprehensive income/(expense):
Cash flow hedging movement
Remeasurement of defined benefit schemes
11.21
Tax in relation to components of other
comprehensive income
11.19
Total comprehensive income/(expense) for the
period
Employee share option schemes:
Share-based payments charge
Settlement of share awards
Share options exercised
Sale of trust shares
Dividends
Total transactions with owners
At 31 October 2021
11.5
6.7
6.7
6.8
1.7
241
201
39
940
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
4
-
-
4
245
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
51
-
-
51
252
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
(3)
-
-
167
-
(42)
1,980
(173)
-
-
76
(32)
125
(129)
-
-
-
-
-
-
16
(56)
-
41
(123)
(122)
1,729
39
940
122
The accounting policies on pages 110 to 112 and the notes on pages 112 to 127 form part of these financial statements.
3,398
(173)
-
167
76
(74)
(4)
16
(56)
55
41
(123)
(67)
3,327
109
Wm Morrison Supermarkets Limited
Company accounting policies
11 Company financial statements
11.1 General information
The principal activity of Wm Morrison Supermarkets Limited (the ‘Company’) is the operation of retail supermarket stores
and associated activities under the Morrisons brand. The Company is incorporated and domiciled in the United Kingdom and following
the delisting of its shares from the London Stock Exchange on 28 October 2021 was re-registered as a private limited company on
17 November 2021. The address of its registered office is Hilmore House, Gain Lane, Bradford, BD3 7DL, United Kingdom.
11.2 Basis of preparation
The financial statements have been prepared for the 52 weeks ended 30 October 2022 (39 weeks ended 31 October 2021). In
preparing these financial statements, the Company applies the recognition, measurement and disclosure requirements of
International Financial Reporting Standards (‘IFRS’) as adopted by the UK (UK-adopted international accounting standards), but
makes amendments where necessary in order to comply with the Companies Act 2006 and to take advantage of FRS 101 disclosure
exemptions. The disclosure exemptions adopted by are as follows:
a) IFRS 2 ‘Share-based payment’ (paragraphs 45(b) and 46 to 52) – details of the number and weighted-average exercise
prices of share options, and how the fair value of goods or services received was determined;
b) IFRS 7 ‘Financial Instruments: Disclosures’;
c) IFRS 13 ‘Fair value measurement’ (paragraphs 91 to 99) – disclosure of valuation techniques and inputs used for fair value
measurement of assets and liabilities;
d) IFRS 16 ‘Leases’:
(i) paragraph 52 (single lease disclosure note);
(ii) paragraph 58 (maturity analysis); and
(iii) the second sentence of paragraph 89, paragraphs 90-91, 93 (lessor disclosures);
e) IAS 1 ‘Presentation of financial statements’ (paragraph 38) – comparative information requirements in respect of:
(i) paragraph 79(a)(iv) of IAS 1;
(ii) paragraph 73(e) of IAS 16 ‘Property, plant and equipment’;
(ii) paragraph 118(e) of IAS 38 ‘Intangible assets’ – reconciliations between the carrying amount at the beginning and end of the
period; and
(iv) paragraphs 76 and 79(d) of IAS 40 ‘Investment property’;
f) The following paragraphs of IAS 1 ‘Presentation of financial statements’:
(i) 10(d) (statement of cash flows);
(ii) 111 (cash flow statement information); and
(iii) 134-136 (capital management disclosures);
g) IAS 7 ‘Statement of cash flows’;
h) IAS 8 ‘Accounting policies, changes in accounting estimates and errors’ (paragraphs 30 and 31) – requirement for the
disclosure of information when an entity has not applied a new IFRS that has been issued but is not yet effective;
i) The following requirements of IAS 24 ‘Related party disclosures’:
(i) paragraph 17 – key management compensation; and
(ii) the requirements to disclose related party transactions entered into with two or more wholly owned members of a group.
In addition to the FRS 101 exemptions above, the Company has taken advantage of the exemption available under section 408 of
the Act and not presented a profit and loss account for the Company.
The financial statements have been prepared on a going concern basis under the historical cost convention except as disclosed in
the Summary of accounting policies in note 11.3. The Company’s accounting policies have, unless otherwise stated, been applied
consistently to all periods presented in these financial statements.
110
Wm Morrison Supermarkets Limited
Company accounting policies (continued)
11 Company financial statements (continued)
11.2 Basis of preparation (continued)
The preparation of financial statements in conformity with FRS 101 requires the use of certain critical accounting estimates. It also
requires management to exercise its judgement in the process of applying the Company’s accounting policies. The areas involving a
higher degree of judgement or complexity, or areas where assumptions and estimates are significant to the financial statements are
the same for the Company as they are for the Group. For further details, see page 61 and 62.
New accounting standards, amendments and interpretations adopted by the Company
There have been no new standards, interpretations and amendments to standards which are mandatory for the Company for the first
time for the 52 weeks ended 30 October 2022, which have a material impact on the Company’s financial statements.
New accounting standards, amendments and interpretations in issue but not yet effective
There are a number of standards and interpretations issued by the IASB that are effective for financial statements after this reporting
period. None of these new standards, amendments and interpretations, are expected to have a material impact on the Company’s
financial statements.
Accounting reference date
These financial statements cover the 52 week period to 30 October 2022. The comparative period covers the 39 weeks to 31 October
2021 as a result of a change in accounting reference date from 31 January to 31 October. The accounting period of the Company
ends on a Sunday not more than seven days before or after the accounting reference date of 31 October11.3 Summary of accounting
policies
The accounting policies listed below are the same for the Company as for the Group, and are detailed in the following notes:
a) Revenue recognition (1.1);
b) Cost of sales (1.1);
c) Promotional funding and commercial income (1.1);
d) Other operating income (1.1);
e) Taxation (2.1);
f) Intangible assets (3.1);
g) Property, plant and equipment (3.1);
h) Right-of-use assets (3.1);
i) Investment property (3.1);
j) Impairment of non-financial assets (3.1);
k) Lease – Group is the lessor (3.1);
l) Investments in joint ventures (4.1)
m) Inventories (5.1);
n) Trade and other receivables (5.1);
o) Cash and cash equivalents (5.1);
p) Trade and other payables (5.1);
q) Provisions (5.1);
r) Borrowings and borrowing costs (6.1);
s) Lease liabilities (6.1);
t) Share capital (6.1);
u) Derivative financial instruments and hedge accounting (7.1);
v) Pensions (8.1); and
w) Share-based payments (9.1).
The following accounting policies are those policies which are specific, and which deal with items considered material in relation to
the Company’s financial statements.
Investments
Investments in subsidiary undertakings are stated at cost less provision for impairment.
All other equity instruments are held for long-term investment and are measured at fair value. Gains or losses arising from changes
in the fair value are presented in the profit and loss account within finance income or expenses in the period in which they arise.
Impairment losses or write backs of previous impairment losses are presented in the profit and loss account in the period in which
they arise.
111
Wm Morrison Supermarkets Limited
Company accounting policies (continued)
11 Company financial statements (continued)
11.3 Summary of accounting policies (continued)
Amounts owed to/by Group undertakings
Amounts owed to/by Group undertakings are initially recorded at fair value, which is generally the proceeds received. They are
subsequently carried at amortised cost. The amounts are non-interest bearing and repayable on demand unless otherwise stated.
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 Company’s control, or present obligations that are not recognised because it is not probable that an outflow
of economic benefits will be required to settle the obligation or the amount cannot be measured reliably. The Company does not
recognise contingent liabilities but does disclose any such balances (see note 11.25). The disclosure includes an estimate of their
potential financial effect and any uncertainties relating to the amount or timing of any outflow, unless the possibility of settlement is
remote.
Financial guarantees
Where the Company enters into financial contracts to guarantee the indebtedness of other companies within its Group, the Company
considers these to be insurance arrangements, and accounts for them as such. In this respect, the Company treats the guarantee
contract as a contingent liability until such time as it becomes probable that the Company will be required to make a payment under
the guarantee.
Notes to the Company financial statements
11.4 Profit and loss account
The loss after tax for the Company for the 52 weeks ended 30 October 2022 was £123m (39 weeks ended 31 October 2021: loss
after tax of £173m). After adjusting for exceptional items, profit before exceptionals after tax is £14m (39 weeks ended 31 October
2021: £40m).
Employee benefit expense for the Company during the period
Wages and salaries
Social security costs
Other pensions costs
Share-based payments
52 weeks ended
30 October 2022
£m
39 weeks ended
31 October 2021
£m
902
76
57
2
1,037
712
54
46
1
813
In addition to the amounts disclosed in the table above, there was an £11m exceptional charge relating to restructuring costs. (39
weeks ended 31 October 2021: £15m exceptional charge for share-based payments).
The average monthly number of people, including Directors, employed by the Company was 52,965 (31 October 2021: 59,447).
The Company’s auditor, PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP charged £0.7m (39 weeks ended 31 October 2021: £0.7m) for audit services
in the period and £0.1m (39 weeks ended 31 October 2021: £0.2m) for other services.
11.5 Share-based payments
Prior to the acquisition by Market Bidco Limited, the Company issued equity-settled share-based payments to certain employees in
exchange for services rendered by them. The fair value of the share-based award was calculated at the date of grant and was
expensed on a straight-line basis over the vesting period with a corresponding increase in equity. This was based on the Company’s
estimate of share options that would eventually vest. This took into account movement of non-market conditions, being service
conditions and financial performance, if relevant.
The fair value of share options was measured by use of the Black-Scholes model. The expected life used in the model was adjusted,
based on management’s best estimate, for effects of non-transferability, exercise restrictions and behavioural considerations.
There was a £2m charge in the period for share-based payments (39 weeks ended 31 October 2021: £1m).
112
Wm Morrison Supermarkets Limited
Notes to the Company financial statements (continued)
11 Company financial statements (continued)
11.5 Share-based payments (continued)
Further details of the Company’s share schemes are disclosed in note 9, including:
a) a description of the type of share-based payment arrangements that existed during the previous reporting period, including general
terms and conditions, maximum terms of options granted, and the method of entitlement;
b) weighted average share price information in respect of options exercised during the previous reporting period; and
c) the range of exercise prices and weighted average remaining contractual life of share options outstanding at the end of the
previous reporting period.
Following the takeover of the Group by CD&R and the subsequent delisting of the Company’s shares from the London Stock
Exchange in the prior year, all outstanding schemes were cash settled with colleagues.
During the year, certain employees of the Company, including Directors and members of key management, were invited to invest in
the Morrisons Incentive Plan. Further details are disclosed in note 9.5.
11.6 Intangible assets
Cost
At 1 November 2021
Additions
Interest capitalised
Disposals
Fully written down assets
At 30 October 2022
Accumulated amortisation and impairment
At 1 November 2021
Amortisation charge
Impairment charge
Disposals
Fully written down assets
At 30 October 2022
Net book amount at 30 October 2022
Assets under construction included above
£m
576
74
1
(15)
(69)
567
272
83
6
(15)
(69)
277
290
34
Intangibles include software development costs and licences. The net book amount of licences at 30 October 2022 is £9m (31 October
2021: £10m).
The Company has assessed amortisation policies and asset lives and deemed them to be appropriate. As in previous years, fully
amortised assets have been retained in the Company’s fixed asset register. In order to provide greater understanding of the
Company’s annual amortisation charge, assets which have become fully amortised in the year have been removed from both cost
and accumulated amortisation.
The cost of financing asset developments prior to them being ready for use is included in the cost of the project. Interest is capitalised
at the effective interest rate of 4% (31 October 2021: 4%).
113
Wm Morrison Supermarkets Limited
Notes to the Company financial statements (continued)
11 Company financial statements (continued)
11.7 Property, plant and equipment
Cost
At 1 November 2021
Additions
Interest capitalised
Transfers from right-of-use assets
Transfers to other group companies
Disposals
Fully written down assets
At 30 October 2022
Accumulated depreciation and impairment
At 1 November 2021
Depreciation charge
Impairment charge
Impairment write back
Transfers from right-of-use assets
Transfers to other group companies
Disposals
Fully written down assets
At 30 October 2022
Net book amount at 30 October 2022
Assets under construction included above
Freehold
land
£m
Freehold
buildings
£m
Leasehold
property
improvements
£m
Plant,
equipment,
fixtures and
vehicles
£m
879
1,578
522
9
-
-
(49)
(3)
-
836
105
-
21
(41)
-
-
(1)
-
84
752
10
-
-
-
(82)
(5)
(5)
1,486
783
37
15
(39)
-
(44)
(5)
(5)
742
744
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
522
296
15
13
(2)
-
-
-
-
322
200
-
1,192
255
1
11
-
(4)
(112)
1,343
573
157
36
(3)
7
-
(4)
(112)
654
689
19
Total
£m
4,171
264
1
11
(131)
(12)
(117)
4,187
1,757
209
85
(85)
7
(44)
(10)
(117)
1,802
2,385
29
The Company has assessed depreciation policies and asset lives and deemed them to be appropriate. As in previous years, fully
depreciated assets are retained in the Company’s fixed asset register. In order to provide greater understanding of the Company’s
depreciation charge, assets which have been fully depreciated in the period have been removed from both cost and accumulated
depreciation. The cost of financing property developments prior to their opening date has been included in the cost of the asset.
During the year, a number of properties were sold to another Group entity, and were subsequently leased back by the Company.
Impairment
At each reporting date, in line with IAS 36 ‘Impairment of assets,’ the Company reviews the carrying amount of its property, plant and
equipment, right-of-use assets, investment property and intangible assets to determine whether there is an indication that those
assets have suffered an impairment loss or write back. In addition, it is Company policy to consider specific indicators of impairment
for certain assets on an ongoing basis.
The Company considers each store location as a separate CGU. The Company calculates each location’s recoverable amount and
compares this amount to its book value. The recoverable amount is determined as the higher of ‘value-in-use’ and ‘fair value less
costs of disposal’. If the recoverable amount is less than the net book value, an impairment charge is recognised based on the
following methodology:
‘Value-in-use’ is calculated by projecting an individual location’s pre-tax cash flows over the life of the store, based on forecasting
assumptions. The methodology used for calculating future cash flows is to:
use the actual cash flows for each location;
allocate a proportion of the Company’s central costs to each location on an appropriate basis;
allocate online store pick cash flows to locations where a reliable store pick trading history has been established;
allocate an element of future capital cost, including energy efficiency spend required as part of environmental strategy;
project cash flows over the next three years by applying forecast sales and cost growth assumptions in line with the
Company budget;
114
Wm Morrison Supermarkets Limited
Notes to the Company financial statements (continued)
11 Company financial statements (continued)
11.7 Property, plant and equipment (continued)
Impairment (continued)
project cash flows beyond year three by applying a long-term growth rate;
discount the cash flows using a pre-tax rate of 11.5% (31 October 2021: 7.5%). The Company takes into account a number
of factors when assessing the discount rate, including the Company’s WACC and other wider market factors. A combination
of these factors has resulted in the increase of the discount rate used in the financial period ended 30 October 2022; and
consideration is given to any significant one-off factors impacting the locations and any strategic, climate-related or market
factors which may impact future performance.
‘Fair value less costs of disposal’ is estimated by the Directors based on store level valuations prepared by independent valuers,
aided by their knowledge of individual stores, the markets they serve and likely demand from grocers or other retailers. This
assessment takes into account the continued low demand from major grocery retailers for supermarket space, when assessing rent
and yield assumptions on a store by store basis.
The Company also considers its corporate assets for impairment at each reporting date. The Company calculates the recoverable
amount of its corporate assets and compares this amount to its book value. The recoverable amount is based on the ‘value-in-use’
calculation undertaken for the store location CGU assessment, less the carrying value of the location CGUs. As at 30 October 2022,
there was no indication of impairment of the corporate assets as part of this assessment. In addition to this assessment, the Company
undertakes an obsolescence review to identify any specific corporate assets which require impairment on an ongoing basis.
Having applied the methodology and assumptions, the Company has recognised a net impairment charge of £nil (£85m impairment
charge offset by £85m impairment write-back) during the period in respect of property, plant and equipment (39 weeks ended 31
October 2021: net £21m impairment charge; (£63m impairment charge offset by £42m impairment write-back). This movement
reflects fluctuations from store level trading performance and local market conditions and maturity of online store pick locations.
At 30 October 2022, the assumptions to which the value in use calculation is most sensitive are the discount and cash flow growth
rates. The Company has estimated a possible change of +1% discount rate or -1% growth rate would result in a c.£7m increase in
impairment and a -1% discount rate or +1% growth rate would result in a c.£5m decrease in impairment.
11.8 Right-of-use assets
Cost
At 1 November 2021
Additions
Transfer to property, plant and equipment
Disposals
Fully written down assets
At 30 October 2022
Accumulated depreciation and impairment
At 1 November 2021
Depreciation charge
Impairment charge
Impairment write back
Transfer to property, plant and equipment
Disposals
Fully written down assets
At 30 October 2022
Net book amount at 30 October 2022
Leasehold land
and buildings
£m
Leased plant,
equipment,
fixtures and
vehicles
£m
2,103
170
-
(69)
(11)
2,193
1,144
74
62
(14)
-
(24)
(11)
1,231
962
119
2
(11)
-
(15)
95
59
17
-
-
(7)
-
(15)
54
41
Total
£m
2,222
172
(11)
(69)
(26)
2,288
1,203
91
62
(14)
(7)
(24)
(26)
1,285
1,003
115
Wm Morrison Supermarkets Limited
Notes to the Company financial statements (continued)
11 Company financial statements (continued)
11.8 Right-of-use assets (continued)
The Company has assessed depreciation policies and asset lives and deemed them to be appropriate. Fully depreciated assets are
retained in the Company’s fixed asset register. In order to provide greater understanding of the Company’s annual depreciation
charge, assets which have been fully depreciated in the period have been removed from both cost and accumulated depreciation.
Impairment
Having applied the methodology and assumptions set out in note 11.7, the Company has recognised a net impairment charge of
£48m (£62m impairment charge offset by £14m impairment write back) during the year in respect of right-of-use assets (39 weeks
ended 31 October 2021: net £43m impairment charge; £60m impairment charge offset by £17m impairment write back). This
movement reflects fluctuations from store level trading performance and local market conditions.
At 30 October 2022, the assumptions to which the value in use calculation is most sensitive to are the discount and cash flow growth
rates. The Company has estimated a change of +1% discount rate or -1% growth rate would result in a c.£3m increase in impairment
and a -1% discount rate or +1% growth rate would result in a c.£3m decrease in impairment.
11.9 Investment property
Cost
At 1 November 2021
Additions
Disposals
At 30 October 2022
Accumulated depreciation and impairment
At 1 November 2021
Depreciation charge
Disposals
At 30 October 2022
Net book amount at end of period
Freehold
£m
Leasehold
£m
Total
£m
23
-
(2)
21
13
-
(2)
11
10
74
2
-
76
59
1
-
60
16
97
2
(2)
97
72
1
(2)
71
26
Included in other operating income is £5m (39 weeks ended 31 October 2021: £4m) of rental income generated from investment
properties. At the end of the year the fair value of freehold investment properties was £13m (31 October 2021: £14m), with leasehold
investment properties supported by their value in use. Freehold investment properties are valued by independent surveyors on a
vacant possession basis using observable inputs (fair value hierarchy level 2).
11.10 Investment in subsidiaries
Net book amount
At start of period
Additions
At end of period
30 October 2022
£m
31 October 2021
£m
307
201
508
307
-
307
During the year, Wm Morrison Supermarkets Limited invested in one of its subsidiaries to facilitate the acquisition of the trade and
majority of assets of McColl’s Retail Group plc and certain operating subsidiaries, for a consideration of £201m. Further details are
disclosed in note 4.3.
The Company continues to hold an investment of £297m in Wm Morrison Property Partnership 4 LP as its Capital partner as part of
the Scottish Limited Partnership arrangement, as detailed on page 122.
In addition to the above, the Company continues to hold a £6m investment in Chippindale Foods Limited, a £4m investment in
Lowlands Nursery Limited, and investments in other related undertakings, which in aggregate are less than £1m as at 30 October
2022.
The Directors believe that the carrying value of these investments is supported by their underlying net assets. A list of all of the
Company’s related undertakings at the reporting date is shown on page 128 to 130.
116
Wm Morrison Supermarkets Limited
Notes to the Company financial statements (continued)
11 Company financial statements (continued)
11.11 Investments in joint ventures
The Company has two investments in joint ventures.
The Company has an interest in MHE JVCo Limited, which is jointly owned and controlled with a third party, Ocado Operating Limited.
During the 52 weeks ended 30 October 2022, the Company received £8m (39 weeks ended 31 October 2021: £nil) of dividend
income from its investment. The carrying value of the Company’s investment in the joint venture at 30 October 2022 is £23m (31
October 2021: £31m).
On 1 July 2022, the Company increased its share in Yes Recycling (Fife) Ltd to 50% of the share capital, whose principal activity is
to provide bespoke, fully managed recycling solutions for complex polymer waste streams. During the 52 weeks ended 30 October
2022, the Company received no dividend income from its investment. The carrying value of the Company’s investment in the joint
venture at 30 October 2022 is £4m.
The Company has assessed the carrying value of investments for impairment as at the reporting date and concluded that no
impairment is necessary (39 weeks ended 31 October 2021: £nil) as the carrying value of the total investments is supported by its
underlying net assets.
11.12 Debtors – amounts falling due within one year
Trade debtors
Amounts owed by Group undertakings
Prepayments and accrued income
Other receivables
30 October 2022
£m
31 October 2021
£m
133
8,013
126
89
8,361
212
9,105
92
41
9,450
Amounts owed by Group undertakings are unsecured, bear no interest and repayable on demand.
Provision for impairment of amounts owed by Group undertakings have been assessed based on lifetime expected credit losses. As
all balances are repayable on demand, and the Company expects to be able to recover the outstanding intercompany balances if
demanded, no provision has been recognised in the period (39 weeks ended 31 October 2021: £nil).
11.13 Debtors – amounts falling due after more than one year
Finance leases – Company is lessor
30 October 2022
£m
31 October 2021
£m
7
8
The Company is the lessor on a diverse portfolio of leases for property, such as retail units adjacent to trading stores. Most property
leases contain rent review terms that require rents to be adjusted upwards on a periodic basis. The rent reassessments are normally
based on changes in market rate or capped increase in measures of inflation.
Finance leases
The table below summarises the maturity profile of undiscounted finance lease payments that are due to the Company.
Less than one year
After one year but not more than five years
More than five years
Total undiscounted lease payments receivable
Unearned finance income
Net investment in the lease
30 October 2022
£m
31 October 2021
£m
1
4
5
10
(3)
7
1
4
6
11
(3)
8
Finance lease income of £1m has been recognised in the 52 weeks ended 30 October 2022 (39 weeks ended 31 October 2021: £nil).
117
Wm Morrison Supermarkets Limited
Notes to the Company financial statements (continued)
11 Company financial statements (continued)
11.13 Debtors – amounts falling due after more than one year (continued)
Operating leases
The table below summarises the maturity profile of undiscounted operating lease payments due to the Company.
Less than one year
One to two years
Two to three years
Three to four years
Four to five years
More than five years
Total undiscounted lease payments receivable
30 October 2022
£m
31 October 2021
£m
7
5
5
4
3
16
40
6
4
4
3
3
15
35
Operating lease income of £13m has been recognised in the 52 weeks ended 30 October 2022 (39 weeks ended 31 October 2021:
£6m).
11.14 Creditors – amounts falling due within one year
Trade creditors
Other short-term borrowings
Amounts owed to Group undertakings
Other taxation and social security
Other creditors
Accruals and deferred income
30 October 2022
£m
31 October 2021
£m
(3,067)
-
(3,240)
(16)
(399)
(308)
(2,501)
(838)
(4,885)
(70)
(129)
(328)
(7,030)
(8,751)
Amounts owed to Group undertakings within one year are unsecured, bear no interest and repayable on demand.
11.15 Creditors – amounts falling due after more than one year
£250m sterling bonds 4.625% December 2023
£250m sterling bonds 3.50% July 2026
£250m sterling bonds 4.75% July 2029
£350m sterling bonds 2.5% October 2031
30 October 2022
£m
31 October 2021
£m
-
(39)
(45)
-
(84)
(250)
(264)
(246)
(347)
(1,107)
Following the settlement of a tender and consent process on 2 December 2021, £843m of the Group’s bonds were repaid. On 6 May
2022, a further £180m was repaid when the Company redeemed the 2023 Notes at a price equal to the aggregate principal amount
of the outstanding value, plus the accrued and unpaid interest and the applicable premium.
Following these redemptions, the aggregate principal amount of the existing notes outstanding is £82m at 30 October 2022.
118
Wm Morrison Supermarkets Limited
Notes to the Company financial statements (continued)
11 Company financial statements (continued)
11.16 Lease liabilities
Current lease liabilities
Non-current lease liabilities
30 October 2022
£m
31 October 2021
£m
(74)
(1,424)
(1,498)
(94)
(1,307)
(1,401)
The Company is the lessee on a diverse portfolio of leases for property and equipment, with the vast majority of lease liabilities
relating to property (see notes 11.7 and 11.8). Certain property leases contain rent review terms that require rents to be adjusted on
a periodic basis which may be subject to market rent or capped increases in inflation measurements. In addition, certain property
leases contain break clauses that would allow the Company to exit leases early.
Total cash outflow for lessee leases
Interest expense on lease liabilities
Expense for short-term leases longer than one month
Expense for leases of low-value assets, excluding short-term
11.17 Derivative financial assets and liabilities
Derivative financial assets
Current
Foreign exchange forward contracts
Fuel and energy price contracts
Non-current
Foreign exchange forward contracts
Fuel and energy price contracts
Derivative financial liabilities
Current
Foreign exchange forward contracts
Fuel and energy price contracts
Non-current
Fuel and energy price contracts
52 weeks ended
30 October 2022
£m
39 weeks ended
31 October 2021
£m
(167)
(64)
(5)
(2)
(132)
(43)
(9)
(2)
30 October 2022
Fair Value
£m
30 October 2022
Notional Value
£m
31 October 2021
Fair Value
£m
31 October 2021
Notional Value
£m
17
342
359
-
128
128
(3)
-
(3)
-
-
304
107
411
-
38
38
(105)
(3)
(108)
-
-
2
31
33
-
43
43
(7)
(12)
(19)
(2)
(2)
122
99
221
7
79
86
(306)
(71)
(377)
(25)
(25)
Further details of the derivative financial instruments are provided in note 7, including significant assumptions underlying the valuation
and the amounts recognised in profit and loss.
11.18 Loan from parent undertaking
Loan from parent undertaking
30 October 2022
31 October 2021
£m
(1,843)
£m
-
On 8 November 2021, intercompany funding was provided by Market Bidco Limited (the immediate parent) to the Company. The
loan is unsecured, bear no interest and is repayable on demand.
119
Wm Morrison Supermarkets Limited
Notes to the Company financial statements (continued)
11 Company financial statements (continued)
11.19 Deferred tax liabilities
Deferred tax liability
Deferred tax asset
Net deferred tax liability
30 October 2022
£m
31 October 2021
£m
(397)
84
(313)
(273)
68
(205)
IAS 12 ‘Income taxes’ requires the offsetting of balances within the same tax jurisdiction where there is a legally enforceable right to
offset. All of the deferred tax assets are available for offset against deferred tax liabilities.
The movements in deferred tax (liabilities)/assets during the period are shown below:
Current period
At 1 November 2021
(Charged)/credited to profit for the period
(Charged)/credited to other comprehensive income and equity
At 30 October 2022
Prior period
At 1 February 2021
(Charged)/credited to profit for the period
(Charged)/credited to other comprehensive income and equity
At 31 October 2021
11.20 Provisions for liabilities
At 1 November 2021
Charged to profit for the period
Utilised during the period
Released during the period
At 30 October 2022
Property, plant
and
equipment
£m
Pensions
£m
Other
short-term
temporary
differences
£m
(183)
(12)
-
(195)
(135)
(48)
-
(183)
(90)
(2)
16
(76)
(53)
(5)
(32)
(90)
68
(26)
(84)
(42)
79
31
(42)
68
Onerous
contracts
£m
Other property
provisions
£m
(43)
(15)
15
5
(38)
(8)
-
1
2
(5)
Total
£m
(205)
(40)
(68)
(313)
(109)
(22)
(74)
(205)
Total
£m
(51)
(15)
16
7
(43)
Included with the above balance at 30 October 2022 is £7m (31 October 2021: £13m) relating to a balance due within one year. The
provision is reviewed regularly in response to market conditions.
11.21 Pensions
11.21.1 Defined benefit schemes: summary and description
The Company operates two defined benefit retirement schemes (together ‘the Schemes’) providing benefits based on a benefit
formula that depends on factors including the employee’s age and number of years of service.
The Morrison Scheme (the ‘CARE Scheme’) provides retirement benefits based on either the employee’s compensation package or
career average revalued earnings (CARE). The CARE Scheme is not open to new members and was closed to future accrual in July
2015.
The Retirement Saver Plan (‘RSP’) is a cash balance scheme, which provides a lump sum benefit based upon a defined proportion
of an employee’s annual earnings, which is revalued each year in line with inflation subject to a cap. The RSP is not open to new
members and was closed to future accrual in September 2018.
120
Wm Morrison Supermarkets Limited
Notes to the Company financial statements (continued)
11 Company financial statements (continued)
11.21 Pensions (continued)
11.21.1 Defined benefit schemes: summary and description (continued)
The position of each scheme at the reporting date is as follows:
CARE Scheme
RSP
Net pension asset
Statement of financial position:
Fair value of scheme assets
Present value of obligations
Net pension asset
Income statement
Administrative costs
Net interest income on net pension asset
Total expense (credited)/charged to income statement
Statement of other comprehensive income:
Remeasurements in other comprehensive income – charge/(credit)
30 October 2022
£m
31 October 2021
£m
195
103
298
328
39
367
30 October 2022
CARE
£m
30 October 2022
RSP
£m
31 October 2021
CARE
£m
31 October 2021
RSP
£m
933
(738)
195
376
(273)
103
1,525
(1,197)
328
484
(445)
39
52 weeks ended 30
October 2022
CARE
£m
52 weeks ended 30
October 2022
RSP
£m
39 weeks ended
31 October 2021
CARE
£m
39 weeks ended
31 October 2021
RSP
£m
1
(6)
(5)
138
3
(1)
2
1
(3)
(2)
(65)
(79)
2
(1)
1
3
The Schemes are registered schemes under the provisions of Schedule 36 of the Finance Act 2004 and the assets are held in legally
separate, trustee-administered funds. The Trustees of each Scheme are required by law to act in the best interests of the Scheme
participants within the context of administering the Scheme in accordance with the purpose for which the trust was created, and is
responsible for setting the investment, funding and governance policies of the fund. A representative of the Company attends Trustee
Investment Committee meetings in order to provide the Company’s view on investment strategy, but the ultimate power lies with the
Trustees. The Deed and Rules of the Morrison Scheme gives the Trustees the power to set contributions, while in the RSP this
power is given to the Company, subject to regulatory override.
11.21.2 Scheme assets
Assets of the Schemes generate returns and ultimately cash that is used to satisfy the Schemes’ obligations. They are not necessarily
intended to be realised in the short term. The Trustees of each Scheme invest in different categories of asset and with different
allocations amongst those categories, according to the investment principles of that Scheme.
Currently, the investment strategy of the CARE Scheme is to maintain a balance of income assets (comprising credit investments
and corporate bonds) and protection assets (comprising a liability driven investment (‘LDI’) portfolio and one buy-in annuity policy),
with a weighting towards protection assets. There are no direct investments in the Company’s own shares or property occupied by
any member of the Company.
121
Wm Morrison Supermarkets Limited
Notes to the Company financial statements (continued)
11 Company financial statements (continued)
11.21 Pensions (continued)
11.21.2 Scheme assets (continued)
Fair value of Scheme assets:
Equities (quoted)
Corporate bonds (quoted)
Credit funds (unquoted)
Liability driven investments (unquoted)
Scottish Limited Partnership (unquoted)
Annuity policies (unquoted)
Cash (quoted)
30 October 2022
CARE
£m
30 October 2022
RSP
£m
31 October 2021
CARE
£m
31 October 2021
RSP
£m
-
205
140
472
-
106
10
933
-
149
-
107
53
-
67
376
159
256
151
799
-
150
10
1,525
115
28
-
271
67
-
3
484
For definitions of the liability driven investments, annuity policies, and credit funds, see note 8.3.
The movement in the fair value of the Schemes’ assets over the period was as follows:
Fair value of scheme assets at start of period
Interest income
Return on scheme assets excluding interest
Employer contributions
Benefits paid
Administrative expenses
Fair value of scheme assets at end of period
52 weeks ended
30 October 2022
CARE
£m
52 weeks ended
30 October 2022
RSP
£m
39 weeks ended
31 October 2021
CARE
£m
39 weeks ended
31 October 2021
RSP
£m
1,525
28
(591)
-
(28)
(1)
933
484
9
(104)
1
(11)
(3)
376
1,467
485
17
63
-
(21)
(1)
1,525
5
2
-
(6)
(2)
484
Scottish Limited Partnership
The Company has previously entered into a pension funding partnership structure with the CARE Scheme whereby the partnership
structure holds properties which are leased back to the Company in return for rental income payments. The Company retains control
over these properties, including the flexibility to substitute alternative properties. The CARE Scheme was entitled to receive fixed
distributions of £2.2m p.a. until 2033 subject to certain conditions.
During the 52 weeks ended 31 January 2021, the Company and the Schemes’ Trustees agreed to reorganise the limited partnership
structure, so that future distributions will be made to the RSP. The pension funding partnership structure was amended to permanently
cease fixed distributions to both the Company and Safeway Stores Limited CARE Schemes. On the same day, the Company and
the RSP entered into a new pension funding partnership. As a new partner, the RSP is entitled to receive an annual fixed distribution
of £6.9m from the profits of the SLP for 13 years from 2020, subject to certain conditions. The fixed distribution is comparable to the
distributions that would have been made to the Group’s CARE Schemes under the previous partnership structure.
The RSP Scheme’s interests in the Scottish Limited Partnership increases the net pension asset on the FRS 101 accounting basis
because the investments held by the Scheme qualify as an asset for Company FRS 101 purposes.
122
Wm Morrison Supermarkets Limited
Notes to the Company financial statements (continued)
11 Company financial statements (continued)
11.21 Pensions (continued)
11.21.3 Present value of obligations
The movement in the defined benefit obligation over the period was as follows:
52 weeks ended
30 October 2022
CARE
£m
52 weeks ended
30 October 2022
RSP
£m
39 weeks ended
31 October 2021
CARE
£m
39 weeks ended
31 October 2021
RSP
£m
Defined benefit obligation at start of period
(1,197)
(445)
(1,218)
(443)
Interest expense
Actuarial (loss)/gain – demographic assumptions
Actuarial gain/(loss) – financial assumptions
Actuarial (loss)/gain – experience
Settlement and curtailment gain
Benefits paid
(22)
(6)
478
(19)
-
28
(8)
-
162
7
-
11
(14)
34
(12)
(8)
-
21
(5)
-
1
(4)
-
6
Defined benefit obligation at end of period
(738)
(273)
(1,197)
(445)
The durations of the defined benefit obligations at 30 October 2022 are: RSP 15 years; CARE 17 years. The weighted average
duration of the Schemes is 16 years.
11.21.4 Significant actuarial assumptions
The following are the principal actuarial assumptions at the reporting date (expressed as weighted averages):
Financial assumptions
Discount rate applied to scheme liabilities
Inflation assumption (RPI)
Life expectancies
Longevity in years from age 65 for current pensioners
Male
Female
Longevity in years from age 65 for current members aged 45
Male
Female
30 October 2022
CARE
30 October 2022
RSP
31 October 2021
CARE
31 October 2021
RSP
4.7%
3.5%
4.7%
3.4%
1.90%
3.50%
1.90%
3.50%
30 October 2022
CARE
30 October 2022
RSP
31 October 2021
CARE
31 October 2021
RSP
20.3
23.6
22.0
25.4
n/a
n/a
n/a
n/a
21.0
22.5
22.6
24.4
n/a
n/a
n/a
n/a
The Company estimates discount rates with reference to high quality corporate bonds. At very long durations, where there are no
high quality corporate bonds, the yield curve is extrapolated based on available corporate bond yields of mid to long duration. The
Company believes that this approach appropriately reflects expected yields on high quality corporate bonds over the duration of the
Company’s pension schemes, as required by FRS 101.
Assumptions regarding future mortality experience are set based on actuarial advice and in accordance with published statistics.
The mortality tables used for the 52 weeks ended 30 October 2022 are the S3PMA-Heavy/S3PFA-Heavy tables (males/females)
based on year of birth with a scaling factor of 95% applied to the mortality rates, with CMI 2021 core projections and a long-term rate
of improvement of 1.5% pa.
The mortality tables used for the 39 weeks ended 31 October 2021 were the S2PMA/S2PFA-Heavy tables (males/females) based
on year of birth with a scaling factor of 110% applied to the mortality rates, with CMI 2020 core projections and a long-term rate of
improvement of 1.5% pa.
123
Wm Morrison Supermarkets Limited
Notes to the Company financial statements (continued)
11 Company financial statements (continued)
11.21 Pensions (continued)
11.21.4 Significant actuarial assumptions (continued)
Related actuarial assumptions
Rate of increase of pensions in payment: RPI inflation capped at either
2.5% p.a. or 5% p.a
Rate of increase of pensions in deferment: CPI inflation capped at
either 2.5% p.a. or 5% p.a.
30 October 2022
CARE
30 October 2022
RSP
31 October 2021
CARE
31 October 2021
RSP
2.2%/3.3%
-
2.2%/3.3%
-
-/2.9%
2.5%/-
-/2.9%
2.5%/-
CPI inflation (% p.a.)
2.9%
2.8%
2.9%
2.9%
Sensitivity analysis on significant actuarial assumptions
The following table summarises the impact on the defined benefit obligation at the end of the reporting period if each of the significant
actuarial assumptions listed above were changed, in isolation, assuming no other changes in market conditions at the accounting
date. In practice any movement in assumptions could be accompanied by a partially offsetting change in asset values, and the
corresponding overall impact on the net asset/(liability) is therefore likely to be lower than the amounts below in a number of scenarios.
Extrapolation of the sensitivities shown may not be appropriate.
30 October 2022
CARE
£m
30 October 2022
RSP
£m
31 October 2021
CARE
£m
31 October 2021
RSP
£m
Discount rate applied to Scheme obligations
+/-0.1% p.a.
Inflation assumption (RPI and associated assumptions)
+/-0.1% p.a.
Longevity
+one year
-/+10
+/-5
+15
-/+5
+/-0
-
-/+25
+/-20
+40
-/+8
-
-
11.21.5 Funding
The CARE Scheme is entirely funded by the Company. The Company along with other subsidiaries of the Company participated in
the RSP. There is no contractual agreement or stated policy for charging the net defined benefit cost between the Company and its
subsidiaries. The contribution of each participating subsidiary to the RSP is currently calculated in proportion to the number of
employees that are members of the RSP.
The latest full actuarial valuations were carried out in April 2022 for the CARE and the RSP Schemes. The valuations indicated that,
on the agreed funding basis, the CARE and RSP Schemes had surpluses of £214m and £37m respectively. As a result of these
funding positions there are currently no deficit contributions payable. As such there is no “minimum funding requirement” in force.
These results have been used and updated for FRS 101 purposes for the period to 30 October 2022 by a qualified independent
actuary. The Schemes expose the Company to inflation risk, interest rate risk and market investment risk. In addition, the CARE
Scheme exposes the Company to longevity risk.
At 30 October 2022, schemes in surplus have been disclosed within the assets in the Statement of financial position. The Company
has taken legal advice with regard to the recognition of a pension surplus and also recognition of a minimum funding requirement
under IFRIC 14 ‘IAS19 – The limit on a defined benefit asset, minimum funding requirement and their interaction’. This advice
concluded that recognition of a surplus is appropriate on the basis that the Company has an unconditional right to a refund of a
surplus. In respect of the RSP this on the basis that paragraph 11(a) of IFRIC 14 applies enabling a refund of surplus during the life
of the RSP. In respect of the CARE Scheme, this is on the basis that paragraph 11(b) or 11(c) of IFRIC 14 applies enabling a refund
of surplus assuming the gradual settlement of the scheme liabilities over time until all members have left the scheme or the full
settlement of the Scheme's liabilities in a single event (i.e. as a scheme wind up).
The current best estimate of Company contributions to be paid to the defined benefit schemes for the accounting period commencing
30 October 2022 is £7m (52 weeks to 30 October 2022: £6m).
124
Wm Morrison Supermarkets Limited
Notes to the Company financial statements (continued)
11 Company financial statements (continued)
11.21 Pensions (continued)
11.21.6 Defined contribution scheme
The Group opened a defined contribution retirement benefit scheme called the Morrisons Personal Retirement Scheme (‘MPRS’) for
employees during the 53 weeks ended 4 February 2018. The MPRS has become the auto enrolment scheme for the Company. As
the MPRS is a defined contribution scheme, the Company is not subject to the same investment, interest rate, inflation or longevity
risks as it is for the defined benefit schemes. The benefits that employees receive are dependent on the contribution paid, investment
returns, and the form of benefit chosen at retirement.
During the 52 weeks ended 30 October 2022, the Company paid contributions of £54m to the MPRS (39 weeks to 31 October 2021:
£49m) and expects to contribute £55m for the following period.
11.22 Share capital
At 31 October 2021
Share options exercised
At 30 October 2022
Number of
shares
millions
Called up share
capital
£m
Share premium
account
£m
2,450
1
2,451
245
-
245
252
1
253
Total
£m
497
1
498
All issued shares are fully paid and have a par value of 10p per share (31 October 2021: 10p per share).
For further details on called up share capital and share premium accounts, see note 6.7.
11.23 Reserves
Capital redemption reserve
Merger reserve
Hedging reserve
Retained earnings1
30 October 2022
£m
31 October 2021
£m
39
940
39
940
373 122
1,549
1,729
2,830
Total
1 Included in retained earnings is £28m relating to a gain on trust shares relating to the previous financial period.
2,901
Capital redemption reserve
The capital redemption reserve at the start of the period related to 389,631,561 of the Company’s own shares which it purchased on
the open market for cancellation between 31 March 2008 and 8 March 2013 at a total cost of £1,081m.
Merger reserve
The merger reserve represents the reserve arising on the acquisition in 2004 of Safeway Limited. This merger reserve was initially
considered unrealised on the basis it was represented by investments held by the Company, which is not qualifying consideration in
accordance with Tech 02/17 issued by the Institute of Chartered Accountants in England and Wales (ICAEW).
During the 53 weeks ended 4 February 2018, the majority of the Company’s investments were transferred to another Group company,
Wm Morrison Supermarkets Holdings Limited, in exchange for an intercompany loan. To the extent that this intercompany balance
is settled in qualifying consideration, the same proportion of the merger reserve becomes realised. During the 52 weeks ended 30
October 2022 and 39 weeks ended 31 October 2021 none of the intercompany loan balance was settled through a qualifying
consideration. As a result, none of the merger reserve balance was realised in the period (39 weeks ended 31 October 2021: £nil).
Hedging reserve
This represents the gains and losses arising on derivatives used for cash flow hedging.
11.24 Capital commitments
Contracts placed for future capital expenditure not provided in the financial statements
(property, plant and equipment, right-of-use assets and intangible assets)
Contracts placed for future leases not provided in the financial statements
30 October 2022
£m
31 October 2021
£m
44
19
34
25
125
Wm Morrison Supermarkets Limited
Notes to the Company financial statements (continued)
11 Company financial statements (continued)
11.25 Guarantees, contingent liabilities and contingent assets
Guarantees
Senior Facilities Agreement
A condition of the Market Bidco Limited Senior Facilities Agreement was that ‘material entities’ needed to become guarantors to the
facilities. ‘Material entities’ are ones which hold 5% or more of the consolidated Group’s gross assets or generate 5% or more of the
consolidated Group’s EBITDA, or those which hold real property of greater than £75m. As such, on 23 March 2022 Wm Morrison
Supermarkets Limited (along with its subsidiaries Safeway Limited, Safeway Stores Limited and Optimisation Investments Limited)
acceded as guarantors to each of the new Facilities Agreements. The Company granted a guarantee and indemnity in respect of
the obligations of the Obligors under each of the Facilities Agreements and provided security over its assets, pursuant to the Common
Transaction Security Agreement.
The terms and conditions of Wm Morrison Supermarkets Limited’s listed bonds are such that, if Group entities act as guarantors to
finance facilities, they must also act as guarantors to the bonds. Wm Morrison Supermarkets Limited and Safeway Limited already
guaranteed these bonds, so Safeway Stores Limited and Optimisation Investments Limited were required to accede as guarantors
in addition.
The Company has also given an unlimited guarantee in respect of the overdraft of all the subsidiary undertakings within the Group’s
banking offset agreement. The overdraft position at 30 October 2022 was £nil (31 October 2021: £nil).
Where the Company enters into financial contracts to guarantee the indebtedness of other companies within its Group, the Company
considers these to be insurance arrangements, and accounts for them as such. In this respect, the Company treats the guarantee
contract as a contingent liability until such time as it becomes probable that the Company will be required to make a payment under
the guarantee.
Dordon, Interchange fee claim, Equal pay claim
See note 10.2.
Other
The Company and various of its subsidiaries are, from time to time, parties to legal proceedings, including certain tax matters, and
claims which arise in the ordinary course of business. The directors do not anticipate that the outcome of these proceedings, actions
and claims, either individually or in aggregate, will have a material adverse effect upon the Group’s financial position.
11.26 Post-balance sheet events
Sale and leaseback
On 9 December 2022, the Company agreed a £188m sale and leaseback transaction on six logistics properties. As part of the
transaction, the Company have undertaken to lease the properties for up to 25 years.
Wm Morrison 1967 section of the Retirement Saver Pension scheme (‘Morrison 1967 CARE scheme’)
In December 2022, the Morrison 1967 CARE scheme entered into a new buy-in policy for £762m that will provide insurance for the
pensioner population. The policy will pay income to the Scheme that is exactly equal to the benefits paid to the insured population.
This will remove all investment, interest rate, inflation and longevity risks in respect of these members. The value of the annuity is
determined using the disclosed assumptions used for valuing the benefits of the Scheme and is equal to the accounting liabilities of
the insured pensioner population.
Closure of McColl’s stores
A number of McColl’s stores have been loss-making for some time and although some of these stores will be able to return to
profitability in the future, there are 132 stores where it has been assessed that there is no realistic prospect of achieving a breakeven
position in the medium term. All of these stores have subsequently closed since the year end, with around 1,300 McColl’s colleagues
placed at risk of redundancy.
126
Wm Morrison Supermarkets Limited
Notes to the Company financial statements (continued)
11 Company financial statements (continued)
11.27 Ultimate parent undertaking
The ultimate parent undertaking and controlling party of the Company is Market Topco Limited. The immediate parent company is
Market Bidco Limited. Market Bidco Limited and Market Topco Limited were incorporated by Clayton, Dubilier and Rice's Fund XI
for the purposes of acquiring the Company. The investment into Market Topco Limited was made by a vehicle owned by Clayton,
Dubilier & Rice Fund XI, L.P. and certain commonly-managed parallel and related investment vehicles thereof.
In addition to Market Bidco Limited, the following five entities are controlled by Market Topco Limited and form part of the corporate
structure above Wm Morrison Supermarkets Limited;
Market Holdco 1 Limited;
Market Holdco 2 Limited;
Market Holdco 3 Limited;
Market Bidco Finco Plc; and
Market Parent Finco Plc.
The smallest group at which consolidated financial statements are prepared is Market Bidco Limited, a company incorporated in
England and Wales. The largest group at which consolidated financial statements are prepared is Market Topco Limited, a company
incorporated in England and Wales. The registered office address of these companies is the same as that of Wm Morrison
Supermarkets Limited. The consolidated Financial Statements of these groups are available to the public and may be obtained from
the Company Secretary, Wm Morrison Supermarkets Limited, Hilmore House, Gain Lane, Bradford, West Yorkshire, United Kingdom,
BD3 7DL.
127
Wm Morrison Supermarkets Limited
Related undertakings
In accordance with section 409 of the Companies Act 2006, a full list of related undertakings including the country of incorporation,
the principal activity and the effective percentage of equity owned as at 30 October 2022 is disclosed below. The registered address
of all undertakings is Hilmore House, Gain Lane, Bradford, BD3 7DL unless otherwise stated.
Related undertakings of Wm Morrison Supermarkets Limited
Name
Country of incorporation
Principal activity
Bos Brothers Fruit and Vegetables B.V.1
Netherlands
Acquirer of food products
Chippindale Foods Limited
England and Wales Supplier of eggs
De Mandeville Gate Management Limited
England and Wales Property maintenance
Dordon SPV Limited2
Flower World Limited
England and Wales Lease company
England and Wales Dormant
Lowlands Nursery Limited
England and Wales Wholesale of flowers and plants
MHE JVCo Limited3
Neerock Farming Limited4
Perimeter Holdings Limited
Wm Morrison (HK) Limited5
England and Wales Joint venture with Ocado
Scotland
Dormant
England and Wales Property development
Hong Kong
Acquirer of non-food products
Wm Morrison Nominee 1 Limited
England and Wales Dormant
Wm Morrison Nominee 2 Limited
England and Wales Dormant
Wm Morrison Nominee 3 Limited
England and Wales Dormant
Wm Morrison Pension Trustee Limited
England and Wales Dormant
Wm Morrison Property Investments Limited6
Scotland
General partner in a partnership
Wm Morrison Supermarkets Holdings Limited
England and Wales Holding company
Yes Recycling (Fife) Ltd7
Scotland
Recycler
1 Registered address 3151, ZJ Hoek van Holland, the Netherlands, Amersgat 17
2 Registered address 1 Ashley Road, 3rd Floor, Altrincham, WA14 2DT
3 Registered address Buildings 1 & 2, Trident Place, Mosquito Way, Hatfield, Hertfordshire, AL10 9UL
4 Registered address Market Hill, Market Hill Road, Turriff, Aberdeenshire, Scotland, AB53 4PA
5 Registered address 19/F Millenium City 2, No 378 Kwun Tong Road, Kowloon, Hong Kong
6 Registered address Capella Building (Tenth Floor), 60 York Street, Glasgow, G2 8JX
7 Registered address Lomond House Westlaw Road, Whitehill Industrial Estate, Glenrothes, Fife, Scotland, KY6 2QZ
Related undertakings of other Group companies
Country of incorporation
Name
Principal activity
Alliance Property Holdings Limited
England and Wales Retailer
Amos Hinton & Sons Limited
England and Wales Dormant
Argyle Securities Limited1
Argyll Foods Limited
Scotland
Dormant
England and Wales Dormant
Argyll Stores (Holdings) Limited
England and Wales Dormant
Ascot Road Watford Limited
England and Wales Dormant
Cancede Limited
England and Wales Property investment
Cordon Bleu Freezer Food Centres Limited
England and Wales Dormant
Divertigo Limited
England and Wales Dormant
English Real Estates Limited
England and Wales Dormant
Erith Pier Company Limited
England and Wales Property maintenance
Evermere Limited
England and Wales Dormant
Falfish (Holdings) Limited
England and Wales Preparation and supply of seafood
Interest
100%
100%
51%
100%
100%
100%
51%
100%
100%
100%
100%
100%
100%
100%
100%
100%
50%
Interest
100%
100%
100%
100%
100%
100%
100%
100%
100%
100%
100%
100%
100%
128
Wm Morrison Supermarkets Limited
Related undertakings (continued)
Related undertakings of other Group companies (continued)
Falfish Limited
England and Wales Preparation and supply of seafood
England and Wales Manufacturer and distributor of fresh food
Farmers Boy Limited
products
Farmers Boy (Deeside) Limited
England and Wales Dormant
Federated Properties Limited
England and Wales Dormant
Firsdell Ltd
England and Wales Dormant
Fisherdale Properties Limited
England and Wales Dormant
Freehold Investments Limited2
Jersey
Property investment
Holsa Limited
England and Wales Dormant
International Seafoods Limited
England and Wales Preparation and supply of seafood
Ipsolus Limited
J3 Property Limited1
England and Wales Dormant
Scotland
Dormant
Kiddicare Properties Limited
England and Wales Holding company
Lease Securities Limited2
Maypole Limited3
Jersey
Guernsey
Property investment
Investment company
MDW (Eastbourne) Limited
England and Wales Dormant
MoClo Limited
England and Wales Dormant
Monument Hill Properties Limited
England and Wales Dormant
Neerock Limited
Newincco 1072 Limited
Oldwest Limited2
England and Wales
Fresh meat processor
England and Wales Dormant
Scotland
Dormant
Optimisation Developments Limited
England and Wales Property development
Optimisation Investments Limited
England and Wales Property investment
Presto Stores (LC) Limited
England and Wales Dormant
100%
100%
100%
100%
100%
100%
100%
100%
100%
100%
100%
100%
100%
100%
100%
100%
100%
100%
100%
100%
100%
100%
100%
100%
Presto Stores Limited
Rathbone Kear Limited
England and Wales Dormant
England and Wales Manufacturer and distributor of morning goods
100%
and bread
Rathbones Bakeries Limited
England and Wales Dormant
RP (No. 37) Limited2
Jersey
Property investment
Safeway (Overseas) Limited
England and Gibraltar Grocery retailer (overseas)
Safeway Development Limited
England and Wales Dormant
Safeway Food Stores Limited
England and Wales Dormant
Safeway Grocery (Ireland) Limited
Ireland
Dormant
Safeway Limited
England and Wales Dormant
Safeway Pensions Trustees Company Limited England and Wales Dormant
Safeway Pension Trustees Limited
England and Wales Dormant
Safeway Properties Limited
England and Wales Property investment
Safeway QUEST Trustees Limited
England and Wales Dormant
Safeway Stores (Gibraltar) Pension Trustees
Limited4
Gibraltar
Dormant
Safeway Stores (Ireland) Limited
England and Wales Dormant
100%
100%
100%
100%
100%
100%
100%
100%
100%
100%
100%
100%
100%
129
Wm Morrison Supermarkets Limited
Related undertakings (continued)
Related undertakings of other Group companies (continued)
Safeway Stores Limited
England and Wales Grocery retailer
Safeway Trustee (FURB) Limited
England and Wales Dormant
Safeway Wholesale Limited
England and Wales Holding company
Simply Fresh Foods Holdings Limited
England and Wales Dormant
Stalwart Investments Limited2
Jersey
Property investment
Stores Group Limited
England and Wales Dormant
The Home & Colonial Stores Limited
England and Wales Dormant
The Medical Hall Limited4
Gibraltar
Pharmaceutical licence holder (Gibraltar)
The Morrisons Foundation
England and Wales Charity
Tower Centre Hoddesdon Limited
England and Wales Dormant
Trilogy (Leamington Spa) Limited
England and Wales Dormant
Velligrist Limited
England and Wales Dormant
Wm Morrison (Ireland) Limited5
Ireland
Dormant
Wm Morrison At Source Limited
England and Wales
Technical testing and analysis
Wm Morrison Bananas Limited
England and Wales Dormant
Wm Morrison GP 1 Limited
England and Wales Dormant
Wm Morrison GP 2 Limited
England and Wales Dormant
Wm Morrison GP 3 Limited
England and Wales Dormant
Wm Morrison Growers Limited
England and Wales Acquirer of fresh produce
Wm Morrison LP 1 Limited
England and Wales Dormant
Wm Morrison LP 2 Limited
Wm Morrison LP 3 Limited
England and Wales Dormant
England and Wales Dormant
Wm Morrison Produce Limited
England and Wales Produce packer and purchaser
Wm Morrison Property Partnership LP1
England and Wales Scottish Limited Property Partnership
Wm Morrison Property Partnership 1 Limited
Partnership
Wm Morrison Property Partnership 2 Limited
Partnership
Wm Morrison Property Partnership 3 Limited
Partnership
England and Wales Dormant
England and Wales Dormant
England and Wales Property partnership
Wm Morrison Property Partnership 4 LP1
England and Wales Property partnership
Wm Morrison Supermarket Stores Ltd
England and Wales Dormant
1 Registered address Capella Building (Tenth Floor), 60 York Street, Glasgow, G2 8JX
2 Registered address IFC1, Esplanade, St Helier, Jersey, JE1 3BX
3 Registered address 1st & 2nd floors, Elizabeth House, Les Ruettes Brayes, St Peter Port, Guernsey, GY1 1EW
4 Registered address 1st Floor, 5 Secretary’s Lane, Gibraltar GX11 1AA
5 Registered address 25-2, North Wall Quay, Dublin 1, Ireland, D01 H104
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%
130
Glossary
Alternative Performance Measures
In response to the Guidelines on Alternative Performance Measures (‘APMs’) issued by the European Securities and Markets
Authority (‘ESMA’), we have provided additional information on the APMs used by the Group. The Directors use the APMs listed
below as they are critical to understanding the financial performance and financial health of the Group. As they are not defined by
IFRS, they may not be directly comparable with other companies who use similar measures.
Closest
equivalent
IFRS
measure
Revenue
Measures
Profit measures
Like-for-like
(‘LFL’) sales growth
Definition and purpose
Reconciliation for Group measures
Percentage change in year-on-year sales (excluding
VAT), removing the impact of new store openings and
closures in the current or previous financial period.
The measure is used widely in the retail industry as
an indicator of ongoing sales performance. It is also a
key measure for Director and management
remuneration.
Group LFL (exc. fuel)
Group LFL (inc. fuel)
52 weeks
ended
30 October
2022
%
(4.2)%
2.1%
Total sales growth
Revenue
Including fuel:
Profit before tax and
exceptionals
Profit
before tax
Percentage change in year-on-year total reported
revenue.
Excluding fuel:
Percentage change in year-on-year total sales
excluding fuel.
This measure illustrates the total year-on-year sales
growth and is a key measure for Director and
management remuneration.
Profit before tax and exceptionals is defined as profit
before tax, exceptional items and net retirement
benefit credit. This excludes exceptional items which
are significant in size and/or nature and net retirement
benefit credit.
This measure is a key measure used by the Directors.
It provides key information on ongoing trends and
performance of the Group.
A reconciliation of total sales including
and excluding fuel is provided in note 1.2 of
the financial statements.
A reconciliation of this measure is provided in
note 1.4 of the financial statements.
Profit before
exceptionals
after tax
Operating
profit before
exceptionals
Profit
after tax
Profit before tax and exceptionals after a normalised
tax charge.
This measure is used by the Directors as it provides
key information on ongoing trends and performance
of the Group, including a normalised tax charge.
£153m being profit before tax and
exceptionals (£186m) less a normalised tax
charge (£33m) (see note 1.4 of the financial
statements).
Reported operating profit before exceptional items,
£251m being reported operating profit of
Operating
profit1
which are significant in size and/or nature.
This measure is used by the Directors as it provides
key information on ongoing trends and performance
of the Group.
Operating profit before
supply chain disruption
Operating
profit1
Reported operating profit before supply chain
disruption costs.
1 Operating profit is not defined under IFRS. However, it is a generally accepted profit measure.
£23m, adjusted for impairment and
provisions for onerous contracts (£105m),
restructuring and store closure costs (£18m),
profit on disposal and closure (£10m),
pension administrative costs (£8m),
transaction costs of (£92m) and other
exceptional items (£15m).
£67m profit being reported operating profit of
£23m, adjusted for supply chain disruption
cost (£44m).
131
Glossary (continued)
Alternative Performance Measures (continued)
Measures
Closest
equivalent
IFRS
measure
Profit measures (continued)
Definition and purpose
Reconciliation for Group measures
Operating
profit1
Reported operating profit before exceptional items
and supply chain disruption costs.
£295m being operating profit before
exceptionals (£251) plus supply chain
disruption costs (£44m).
Finance
Reported net finance costs excluding the impact of
A reconciliation of this measure is provided
Operating profit before
exceptionals and supply
chain disruption
Net finance
costs before
exceptionals
costs
Operating
profit1
Earnings before interest,
tax, depreciation
and amortisation
(‘EBITDA’) before
exceptionals
EBITDA before
exceptionals and supply
chain disruption
Operating
profit1
net retirement benefit interest and other exceptional
items, which are significant in size and/or nature.
This measure is used by the Directors as it provides
key information on ongoing cost of financing
excluding the impact of exceptional items.
Operating profit before exceptional items, including
share of profit/loss from joint venture, before
depreciation and amortisation.
This measure is used by the Directors as it provides
key information on ongoing trends and the
performance of the Group before capital investment
and finance costs.
Operating profit before exceptional items including
share of profit/loss from joint venture, before
depreciation and amortisation, and before the supply
chain disruption costs.
Statutory EBITDA
EBITDA before
exceptionals, supply
chain disruption and
excluding McColl’s
Operating
profit1
Operating
profit1
Operating profit after exceptional items including
share of profit/loss from joint venture, before
depreciation and amortisation.
Operating profit before exceptional items including
share of profit/loss from joint venture, before
depreciation and amortisation, before supply chain
disruption costs and McColl’s EBITDA.
in note 6.2 of the financial statements.
£859m being operating profit before
exceptionals (£251m), plus depreciation
(£520m) and amortisation (£89m), less share
of loss from joint venture (£1m).
£903m being operating profit before
exceptionals (£251m), plus depreciation
(£520m) and amortisation (£89m) and supply
chain disruption costs (£44m), less share of
loss from joint venture (£1m).
£631m being operating profit (£23m), less
share of loss from joint venture (£1m), plus
depreciation (£520m) and amortisation
(£89m).
£940m being operating profit before
exceptionals (£251m), plus depreciation
(£520m) and amortisation (£89m), supply
chain disruption costs (£44m), less share of
loss from joint venture (£1m) and excluding
McColl’s EBITDA (£37m).
McColl’s EBITDA
Loss before
tax
McColl’s loss before tax excluding the impact of
exceptional items, depreciation and amortisation.
£37m loss being loss before tax of £39m,
excluding £2m of exceptional costs.
1 Operating profit is not defined under IFRS. However, it is a generally accepted profit measure.
132
Glossary (continued)
Alternative Performance Measures (continued)
Closest
equivalent
IFRS measure Definition and purpose
Measures
Tax measures
Normalised tax
Effective tax
Normalised tax is the tax rate applied to the Group’s
principal activities on an ongoing basis. This is
calculated by adjusting the effective tax rate for the
period to exclude the impact of exceptional items and
net retirement benefit credit.
This measure is used by the Directors as it provides
a better reflection of the normalised tax charge for
the Group.
Reconciliation for Group measures
A reconciliation of the tax charge is found in
note 2.2.3 of the financial statements.
Cash flows and net debt measures
Net debt
No direct
equivalent
Net debt is current and non-current: borrowings,
A reconciliation of this measure is provided in
lease liabilities and derivative financial assets and
liabilities; net of cash and cash equivalents.
note 6.6 of the financial statements.
Working capital
movement
No direct
equivalent
Movement in inventories, trade and other
receivables, trade and other payables and provisions.
£180m increase relating to movement in
inventories (outflow of £88m), debtors
(outflow of £4m), creditors (inflow of £284m)
and provisions (outflow of £12m).
1 Operating profit is not defined under IFRS. However, it is a generally accepted profit measure.
133
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134
DISCLAIMER
This Annual Report has been prepared by Wm Morrison Supermarkets Limited (“Morrisons”) solely for informational purposes.
Morrisons has prepared this Annual Report on the basis of information in its possession, as well as from sources believed to be
reliable. To the extent available, the industry, market and competitive-position data contained in this Annual Report come from official
or third-party sources. Third-party industry publications, studies and surveys generally state that the data contained therein have
been obtained from sources believed to be reliable, but that there is no guarantee of the accuracy or completeness of such data.
Although Morrisons believes that each of these publications, studies and surveys has been prepared by a reputable source, Morrisons
has not independently verified the data contained therein. In addition, certain of the industry, market and competitive position data
contained in this Annual Report come from Morrisons own internal estimates based on the knowledge and experience of Morrisons
management in the markets in which it operates. Although Morrisons believes that such estimates are reasonable and reliable, such
estimates, and their underlying methodology and assumptions, have not been verified by any independent source for accuracy or
completeness and are subject to change without notice. Accordingly, no undue reliance should be placed on any of the industry,
market or competitive position data contained in this Annual Report. In connection with any investment decision, the recipient should
conduct its own evaluation and assessment of the information contained in this Annual Report, and the economic, financial,
regulatory, legal, taxation, stamp duty and accounting implications of that information. Morrisons is not providing legal, accounting or
tax advice, and you are strongly advised to consult your own independent advisers on any legal, tax or accounting issues relating to
this Annual Report in connection with any investment decision.
This Annual Report contains financial information regarding the businesses and assets of Morrisons. Unless indicated otherwise, the
financial information presented herein is for Morrisons on a consolidated basis.
Certain financial data included in this Annual Report consists of “non-IFRS financial measures.” These non-IFRS financial measures
may not be comparable to similarly-titled measures as presented by other companies, nor should they be considered to be
alternatives to the historical financial results or other indicators of Morrisons income or cash flow based on IFRS. Morrisons believes
that presenting certain non-IFRS financial measures provides meaningful information to investors in understanding operating results
and may enhance investors’ ability to analyse financial and business trends. In addition, Morrisons believes that these non-IFRS
financial measures allow investors to compare period to period more easily by excluding items that could have a disproportionately
negative or positive impact on results in any particular period. Even though the non-IFRS financial measures are used by
management to assess Morrisons financial position, financial results and liquidity and these types of measures are commonly used
by investors, they have important limitations as analytical tools, and you should not consider them in isolation or as substitutes for
analysis of Morrisons financial position or results of operations as reported under IFRS. The definitions, calculations and
reconciliations of such non-IFRS measures to the applicable IFRS measures are set forth in the glossary to this Annual Report.
Neither Morrisons nor its advisers are under any duty to update or inform any recipient of any changes to information in
this Annual Report, provide any recipient with access to any additional information or to correct any inaccuracies in any such
information which may become apparent. As such, the information in this Annual Report should not be assumed to have been
updated at any time subsequent to the date hereof.
This Annual Report may contain forward-looking statements. All statements other than statements of historical fact included in
this Annual Report are forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements express Morrisons current expectations and
projections relating to Morrisons financial condition, results of operations, plans, objectives, future performance and business. These
statements may include, without limitation, any statements preceded by, followed by, or including words such as “aim,” “anticipate,”
“believe,” “can,” “have,” “continue,” “could,” “estimate,” “expect,” “forecast,” “guidance,” “guide,” “intend,” “likely,” “may,” “ongoing,”
“plan,” “potential,” “predict,” “project,” “seek,” “should,” “target,” “will,” “would” and other words and terms of similar meaning or the
negative thereof. Forward-looking statements involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other important factors that could
cause Morrisons actual results, performance or achievements to be materially different from the expected results, performance or
achievements expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. Such forward-looking statements are based on numerous
assumptions regarding Morrisons present and future business strategies and the environment in which it will operate in the future.
Past performance is not a guarantee of future results and there can be no assurance that Morrisons or its subsidiaries will achieve
comparable results or be able to implement a desired strategy or objective. This Annual Report and any forward-looking statements
herein speak only as of the date of this Annual Report and Morrisons expressly disclaims to the fullest extent permitted by applicable
law any obligation or undertaking to disseminate any updates or revisions to any forward-looking statements or other information
contained herein to reflect any change in expectations with regard thereto or any new information or change in events, conditions or
circumstances on which any such statement is based. The recipient acknowledges that circumstances may change without notice
and the contents of this Annual Report may become outdated as a result. Comparisons of results for current and any prior periods
are not intended to express any future trends or indications of future performance, unless expressed as such, and should only be
viewed as historical data.
135