TIDMBB90
RNS Number : 3685R
Lewis(John) PLC
11 September 2014
John Lewis plc
Unaudited condensed Interim Financial Statements for the half
year ended 26 July 2014
Strict Stock Exchange Embargo, 7.00am
Thursday 11 September 2014
Growing customer numbers drive sales in a changing market
Financial Summary
Waitrose John Lewis Group
GBPm Change GBPm Change GBPm Change
------ ------- ------ ------- ------ -------
Gross sales 3,146 4.1% 1,865 9.4% 5,011 6.0%
LFL sales(1) 1.3% 8.2%
Revenue 2,967 4.2% 1,494 9.0% 4,461 5.7%
Operating
profit before
exceptional
item(2)(3) 145.2 (9.4)% 56.3 62.2% (4) 176.1 8.6%
Operating
profit(3) 176.1 53.3%
PBT before
exceptional
item(2)(3) 130.6 11.8%
PBT(3) 130.6 87.9%
---------------- ------ ------- ------ ------- ---- ------ -------
(1) Waitrose like-for-like sales excludes petrol
(2) Exceptional charge of GBP47.3m last year following review of holiday pay policy
(3) Includes property profits of GBP10.5m in Waitrose and GBP0.5m in Group (2013/14: nil)
(4) Includes restructuring costs of GBP15.4m in 2013/14
Operational Highlights
Waitrose
-- Sales continued to outperform the industry, for the 62(nd)
consecutive month(5) ; market share increased to 5%
-- Total online services gross sales of GBP161m, with online grocery gross sales up 54%
-- Operating profit impacted by substantial levels of investment
across the business and the market(5) sales slowdown
-- 15 new branches opened, 11 more than in the same period last year
-- 670,000 more weekly customer transactions(6)
-- Membership of myWaitrose scheme up to 4.8 million
John Lewis
-- Sales growth and market share increases across all categories
-- Online sales of GBP552m, up 25.6% and now representing over
30% of merchandise sales; shop sales increased by 3.6%
-- Opened new full line flexible format shop in York and first
airport shop in Heathrow Terminal 2
-- Customers and Partners celebrated 150th anniversary
-- First phase of second National Distribution Centre in Milton Keynes completed
(5) Source: Kantar
(6) Including myWaitrose benefits
Sir Charlie Mayfield, Chairman of John Lewis Partnership,
commented:
"Group sales grew strongly at 6%, with Waitrose and John Lewis
both outperforming their respective markets. Profit before tax and
exceptionals is ahead of last year by 12%, but is broadly flat
after excluding property profits.
Our sales growth was driven by more customers shopping with
Waitrose and John Lewis, with customer numbers up by over 6% and 4%
respectively. This reflects the growing appeal of our omni-channel
offer across both brands, including the success of Click &
Collect, which now accounts for more than half of John Lewis orders
placed online, and the popularity of the myWaitrose and my John
Lewis programmes, which are encouraging customers to shop more
frequently with us across all of our channels.
Profit before tax and exceptional item, of GBP130.6m, is 12%
ahead of last year, benefiting from property profits of GBP11m.
Operating profits in John Lewis rose by 62% (GBP22m), offset by a
decline in Waitrose operating profits of 9% (GBP15m). The strong
profit performance in John Lewis reflects robust sales growth
across all categories, especially in the higher margin 'Home'
category, and good cost control across the business. In Waitrose,
profits were lower as a result of a much higher level of investment
in new branches and accelerating the growth of the business through
investment in Waitrose.com and the myWaitrose programme, as well as
the challenging market conditions. However, Waitrose sales
performance continued to be well ahead of the market.
Across the Group we continued to step up our level of investment
in our systems and supply chain, with total capital investment
almost doubling versus last year.
Our first half performance has been hard won. I want to
acknowledge the tremendous efforts of all Partners, our co-owners,
in achieving these results through a period of significant change,
including implementing new IT systems and adopting new ways of
working."
Outlook 2014/15
The outlook in the grocery sector remains challenging and we
expect that to continue to be the case for some time. In contrast,
trading conditions in the non-food sector are more positive than
has been the case for several years.
Against this backdrop, we have had an encouraging start to the
second half. For the first six weeks of the second half, Group
gross sales are up 7.5%. Waitrose gross sales have increased by
5.2% (0.9% like-for-like, excluding petrol) and John Lewis gross
sales are 11.3% higher than last year (9.7% like-for-like).
Looking ahead, as always, much will depend on Christmas trading,
plans for which look excellent. While we expect the grocery sector
to remain challenging, we anticipate sales at both Waitrose and
John Lewis will continue to outperform their respective markets in
the second half, reflecting the strength of both brands.
Financial Results
In the first six months of the year, the Group delivered good
sales growth. Both Waitrose and John Lewis grew sales well ahead of
their respective markets, increasing their market shares. Group
gross sales (inc VAT) were GBP5.01bn, an increase of GBP282.3m, or
6.0%, on last year. Revenue, which is adjusted for sale or return
sales and excludes VAT, was GBP4.46bn, up by GBP242.4m or 5.7%.
Group operating profit was GBP176.1m, up GBP61.2m, or 53.3% on
last year. After excluding last year's exceptional item, it was up
by GBP13.9m or 8.6%.
Profit before tax was GBP130.6m, up by GBP61.1m, or 87.9% on
last year. After excluding last year's exceptional item it was up
by GBP13.8m or 11.8%.
Waitrose
Gross sales in the first half grew by 4.1% to GBP3.15bn with
like-for-like sales up 1.3%. This sales performance was delivered
in a period of significant structural change for UK food retail.
Operating profit for the half was down by 9.4% to GBP145.2m,
however this performance benefited from property profits of
GBP10.5m (2013: nil). The decline in profit was mainly as a result
of the substantial levels of investment made across the business
and, to a lesser extent, the tough market conditions. Like-for-like
sales were ahead, despite the market conditions, price investment
and strong comparative growth in the same period last year.
Our market share grew to 5% and we had on average 670,000 more
customer transactions a week, compared to the same period last
year.
Being employee-owned allows us to take a long-term view about
what is right for our customers and our business. We have
maintained the level of investment needed to create the modern
Waitrose. Our significant investments in new and existing space,
online, convenience, price, hospitality, services and in deepening
our understanding of our customers, positions us well for the
future.
Our programme of investment in new and existing shops scaled up
in the first half. We opened 15 new branches, compared with four
new branches and one relocation in the same period last year. We
also opened in five additional Welcome Break locations.
We have continued to invest in our core estate, carrying out
three major refurbishments and one significant extension (compared
to none in the same period last year) and revamping the front of
store in a further 40 shops with welcome desks (compared to 15 in
the same period last year) and a further 76 shops with horticulture
pods (compared to 44 in the same period last year).
In addition, we are developing our supply chain infrastructure
to support future growth and the expansion of multichannel
retailing. Our new distribution centre in Leyland became fully
operational in the half, and we began work on Waitrose's first
National Distribution Centre at Magna Park in Milton Keynes.
Waitrose.com was an area of significant investment and performed
strongly in the period with grocery gross sales up 54%. We
recruited 46,000 new customers and increased the number of delivery
slots available by 79% compared with the same period last year. We
launched the new Cellar wine website in May and we will shortly
launch Click & Collect for Cellar orders. We are also
increasing the number of branches offering Click & Collect for
Waitrose grocery orders. In addition, more branches will be
handling Click & Collect for John Lewis orders, supported by
new processes that will make the service more efficient and
faster.
We continued to invest in price during the half. This includes
matching Tesco on branded products (excluding promotions) and
Sainsbury on own-label, increased promotional participation and
special deals for our myWaitrose customers, including 10% off
hundreds of everyday products every week.
We saw continued strong take-up of the myWaitrose card and the
associated offers and the number of myWaitrose customers now stands
at 4.8 million. As well as driving incremental sales, myWaitrose is
transforming our understanding of customers and allows us to target
and personalise our marketing communications.
We invested in innovative marketing campaigns, including
developing our own content for Waitrose TV, launching Weekend
Kitchen with Waitrose on Channel 4, as well as launching our new
brand advertising focusing on the difference our Partners make.
Along with the best service, top quality products are at the
heart of our brand. Product innovation continued apace with the
launch of the new Alan Titchmarsh and Waitrose gardening range,
Asian Fusion ready meals and the great value Pure beauty range. Our
successful essential Waitrose range topped 2,500 products as it
celebrated its fifth birthday, while our Heston from Waitrose range
has been further expanded.
John Lewis
Gross sales in the first half were up 9.4% to GBP1.87bn, with
like-for-like sales up 8.2%. Operating profit increased by 62.2% to
GBP56.3m.
Our strategy of combining the best brands with an ambitious John
Lewis own-brand offer is resulting in sales growth and market share
gains across all three categories.
-- Home increased by 7.4%, driven in part by the revitalisation
of the housing market. Although 'House' remained our biggest brand
in Home, the introduction of the 'Croft' range proved popular as
customers looked for a balance between classic and contemporary
design.
-- Fashion was up 9.1%, with online fashion sales growth
particularly strong at 33.9%. In response to the continued success
of our own-brand offer, we recently launched our first John Lewis
& Co. men's formalwear collection.
-- Electricals and Home Technology (EHT) delivered growth of
11.7%. For the first time we introduced a John Lewis own-brand
smart TV, and our minimum two-year guarantee commitment continues
to be a key differentiator for customers.
A year on from launching our new web platform, johnlewis.com
sales are up 25.6%, outperforming the industry (IMRG) by 16% in the
first half. The online business now accounts for over 30% of John
Lewis merchandise sales. Click & Collect sales have grown by
nearly 50% and now make up over half of online orders. In addition,
a continued focus on our mobile strategy has led to over half the
traffic to johnlewis.com coming from mobile and tablet devices.
This Christmas the cut-off time for ordering for next day
collection will be extended to 8pm, complemented by the addition of
over 90 new Waitrose locations and the nationwide rollout of
CollectPlus.
Investment has continued in new and existing shops as we
continue to develop our portfolio. John Lewis York opened in April
and, combined with the success of our Exeter shop, demonstrates
that there is a role for a smaller department store format to
complement regional flagships and at home branches in our future
growth. Our first airport shop at Heathrow Terminal 2 opened in
June and, as part of our ongoing efforts to meet customers' demand
for more convenient ways to shop, we announced that a new 'Click
& Commute' shop will open this autumn at St Pancras station.
Our next full-line department store will open in Birmingham in
2015, along with shops in Basingstoke and Horsham.
We have also invested in new social experiences in our shops.
July marked the opening of two restaurants in John Lewis Oxford
Street, Italian restaurant Rossopomodoro and the UK's first outlet
of Ham Holy Burger, building on the successful launch of Hotel
Chocolat and Joe & Juice cafés last year.
Investment in systems and infrastructure continued apace, with
the completion of building work at John Lewis' second National
Distribution Centre in Milton Keynes allowing the site to be used
as support for existing operations ahead of full operations
starting in 2016.
Our 150th anniversary was a unique opportunity to create
memorable experiences for our customers and Partners, as well as to
collaborate with famous brands to create special edition products.
For the first time, we opened the roof garden of our Oxford Street
shop and built an interactive exhibition to tell the story of the
Partnership. These experiences were enjoyed by more than 150,000
customers. We celebrated our role as the Official Department Store
Provider to the Commonwealth Games with a pop-up urban garden in
Glasgow city centre, and our brand benefited from its association
with a celebrated national event.
Innovation remains key to staying ahead in a competitive retail
market and the launch of JLAB, our first-ever technology business
incubator, has opened us up to innovative ideas from start-up
companies. More than 500 small businesses registered their interest
in the chance of a GBP100,000 investment and the opportunity to
trial their technology in our shops.
Partnership Services Group
Partnership Services and Group includes the operating activities
for our Group offices and shared services as well as the costs for
transformation programmes and certain pension operating costs.
Partnership Services and Group net operating costs decreased by
GBP7.3m to GBP25.4m.
Investment in the future
Capital investment in the first half of the year was GBP332.1m,
an increase of GBP166.5m (100.5%) on the previous year. This
includes GBP90.5m invested in freehold properties, an increase of
GBP66.2m on the previous year, and includes seven freehold branches
purchased from the Co-operative.
The majority of our spend continues to be invested in our store
base, either on new stores or the refurbishment of existing ones.
However, to enhance the agility and robustness of our systems and
infrastructure, we almost doubled our capital investment in
distribution and IT.
Investment in Waitrose was GBP220.2m, up GBP120.4m (120.6%) on
the previous year, and in John Lewis investment was GBP91.3m, up
GBP37.1m (68.5%).
Pensions
The pension operating cost was GBP92.1m, an increase of GBP8.1m
or 9.6% on the prior year costs before the exceptional item,
reflecting changes to financial assumptions and growth in scheme
membership. Pension finance costs were GBP19.8m, an increase of
GBP2.1m or 11.9% on the prior year, reflecting a higher accounting
pension deficit at the beginning of the year than at the beginning
of the previous year. As a result, total pension costs were
GBP111.9m, an increase of GBP10.2m or 10.0% before last year's
exceptional item.
Following the conclusion of the triennial actuarial valuation of
our defined benefit pension scheme as at 31 March 2013, we agreed
to increase the ongoing contribution rate to 16.4% of members'
gross taxable pay and put in place a plan to eliminate the deficit
over a 10 year period through a one-off contribution and annual
deficit reduction contributions. In the first half of the year
total contributions to the pension scheme totalled GBP100.6m, an
increase of GBP43.2m or 75.3% on the prior year.
The total accounting pension deficit at 26 July 2014 was
GBP1,029.0m, an increase of GBP25.6m (2.6%) since 25 January 2014.
Net of deferred tax, the deficit was GBP843.5m. The accounting
valuation of pension fund liabilities increased by GBP218.8m (5.2%)
to GBP4,437.0m, while pension fund assets increased by GBP193.2m
(6.0%) to GBP3,408.0m.
The pension continues to be one of the most important benefits
offered to Partners, but it also accounts for the greatest single
investment made each year by the Group. The review of the pension
scheme, to ensure that it can remain fair to Partners and
affordable from a business perspective, is ongoing with a revised
draft proposal published in July. The proposal is to move to a
hybrid scheme combining defined benefit and defined contribution
pensions, where future pension risk is shared between Partners and
the Group. Partners remain at the centre of the review as co-owners
of the business and have the opportunity to share their views. A
decision is expected to be reached by Partnership Council and the
Partnership Board in early 2015 following consultation with
Partners.
Financing
Net finance costs on borrowings and investments decreased by
GBP4.3m (15.1%) to GBP24.2m. After including the financing elements
of pensions and long service leave and non-cash fair value
adjustments, net finance costs increased by GBP0.1m (0.2%) to
GBP45.5m.
At 26 July 2014, net debt was GBP649.4m, an increase of
GBP263.1m (68.1%) in the half year and GBP255.5m (64.9%) higher
than 27 July 2013. The year-on-year increase reflects the funding
to support the significant step up in capital investment across the
Group. We expect net debt at the end of the year to be at a broadly
similar level to January 2014.
Sustainability
Consistent with our belief in the importance of taking a
long-term view, this year we are undertaking a thorough review of
the medium to long-term CSR challenges facing the business. This
will inform our business plans moving forward and ensure we
continue to reduce our environmental impact, while supporting
communities where we trade and maintaining scrupulous relations
with our suppliers around the world.
Meanwhile, we have continued to deliver against our existing
ambitious commitments. For example, our new John Lewis branch in
York, which opened in April, is the lowest carbon branch on the
John Lewis estate and includes many innovative design features to
support the local area's biodiversity. The branch has been assessed
as Outstanding under the BREEAM rating system for buildings. To
date, the Group remains the only retailer to have achieved the
'Outstanding' rating for any of its stores.
Our business has always recognised the importance of building
sustainable supply chains and working closely with suppliers and
communities. We were delighted that, on World Oceans Day, Waitrose
was named Best Certified Fish Counter 2014, for selling the
broadest range of Marine Stewardship Council certified options of
any UK supermarket. Waitrose also relaunched its national 'Grow and
Sell' scheme to encourage schoolchildren to produce food and sell
it; the scheme has nearly trebled in size since it launched,
teaching children land management and entrepreneurial skills. In
India, a new school, funded by the John Lewis Foundation, opened in
Bhadohi, a region where a number of our rug suppliers are located,
providing much needed access to education for girls, and signalling
our long-term commitment to the area.
Enquiries
For further information please contact:
John Lewis Partnership
Andrew Moys, Director of Communications 07525 272377
Neil Spring, Senior Communications Manager 07890 777464
Citigate Dewe Rogerson
Simon Rigby / Jos Bieneman 020 7638 9571
John Lewis
Peter Cross, Director, Communications 07764 697674
Louise Cooper, Head of External Communications 07808 574117
`
Waitrose
Christine Watts, Communications Director 07764 676414
Gill Smith, Senior Manager, Corporate PR 07887 898133
Notes to editors
The John Lewis Partnership - The John Lewis Partnership operates
42 John Lewis shops across the UK (31 department stores, 10 John
Lewis at home and a shop at Heathrow Terminal 2), johnlewis.com,
326 Waitrose shops, waitrose.com and business to business contracts
in the UK and abroad. The business has annual gross sales of over
GBP10bn. It is the UK's largest example of employee-owned business
with over 90,000 staff who are all Partners in the business.
Waitrose - the Nation's Favourite Supermarket(1) and winner of
the BestSupermarket(2) and Best Food and Grocery Retailer(3) awards
- currently has 326 shops in England, Scotland, Wales and the
Channel Islands, including 51 convenience branches, and another 28
shops at Welcome Break locations. It combines the convenience of a
supermarket with the expertise and service of a specialist shop -
dedicated to offering quality food that has been responsibly
sourced, combined with high standards of customer service. Waitrose
also exports its products to 50 countries worldwide and has seven
shops in the Middle East.
(1) Conlumino Awards, 2014
(2) Good Housekeeping Best Supermarket 2014, Which? Best
Supermarket 2014
(3) Verdict Best Food and Grocery Retailer 2014
John Lewis - John Lewis, 'Multichannel Retailer of the Year
2014'(4) , 'Best Overall Retailer'(5) and 'Best Retailer 2014'(6) ,
typically stocks more than 350,000 separate lines in its department
stores across fashion, home and technology. johnlewis.com stocks
over 250,000 products, and is consistently ranked one of the top
online shopping destinations in the UK (www.johnlewis.com). John
Lewis Insurance offers a range of comprehensive insurance products
- home, car, wedding and event, travel and pet insurance and life
cover - delivering the values of expertise, trust and customer
service expected from the John Lewis brand.
(4) Oracle Retail Week Awards 2014
(5) Verdict Consumer Satisfaction Awards 2014
(6) Which? Awards 2014
You can follow John Lewis on the following social media
channels:
www.johnlewis.com/twitter
www.johnlewis.com/facebook
www.johnlewis.com/youtube
Where this interim report contains forward-looking statement
these are made by the directors in good faith based on the
information available to them up to the time of their approval of
this report. These statements should be treated with caution due to
inherent uncertainties underlying any such forward-looking
information.
Consolidated income statement
for the half year ended 26 July 2014
Notes Half year to 26 July 2014 Half year to 27 July 2013 Year to
25 January 2014
GBPm GBPm GBPm
------ ----------------------------------- -------------------------- -------------------------- -----------------
5 Gross sales 5,011.4 4,729.1 10,171.5
------ ----------------------------------- -------------------------- -------------------------- -----------------
5 Revenue 4,461.2 4,218.8 9,027.8
Cost of sales (2,971.9) (2,832.5) (6,008.9)
------ ----------------------------------- -------------------------- -------------------------- -----------------
Gross profit 1,489.3 1,386.3 3,018.9
Other operating income 40.0 34.9 74.2
Operating expenses before
exceptional item (1,353.2) (1,259.0) (2,624.6)
------ ----------------------------------- -------------------------- -------------------------- -----------------
Operating profit before
exceptional item 176.1 162.2 468.5
4 Exceptional item - (47.3) (47.3)
------ ----------------------------------- -------------------------- -------------------------- -----------------
5 Operating profit 176.1 114.9 421.2
6 Finance costs (47.3) (47.3) (95.6)
6 Finance income 1.8 1.9 3.0
------ ----------------------------------- -------------------------- -------------------------- -----------------
Profit before Partnership Bonus
and tax 130.6 69.5 328.6
Partnership Bonus - - (202.5)
------ ----------------------------------- -------------------------- -------------------------- -----------------
Profit before tax 130.6 69.5 126.1
7 Taxation (32.9) (15.3) (24.4)
------ ----------------------------------- -------------------------- -------------------------- -----------------
Profit for the period 97.7 54.2 101.7
------ ----------------------------------- -------------------------- -------------------------- -----------------
4 Profit before Partnership Bonus, tax and exceptional item 130.6 116.8 375.9
--- ----------------------------------------------------------- ------ ------ ------
Consolidated statement of comprehensive income / (expense)
for the half year ended 26 July 2014
Notes Half year to 26 July 2014 Half year to 27 July 2013 Year to
25 January 2014
GBPm GBPm GBPm
------- ---------------------------------- -------------------------- -------------------------- -----------------
Profit for the period 97.7 54.2 101.7
Other comprehensive income/
(expense):
Items that will not be
reclassified to profit or loss:
10 Remeasurement of defined (20.7) (41.0) (245.2)
benefit pension schemes
7 Movement in deferred tax on 4.4 2.8 5.9
pension schemes
7 Movement in current tax on - - 27.4
pension schemes
Items that may be reclassified
subsequently to profit or loss:
Net (loss)/gain on cash flow hedges (5.5) 1.0 (9.7)
7 Movement in deferred tax on 2.2 - -
cash flow hedges
------- ---------------------------------- -------------------------- -------------------------- -----------------
Other comprehensive expense for the
period (19.6) (37.2) (221.6)
------------------------------------------ -------------------------- -------------------------- -----------------
Total comprehensive income/(expense) for
the period 78.1 17.0 (119.9)
------------------------------------------ -------------------------- -------------------------- -----------------
Consolidated balance sheet
as at 26 July 2014
Notes 26 July 2014 27 July 2013 25 January 2014
GBPm GBPm GBPm
------ --------------------------------- ------------- ------------- ----------------
Non-current assets
8 Intangible assets 297.3 222.6 266.9
8 Property, plant and equipment 4,059.8 3,826.3 3,987.2
Trade and other receivables 61.7 61.4 61.3
Deferred tax asset 79.0 39.6 69.1
------ --------------------------------- ------------- ------------- ----------------
4,497.8 4,149.9 4,384.5
------ --------------------------------- ------------- ------------- ----------------
Current assets
Inventories 536.7 510.1 554.0
Trade and other receivables 230.1 214.4 225.7
13 Derivative financial instruments 1.1 5.0 0.7
9 Assets held for sale 32.5 - -
Cash and cash equivalents 139.2 434.5 358.9
------ --------------------------------- ------------- ------------- ----------------
939.6 1,164.0 1,139.3
------ --------------------------------- ------------- ------------- ----------------
Total assets 5,437.4 5,313.9 5,523.8
------ --------------------------------- ------------- ------------- ----------------
Current liabilities
12 Borrowings and overdrafts (116.5) (167.3) (75.6)
Trade and other payables (1,323.7) (1,232.7) (1,599.3)
Current tax payable (34.9) (29.2) (0.1)
12 Finance lease liabilities (3.6) (3.2) (3.3)
Provisions (111.0) (133.0) (120.9)
13 Derivative financial instruments (10.9) (0.7) (5.9)
------ --------------------------------- ------------- ------------- ----------------
(1,600.6) (1,566.1) (1,805.1)
------ --------------------------------- ------------- ------------- ----------------
Non-current liabilities
12 Borrowings (629.2) (628.2) (628.7)
Trade and other payables (144.1) (126.9) (135.5)
12 Finance lease liabilities (29.5) (34.0) (32.4)
Provisions (145.4) (132.0) (137.2)
10 Retirement benefit obligations (1,029.0) (908.6) (1,003.4)
(1,977.2) (1,829.7) (1,937.2)
------ --------------------------------- ------------- ------------- ----------------
Total liabilities (3,577.8) (3,395.8) (3,742.3)
------ --------------------------------- ------------- ------------- ----------------
Net assets 1,859.6 1,918.1 1,781.5
------ --------------------------------- ------------- ------------- ----------------
Equity
Share capital 6.7 6.7 6.7
Share premium 0.3 0.3 0.3
Other reserves (7.5) 6.3 (4.2)
Retained earnings 1,860.1 1,904.8 1,778.7
Total equity 1,859.6 1,918.1 1,781.5
------ --------------------------------- ------------- ------------- ----------------
Consolidated statement of changes in equity
for the half year ended 26 July 2014
Notes Share Share Capital Hedging Foreign Retained Total
capital premium reserve reserve currency earnings equity
translation
reserve
GBPm GBPm GBPm GBPm GBPm GBPm GBPm
------- ---------------------------------- -------- -------- -------- -------- ------------ --------- --------
Balance at 26 January 2013 6.7 0.3 1.4 3.9 - 1,888.9 1,901.2
Profit for the period - - - - - 54.2 54.2
10 Remeasurement of defined benefit - - - - - (41.0) (41.0)
pension schemes
Tax on above items recognised in equity - - - - - 2.8 2.8
Fair value losses on cash flow hedges - - - (2.0) - - (2.0)
- transfers to inventories - - - 2.9 - - 2.9
* transfers to property, plant a
nd equipment - - - 0.1 - - 0.1
Dividends - - - - - (0.1) (0.1)
------------------------------------------ -------- -------- -------- -------- ------------ --------- --------
Balance at 27 July 2013 6.7 0.3 1.4 4.9 - 1,904.8 1,918.1
------------------------------------------ -------- -------- -------- -------- ------------ --------- --------
Balance at 26 January 2013 6.7 0.3 1.4 3.9 - 1,888.9 1,901.2
Profit for the year - - - - - 101.7 101.7
10 Remeasurement of defined benefit - - - - - (245.2) (245.2)
pension schemes
Tax on above items recognised in equity - - - - - 33.3 33.3
Fair value losses on cash flow hedges - - - (6.6) - - (6.6)
- transfers to inventories - - - (3.1) - - (3.1)
Gain on currency translations - - - - 0.2 - 0.2
------------------------------------------ -------- -------- -------- -------- ------------ --------- --------
Balance at 25 January 2014 6.7 0.3 1.4 (5.8) 0.2 1,778.7 1,781.5
Profit for the period - - - - - 97.7 97.7
10 Remeasurement of defined benefit - - - - - (20.7) (20.7)
pension schemes
Fair value losses on cash flow hedges - - - (1.1) - - (1.1)
- transfers to inventories - - - (4.0) - - (4.0)
* transfers to property, plant a
nd equipment - - - (0.4) - - (0.4)
Tax on above items recognised in equity - - - 2.2 - 4.4 6.6
Balance at 26 July 2014 6.7 0.3 1.4 (9.1) 0.2 1,860.1 1,859.6
------------------------------------------ -------- -------- -------- -------- ------------ --------- --------
Consolidated statement of cash flows
for the half year ended 26 July 2014
Notes Half year to 26 July 2014 Half year to Year to
27 July 2013 25 January 2014
GBPm GBPm GBPm
------ ----------------------------------------------- -------------------------- -------------- -----------------
11 Cash generated from operations 288.5 285.4 783.8
Net taxation (paid)/received (1.5) 5.7 (32.1)
Partnership Bonus paid (202.7) (210.5) (210.6)
Additional contribution to the Pension Scheme - - (85.0)
Finance costs paid (2.5) (1.4) (2.6)
Net cash generated from operating activities 81.8 79.2 453.5
------ ----------------------------------------------- -------------------------- -------------- -----------------
Cash flows from investing activities
Purchase of property, plant and equipment (268.6) (131.1) (387.1)
Purchase of intangible assets (63.5) (34.5) (107.9)
Proceeds from sale of property, plant and
equipment and intangible assets 16.9 1.8 2.9
Finance income received 0.4 0.9 1.5
Net cash used in investing activities (314.8) (162.9) (490.6)
------ ----------------------------------------------- -------------------------- -------------- -----------------
Cash flows from financing activities
Finance costs paid in respect of bonds (24.9) (25.6) (54.5)
Payment of capital element of finance leases (2.7) (1.6) (3.1)
Payments to preference shareholders - - (0.1)
Cash inflow from borrowings 35.0 - -
Cash outflow from borrowings - - (100.0)
Net cash generated from/(used in) financing
activities 7.4 (27.2) (157.7)
------ ----------------------------------------------- -------------------------- -------------- -----------------
Decrease in net cash and cash equivalents (225.6) (110.9) (194.8)
Net cash and cash equivalents at beginning of
period 283.3 478.1 478.1
------ ----------------------------------------------- -------------------------- -------------- -----------------
Net cash and cash equivalents at end of period 57.7 367.2 283.3
------ ----------------------------------------------- -------------------------- -------------- -----------------
Net cash and cash equivalents comprise:
Cash at bank and in hand 94.1 115.7 117.7
Short-term investments 45.1 318.8 241.2
Bank overdraft (81.5) (67.3) (75.6)
57.7 367.2 283.3
------ ----------------------------------------------- -------------------------- -------------- -----------------
Notes to the financial statements
1 Basis of preparation
This condensed set of interim financial statements was approved
by the Board on 10 September 2014. The condensed set of interim
financial statements is unaudited, but has been reviewed by the
auditors and their review report is set out on pages 24 to 25. They
do not comprise statutory accounts within the meaning of Section
434 of the Companies Act 2006. The comparative information for the
half year to or as at 27 July 2013 has not been audited, but has
been reviewed in accordance with the International Standard on
Review Engagements (UK and Ireland) 2410.
The results for the half year to 26 July 2014 have been prepared
using the discrete period approach, considering the half year as an
accounting period in isolation. The tax charge is based on the
effective rate estimated for the full year, which has been applied
to the profits in the first half year.
The Group's published financial statements for the year ended 25
January 2014 has been reported on by the Group's auditors and filed
with the Registrar of Companies. The report of the auditors was
unqualified, did not contain an emphasis of matter paragraph and
did not contain any statement under section 498 of the Companies
Act 2006.
This condensed set of interim financial statements for the half
year ended 26 July 2014 has been prepared in accordance with the
Disclosure and Transparency Rules of the Financial Conduct
Authority (previously the Financial Services Authority) and with
IAS 34 'Interim Financial Reporting', as adopted by the European
Union. The condensed set of interim financial statements should be
read in conjunction with the Annual Report and Accounts for the
year ended 25 January 2014, which has been prepared in accordance
with International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS) as adopted
by the European Union.
Going concern
The Directors, after reviewing the Group's operating budgets,
investment plans and financing arrangements, consider that the
Company and Group have, at the date of this report, sufficient
financing available for the estimated requirements for the
foreseeable future. Accordingly, the Directors are satisfied that
it is appropriate to adopt the going concern basis in preparing the
condensed set of interim financial statements.
2 Accounting policies
The Group's results for the half year to 26 July 2014 have been
prepared on a basis consistent with the Group's accounting policies
published in the financial statements for the year ended 25 January
2014.
3 Risks and uncertainties
The principal and other significant risks and uncertainties
affecting the Group were identified as part of the Group Strategic
Report, set out on pages 48 and 49 of the John Lewis Plc Annual
Report and Accounts 2014, a copy of which is available on the
Partnership's website www.johnlewispartnership.co.uk.
The Partnership has a formal risk identification process, which
includes a rigorous analysis of internal and external risks both at
a Divisional Board and Partnership Board level. The Partnership has
identified the following key risks, which are unchanged from year
end and remain relevant for the second half of the financial
year.
-- Managing the delivery of change: failure to deliver the
benefits of major change programmes, such as the Personnel
Transformation Programme and the upgrade of the distribution
infrastructure in John Lewis, and the associated Partner benefits,
resulting in increased costs, disruption in trading activities and
loss of Partners' trust;
-- Operating model strain: several pressures, such as a shift in
sales mix towards lower margin products, growth in online and a
lack of flexibility in operations create strain in our operating
model, threatening our ability to grow profitably;
-- IT operating model: the IT operating model is unable to
deliver change programmes and business plan ambitions, placing the
Partnership at a competitive disadvantage;
-- Pension obligations: defined benefit pension obligations
place a significant or unsustainable financial burden on the
Partnership;
-- Business interruption: reputational damage and financial loss
as a result of business interruption and/or the loss of key IT
systems;
-- Data breach: reputational damage and fines as a result of a data breach;
-- Regulatory compliance: failure to comply with legislative
requirements in the UK or other legal jurisdictions where the
Partnership operates;
-- UK economy: external economic and competitive pressures, such
as government spend restrictions, a static economy, low market
growth or aggressive price competition impair our ability to grow
in line with our ambitions; and
-- Talent: lack of ability to attract and retain talented
Partners with the right capability to deliver our business
goals.
4 Exceptional item
No exceptional items have been recorded in the period to 26 July
2014. An exceptional operating expense was recorded in the half
year to 27 July 2013 and in the year to 25 January 2014 totalling
GBP47.3m, following a review of the Partnership's holiday pay
policy.
5 Segmental reporting
The Group's three operating segments are Waitrose, John Lewis
and Partnership Services and Group. Partnership Services and Group
includes the operating costs for our Group offices, Partnership
Services, transformation programmes and certain pension operating
costs. The operating profit of each segment is reported after
charging relevant Partnership Services and Group costs based on the
business segments' usage of these facilities and services, and
before any exceptional items.
Waitrose's business is not subject to highly seasonal
fluctuations although there is an increase in trading in the fourth
quarter sales of the year. There is a more marked increase in the
fourth quarter for the John Lewis business.
Waitrose John Partnership Total
Lewis Services
and Group
GBPm GBPm GBPm GBPm
---------------------- --------- -------- ------------ --------
Half year to 26 July
2014
Gross sales 3,146.4 1,865.0 - 5,011.4
Adjustment for sale
or return sales - (78.8) - (78.8)
Value added tax (179.5) (291.9) - (471.4)
---------------------- --------- -------- ------------ --------
Revenue 2,966.9 1,494.3 - 4,461.2
---------------------- --------- -------- ------------ --------
Operating profit
before exceptional
item and property
profits 134.7 56.3 (25.9) 165.1
Property profits 10.5 - 0.5 11.0
---------------------- --------- -------- ------------ --------
Operating profit
before exceptional
item 145.2 56.3 (25.4) 176.1
Exceptional item - - - -
---------------------- --------- -------- ------------ --------
Operating profit 145.2 56.3 (25.4) 176.1
Finance costs - - (47.3) (47.3)
Finance income - - 1.8 1.8
---------------------- --------- -------- ------------ --------
Profit before tax 145.2 56.3 (70.9) 130.6
---------------------- --------- -------- ------------ --------
5 Segmental reporting (continued)
Waitrose John Partnership Total
Lewis Services
and Group
GBPm GBPm GBPm GBPm
---------------------- --------- -------- ------------ --------
Half year to 27 July
2013
Gross sales 3,023.7 1,705.4 - 4,729.1
Adjustment for sale
or return sales - (66.7) - (66.7)
Value added tax (176.1) (267.5) - (443.6)
---------------------- --------- -------- ------------ --------
Revenue 2,847.6 1,371.2 - 4,218.8
---------------------- --------- -------- ------------ --------
Operating profit
before exceptional
item and property
profits 160.2 34.7 (32.7) 162.2
Property profits - - - -
---------------------- --------- -------- ------------ --------
Operating profit
before exceptional
item 160.2 34.7 (32.7) 162.2
Exceptional item - - (47.3) (47.3)
---------------------- --------- -------- ------------ --------
Operating profit 160.2 34.7 (80.0) 114.9
Finance costs - - (47.3) (47.3)
Finance income - - 1.9 1.9
---------------------- --------- -------- ------------ --------
Profit before tax 160.2 34.7 (125.4) 69.5
---------------------- --------- -------- ------------ --------
Waitrose John Partnership Total
Lewis Services
and Group
GBPm GBPm GBPm GBPm
--------------------- --------- -------- ------------ ---------
Year to 25 January
2014
Gross sales 6,111.9 4,059.6 - 10,171.5
Adjustment for sale
or return sales - (148.9) - (148.9)
Value added tax (358.2) (636.6) - (994.8)
--------------------- --------- -------- ------------ ---------
Revenue 5,753.7 3,274.1 - 9,027.8
--------------------- --------- -------- ------------ ---------
Operating profit
before exceptional
item 310.1 226.1 (67.7) 468.5
Exceptional item - - (47.3) (47.3)
--------------------- --------- -------- ------------ ---------
Operating profit 310.1 226.1 (115.0) 421.2
Finance costs - - (95.6) (95.6)
Finance income - - 3.0 3.0
Partnership Bonus - - (202.5) (202.5)
--------------------- --------- -------- ------------ ---------
Profit before tax 310.1 226.1 (410.1) 126.1
--------------------- --------- -------- ------------ ---------
5 Segmental reporting (continued)
Waitrose John Partnership Total
Lewis Services
and Group
GBPm GBPm GBPm GBPm
-------------------------- --------- -------- ------------ ----------
26 July 2014
Segment assets 2,946.5 1,875.3 615.6 5,437.4
Segment liabilities (632.5) (676.4) (2,268.9) (3,577.8)
-------------------------- --------- -------- ------------ ----------
Net assets/(liabilities) 2,314.0 1,198.9 (1,653.3) 1,859.6
-------------------------- --------- -------- ------------ ----------
27 July 2013
Segment assets 2,680.7 1,772.3 860.9 5,313.9
Segment liabilities (618.3) (593.7) (2,183.8) (3,395.8)
-------------------------- --------- -------- ------------ ----------
Net assets/(liabilities) 2,062.4 1,178.6 (1,322.9) 1,918.1
-------------------------- --------- -------- ------------ ----------
25 January 2014
Segment assets 2,844.4 1,868.9 810.5 5,523.8
Segment liabilities (610.2) (730.1) (2,402.0) (3,742.3)
-------------------------- --------- -------- ------------ ----------
Net assets/(liabilities) 2,234.2 1,138.8 (1,591.5) 1,781.5
-------------------------- --------- -------- ------------ ----------
6 Net finance costs
Half year Half year Year to
to 26 to 25 January
July 2014 27 July 2014
2013
GBPm GBPm GBPm
------------------------------- ----------- ---------- ------------
Finance costs
Finance costs in respect
of borrowings (24.5) (29.3) (58.5)
Fair value measurements - (0.3) -
and other
Net finance costs arising
on defined benefit and
other employee benefit
schemes (22.8) (17.7) (37.1)
------------------------------- ----------- ---------- ------------
Total finance costs (47.3) (47.3) (95.6)
------------------------------- ----------- ---------- ------------
Finance income
Finance income in respect
of cash and short- term
investments 0.3 0.8 1.6
Fair value measurements
and other 1.5 0.1 1.4
Net finance income arising - 1.0 -
on other employee benefit
schemes
Total finance income 1.8 1.9 3.0
------------------------------- ----------- ---------- ------------
Net finance costs (45.5) (45.4) (92.6)
------------------------------- ----------- ---------- ------------
Half year Half year Year to
to to
26 July 27 July 25 January
2014 2013 2014
GBPm GBPm GBPm
------------------------------- ----------- ---------- ------------
Finance costs in respect
of borrowings (24.5) (29.3) (58.5)
Finance income in respect
of cash and short-term
investments 0.3 0.8 1.6
------------------------------- ----------- ---------- ------------
Net finance costs in respect
of borrowings and short-term
investments (24.2) (28.5) (56.9)
Fair value measurements
and other 1.5 (0.2) 1.4
Net finance costs arising
on defined benefit schemes (19.8) (17.7) (35.3)
Net finance (costs)/income
arising on other employee
benefit schemes (3.0) 1.0 (1.8)
------------------------------- ----------- ---------- ------------
Net finance costs (45.5) (45.4) (92.6)
------------------------------- ----------- ---------- ------------
7 Income taxes
Income tax expense is recognised based on management's best
estimate of the full year effective tax rate based on estimated
full year profits. The estimated full year effective tax rate for
the year to 31 January 2015 is 25.2% (the estimated effective tax
rate for the period to 27 July 2013 was 22.0%). The increase on
last year is mainly due to the effects of the deferred tax credit
recognised last year for the reduction in the statutory rate of
corporation tax and disallowable costs and depreciation on assets
that do not qualify for tax relief.
8 Property, plant and equipment and intangible assets
Property, Intangible Total
plant and assets
equipment
GBPm GBPm GBPm
------------------------------- ----------- ----------- --------
Net book value at 25
January 2014 3,987.2 266.9 4,254.1
Additions 251.9 63.5 315.4
Depreciation and amortisation (128.4) (33.1) (161.5)
Disposals (18.4) - (18.4)
Transfers to assets
held for sale (32.5) - (32.5)
------------------------------- ----------- ----------- --------
Net book value at 26
July 2014 4,059.8 297.3 4,357.1
------------------------------- ----------- ----------- --------
Intangible assets primarily relate to internally developed
computer software.
9 Assets held for sale
At 26 July 2014, two property assets were recorded as held for
sale totalling GBP32.5m (25 January 2014 and 27 July 2013: nil).
They are expected to be disposed of within 12 months.
10 Retirement benefit obligations
The principal pension scheme operated by the Group is the John
Lewis Partnership Trust for Pensions. The scheme is a funded final
salary defined benefit pension scheme, providing pension and death
benefits to members, and is open to new members. All contributions
to the scheme are funded by the Group.
Pension commitments have been calculated based on the most
recent actuarial valuations, as at 31 March 2013, which have been
updated by the actuaries to reflect the assets and liabilities of
the scheme as at 26 July 2014.
Scheme assets are stated at market value at 26 July 2014.
The following financial assumptions have been used:
Half year Half year Year to
to to 25 January
26 July 27 July 2014
2014 2013
Discount rate 4.25% 4.55% 4.40%
Future retail price inflation
(RPI) 3.25% 3.30% 3.30%
Future consumer price
inflation (CPI) 2.25% 2.40% 2.30%
Increase in earnings 3.75% 3.80% 3.80%
Increase in pensions
- in payment 3.00% 3.10% 3.00%
Increase in pensions
- deferred 2.25% 2.40% 2.30%
------------------------------- ---------- ---------- ------------
The movement in the defined benefit liability in the period is
as follows:
Half year Half year Year to
to to 25 January
26 July 27 July 2014
2014 2013
GBPm GBPm GBPm
------------------------------- ---------- ---------- ------------
Net defined benefit liability
at beginning of period (1,003.4) (822.1) (822.1)
Operating cost (85.7) (85.2) (163.7)
Interest cost on liabilities (91.5) (86.3) (172.5)
Interest income on assets 71.7 68.6 137.2
Contributions 100.6 57.4 262.9
Total losses recognised
in equity (20.7) (41.0) (245.2)
------------------------------- ---------- ---------- ------------
Net defined benefit liability
at end of period (1,029.0) (908.6) (1,003.4)
------------------------------- ---------- ---------- ------------
11 Reconciliation of profit before tax to cash generated from operations
Half year Half year Year to
to to 25 January
26 July 27 July 2014
2014 2013
GBPm GBPm GBPm
--------------------------------- ---------- ---------- ------------
Profit before tax 130.6 69.5 126.1
Amortisation of intangible
assets 33.1 23.2 54.5
Depreciation 128.4 126.3 254.6
Net finance costs 45.5 45.4 92.6
Partnership Bonus - - 202.5
(Profit)/loss on disposal
of property, plant and
equipment and intangible
assets (11.7) 2.3 1.6
Decrease/(increase) in
inventories 17.3 3.9 (40.0)
Increase in receivables (1.5) (28.3) (39.3)
(Decrease)/increase in
payables (33.4) (4.5) 135.3
(Decrease)/increase in
retirement benefit obligations (15.1) 27.8 (14.2)
(Decrease)/increase in
provisions (4.7) 19.8 10.1
--------------------------------- ---------- ---------- ------------
Cash generated from operations 288.5 285.4 783.8
--------------------------------- ---------- ---------- ------------
12 Analysis of net debt
25 January Cash Other 26 July
2014 flow non-cash 2014
movements
GBPm GBPm GBPm GBPm
--------------------------- ----------- --------- ----------- --------
Current assets
Cash and cash equivalents 358.9 (219.7) - 139.2
Derivative financial
instruments 0.7 - 0.4 1.1
359.6 (219.7) 0.4 140.3
--------------------------- ----------- --------- ----------- --------
Current liabilities
Borrowings and overdrafts (75.6) (40.9) - (116.5)
Finance leases (3.3) 2.7 (3.0) (3.6)
Derivative financial
instruments (5.9) - (5.0) (10.9)
--------------------------- ----------- --------- ----------- --------
(84.8) (38.2) (8.0) (131.0)
--------------------------- ----------- --------- ----------- --------
Non-current liabilities
Borrowings (633.9) - (0.2) (634.1)
Unamortised bond
transaction costs 5.2 - (0.3) 4.9
Finance leases (32.4) - 2.9 (29.5)
(661.1) - 2.4 (658.7)
--------------------------- ----------- --------- ----------- --------
Total net debt (386.3) (257.9) (5.2) (649.4)
--------------------------- ----------- --------- ----------- --------
12 Analysis of net debt (continued)
Reconciliation of net cash flow to net debt
Half year Half year Year to
to to 25 January
26 July 27 July 2014
2014 2013
GBPm GBPm GBPm
--------------------------- ---------- ---------- ------------
Decrease in net cash
and cash equivalents
in the period (225.6) (110.9) (194.8)
Cash (inflow)/outflow
from movement in
debt and lease financing (32.3) 1.6 103.1
--------------------------- ---------- ---------- ------------
Movement in debt
for the period (257.9) (109.3) (91.7)
Opening net debt (386.3) (284.9) (284.9)
Non-cash movements (5.2) 0.3 (9.7)
--------------------------- ---------- ---------- ------------
Closing net debt (649.4) (393.9) (386.3)
--------------------------- ---------- ---------- ------------
13 Management of financial risks
The principal financial risks to which the Group is exposed are
liquidity risk, interest rate risk, foreign currency risk, credit
risk, capital risk and energy risk.
This condensed set of interim financial statements does not
include all risk management information and disclosures required in
the annual financial statements and should be read in conjunction
with the Annual Report and Accounts for the year ended 25 January
2014. During the half year to 26 July 2014, the Group has continued
to apply the financial risk management process and policies as
detailed in the Annual Report and Accounts for the year ended 25
January 2014.
Valuation techniques and assumptions applied in determining the
fair value of each class of asset or liability are consistent with
those used as at 25 January 2014 and reflect the current economic
environment.
Fair value estimation
The different levels per the IFRS 13 fair value hierarchy have
been defined as follows:
Level 1: Quoted prices (unadjusted) in active markets for
identical assets or liabilities
Level 2: Inputs other than quoted prices included within level 1
that are observable for the asset or liability, either directly
(that is, as prices) or indirectly (that is, derived from
prices)
Level 3: Inputs for the asset or liability that are not based on
observable market data (that is, unobservable inputs)
13 Management of financial risks (continued)
During the half year to 26 July 2014, there have been no
transfers between any levels of the IFRS 13 fair value hierarchy
and there were no reclassifications of financial assets as a result
of a change in the purpose or use of those assets.
The fair value of the derivative financial instruments held by
the Group are classified as Level 2 under the IFRS 13 fair value
hierarchy, as all significant inputs to the valuation model used
are based on observable market data and are not traded in an active
market.
At 26 July 2014, the net fair value of derivative financial
instruments was GBP9.8m, liability (25 January 2014: GBP5.2m,
liability; 27 July 2013: GBP4.3m, asset).
The fair value of a derivative financial instrument represents
the difference between the value of the outstanding contracts at
their contracted rates and a valuation calculated using the forward
rates of exchange and interest rates prevailing at the balance
sheet date.
The following table compares the Group's liabilities held at
amortised cost, where there is a difference between carrying value
(CV) and fair value (FV):
26 July 2014 27 July 2013 25 January
2014
GBPm GBPm GBPm GBPm GBPm GBPm
CV FV CV FV CV FV
-------------- -------- -------- -------- -------- -------- --------
Financial
liabilities
Listed bonds (570.1) (694.2) (669.6) (809.4) (569.8) (695.4)
Preference
stock (2.3) (1.9) (2.3) (2.0) (2.3) (2.0)
-------------- -------- -------- -------- -------- -------- --------
The fair value of the Group's listed bonds and preference stock
have been determined by reference to market price quotations and
classified as Level 1 under the IFRS 13 fair value hierarchy.
For other financial assets and liabilities, there are no
material differences between carrying value and fair value.
14 Capital commitments
At 26 July 2014 contracts had been entered into for future
capital expenditure of GBP52.4m (25 January 2014: GBP106.8m; 27
July 2013: GBP23.3m) of which GBP51.4m (25 January 2014: GBP106.2m;
27 July 2013: GBP23.2m) relates to property, plant and equipments
and GBP1.0m (25 January 2014: GBP0.6m; 27 July 2013: GBP0.1m)
relates to intangible assets.
15 Related party transactions
There have been no material changes to the principal
subsidiaries listed in the Annual Report and Accounts for the year
ended 25 January 2014. All related party transactions arise during
the ordinary course of business. There were no material changes in
the transactions or balances during the half year ended 26 July
2014.
16 Events after the balance sheet date
There have been no other events after the balance sheet date
requiring disclosure.
Statement of Directors' responsibilities
The Directors confirm that this condensed set of interim
financial statements has been prepared in accordance with IAS 34
'Interim Financial Reporting', as adopted by the European Union and
that the interim management report includes a fair review of the
information required by the Disclosure and Transparency Rules (DTR)
paragraphs DTR 4.2.7R and DTR 4.2.8R, namely:
-- an indication of important events that have occurred during
the half year and their impact on the condensed set of interim
financial statements, and a description of the principal risks and
uncertainties for the remaining half of the financial year; and
-- material related-party transactions in the half year and any
material changes in the related-party transactions described in the
last annual report.
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.
For and by Order of the Board
Sir Charlie Mayfield, Chairman
Helen Weir, Finance Director
10 September 2014
Independent review report to John Lewis plc
Report on the condensed set of interim financial statements
Our conclusion
We have reviewed the condensed set of interim financial
statements, defined below, in the interim report of John Lewis plc
for the 26 weeks ended 26 July 2014. Based on our review, nothing
has come to our attention that causes us to believe that the
condensed set of interim financial statements are not prepared, in
all material respects, in accordance with International Accounting
Standard 34 as adopted by the European Union and the Disclosure and
Transparency Rules of the United Kingdom's Financial Conduct
Authority.
This conclusion is to be read in the context of what we say in
the remainder of this report.
What we have reviewed
The condensed set of interim financial statements, which are
prepared by John Lewis plc, comprise:
-- the consolidated balance sheet as at 26 July 2014;
-- the consolidated income statement and statement of
comprehensive income/(expense) for the period then ended;
-- the statement of consolidated cash flows for the period then ended;
-- the consolidated statement of changes in equity for the period then ended; and
-- the explanatory notes to the condensed set of interim financial statements.
As disclosed in note 1, the financial reporting framework that
has been applied in the preparation of the full annual financial
statements of the group is applicable law and International
Financial Reporting Standards (IFRSs) as adopted by the European
Union.
The condensed set of interim financial statements included in
the interim report have been prepared in accordance with
International Accounting Standard 34, 'Interim Financial
Reporting', as adopted by the European Union and the Disclosure and
Transparency Rules of the United Kingdom's Financial Conduct
Authority.
What a review of the condensed set of interim financial
statements involves
We conducted our review in accordance with International
Standard on Review Engagements (UK and Ireland) 2410, 'Review of
Interim Financial Information Performed by the Independent Auditor
of the Entity' issued by the Auditing Practices Board for use in
the United Kingdom. A review of interim financial information
consists of making enquiries, primarily of persons responsible for
financial and accounting matters, and applying analytical and other
review procedures.
A review is substantially less in scope than an audit conducted
in accordance with International Standards on Auditing (UK and
Ireland) and, consequently, does not enable us to obtain assurance
that we would become aware of all significant matters that might be
identified in an audit. Accordingly, we do not express an audit
opinion.
We have read the other information contained in the interim
report and considered whether it contains any apparent
misstatements or material inconsistencies with the information in
the condensed set of interim financial statements.
Responsibilities for the condensed set of interim financial
statements and the review
Our responsibilities and those of the directors
The interim report, including the condensed set of interim
financial statements, is the responsibility of, and has been
approved by, the directors. The directors are responsible for
preparing the interim report in accordance with the Disclosure and
Transparency Rules of the United Kingdom's Financial Conduct
Authority.
Our responsibility is to express to the company a conclusion on
the condensed set of interim financial statements in the interim
report based on our review. This report, including the conclusion,
has been prepared for and only for the company for the purpose of
complying with the Disclosure and Transparency Rules of the
Financial Conduct Authority and for no other purpose. We do not, in
giving this conclusion, 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.
PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP
Chartered Accountants
London
10 September 2014
This information is provided by RNS
The company news service from the London Stock Exchange
END
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