UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549
 
 
FORM 20-F
ANNUAL REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE
SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
For the fiscal year ended: 30 June 2019
Commission file number 1-10691
DIAGEO plc
(Exact name of Registrant as specified in its charter)
England and Wales
(Jurisdiction of incorporation or organisation)
Lakeside Drive, Park Royal, London NW10 7HQ, England
(Address of principal executive offices)
Siobhan Moriarty, Company Secretary
Tel: +44 20 8978 6000
E-mail: the.cosec@diageo.com
Lakeside Drive, Park Royal, London NW10 7HQ, England
(Name, Telephone, E-mail and/or Facsimile number and Address of Company Contact Person)
Securities registered or to be registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act:
 
Title of each class
 
Trading symbol(s)
 
Name of each exchange on which registered
American Depositary Shares
 
DEO
 
New York Stock Exchange
Ordinary shares of 28 101 / 108  pence each
 
 
 
New York Stock Exchange (i)
2.875% Guaranteed Notes due 2022
 
DEO/22
 
New York Stock Exchange
8.000% Guaranteed Notes due 2022
 
DEO/22A
 
New York Stock Exchange
7.450% Guaranteed Notes due 2035
 
DEO/35
 
New York Stock Exchange
4.250% Guaranteed Notes due 2042
 
DEO/42
 
New York Stock Exchange
(i)
Not for trading, but only in connection with the registration of American Depositary Shares representing such ordinary shares, pursuant to the requirements of the Securities and Exchange Commission.
Securities registered or to be registered pursuant to Section 12(g) of the Act:  None
Securities for which there is a reporting obligation pursuant to Section 15(d) of the Act:  None
Indicate the number of outstanding shares of each of the issuer’s classes of capital or common stock as of the close of the period covered by the Annual Report: 2,600,942,652 ordinary shares of 28 101 / 108  pence each.


1





Indicate by check mark if each registrant is a well-known seasoned issuer, as defined in Rule 405 of the Securities Act.
Yes  þ No  ¨
If this report is an annual or transition report, indicate by check mark if each registrant is not required to file reports pursuant to Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934. Yes  ¨ No  þ
Indicate by check mark whether the Registrant (1) has filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the Registrant was required to file such reports) and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days. Yes  þ No  ¨
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has submitted electronically and posted on its corporate Web site, if any, every Interactive Data File required to be submitted and posted pursuant to Rule 405 of Regulation S-T (§232.405 of this chapter) during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to submit and post such files). Yes ☐ No ☐
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a non-accelerated filer, or an emerging growth company. See the definitions of “large accelerated filer,” “accelerated filer,” and “emerging growth company” in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act. Indicate by check mark whether each registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, or a non-accelerated filer. See definition of “accelerated filer and large accelerated filer” in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act. (Check one):
 
Large Accelerated Filer  þ              Accelerated Filer ¨              Non-Accelerated Filer ¨             Emerging growth company ¨
If an emerging growth company that prepares its financial statements in accordance with U.S. GAAP, indicate by checkmark if the registrant has elected not to use the extended transition period for complying with any new or revised financial accounting standards provided pursuant to Section 13(a) of the Exchange Act.  ¨
 
 
The term “new or revised financial accounting standard” refers to any update issued by the Financial Accounting Standards Board to its Accounting Standards Codification after April 5, 2012.
Indicate by check mark which basis of accounting the registrant has used to prepare the financial statements included in this filing:
 
U.S. GAAP  ¨
  
International Financial Reporting Standards
as issued by the International Accounting Standards Board þ
  
Other  ¨
If “Other” has been checked in response to the previous question, indicate by check mark which financial statement item the registrant has elected to follow. Item 17  ¨ Item 18  ¨
If this is an annual report, indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act). Yes  ¨ No  þ

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

2

Contents

 
 
 
5

  
Cross reference to Form 20-F
7

  
Introduction
9

  
Recent trends
10

  
Historical information
 
 
14

  
Strategic report
14

  
Business description
14

  
Our business model
16

  
Our strategy
22

  
Our brands
23

  
Our global reach
24

  
How we measure performance: key performance indicators
29

  
Chairman’s statement
32

  
Chief Executive’s statement
35

  
Market dynamics
38

  
Risk factors
47

  
Cautionary statement concerning forward-looking statements
 
  
 
49

  
Business review
49

  
Operating results 2019 compared with 2018
84

  
Liquidity and capital resources
86

  
Contractual obligations and commitments
86

  
Off-balance sheet arrangements
86

  
Risk management
87

  
Critical accounting policies
87

  
New accounting standards
88

  
Our role in society
110

  
Definitions and reconciliation of non-GAAP measures to GAAP measures
 
 
 
  
 
118

  
Governance
118

  
Board of Directors and Company Secretary
121

  
Executive Committee
124

  
Corporate governance report
136

  
Audit Committee report
140

 
Nomination Committee report
142

  
Directors’ remuneration report
174

  
Directors’ report

3

Contents (continued)

 
 
 
178

  
Financial statements
178

 
Report of independent registered public accounting firm
181

  
Consolidated income statement
182

  
Consolidated statement of comprehensive income
183

  
Consolidated balance sheet
184

  
Consolidated statement of changes in equity
185

  
Consolidated statement of cash flows
186

  
Notes to the consolidated financial statements
186

  
Accounting information and policies
190

  
Results for the year
206

  
Operating assets and liabilities
227

  
Risk management and capital structure
244

  
Other financial information
 
 
253

  
Additional information for shareholders
253

  
Legal proceedings
253

  
Articles of association
257

  
Exchange controls
257

  
Documents on display
257

  
Taxation
260

  
Warning to shareholders - share fraud
261

  
Exhibits
263

  
Signature
 
 
264

  
Glossary of terms and US equivalents


4

Cross reference to Form 20-F

 
 
 
 
 
Item
  
Required item in Form 20-F
  
Page(s)
Part I
  
 
  
 
1.
  
Identity of directors, senior management and advisers
  
Not applicable
2.
  
Offer statistics and expected timetable
  
Not applicable
3.
  
Key information
  
 
 
  
A. Selected financial data
  
10-13
 
  
B. Capitalisation and indebtedness
  
Not applicable
 
  
C. Reason for the offer and use of proceeds
  
Not applicable
 
  
D. Risk factors
  
38-46
4.
  
Information on the company
  
 
 
  
A. History and development of the company
  
7, 12, 18-21, 51, 55-57, 197-198, 199-201, 205-208, 250
 
  
B. Business overview
  
7, 18-23, 49-83, 190-191, 196-198
 
  
C. Organisational structure
  
252
 
  
D. Property, plant and equipment
  
18, 19, 49-83, 196, 214-216
4A.
  
Unresolved staff comments
  
Not applicable
5.
  
Operating and financial review and prospects
  
 
 
  
A. Operating results
  
10-13, 20, 23-28, 35-36, 49-83, 114, 198-199, 227-236
 
  
B. Liquidity and capital resources
  
10-13, 27, 58-59, 84-86, 114, 223-239, 250
 
  
C. Research and development, patents and licenses, etc.
  
20
 
  
D. Trend information
  
9, 32-37
 
  
E. Off-balance sheet arrangements
  
86
 
  
F. Tabular disclosure of contractual obligations
  
86
 
  
G. Safe harbor
  
6.
  
Directors, senior management and employees
  
 
 
  
A. Directors and senior management
  
118-122, 168
 
  
B. Compensation
  
148-173, 216-223
 
  
C. Board practices
  
118-123, 136-139, 153-155, 142-171
 
  
D. Employees
  
195
 
  
E. Share ownership
  
148-173, 242-243
7.
  
Major shareholders and related party transactions
  
 
 
  
A. Major shareholders
  
175
 
  
B. Related party transactions
  
172, 223, 250-251
 
  
C. Interests of experts and counsel
  
Not applicable
8.
  
Financial information
  
 
 
  
A. Consolidated statements and other financial information
  
181-252
 
  
B. Significant changes
  
252
9.
  
The offer and listing
  
 
 
  
A. Offer and listing details
  
1, 175
 
  
B. Plan of distribution
  
Not applicable
 
  
C. Markets
  
175
 
  
D. Selling shareholders
  
Not applicable
 
  
E. Dilution
  
Not applicable
 
  
F. Expenses of the issue
  
Not applicable

5

Cross reference to Form 20-F (continued)

 
 
 
 
 
Item
  
Required item in Form 20-F
  
Page(s)
10.
  
Additional information
  
 
 
  
A. Share capital
  
Not applicable
 
  
B. Memorandum and articles of association
  
253-256
 
  
C. Material contracts
  
153-154, 239-243
 
  
D. Exchange controls
  
257
 
  
E. Taxation
  
257-260
 
 
F. Dividends and paying agents
 
Not applicable
 
  
G. Statement by experts
  
Not applicable
 
 
H. Documents on display
 
257
 
  
I. Subsidiary information
  
Not applicable
11.
  
Quantitative and qualitative disclosures about market risk
  
86, 132-136, 227-236
12.
  
Description of securities other than equity securities
  
 
 
  
A. Debt securities
  
Not applicable
 
  
B. Warrants and rights
  
Not applicable
 
  
C. Other securities
  
Not applicable
 
  
D. American depositary shares
  
176
Part II
  
 
  
 
13.
  
Defaults, dividend arrearages and delinquencies
  
Not applicable
14.
  
Material modifications to the rights of security holders and   use of proceeds
  
Not applicable
15.
  
Controls and procedures
  
 
 
  
A. Disclosure controls and procedures
  
132
 
  
B. Management’s report on internal control over financial reporting
  
134
 
  
C. Attestation report of the registered public accounting firm
  
178-180
 
  
D. Changes in internal control over financial reporting
  
134
16A.
  
Audit committee financial expert
  
139
16B.
  
Code of ethics
  
133
16C.
  
Principal accountant fees and services
  
138-139, 195
16D.
  
Exemptions from the listing standards for audit committees
  
Not applicable
16E.
  
Purchases of equity securities by the issuer and affiliated purchasers
  
57, 239-243, 252
16F.
  
Change in registrant’s certifying accountant
  
Not applicable
16G.
  
Corporate governance
  
134-135
16H.
  
Mine safety disclosure
  
Not applicable
Part III
  
 
  
 
17.
  
Financial statements
  
Not applicable
18.
  
Financial statements
  
See Item 8
19.
  
Exhibits
  
261-262
Additional information
  
 
 
  
Glossary of terms and US equivalents
  
264-265


6

Introduction

Diageo is a global leader in the beverage alcohol industry. Its geographic breadth and range of industry leading brands across categories and price points is unparalleled.

Diageo plc is incorporated as a public limited company in England and Wales. Diageo was incorporated as Arthur Guinness Son and Company Limited on 21 October 1886. The group was formed by the merger of Grand Metropolitan Public Limited Company (GrandMet) and Guinness plc (the Guinness Group) in December 1997. Diageo plc’s principal executive office is located at Lakeside Drive, Park Royal, London NW10 7HQ and its telephone number is +44 (0) 20 8978 6000. Diageo plc’s agent for service in the United States for the purposes of Diageo’s registration statement on Form F-3 (333-224340) is General Counsel, Diageo North America, Inc., 801 Main Avenue (6078-06), Norwalk, CT 06851.

This is the Annual Report on Form 20-F of Diageo plc for the year ended 30 June 2019 . The information set out in this Form 20-F does not constitute Diageo plc’s statutory accounts under the UK Companies Act for the years ended 30 June 2019 , 2018 or 2017 . The accounts for 2018 and 2017 have been delivered to the registrar of companies for England and Wales and those for 2019 will be delivered in due course.

This document contains forward-looking statements that involve risk and uncertainty. There are a number of factors that could cause actual results and developments to differ materially from those expressed or implied by these forward-looking statements, including factors beyond Diageo’s control. For more details, please refer to the Cautionary statement concerning forward-looking statements on pages 47-48.

The content of the company’s website (www.diageo.com) should not be considered to form a part of or be incorporated into this report. This report includes names of Diageo’s products, which constitute trademarks or trade names which Diageo owns or which others own and license to Diageo for use. In this report, the term ‘company’ refers to Diageo plc and terms ‘group’ and ‘Diageo’ refer to the company and its consolidated subsidiaries, except as the context otherwise requires. A glossary of terms used in this report is included at the end of the report.

The consolidated financial statements have been prepared in accordance with International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS) and related interpretations as adopted for use in the European Union (EU) and as issued by the International Accounting Standards Board (IASB). IFRS as adopted by the EU differs in certain respects from IFRS as issued by the IASB. The differences have no impact on the group’s consolidated financial statements for the years presented. Unless otherwise indicated, all financial information contained in this document has been prepared in accordance with IFRS.

The financial performance expectations related to future organic net sales and organic operating profit (the financial performance expectations) included in this document have been prepared by and are the responsibility of Diageo’s management. PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP has not audited, reviewed, examined, compiled nor applied agreed-upon procedures with respect to the financial performance expectations and, accordingly, PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP does not express an opinion or any other form of assurance with respect thereto. The PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP report included in this document relates to Diageo’s historical financial statements. It does not extend to the financial performance expectations and should not be read to do so. The financial performance expectations were not prepared with a view toward compliance with published guidelines of the Securities and Exchange Commission or the guidelines established by the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants for preparation and presentation of prospective financial information.

Information presented

Organic movements and organic operating margins are before exceptional items. Commentary, unless otherwise stated, refers to organic movements. Share, unless otherwise stated, refers to value share. For a definition of organic movement and reconciliations of non-GAAP measures to GAAP measures see page 110.

The brand ranking information presented in this report, when comparing information with competitors, reflects data published by sources such as Impact Databank, Global Data, Nielsen and IWSR. Market data information and competitive set classifications are taken from independent industry sources in the markets in which Diageo operates. Diageo’s financial year end is 30 June, and such data may relate to dates other than 30 June or periods other than the year ended 30 June, such as calendar year end.


7

Introduction (continued)

Disclosures not included in Annual Report on Form 20-F

The following pages and sections of this document do not form part of the Annual Report on Form 20-F and are furnished to the SEC for information only:
 
Disclosures under the headings ‘We innovate’, ‘We make’, ‘We market’, ‘We sell’, ‘Broad portfolio’, ‘Markets’, ‘Global functions, support and governance’, ‘Our people’, ‘Our values’, ‘Our role in society’, ‘Our brands’, ‘Our geographic footprint’, ‘Brilliant execution’, ‘Efficient supply and procurement’, and ‘Financial strength’ in the section ‘Strategic report – Our business model’ on pages 14 and 15.

Disclosures under the headings ‘Our sustainability and responsibility priorities and our commitment to governance and ethics’, ‘Promoting positive drinking’, ‘Building thriving communities’, ‘Reducing our environmental impact’, and ‘Highest standards of governance and ethics’ in the section ‘Strategic report – Our strategy’ on page 17.

Disclosures included under the titles ‘Water withdrawal (%)’ and ‘Carbon emissions (%)’ and ‘Number of employees (%)’ in the section ‘Strategic report – Our global reach – Diageo reports as five regions’ on page 23.

Disclosures on pages 26 and 28 in the section ‘Strategic report – How we measure performance: key performance indicators’ of non-financial key performance indicators.

Disclosures under the heading ‘Culture’, ‘Diageo in society’ ‘Communities’ and ‘Looking ahead’ in the Chairman’s statement on pages 29 to 31.

Disclosures under the heading ‘Trusted and respected’ in the Chief Executive’s statement on pages 33 and 34.

Disclosures included under the titles ‘Safeguarding our future by earning trust and respect’, ‘Promoting positive drinking’, ‘Promoting inclusivity and human rights’, ‘Climate change, water stress and a responsible environmental strategy’ and ‘Diageo sites located in water-stressed areas’ in the section ‘Strategic report – Market dynamics’ on pages 36 and 37.

Disclosures included under the titles ‘Sustainability and responsibility’ on pages 61, 65, 69, 73, and 77 in relation to each reporting segment in the Business review.

Disclosures in the section ‘Strategic report – Our role in society’ on pages 88 to 109.

Disclosures under the heading ‘Relations with shareholders’, ‘Internal control and risk management’, ‘Political donations’ , ‘Going concern’, ‘Responsibility Statement’, ‘Directors' responsibilities in respect of the Annual Report and financial statements’ in the Corporate governance report on pages 131 to 134.



8

Recent trends

The following comments were made by Ivan Menezes, Chief Executive of Diageo, in Diageo’s preliminary results announcement on 25 July 2019 :

“Diageo has delivered another year of strong performance. Organic volume and net sales growth was broad based across regions and categories, with new product innovation being a strong contributor. We expanded organic operating margin ahead of our guidance and increased investment behind our brands ahead of organic net sales growth.

Fiscal 19 has been another year of strong free cash flow delivery at £2.6 billion and we have returned £2.8 billion to shareholders via share buybacks. The Board has approved plans for an additional return to shareholders of up to £4.5 billion over Fiscal 20 to Fiscal 22.

Our focus on quality sustainable growth is backed by a culture of everyday efficiency that enables us to invest smartly in marketing and growth initiatives while expanding margins.

These results reflect the steady progress we are making and as we look ahead we see attractive opportunities to deliver consistent growth and create shareholder value. In the medium term I expect Diageo to maintain organic net sales growth in the mid-single digit range and to grow organic operating profit ahead of net sales in the range of 5%-7%.”

Brexit and related risks

There continues to be uncertainty with respect to the process surrounding the United Kingdom’s proposed exit from the European Union, and in relation to the political environment more generally in the United Kingdom. We continue to believe that, in the event of either a negotiated exit or no-deal scenario, the direct financial impact to Diageo will not be material. In the EU, we expect that the vast majority of our finished case goods will continue to trade tariff free, with no change to existing tariffs in either scenario. There remains uncertainty in relation to future trading arrangements between the UK and the rest of the world where today we rely on a number of existing EU Free Trade Agreements (FTAs) with third party countries. However, more recently, a number of countries have agreed with the UK to continue to trade on these terms in the event of a ‘no deal’ outcome. If the UK Government is unable to renew all of the existing FTAs on which we rely, trading could revert to WTO rules.

We have further considered the principal impact to our supply chain of a no-deal scenario which we have assessed as limited and believe that we have appropriate stock levels in place to mitigate this risk. The full implications of Brexit will not be understood until future tariffs, trade, regulatory, tax, and other free trade agreements to be entered into by the United Kingdom are established. Furthermore, we could experience changes to laws and regulations post Brexit, in areas such as intellectual property rights, employment, environment, supply chain logistics, data protection, and health and safety.

A cross-functional working group is in place that meets on a regular basis to identify and assess the consequences of Brexit, with all major functions within our business represented. We continue to monitor this risk area very closely, as well as the broader environment risks, including a continuing focus on identifying critical decision points to ensure potential disruption is minimised, and take prudent actions to mitigate these risks wherever practical.



9

Historical information

The following tables present selected consolidated financial data for Diageo for the five years ended 30 June 2019 and as at the respective year ends. The data presented below for the five years ended 30 June 2019 and the respective year ends has been derived from Diageo’s consolidated financial statements, audited by Diageo’s independent auditor, PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP for each of the four years ended 30 June 2019 . The group’s former auditor, KPMG LLP (KPMG) reported on the financial statements for the year ended 30 June 2015.

Income statement data
 
 
 
Year ended 30 June
 
 
 
2019
£ million

 
2018
£ million

 
2017
£ million

 
2016
£ million

 
2015
£ million

Sales
 
19,294

 
18,432

 
18,114

 
15,641

 
15,996

Excise duties
 
(6,427
)
 
(6,269
)
 
(6,064
)
 
(5,156
)
 
(5,153
)
Net sales
 
12,867

 
12,163

 
12,050

 
10,485

 
10,813

Cost of sales
 
(4,866
)
 
(4,634
)
 
(4,680
)
 
(4,251
)
 
(4,610
)
Gross profit
 
8,001

 
7,529

 
7,370

 
6,234

 
6,203

Marketing
 
(2,042
)
 
(1,882
)
 
(1,798
)
 
(1,562
)
 
(1,629
)
Other operating expenses
 
(1,917
)
 
(1,956
)
 
(2,013
)
 
(1,831
)
 
(1,777
)
Operating profit
 
4,042

 
3,691

 
3,559

 
2,841

 
2,797

Non-operating items
 
144

 

 
20

 
123

 
373

Net interest and other finance charges
 
(263
)
 
(260
)
 
(329
)
 
(327
)
 
(412
)
Share of after tax results of associates and joint ventures
 
312

 
309

 
309

 
221

 
175

Profit before taxation
 
4,235

 
3,740

 
3,559

 
2,858

 
2,933

Taxation
 
(898
)
 
(596
)
 
(732
)
 
(496
)
 
(466
)
Profit from continuing operations
 
3,337

 
3,144

 
2,827

 
2,362

 
2,467

Discontinued operations
 

 

 
(55
)
 

 

Profit for the year
 
3,337

 
3,144

 
2,772

 
2,362

 
2,467

Weighted average number of shares
 
million

 
million

 
million

 
million

 
million

Shares in issue excluding own shares
 
2,418

 
2,484

 
2,512

 
2,508

 
2,505

Dilutive potential ordinary shares
 
10

 
11

 
11

 
10

 
12

 
 
2,428

 
2,495

 
2,523

 
2,518

 
2,517

Per share data
 
pence

 
pence

 
pence

 
pence

 
pence

Dividend per share
 
68.57

 
65.3

 
62.2

 
59.2

 
56.4

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Basic earnings per share
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Continuing operations
 
130.7

 
121.7

 
108.2

 
89.5

 
95.0

Discontinued operations
 

 

 
(2.2
)
 

 

 
 
130.7

 
121.7

 
106.0

 
89.5

 
95.0

Diluted earnings per share
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Continuing operations
 
130.1

 
121.1

 
107.7

 
89.1

 
94.6

Discontinued operations
 

 

 
(2.2
)
 

 

 
 
130.1

 
121.1

 
105.5

 
89.1

 
94.6


10

Historical information (continued)

Balance sheet data
 
 
 
As at 30 June
 
 
 
2019
£ million

 
2018
£ million

 
2017
£ million

 
2016
£ million

 
2015
£ million

Non-current assets
 
21,923

 
21,024

 
20,196

 
19,639

 
18,134

Current assets
 
9,373

 
8,691

 
8,652

 
8,852

 
7,670

Total assets
 
31,296

 
29,715

 
28,848

 
28,491

 
25,804

Current liabilities
 
(7,003
)
 
(6,360
)
 
(6,660
)
 
(6,187
)
 
(5,290
)
Non-current liabilities
 
(14,137
)
 
(11,642
)
 
(10,160
)
 
(12,124
)
 
(11,258
)
Total liabilities
 
(21,140
)
 
(18,002
)
 
(16,820
)
 
(18,311
)
 
(16,548
)
Net assets
 
10,156

 
11,713

 
12,028

 
10,180

 
9,256

Share capital
 
753

 
780

 
797

 
797

 
797

Share premium
 
1,350

 
1,349

 
1,348

 
1,347

 
1,346

Other reserves
 
2,372

 
2,133

 
2,693

 
2,625

 
1,994

Retained earnings
 
3,886

 
5,686

 
5,475

 
3,761

 
3,634

Equity attributable to equity shareholders of the parent company
 
8,361

 
9,948

 
10,313

 
8,530

 
7,771

Non-controlling interests
 
1,795

 
1,765

 
1,715

 
1,650

 
1,485

Total equity
 
10,156

 
11,713

 
12,028

 
10,180

 
9,256

Net borrowings
 
(11,277
)
 
(9,091
)
 
(7,892
)
 
(8,635
)
 
(9,527
)


11

Historical information (continued)

Notes to the historical information

1. Accounting policies The consolidated financial statements for each of the five years ended 30 June 2019 have been prepared in accordance with IFRS. The IFRS accounting policies applied by the group to prepare the financial information in this document are disclosed in the notes to the consolidated financial statements.

2. Exceptional items Exceptional items are those that in management’s judgement need to be disclosed by virtue of their size and/or nature. Such items are included within the income statement caption to which they relate, and are separately disclosed in the notes to the consolidated financial statements. An analysis of exceptional items is as follows:
 
 
 
Year ended 30 June
 
 
 
2019
£ million

 
2018
£ million

 
2017
£ million

 
2016
£ million

 
2015
£ million

Items included in operating profit
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Indirect tax in Korea
 
(35
)
 

 

 

 

Guaranteed minimum pension equalisation
 
(21
)
 

 

 

 

French tax audit penalty
 
(18
)
 

 

 

 

Brand, goodwill, tangible and other assets impairment
 

 
(128
)
 

 
(118
)
 

Competition authority investigation in Turkey
 

 

 
(33
)
 

 

Customer claim in India
 

 

 
(32
)
 

 

Disengagement agreements relating to United Spirits Limited
 

 

 
23

 
(49
)
 

Restructuring programmes
 

 

 

 

 
(82
)
Korea settlement
 

 

 

 

 
(146
)
Associate impairment
 

 

 

 

 
(41
)
 
 
(74
)
 
(128
)
 
(42
)
 
(167
)
 
(269
)
Non-operating items
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Gains on sale of businesses
 
144

 

 
20

 
215

 
247

Step up gains
 

 

 

 

 
156

Other non-operating items
 

 

 

 
(92
)
 
(30
)
 
 
144

 

 
20

 
123

 
373

French tax audit interest
 
(9
)
 

 

 

 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Items included in taxation
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
French audit settlement
 
(61
)
 

 

 

 

Tax rate change in the Netherlands
 
51

 

 

 

 

US tax reform
 

 
354

 

 

 

UK transfer pricing settlement
 

 
(143
)
 

 

 

UK industrial building allowance
 

 
(21
)
 

 

 

Tax credit on exceptional operating items
 
4

 
13

 
11

 
7

 
51

Tax on sale of businesses
 
(33
)
 

 
(7
)
 
49

 

 
 
(39
)
 
203

 
4

 
56

 
51

Exceptional items in continuing operations
 
22

 
75

 
(18
)
 
12

 
155

Discontinued operations net of taxation (note 3)
 

 

 
(55
)
 

 

Exceptional items
 
22

 
75

 
(73
)
 
12

 
155


3. Discontinued operations In the year ended 30 June 2017 discontinued operations of £55 million , net of £9 million deferred tax comprise additional amounts payable to the UK Thalidomide Trust following an agreement reached in December 2016, updates to the discount and inflation rates applied to the existing thalidomide provision and legal costs.

12

Historical information (continued)

4. Dividends The Board expects that Diageo will pay an interim dividend in April and a final dividend in October of each year. Approximately 40% of the total dividend in respect of any financial year is expected to be paid as an interim dividend and approximately 60% as a final dividend. The payment of any future dividends, subject to shareholder approval, will depend upon Diageo’s earnings, financial condition and such other factors as the Board deems relevant. Proposed dividends are not considered to be a liability until they are approved by the Board for the interim dividend and by the shareholders at the Annual General Meeting for the final dividend.

The table below sets out the amounts of interim, final and total cash dividends paid by the company on each ordinary share. The dividends are translated into US dollars per ADS (each ADS representing four ordinary shares) at the actual rate on each of the respective dividend payment dates.
 
 
 
 
 
Year ended 30 June
 
 
 
 
 
2019
pence

 
2018
pence

 
2017
pence

 
2016
pence

 
2015
pence

Per ordinary share
 
Interim
 
26.10

 
24.90

 
23.70

 
22.60

 
21.50

 
 
Final
 
42.47

 
40.40

 
38.50

 
36.60

 
34.90

 
 
Total
 
68.57

 
65.30

 
62.20

 
59.20

 
56.40

 
 
 
 
$

 
$

 
$

 
$

 
$

Per ADS
 
Interim
 
1.36

 
1.39

 
1.18

 
1.27

 
1.28

 
 
Final
 
2.11

 
2.10

 
2.02

 
1.85

 
2.14

 
 
Total
 
3.47

 
3.49

 
3.20

 
3.12

 
3.42


Note: Subject to shareholders’ approval the final dividend for the year ended 30 June 2019 will be paid on 3 October  2019 , and payment to US ADR holders will be made on 8 October  2019 . In the table above, an exchange rate of £1 = $1.24 has been assumed for this dividend, but the exact amount of the payment to US ADR holders will be determined by the rate of exchange on 8 October  2019 .

5. Net borrowings Net borrowings are defined as gross borrowings (short-term borrowings and long-term borrowings plus finance lease liabilities plus interest rate hedging instruments, cross currency interest rate swaps and funding foreign currency forwards and swaps used to manage borrowings) less cash and cash equivalents.

6. Share capital As at 30 June 2019 there were 2,601 million (2018 2,695 million ) ordinary shares of 28 101 / 108 pence each in issue with a nominal value of £753 million  (2018 £780 million ). For the three years ended 30 June 2017 there were 2,754 million  ordinary shares of 28 101 / 108 pence each in issue with a nominal value of £797 million .

In the year ended 30 June 2019 the group purchased 94.7 million ordinary shares ( 2018 58.9 million), representing approximately 3.5% of the issued ordinary share capital ( 2018 2.1% ) at an average price of £ 29.24 per share, and an aggregate cost of £2,775 million (including £6 million of transaction costs) ( 2018 – £ 25.43 per share, and an aggregate cost of £1,507 million including £9 million of transaction costs) under share buyback programmes. The programme completed on 10 July 2019 resulting in the repurchase of an additional 0.3 million shares at an average price of £33.73 , and an aggregate cost of £26 million (including £17 million settlement payments for the full tranche) recognised as a financial liability at 30 June 2019 . The shares purchased under the share buyback programmes were cancelled.


7. Exchange rates A substantial portion of the group’s assets, liabilities, revenues and expenses are denominated in currencies other than sterling. For a discussion of the impact of exchange rate fluctuations on the group’s financial position and results of operations, see note 15 to the consolidated financial statements.



13



Strategic report

Business description

Our business model

Diageo is a global leader in beverage alcohol with a portfolio of iconic spirits and beer brands.

We have a broad portfolio across categories and price points. Our portfolio and geographic reach position us to deliver sustainable performance and create value for our shareholders.

The consumer is at the heart of our business. Using our proven marketing and innovation skills, we aim to build and sustain strong brands that play a positive role in society.

Our organisation is structured in market-based model. This means we have greater agility and can better apply our strategy in individual countries to meet the diverse needs of our consumers and customers. It also enables us to quickly identify and shape consumer trends to support growth.

We use our local and global market expertise to identify and deliver against the most valuable growth opportunities. Our global supply capabilities enable us to manufacture and distribute our brands efficiently and effectively. Where it makes sense to do so, we source and produce locally.

We are passionate about our role in society and the responsibility we have to our stakeholders, communities and the environment.
 
We innovate

We make

We market

We sell
Led by consumer insights, we unlock new opportunities to recruit and re-recruit consumers to our brands. We innovate with new offerings that meet changing consumer demands.

We are the makers of premium spirits and beer, committed to the highest quality and standards.

We invest in world-class marketing to responsibly build vibrant brands that resonate with our consumers.

We extend our sales reach through leading activations and advocacy to ensure our brands are part of consumer celebrations around the world.

Key highlights

Brands
 
Countries
200+
 
180
Production sites
 
Employees
150+
 
28,400


14

Business description (continued)

How we operate

Broad portfolio

Each market has the flexibility to select the best portfolio of brands to capture unique consumer opportunities. We then invest in opportunities that we believe offer the most valuable growth.

Markets

We operate through a market-based structure so that we can act on local consumer insights and identify trends quickly to deliver locally relevant solutions.

Global functions, support and governance

Our markets are supported by global functional teams and a broad range of shared services. Together, these drive the sharing of best practice, enhance efficiency and help build in-market capabilities. We set our standards for governance, compliance and ethics globally.

Our people

We want all our employees around the world to reach their full potential and play their part in the success of our business. We have created an inclusive and diverse culture with shared values and a common purpose.

Our values

Passionate about consumers; be the best; freedom to succeed; proud of what we do; valuing each other.

Our role in society

We are committed to playing a positive role in society. We work to reduce alcohol harm and promote moderation, increase access to opportunities for local communities and reduce our environmental impact.

Our brands

We own two of the world’s five largest spirits brands by value, Johnnie Walker and Smirnoff, and 23 of the world’s top 100 spirits brands by value (i) . We own Guinness, the 4 th largest premium beer brand by value (ii) .  

Our geographic footprint

We have broad reach in the United States and Europe and leading positions in many of the markets that are expected to generate most of the medium-term industry growth.

Brilliant execution

We use cutting-edge consumer insights and marketing. We innovate at scale and we develop winning relationships with our customers through distribution and sales.

Efficient supply and procurement

We work to high-quality manufacturing and environmental standards.

Financial strength

We aim to deliver consistent net sales value growth and margin expansion, as well as strong cash generation.

(i) Impact Databank Value Ratings May 2019 .
(ii) Global Data, 2018.


15

Business description (continued)

Our strategy

The global spirits category has shown resilient, long-term growth. Our strategy is to support premiumisation in developed and emerging countries.

Everywhere we operate, we aim to do so in a responsible and sustainable way. Our broad portfolio means we can access different consumer occasions with our brands, across price points.

In developed markets, we support premiumisation through our premium core and reserve brands. In emerging markets, we aim to grow participation in international premium spirits. To support this, we selectively participate in attractive mainstream spirits segments. This means consumers can access our brands at affordable price points and we can shape responsible drinking trends by introducing consumers to branded products.

Beer is our second largest category after scotch and our global beer business is led by our premium brand, Guinness. Guinness is available in approximately 130 countries. We use a variety of routes to the consumer, depending on the most efficient model for each market. In Africa, we have a large beer business with a broad portfolio that reaches across price points.

Our focus on consumers, the balance of creative flair and data-led insight in our marketing and our track record for innovation, combined with our financial discipline and everyday efficiency, all support our goal to be a reliable compounder of growth. We aim to combine these to deliver a virtuous circle of consistent top-line performance, margin expansion and increased investment in our brands and business.


Our strategy is delivered through

Six executional priorities

Keep premium core vibrant

Ensuring we have a vibrant premium core is critical to our overall performance.

Continue to win in reserve

We build our reserve brands by ensuring they are available in the most influential outlets. We also build their reputations with the bartenders and consumers who set trends.

Drive innovation at scale

We build on our existing brands, anticipate new consumer occasions and create the brands of tomorrow with a focus on scale and speed.

Increase participation in mainstream spirits

Mainstream spirits is a sizeable and growing opportunity. We have invested in mainstream spirits and have a strong foundation from which to drive growth.

Build an advantaged route to consumer

Using insights, we understand where to invest our resources so that our brands are available in the right formats and locations for our consumers.

Embed productivity to drive out costs and invest in growth

We are focused on every day efficiency, effectiveness and agility to reduce costs and create fuel for our growth.



16

Business description (continued)

Our sustainability and responsibility priorities and our commitment to governance and ethics

Promoting positive drinking

We are committed to promoting positive drinking through encouraging moderation and tackling misuse.

Building thriving communities

We want to continue to make Diageo a great, safe, inclusive and diverse place to work for our people. We want to build sustainable supply chains and create programmes that empower communities and individuals, making a positive difference everywhere we live, work, source and sell.

Reducing our environmental impact

We aim to preserve the natural resources on which our-long-term success depends. We are working to reduce our impact in the areas of water, carbon, packaging and waste.

Highest standards of governance and ethics

We are constantly looking for ways to strengthen our culture of integrity and help our people make the right choices, to do business the right way, from grain to glass.

Outcomes of our strategy
① Efficient growth
③ Credibility and trust
② Consistent value creation
④ Engaged people
OUTCOMESOFOURSTRATEGY.JPG
We measure progress against our strategy using the following financial and non-financial indicators
Organic net sales growth
Return on average invested capital
Reach and impact of responsible drinking programmes ③ ④
Carbon emissions  ③
Organic operating margin improvement (i)   
Employee engagement index ③ ④
Total shareholder return
Earnings per share before exceptional items
 
Health and safety ③ ④
 
 
Water efficiency   ③
 
Free cash flow
 
 
 

(i) From July 2019, this financial indicator will be organic operating profit growth.

See our key performance indicators (KPIs) on pages 24-28.


17

Business description (continued)

Production

Diageo owns manufacturing production facilities across the globe, including maltings, distilleries, breweries, packaging plants, maturation warehouses, cooperages and distribution warehouses. Diageo’s brands are also produced at plants owned and operated by third parties and joint ventures at a number of locations throughout the world.

Capacity

The locations, principal activities, products, packaging production capacity and packaging production volume of Diageo owned principal production centres in the year ended 30 June 2019 are as follows:

Location
 
Principal products
 
Production capacity in millions of equivalent units (i)

 
Production volume in 2019 in millions of equivalent units

United Kingdom (Spirits)
 
Scotch whisky, gin, vodka, rum, ready to drink
 
96

 
53

UK, Ireland (Guinness)
 
Beer
 
8

 
8

Ireland (Baileys)
 
Irish cream liqueur
 
12

 
8

Italy (Santa Vittoria)
 
Vodka, rum, ready to drink
 
11

 
8

Turkey
 
Raki, vodka, gin, liqueur, wine
 
8

 
5

United States, Canada, US Virgin Islands
 
Vodka, gin, tequila, rum, Canadian whisky, American whiskey, progressive adult beverages, ready to drink
 
52

 
37

Brazil
 
Cachaça, vodka
 
10

 
4

Mexico
 
Tequila
 
3

 
3

Australia
 
Rum, vodka, ready to drink
 
4

 
2

Singapore
 
Finishing centre
 
7

 
1

India
 
Rum, vodka, whisky, scotch, brandy, gin, wine
 
64

 
41

Nigeria
 
Beer
 
7

 
6

South Africa
 
Spirits and ready to drink
 
4

 
4

East Africa (Uganda, Kenya, Tanzania)
 
Beer and spirits
 
17

 
15

Africa Regional Markets (Ethiopia, Cameroon, Ghana, Seychelles)
 
Beer
 
7

 
4


(i) Capacity represents ongoing production capacity. The production capacities quoted in the table are based on Diageo owned actual production levels for the year ended 30 June 2019 adjusted for the elimination of unplanned losses and inefficiencies. In addition, there are third party production arrangements with manufacturing facilities including brewers and co-packing partners licensed to produce Diageo brands.

Spirits

Spirits are produced in distilleries located worldwide. The group owns 29 Scotch whisky distilleries in Scotland, two whisky distilleries in Canada and two in the United States. Diageo produces Smirnoff internationally. Ketel One and Cîroc vodkas are purchased as finished product from The Nolet Group and Maison Villevert, respectively. Gin distilleries are located in both the United Kingdom and in Santa Vittoria, Italy. Baileys is produced in the Republic of Ireland and Northern Ireland. Rum is blended and bottled in the United States, Canada, Italy and the United Kingdom, and is distilled in the US Virgin Islands and in Australia, Venezuela and Guatemala. Raki is produced in Turkey, Chinese white spirits are produced in Chengdu, in the Sichuan province of China, cachaça is produced in Ceará State in Brazil and tequila in Mexico.

Diageo’s maturing Scotch whisky is located in warehouses in Scotland (the largest at Blackgrange holding approximately 50% of the group’s maturing Scotch whisky), its maturing Canadian whisky in Valleyfield and Gimli in Canada, its maturing American whiskey in Kentucky and Tennessee in the United States and maturing Chinese white spirit in Chengdu, China. In August 2018, the company opened the Guinness Open Gate Brewery & Barrel House in Relay, Maryland. It is a working brewery which is open to the public, and has an on-site brew pub, tap room and retail store.

Diageo continues to invest in our tequila facility in Mexico to enable additional capacity to support growth. The program includes a new distillery, bottling capacity expansion, wastewater treatment plan, tanking and liquid processing equipment as well as warehousing facilities for maturation, packaging materials, and finished goods.


18

Business description (continued)

Diageo opened the Roe & Co Irish whiskey distillery in June 2019. The iconic Guinness Power Station has been regenerated into a new visitor experience and urban distillery. A visit to the fully live, working distillery will also involve learning about the history of George Roe who was one of the most iconic names in Irish Whiskey in the nineteenth century.

The £150 million Scotch investment program focusing on whisky tourism is progressing. In April 2019, it was confirmed that the global flagship visitor experience for Johnnie Walker would be in Edinburgh city centre.

Diageo owns a controlling equity stake in United Spirits Limited (USL) which is the leading alcoholic beverage company in India selling almost 80 million equivalent cases per annum of Indian Made Foreign Liquor (IMFL). USL has a significant market presence across India and operates 16 owned sites as well as a network of leased and third party manufacturing facilities in India. USL owns several Indian brands such as McDowell’s (Indian whisky, rum and brandy), Black Dog (scotch), Signature (Indian whisky), Royal Challenge (Indian whisky), Antiquity (Indian whisky) and Bagpiper (Indian whisky).

Beer

Diageo’s principal brewing facility is at the St James’s Gate brewery in Dublin, Ireland. In addition, Diageo owns breweries in a number of African countries: Nigeria, Kenya, Ghana, Cameroon, Ethiopia, Tanzania, Uganda and the Seychelles.

Guinness flavour extract is shipped from Ireland to all overseas Guinness brewing operations which use the flavour extract to brew Guinness locally. Guinness is transported from Ireland to Great Britain in bulk to the Runcorn facility which carries out the kegging of Guinness Draught.

Guinness, Guinness Blonde, Kilkenny and Harp are brewed, under licence arrangements, by over 40 third parties across six continents with total volume of over 2 million hectolitres being sold in more than 130 countries.

Diageo is expanding capacity in Africa to support beer growth with the renovation and reopening of the Kisumu brewery in Kenya.

Ready to drink

Diageo produces a range of ready to drink products mainly in the United Kingdom, Italy, across Africa, Australia, the United States and Canada.

Property, plant and equipment

Diageo owns approximately 97% of the manufacturing, distilling, brewing, bottling and administration facilities it uses across the group’s worldwide operations. It holds approximately 3% of properties on leases in excess of 50 years. The principal production facilities are described above. As at 30 June 2019, Diageo’s land and buildings are included in the group’s consolidated balance sheet at a net book value of £1,201 million. Diageo’s two largest individual facilities, in terms of book value, are the Leven bottling, blending and warehousing facility in Scotland and St James’s Gate brewery in Dublin.

Raw materials and supply agreements

The group has several long-term contracts in place for the purchase of raw materials including glass, other packaging, spirit, cream, rum and grapes. Forward contracts are in place for the purchase of cereals to minimise the effects of short-term price fluctuations.

Cream is the principal raw material used in the production of Irish cream liqueur and is sourced from Ireland. Grapes and aniseed are used in the production of Raki and are sourced from suppliers in Turkey. Other raw materials purchased in significant quantities to produce spirits and beer are molasses, cereals, sugar and a number of flavors (such as juniper berries, agave, chocolate and herbs). These are sourced from suppliers around the world.

Many products are supplied to customers in glass bottles. Glass is purchased from a variety of multinational and local suppliers; the largest suppliers are Ardagh Packaging in the United Kingdom and Owens Illinois in the United States.


19

Business description (continued)

Competition

Diageo’s brands compete on the basis of consumer loyalty, quality and price.

In spirits, Diageo’s major global competitors are Pernod Ricard, Beam Suntory, Bacardi and Brown Forman, each of which has several brands that compete directly with Diageo’s brands. In addition, Diageo faces competition from regional and local companies in the countries in which it operates.

In beer, Diageo competes globally as well as on a regional and local basis (with the profile varying between regions) with several competitors, including AB InBev, Heineken, Molson Coors, Constellation Brands and Carlsberg.

Research and development

Innovation forms an important part of Diageo’s growth strategy, playing a key role in positioning its brands for continued growth in both the developed and emerging markets. The strength and depth of Diageo’s brand range provides a solid platform from which to drive innovation. Diageo continuously invests to deepen its understanding of shopper trends and changing consumer habits to inform product and packaging development. Supporting this, the group has ongoing programmes to develop new products across beverage alcohol categories which are managed internally by the innovation and research and development function.

Trademarks

Diageo produces, sells and distributes branded goods and is therefore substantially dependent on the maintenance and protection of its trademarks. All brand names mentioned in this document are trademarks. The group also holds numerous licences and trade secrets, as well as having substantial trade knowledge related to its products. The group believes that its significant trademarks are registered and/or otherwise protected (insofar as legal protection is available) in all material respects in its most important markets. Diageo also owns valuable patents and trade secrets for technology and takes all reasonable steps to protect these rights.

Regulations and taxes

Diageo’s worldwide operations are subject to extensive regulatory requirements regarding production, product liability, distribution, importation, marketing, promotion, sales, pricing, labelling, packaging, advertising, antitrust, labour, pensions, compliance and control systems and environmental issues. In the United States, the beverage alcohol industry is subject to strict federal and state government regulations. At the federal level, the Alcohol and Tobacco Tax and Trade Bureau of the U.S. Treasury Department oversees the industry, and each state as well as some local authorities in jurisdictions in which Diageo sells or produces products, have regulations. Federal, state and local regulations cover virtually every aspect of its operations, including production, distribution, marketing, promotion, sales, pricing, labelling, packaging and advertising.

Spirits and beer are subject to national import and excise duties in many markets around the world. Most countries impose excise duties on beverage alcohol products, although the form of such taxation varies significantly from a simple application to units of alcohol by volume, to advanced systems based on imported or wholesale value of the product. Several countries impose additional import duty on distilled spirits, often discriminating between categories (such as Scotch whisky or bourbon) in the rate of such tariffs. Within the European Union, such products are subject to different rates of excise duty in each country, but within an overall European Union framework, there are minimum rates of excise duties that can be applied.

Import and excise duties can have a significant impact on the final pricing of Diageo’s products to consumers. These duties have an impact on the competitive position as compared to other brands. The group devotes resources to encouraging the equitable taxation treatment of all beverage alcohol categories and to reducing government-imposed barriers to fair trading.

Advertising, marketing and sales of alcohol are subject to various restrictions in markets around the world. These range from a complete prohibition of alcohol in certain cultures and countries, such as in certain states in India, and through the prohibition of the import of spirits, wine and beer, to restrictions on the advertising style, media and messages used. In a number of countries, television is a prohibited medium for spirits brands and in other countries, television advertising, while permitted, is carefully regulated. Many countries also regulate the use of internet-based advertising and social media in connection with alcohol sales.

Spirits and beer are also regulated in distribution. In many countries, alcohol may only be sold through licensed outlets, both on and off-trade, varying from government or state operated monopoly outlets (for example, in Canada, Norway and certain US states) to the common system of licensed on-trade outlets (for example, licensed bars and restaurants) which prevails in much of the Western world (for example, in most US states and the European Union). In about one-third of the states in the United States, price changes must be filed or published 30 days to three months, depending on the state, before they become effective.


20

Business description (continued)

Labelling of beverage alcohol products is also regulated in many markets, varying from health warning labels to importer identification, alcohol strength and other consumer information. As well as producer, importer or bottler identification, specific warning statements related to the risks of drinking beverage alcohol products are required to be included on all beverage alcohol products sold in the United States and in other countries where Diageo operates. Expressions of political concern signify the uncertain future of beverage alcohol products advertising on network television in the United States. Any prohibitions on advertising or marketing could have an adverse impact on sales of the group.

Regulatory decisions and changes in the legal and regulatory environment could increase Diageo’s costs and liabilities or impact on its business activities.

Acquisitions and disposals

Diageo has made a number of acquisitions of brands, distribution rights and equity interests and disposals in premium drinks businesses. For a description of principal acquisitions and disposals since 1 July 2016, see note 9 to the consolidated financial statements.

On 28 September 2018 Diageo acquired the remaining 70% of Copper Dog Whisky Limited (CDWL) that it did not already own for an upfront valuation of £6.5 million and further earn-out payments based on CDWL achieving performance targets. The discounted current estimate for the earn-out payments is £10 million .

On 17 August 2018 Diageo completed the purchase of 20.29% of the share capital of Sichuan Shuijingfang Company Limited (SJF) for RMB 6,084 million ( £696 million ) and transaction costs of £7 million . This took Diageo’s shareholding in SJF from 39.71% to 60% . SJF was already controlled and therefore consolidated prior to the transaction.

On 9 April 2019 Diageo completed the purchase of a further 3.14% of the share capital of SJF for RMB 690 million ( £79 million ) and transaction costs of £2 million , which took Diageo's shareholding in SJF from 60% to 63.14% .

In addition, Diageo has made a number of smaller acquisitions of brands, distribution rights and equity interests in various drinks businesses.

Diageo completed the sale of a portfolio of 19 brands (Seagram’s VO, Seagram’s 83, Seagram’s Five Star, Popov, Myers’s, Parrot Bay, Yukon Jack, Romana Sambuca, Scoresby, Goldschlager, Relska, Stirrings, The Club, Booth’s, Black Haus, Peligroso, Grind, Piehole and John Begg) to Sazerac on 20 December 2018 for an aggregate consideration of $550 million ( £435 million ). Diageo will continue to provide manufacturing services for all disposed brands until December 2019 and for five brands up to December 2028.

Seasonality

Approximately 40% of Diageo’s annual net sales occur in the last four months of each calendar year.


21

Business description (continued)

Our brands

We have built a leading portfolio of brands across key categories and price points.

We invest in the sustainable growth of these brands and ensure they are positioned to meet the consumer opportunity in each market.

We own two of the world’s five largest spirits brands by value, Johnnie Walker and Smirnoff, and 23 of the world’s top 100 (i) . .

Guinness, our premium beer brand, is the 4 th largest premium beer in the world by value (ii) .

Global giants (iii)
Our business is built around six of our biggest global brands.
Johnnie Walker

Smirnoff

Baileys

Captain Morgan

Tanqueray

Guinness
Local stars (iv)
 
Reserve (v)
Can be individual to any one market and provide a platform for our business to grow.
 
Exceptional spirits brands at premium price points to capture the global luxury opportunity.
Crown Royal

Yenì Raki

Shui Jing Fang

Johnnie Walker Blue Label

Bulleit Bourbon

Don Julio
Buchanan’s

JɛB

Grand Old Parr

Tanqueray No. TEN

Ron Zacapa Centenario XO

Casamigos
Bundaberg

McDowell’s No. 1

Ypióca

Lagavulin

The Singleton of Glen Ord

Johnnie Walker Gold Label Reserve
Windsor

Black&White



Cîroc

Ketel One vodka

Talisker

(i)
Impact Databank Value Ratings, May 2019 .
(ii)
Global Data, 2018.
(iii)
Global giants represent 41% of Diageo net sales.
(iv)
Local stars represent 20% of Diageo net sales.
(v)
Reserve brands represent 19% of Diageo net sales.

22

Business description (continued)

Our global reach

Our regional profile provides us with exposure to the greatest consumer growth opportunities in our sector.

We operate as a market-based business and our products are sold in over 180 countries. Each of our markets is accountable for its own performance and for driving growth. We employ 28,400 talented people across our global business.

% share of net sales by region (i)(ii)  

GLOBALREACH.JPG

(i)
The above diagram is intended to illustrate general geographic regions of the world in which Diageo has a presence and/or in which its products are sold, and is not intended to imply that Diageo has a presence in and/or that its products are sold in every country within a geographical region.
(ii)
Based on reported net sales for the year ended 30 June 2019 . Does not include corporate net sales of £53 million.

% share by region

North America

Europe and Turkey

Africa

Latin America
and Caribbean

Asia
Pacific
Volume

20.1

18.4

13.7

9.1

38.7
Net sales (i)

34.9

22.9

12.4

8.8

21.0
Operating profit before exceptional items (ii)

45.2

23.6

6.4

8.5

16.3
Operating profit (iii)

45.8

23.4

6.5

8.6

15.7
Water withdrawal

12.2

39.5

38.5

1.3

8.5
Carbon emissions (iv)

9.3

40.5

38.9

3.2

8.1
Employees (v)

9.7

36.9

15.0

8.8

29.6

(i)
Excluding corporate net sales of £53 million.
(ii)
Excluding exceptional operating charges of £74 million ( 2018 – £128 million) and net corporate operating costs of £189 million ( 2018 – £158 million).
(iii)
Excluding net corporate operating costs of £210 million ( 2018 – £158 million).
(iv)
Excludes corporate offices which account for <2% of combined impacts.
(v)
Employees have been allocated to the region in which they reside.

23

Business description (continued)

How we measure performance: key performance indicators

GAAP measures - Financial GAAP performance measures similar to the financial non-GAAP key performance indicators are presented below.

NET SALES GROWTH (%)
OPERATING MARGIN IMPROVEMENT (bps)
BASIC EARNINGS PER SHARE (pence)
CHART-D0D12ED9B82CF4FB40B.JPG CHART-02E853A1D56A72CAF94.JPG CHART-BDDDDD15113F72C15A2.JPG
Definition
Definition
Definition
Sales growth after deducting excise duties.
The percentage point movement in operating profit, divided by net sales.
Profit attributable to equity shareholders of the parent company, divided by the weighted average number of shares in issue.
Performance
Performance
Performance
Reported net sales grew 5.8%, driven by organic growth and favourable exchange which was partially offset by acquisitions and disposals.
Reported operating margin increased by 107bps driven by organic operating margin improvement, lower exceptional operating charges offset by the impact of acquisitions and disposals and favourable exchange.
Basic eps of 130.7 pence increased by 9.0 pence driven by organic operating profit growth and lower finance charges which was partially offset by higher tax charge and net increase in exceptional charges.
 
NET CASH FROM OPERATING
ACTIVITIES (£ million)
RETURN ON CLOSING INVESTED
CAPITAL (%)
CHART-5C4E52EA33AFF861272.JPG CHART-049B1B47CFCF1877A5C.JPG
Definition
Definition
Net cash from operating activities comprises the net cash flow from operating activities as disclosed on the face of the cash flow statement.
Profit for the year divided by net assets at the end of the financial year.
Performance
Performance
Net cash from operating activities increased by £164 million due to organic operating profit growth partially offset by unfavourable working capital movement and higher tax payments.
Return on closing invested capital increased by 610 bps principally driven by decrease in net assets.



24

Business description (continued)

We use the following 11 key performance indicators (KPIs) to measure our financial and non-financial performance

Our KPIs measure progress against our strategy. Our performance against our KPIs are explained below:

Relevance to strategy

Efficient growth
Consistent value creation
Credibility and trust
Engaged people

Financial
®  
Financial
®  
Financial
®  
Organic net sales growth (%)
6.1
%
Organic operating margin improvement (bps)
83
bps
Earnings per share before
exceptional items
(pence) (i)
130.8p
CHART-509F2D141482B0AA5FD.JPG CHART-F90E472F302EA27B385.JPG CHART-F565F8499EBDC171F3A.JPG
Definition
Definition
Definition
Sales growth after deducting excise duties, excluding the impact of exchange rate movements, acquisitions and disposals.
The percentage point movement in operating profit before exceptional items, divided by net sales after excluding the impact of exchange rate movements and acquisitions and disposals.
Profit before exceptional items attributable to equity shareholders of the parent company, divided by the weighted average number of shares in issue.
Why we measure
Why we measure
Why we measure
This measure reflects our performance as the result of the choices made in terms of category and market participation, and Diageo’s ability to build brand equity, increase prices and grow market share.
The movement in operating margin measures the efficiency of the business. Consistent operating margin improvement is a business imperative, driven by investment choices, our focus on driving out costs across the business and improving mix.
Earnings per share reflects the profitability of the business and how effectively we finance our balance sheet. It is a key measure for our shareholders.
Performance
Performance
Performance
Organic net sales grew 6.1%, driven by 2.3% volume growth and 3.8% positive price/mix. Growth was broad based with all regions delivering net sales growth.
Organic operating margin improved 83bps driven by improved price/mix and our productivity programme partially offset by higher marketing spend.
Eps before exceptional items increased 12.2 pence driven by organic operating profit growth and lower finance charges partially offset by the impact from acquisitions and disposals and a higher tax expense.
More detail on page 51
More detail on page 52
More detail on page 52

25

Business description (continued)

Non-Financial
③ ④
Non-Financial
③ ④
Non-Financial
Positive drinking
Health and safety
(lost-time accident frequency per 1,000 full-time employees)
0.98
Water efficiency (ii)
(l/l)
4.64l/l
POSITIVEDRINKINGKPIA01.JPG CHART-FE9DD4683A20BA65A9B.JPG CHART-6E95FBEB7C5AC7E2EEC.JPG
Definition
Definition
Definition
We report against three indicators for positive drinking.
Number of accidents per 1,000 full-time employees and directly supervised contractors resulting in time lost from work of one calendar day or more.
Ratio of the amount of water required to produce one litre of packaged product.
Why we measure
Why we measure
Why we measure
We support the World Health Organization’s (WHO) goal of reducing harmful drinking by 10% across the world by 2025 and we put resources and skills into a range of programmes around the world that aim to reduce harm and change behaviour. We have set ourselves stretching targets to measure our contribution to this area, focusing on tackling underage drinking and drink driving, in addition to promoting moderation.
Safety is a basic human right: everyone has the right to work in a safe environment, and our Zero Harm safety philosophy is that everyone should go home safe and healthy, every day, everywhere.
Water is the main ingredient in all of our brands. We aim to improve efficiency, and minimise our water use, particularly in water-stressed areas. This will ensure we can sustain production growth, address climate change risk and respond to the growing global demand for water, as scarcity increases.
Performance
Performance
Performance
We launched a new Positive Drinking strategy last year and this is the first year we have reported against these targets for 2025.
We achieved a milestone safety performance level of 0.98 lost-time accidents (LTAs) per 1,000 employees, our lowest rate ever. This represents a 7% reduction in LTAs compared with 2018. We continued to focus on markets in particular need of support, delivering improvements by increasing compliance with our core standards and programmes. We also maintained strong performance in our more established markets.
Water efficiency improved by 6% compared to 2018 and 43.8% versus our 2007 baseline.
More detail on pages 89-93
More detail on pages 106-108
More detail on pages 98-106

26

Business description (continued)

Financial
®  
Financial
Financial
®  
Free cash flow ( £  million)

£2,608
m
Return on average invested capital (ROIC) (%)
15.1
%
Total shareholder return (%)
27%
CHART-4D7C847BD55439E6F7D.JPG CHART-C4506A04D8593F6B23A.JPG CHART-09317379A879E59BA44.JPG
Definition
Definition
Definition
Free cash flow comprises the net cash flow from operating activities aggregated with the net cash received/paid for loans receivable and other investments, and the net cash cost paid for property, plant and equipment, and computer software.
Profit before finance charges and exceptional items attributable to equity shareholders divided by average invested capital. Invested capital comprises net assets aggregated with exceptional restructuring costs and goodwill at the date of transition to IFRS, excluding post employment liabilities, net borrowings and non-controlling interests.
Percentage growth in the value of a Diageo share (assuming all dividends and capital distributions are re-invested).
Why we measure
Why we measure
Why we measure
Free cash flow is a key indicator of the financial management of the business and reflects the cash generated by the business to fund payments to our shareholders and acquisitions.
ROIC is used by management to assess the return obtained from the group’s asset base. Improving ROIC builds financial strength to enable Diageo to attain its financial objectives.
Diageo’s Directors have a fiduciary responsibility to maximise long-term value for shareholders. We also monitor our relative TSR performance against our peers.
Performance
Performance
Performance
Free cash flow continued to be strong at £2.6 billion. Operating profit growth was partially offset by reduced operating working capital improvements year on year, increased investment in maturing inventory and higher tax payments.
ROIC before exceptional items increased 80bps as organic operating profit growth was partially offset by the impact from acquisitions and disposals and higher underlying tax charges.
Diageo delivered total shareholder return of 27% as dividends increased, a share buyback programme of £2.8 billion was executed and the share price benefited from underlying business improvements.
More detail on page 53
More detail on page 54
 

27

Business description (continued)

Non-Financial
Non-Financial
③ ④
Carbon emissions (iii)  
(1,000 tonnes CO 2 e)
586
Employee engagement index
(%)
75
%
CHART-0C678D5A0532EC618A0.JPG CHART-1ED678A3F2E1A31DDE2.JPG
Definition
Definition
Absolute volume of carbon emissions, in 1,000 tonnes.
Measured through our Your Voice survey; includes metrics for employee satisfaction, loyalty, advocacy and pride.
Why we measure
Why we measure
Carbon emissions are a key element of Diageo’s, and our industry’s, environmental impact. Reducing our carbon emissions is a significant part of our efforts to mitigate climate change, positioning us well for a future low-carbon economy, while creating energy efficiencies and savings now.
Employee engagement is a key enabler of our strategy and performance. The survey allows us to measure, quantitatively and qualitatively, how far employees believe we are living our values. The results inform our ways of working, engagement strategies and leadership development.
Performance
Performance
Carbon emissions reduced by 5.9% in 2019, and cumulatively by 44.7% against the 2007 baseline despite increased production volume.
94% of our people participated in our Your Voice survey (22,615 of the 24,129 invited). 75% were identified as engaged, a decrease of 1% on last year. 89% declared themselves proud to work for Diageo, down 1% on 2018. Despite this small shift, we have maintained a strong engagement score in line with best in class benchmarks.
More detail on page 105
More detail on pages 108-109

Remuneration

Some KPIs are used as a measure in the incentives plans for the remuneration of executives. These are identified with the symbol ® .

See our Directors’ remuneration report from page 142 for more detail.

(i)
For reward purposes this measure is further adjusted for the impact of exchange rates and other factors not controlled by management, to ensure focus on our underlying performance drivers.
(ii)
I n accordance with Diageo's environmental reporting methodologies, data for each of the four years in the period ended 30 June 2018 has been restated where relevant.
(iii)
In accordance with Diageo's environmental reporting methodologies and WRI/WBCSD GHG Protocol, data for each of the four years in the period ended 30 June 2018 has been restated where relevant.

28

Business description (continued)

Chairman’s statement

We want to have a positive impact wherever we operate and we are determined to earn trust and respect by doing business in the right way, from grain to glass. For Diageo to thrive, we must focus on the long term and continue to demonstrate the value we create for those around us.
 
Recommended final dividend per share
2019: 42.47p á 5%
2018: 40.4p
Total dividend per share (i)
2019: 68.57p á 5%
2018: 65.3p
Total shareholder return (%)
2018: 27%
2017: 23%

(i)
Includes final recommended dividend of 42.47p.

I am pleased to report another year of strong and consistent performance. Diageo continues to make good progress towards its ambition of becoming one of the best performing, most trusted and respected consumer products companies in the world and I would like to express my thanks to all our employees for their continued passion and commitment.

Culture

Under Ivan’s leadership, Diageo is being transformed into a more entrepreneurial and creative business. Proximity to the consumer and to the trade, the agility to adapt to a changing environment and speed in execution are increasingly the way in which Diageo operates, every day.

A culture of discipline and efficiency has also been embedded. This has resulted in significant operational savings, which have largely been reinvested in the most attractive opportunities. These investments not only support the growth of our brands and strengthen our portfolio, but have also allowed us to build more advanced capabilities through new technology and enhanced training.

Notwithstanding the progress we have made, we are not complacent and we continue working towards further improvement.

Opportunities for growth

We are a global leader in an industry that is growing and premiumising at the same time. Around the world, consumers are looking for more premium brands and experiences. Growth in total beverage alcohol is underpinned by strong consumer fundamentals: in developed markets, spirits are well positioned, on trend and premiumising. In emerging markets, we expect an additional 750 million consumers to be able to afford international-style spirits by 2030.

While we are leaders in global premium spirits and have a substantial presence in selected beer markets, we produce just 1.7% of the total beverage alcohol drinks consumed around the world. So there is ample opportunity for us to grow share. We continue to see consumers switching from beer and wine into spirits. In the United States, spirits are taking share from beer; in Europe, spirits are taking share from beer and wine; and in many markets in Africa, consumers are trading up from illicit alcohol into a regulated, well-manufactured product. Beer consumers are also trading up to more premium, flavourful and differentiated products. The trend to 'drink better, not more', is well established in many markets.

Our deep consumer insights and strong customer relationships, combined with the strength and breadth of our portfolio, mean that we are well positioned to take advantage of these favourable long-term growth trends.


29

Business description (continued)

The global environment

Diageo’s brands are enjoyed in more than 180 countries and international trade is at the heart of our business. Although we are not immune from volatility in the global environment, our broad footprint, across markets and categories, makes us more resilient and provides a natural hedge against instability in our operating environment.

In particular, while there is considerable uncertainty around Brexit, we have robust plans in place to cover all scenarios. We do not believe the direct financial impact to Diageo will be material. Nevertheless, we look forward to a clear resolution that will bring certainty to business in the United Kingdom.

Our stakeholders

We are committed to engaging and working constructively with all our stakeholders. Listening and responding to the views and needs of those who are touched by our operations is fundamental to building a sustainable future for our business, our brands and the communities in which we live, work, source and sell.

The Board was particularly pleased that our 2019 ‘Your Voice’ employee survey showed that 89% of our employees are proud to work for Diageo and 77% are extremely satisfied with Diageo as a place to work. We are committed to engaging with our employees and ensuring that their voices are heard at the highest levels in our business. In December, the Board agreed that I will take responsibility for workforce engagement, as the designated non-executive under the 2018 UK Corporate Governance Code. I look forward to working with our employees around the world in order to represent their views in the Boardroom. From 2020, we will issue an annual ‘workforce engagement statement’ explaining how the Board has gathered and reviewed employees’ views and how these have been considered in the Board’s decision making.

Diageo in society

We want to have a positive impact wherever we operate and we are determined to earn trust and respect by doing business in the right way, from grain to glass. At the core of our approach is a commitment to positive drinking through encouraging moderation and tackling misuse, which Ivan outlines in more detail in his statement.

For Diageo to thrive, we must focus on the long term and continue to demonstrate the value we create for those around us. Social purpose was a driving force for the founders of many of our brands and is part of the fabric of our company today.

Communities

As a global company, we have an important role to play in helping the communities where we live and work to thrive. This is why we are focused on the issues we believe matter most in the communities where we source our raw materials and where we make and sell our products. We take great care to build sustainable supply chains and work hard to protect the environment and the natural resources on which we rely. Our women’s empowerment programmes have supported around 400,000 women around the world. They provide women with equal access to the skills and resources they need to build a better future for themselves and their families.

Our Water of Life programme has reached more than 10 million people in India and Africa since 2006 – making a real difference by supplying vulnerable communities with clean water, sanitation and hygiene. This year, we reached 232,000 people through these programmes.

Our Learning for Life programme gives people around the world the opportunity to reach their full potential and enhance their employment opportunities, through training and education in the hospitality industry and other sectors. Since launching in 2008, over 140,000 people have participated in Learning for Life, and typically, more than 70% move into permanent jobs.


30

Business description (continued)

Creating value

In fiscal 2019, we have delivered another year of strong, consistent performance. And we continue to make good progress across the four areas of performance we measure: efficient growth, value creation, credibility and trust, and engaged people.

Our efficient growth key performance indicators (KPIs) continue to improve. At the same time, return on average invested capital (ROIC) and total shareholder return (TSR) both increased, to 15.1% and 27% respectively, reflecting continued value creation.

We continue to target dividend cover (the ratio of basic earnings per share before exceptional items to dividend per share) of between 1.8 and 2.2 times. The recommended final dividend is 42.47 pence per share, an increase of 5%. This brings the recommended full-year dividend to 68.57 pence per share and dividend cover to 1.9 times. We expect to maintain dividend increases at a mid-single digit rate until our dividend cover is comfortably back in range. Subject to shareholder approval, the final dividend will be paid to UK shareholders on 3 October 2019. Payment will be made to US ADR holders on 8 October 2019. This year, we purchased 94.7 million shares, returning £2.8 billion to shareholders. On 25 July, the Board approved plans for a further return of capital of up to £4.5 billion to shareholders over the three years ending 30 June 2022.

Board changes

In March 2018, we agreed with Ursula Burns that her appointment as Non-Executive Director would be delayed, as a result of her appointment as Executive Chairman at VEON Ltd, on an interim basis. In December, we agreed with Ursula, that in light of her continued commitments at VEON Ltd, she would not take up her appointment on the Diageo Board.

In April 2019, we announced the appointment of Debra Crew as Non-Executive Director. Debra’s significant experience in FMCG and in executive management, as a former CEO, should serve Diageo well and complement the current Board.

Looking ahead

We have continued to improve performance, while building a culture of which we can all be proud. There is, of course, more to do and we are very aware of current volatility in trade and geo-politics. Nevertheless, for the benefit of our stakeholders, we shall continue to focus on delivering sustainable performance and long-term value, which are the primary areas of focus for the Board and executive leadership team.


Javier Ferrán
Chairman

31

Business description (continued)

Chief Executive’s statement

We are determined to build a company that will prosper over the very long term. We continue to improve the quality and pace of execution in every part of our business: we are combining creative flair with leading-edge technology and we are investing in brand building, innovation, our route to consumer and data analysis.

Volume movement
  
Organic volume movement
2019: á  2.3%
2018: â  0.7%
  
2019: á  2.3%
2018: á  2.5%
Net sales movement
  
Organic net sales movement
2019: á  5.8%
2018: á  0.9%
  
2019: á  6.1%
2018: á  5.0%
Reported operating profit movement
  
Organic operating profit movement
2019: á  9.5%
2018: á  3.7%
  
2019: á  9.0%
2018: á  7.6%

Our ambition is to be one of the best performing, most trusted and respected consumer product companies. We have delivered another year of strong and consistent performance, thanks to the dedication and hard work of my 28,400 colleagues across Diageo. I am very proud of the company we are building together and the positive social and economic impact we have on the many communities around the world where we make and sell our brands.

Creating value

The global economy is becoming more volatile, with significant challenges to international trade and the institutions that have underpinned prosperity for many decades. Our business will not be immune to international disruption but the depth and breadth of our portfolio, as well as the discipline and focus of our people, give us confidence in our resilience as we navigate these headwinds.

We are determined to build a company that will prosper over the very long term. We continue to improve the quality and pace of execution in every part of our business. We combine creative flair with leading-edge technology and invest in brand building, innovation, our route to consumer and data analysis.

Our people are also proud of the positive impact our business makes around the world. The reach of our brands and marketing allows us to promote moderation and tackle alcohol misuse. We believe we are one of the leading companies in reducing carbon emissions and water use. Our global skills and empowerment programmes have helped hundreds of thousands of people in the communities where we live, work, source and sell.

Performance

Fiscal 2019 has been another year of strong performance. We have continued to execute our strategy consistently and effectively to deliver growth. Our broad geographic footprint and leading portfolio position us well to capture future growth. In international spirits, we have a leading position in the United States, the world’s largest profit pool, alongside leadership positions in many other markets. We strive to win with consumers through the combination of creative flair and data-led insight in marketing and innovation. This, coupled with our culture of everyday efficiency and financial discipline, supports our ambition to be a reliable compounder of growth. Our strategy is delivering consistent top-line performance, sustained margin expansion and increased investment in our brands and business.

Reported net sales were up 5.8%, with organic growth partially offset by acquisitions and disposals. All regions contributed to broad based organic net sales growth, which was up 6.1%. Reported operating profit grew 9.5%, driven by organic growth. We delivered organic operating profit growth of 9.0%, ahead of net sales growth. This was driven by improved price/ mix and benefits from our focus on everyday efficiency, partially offset by an 8% increase in marketing investment, and cost inflation.

Reported and organic net sales grew across all categories, with the exception of rum. Our global giant brands grew organic net sales 5%, with Johnnie Walker up 7%, Tanqueray up 19%, Guinness up 2%, Baileys up 4% and Smirnoff up 3%. Captain Morgan was down 2%. Our local stars were up 6% and reserve was up 11%, with particularly strong performances from Chinese white spirits, Ketel One and Don Julio, up 22%, 10% and 26%, respectively. Earnings per share before exceptionals was strongly up again this year, increasing 10.3%. This was primarily driven by higher organic operating profit and lower finance charges. We achieved another year of strong consistent free cash flow performance, delivering £2.6 billion.


32

Business description (continued)

We continue to invest and innovate to build our brands for the future. 'White Walker by Johnnie Walker' successfully recruited new consumers into the Johnnie Walker brand (see more on page 36). We also announced a £150 million investment in Scotch whisky tourism, including a new Johnnie Walker Experience in Edinburgh; a $130 million expansion of our Bulleit distillery in Kentucky; and we increased our shareholding in Sichuan Shuijingfang Co., Ltd, our super-premium baijiu business in China, from 40% to 63%.



2019 net sales by category (%)
CHART-CEE8A2883463D57BA8C.JPG
l
Scotch
25
%
l
Liqueurs
5
%
l
Vodka
11
%
l
Gin
4
%
l
US Whiskey
2
%
l
Tequila
4
%
l
Canadian Whisky
7
%
l
Beer
16
%
l
Rum
6
%
l
Ready to drink
6
%
l
IMFL Whisky
5
%
l
Other
9
%


Trusted and respected

We are proud to be the stewards of some of the most iconic brands in the world. These were built over generations by people who understood the importance of building a business for the long term, not just today. We are also determined to build a business that makes a positive impact on the issues that matter most to wider society.

We are passionate about the role our brands play in celebrations around the world and are committed to ensuring our products are used in a responsible way. We have a long-standing commitment to promoting positive drinking through encouraging moderation and tackling alcohol misuse. Thanks to the commitment and efforts of our colleagues around the world, we are making rapid progress towards our 2025 targets to educate five million young people, parents and teachers about the dangers of underage drinking; collect 50 million pledges to never drink and drive; and reach 200 million people with moderation messages through our brands.

Our customers around the world are rightly concerned about the environment and climate change, as we see extreme weather events and the resulting social dislocation becoming more common. We are determined to act and our progress is being recognised. Many of you will be familiar with CDP, formerly the Carbon Disclosure Project, the leading global disclosure system for environmental reporting. In February, Diageo and only 19 other companies out of 7,000 globally were rated “Double A” for climate and water performance. We were the only alcohol company to achieve this status year on year.

I am particularly pleased that we have been recognised for our work to promote inclusion and diversity. I believe inclusivity is at the heart of our company and the more we become representative of the consumers we serve, the more it will fuel our success. This year, we ranked fourth in the Thomson Reuters Global Diversity and Inclusion Index; were recognised in the Bloomberg Gender Equality Index; and were also ranked by Equileap as the top company for gender equality in the United Kingdom. Today, 40% of Diageo’s Executive Committee are women and we want our global senior leadership team to reach the same level of female participation by 2025 (we are currently at 36%).


33

Business description (continued)

This year, we put in place ground-breaking family leave policies for both men and women to support and retain parents within our business and to ensure that we continue to attract the best people possible to build their careers at Diageo. In April, we announced that all parents employed by Diageo in the United Kingdom are eligible for the same fully paid 26 weeks' leave, retaining benefits and bonuses regardless of gender. In May, we started a global roll-out of this ambitious new family leave policy, which offers female employees in all markets a minimum of 26 weeks of fully paid maternity leave. This policy sets a global minimum standard of four weeks' paternity leave on full pay in all markets, with a significant number of our businesses moving to 26 weeks’ fully paid paternity leave.

Outlook

Today, Diageo is a stronger, more agile business. We have embedded a culture of everyday efficiency and removed complexity, and we seek continuously to improve the way we operate. This enables us to anticipate and adapt to changing consumer trends and economic conditions more quickly.

As we look ahead to the three years ending 30 June 2022, I expect Diageo to maintain organic net sales growth in the mid-single digit range and to grow organic operating profit ahead of net sales in the range of 5% to 7%.

Our strategy is delivering, but we are not complacent and we continue to challenge ourselves. As we look to fiscal 2020 and beyond, we remain focused on building a strong and sustainable future for our business, our brands and the societies and communities where we live and work.


Ivan Menezes
Chief Executive


34

Business description (continued)

Market dynamics

Total beverage alcohol is an attractive industry, with a natural runway for growth when compared with other consumer goods categories.

Like all consumer sectors, the total beverage alcohol industry faces possible disruption, ranging from changes in consumer trends and regulation through to economic volatility and tariff changes. Our broad and diverse global portfolio provides a natural hedge to any volatility we may encounter. Our extensive consumer knowledge, gained through our local presence and use of data-driven insights, gives us a strong position from which to grow.

The global alcohol market today: broad-based, growing, profitable (i)  
 
550 million
new legal purchase age consumers are expected to enter the market by 2030.

750 million
consumers are expected to be able to afford international-style spirits over the next decade.

53%
of the global alcohol market, by volume, is spirits.

6 billion
equivalent units of alcohol sold each year.

£747 billion
retail sales value.

(i) Diageo estimates, Euromonitor, IWSR, internal analysis.

Key trends

We believe that drinking in a responsible way is part of a balanced lifestyle in many societies around the world. Drinking occasions and practices vary hugely depending on local culture, traditions and customs. They are constantly evolving, but long-term trends are positive for the industry – with sustained premiumisation, a growing preference for spirits and population growth all playing a part.

Consumers choosing to 'drink better'

Consumers are drinking ‘better, not more’. People are looking for products that stand out for their superior quality, authenticity and taste.

In developed markets, in response to sustained premiumisation of spirits, our premium-and-above brands are growing fastest. Our Reserve portfolio of brands capitalises on this premiumisation trend and recent launches, such as our new Villa Ascenti gin, strengthen our position.

In emerging markets, rising prosperity is enabling consumers to trade up to our international spirits brands. Meanwhile, our mainstream spirits brands, like Royal Challenge whisky in India, offer safe, affordable products to consumers in markets where informal alcohol – which is estimated to account for around 25% of global alcohol sales despite the associated health risks and loss of tax revenue – is widespread.

Growing preference for spirits

Consumers who drink alcohol are moving into spirits and away from beer and wine; as well as from illicit alcohol across Africa. This is a long-term trend – spirits are now 53% of total beverage alcohol by volume, up from 48% ten years ago. Gin is an example of a category benefiting from switching, starting in Europe and now accelerating in markets like Australia, South Africa and Brazil. In Brazil, consumer spend on the gin category has grown over 100% a year in the last five years and we have driven growth through the Tanqueray brand. Growth via the on-trade has been the key driver, ensuring a perfect serve with ice and tonic in premium occasions through our Copa Glass programme, supported by investments in marketing and ensuring availability in the right places. This has brought new consumers into the brand and into spirits – 20% of consumers are new to spirits; 50% coming from beer.

Drinking occasions and the route to consumer are changing

In developed markets, consumers are shifting away from late-night occasions towards food-related and more informal occasions.

Our market insight enables us to innovate existing brands, anticipate new consumer occasions and create the brands of tomorrow. In response to the growing early-evening occasion, we recently launched Smirnoff Infusions in the United Kingdom and United States. It is a new zero-sugar spirits-based drink infusing Smirnoff vodka with real fruit essences, designed to be served in a wine glass with soda and ice. Perfect for long summer evenings, it has an ABV of 23%, with the recommended serve containing 87 calories.


35

Business description (continued)

Our focus on route to consumer means we are well placed to seize new innovation opportunities. Our partnership with HBO, for which we created 'White Walker by Johnnie Walker', has recruited new consumers to our iconic Johnnie Walker Scotch brand and to the category, with social media and e-commerce playing a part . Technology and e-commerce are also changing the route to market. They are shifting the retail landscape, our interactions with on-trade and off-trade customers and the way we interact with consumers. Through our use of data we are constantly evolving our approach to each market and delivering multi-channel customer strategies .

The global economy

Political instability and changes in economic variables continue to have an impact across the global economy. We cannot change the environment in which we operate, but our global scale helps provide a natural hedge to changing variables. Our market-based model gives us the flexibility to identify and respond quickly to local dynamics. Our broad portfolio of brands means consumers can trade up or down depending on the economic environment.

Macro-economic trends are key considerations for our risk planning, outlined on pages 38-46 . Understanding the long-term dynamics of our markets means we can anticipate, innovate and respond to key trends and unlock growth by drawing on the strength of our diverse portfolio and acting with agility.

Safeguarding our future by earning trust and respect

The expectations for businesses to be transparent, open and clear about their purpose have arguably never been greater. That is why earning trust and respect continue to be at the heart of our performance ambition. Stakeholders are increasingly challenging all businesses to show how they make a positive impact and the United Nations' Sustainable Development Goals provide a framework for businesses to demonstrate their contribution to society.

Earning trust and respect is particularly important for our industry. While the majority of people who choose to enjoy alcohol do so moderately and responsibly, we know the misuse of alcohol can harm individuals and those around them. This can also have adverse impacts on our industry’s reputation and our long-term operating environment. As a global leader in premium alcohol, we are committed to promoting positive drinking, so that our brands and our business have a sustainable future.

As the stewards of brands which have been part of communities around the world for centuries, we understand the importance of long-term thinking and of earning the trust and respect of those around us. Our future success depends on us continuing to promote positive drinking, fostering inclusive economic growth and reducing our environmental impacts, while making sure we do business with integrity and respect for human rights.

Promoting positive drinking

We want to offer consumers the opportunity to ‘drink better, not more’ – an approach that both supports our social values and aligns with our commercial interests as a business making premium drinks. That means we are committed to promoting moderation, while campaigning to reduce harmful drinking and improving laws and industry standards. Our Positive Drinking strategy, described on page 89 , includes ambitious targets for areas in which we can have the greatest impact in reducing harm: drink driving, underage drinking and excessive drinking. Through our work, we support the World Health Organization’s (WHO) goal of reducing harmful drinking by 10%.

Acting responsibly in a regulated marketplace

The beverage alcohol industry is highly regulated and that regulation varies widely between countries and jurisdictions. We comply with all laws and regulations, wherever we operate, as a minimum requirement. But we also advocate laws and industry standards, including minimum legal purchase age laws and maximum bloodalcohol concentration driving limits, in countries where these are not already in place. Such measures, as well as protecting individuals and communities, help ensure a sustainable market in which our products can be enjoyed responsibly. At the same time, we advocate against measures that are not based on evidence or which could have unintended consequences, such as pushing consumers toward illicit alcohol, which can be a risk to public health.


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Business description (continued)

Promoting inclusivity and human rights

‘We value each other’. This statement is one of our five core values and it has never been more relevant. Consumers, employees and many other stakeholders expect businesses to respect human rights and create an inclusive culture. Within our business, this is reflected in a strong policy framework and a strategic commitment to inclusion and diversity, including gender balance and health and safety (see more on pages 106-109 ). And it extends across our value chain: to our suppliers, distributors and consumers, through our human rights framework and our community programmes designed to empower women, help people develop their skills, and increase access to water, sanitation and hygiene (see more on pages 93-98 ). This commitment strengthens our supply chain, builds our employer brand and gives us the resilience we need to continue to perform in the future.

Climate change, water stress, and a responsible environmental strategy

Any business that relies on agricultural raw materials and water has both a responsibility to the environment around it and an exposure to environmental risks. Our environmental strategy, described in more detail on pages 98-106 , is critical to our long-term success. Our programmes reduce carbon emissions and water use throughout our value chain. They also address waste and packaging, including plastic, and the use of more sustainable packaging materials. The linked phenomena of climate change and water stress are particularly material to our business and to the communities around us. With the oversight of our Climate Change Working Group, we are integrating the management of climaterelated issues into our business.

Our Water Blueprint defines our approach to water stewardship and prioritises our actions in areas we have defined as water-stressed, as illustrated on the map below . Along with improving water efficiency, we are replenishing the water used in water-stressed areas, supporting catchment area management to benefit all water users, and helping farmers improve water management in agriculture.

WATERSTRESSEDAREASMAPA01.JPG

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Business description (continued)

Risk factors

Diageo believes the following to be the principal risks and uncertainties that could adversely impact the group. If any of these risks occur, Diageo’s business, financial condition and performance could suffer and the trading price and liquidity of its securities could decline. Because any global business of the kind Diageo is engaged in is inherently exposed to risks that become apparent only with the benefit of hindsight, risks of which Diageo is not presently aware or which Diageo does not currently deem to be material could also adversely impact Diageo’s business, financial condition and performance, including its ability to execute its strategy. The order of presentation of the risk factors below does not necessarily indicate the likelihood of their occurrence or the potential magnitude of their consequences.

Risks related to the global economy

Diageo’s business may be adversely impacted by unfavourable economic, political, social or other developments and risks in the countries in which it operates

Diageo has a presence in over 180 countries worldwide, and it may be adversely affected by unfavourable economic developments globally or in any of the countries where it has distribution networks, marketing companies or production facilities. In particular, Diageo’s business is dependent on general economic conditions in its most important markets, including in the United States, in the United Kingdom and the other countries that form the European Union, and in certain countries within the Asia Pacific region. A significant deterioration in economic conditions globally or in any of Diageo’s important markets, including economic slowdowns or recessions, increased unemployment levels, inflationary pressures and/or disruptions to credit and capital markets, could lead to decreased consumer confidence and consumer spending more generally, thus reducing consumer demand for Diageo’s products. Unfavourable economic conditions could also negatively impact Diageo’s customers, suppliers, distributors and financial counterparties, who may experience cash flow problems, increased credit defaults or other financial issues, which could lead to customer destocking as well as an increase in Diageo’s bad debt expense. In addition, volatility in the capital and credit markets caused by unfavourable economic developments and uncertainties could result in a reduction in the availability of, or an increase in the cost of, financing to Diageo. Diageo’s business could also be affected by other economic developments such as fluctuations in currency exchange rates, the imposition of any import, investment or currency restrictions (including the potential impact of any global, regional or local trade wars or any tariffs, duties or other restrictions or barriers imposed on the import or export of goods between territories, including but not limited to, imports into and exports from the United States, Canada, Mexico, the United Kingdom and/or the European Union), or any restrictions on the repatriation of earnings and capital. Any of these developments may have a material adverse effect on Diageo’s business and financial results.

Diageo’s operations are also subject to a variety of other risks and uncertainties related to its global operations, including adverse political, social or other developments. Political and/or social unrest or uncertainties (including in relation to the United Kingdom’s ongoing withdrawal process from the European Union), natural disasters, disease outbreaks, politically-motivated violence and terrorist threats and/or acts, including those which are specifically directed at the alcohol industry, may also occur in countries where Diageo has operations. Any of the foregoing could have a material adverse effect on Diageo’s business, financial condition and performance.

Many of the above risks are heightened, or occur more frequently, in emerging markets. A substantial portion of Diageo’s operations is conducted in emerging markets, which represented approximately 42% of Diageo’s net sales for the year ended 30 June 2019. In general, emerging markets are also exposed to relatively higher risks attributable to unstable governments, corruption, crime and lack of law enforcement, undeveloped or biased legal systems, expropriation of assets, sovereign default, liquidity constraints, inflation, devaluation, price volatility and currency convertibility issues, as well as additional legal and regulatory risks and uncertainties. Developments in emerging markets can affect Diageo’s ability to import or export products and to repatriate funds, as well as impact levels of consumer demand (for example, in duty-free outlets at airports or in on-trade premises in affected regions) and therefore Diageo’s levels of sales or profitability. Any of these factors may affect Diageo disproportionately or in a different manner from its competitors, depending on Diageo’s specific exposure to any particular emerging market, and could have a material adverse effect on Diageo’s business and financial results.


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Business description (continued)

The United Kingdom’s withdrawal process from the European Union may continue to result in a sustained period of economic and political uncertainty and complexity, and may have a negative impact on economic conditions in Europe and on Diageo’s business and financial results

Diageo is headquartered in the United Kingdom and has significant production and investment in both England and Scotland. In June 2016, the United Kingdom voted by referendum to withdraw from membership in the European Union (“Brexit”), with the UK prime minister formally initiating the negotiation process for the departure of the United Kingdom from the European Union in March 2017. Although the potential impact of Brexit on Diageo’s business cannot be fully assessed until the detailed terms of the United Kingdom’s withdrawal from the European Union are finalised and the United Kingdom negotiates, concludes and implements successor trading arrangements with other countries, it is likely that this withdrawal process will continue to result in a sustained period of economic and political uncertainty and complexity. For example, in the event that the United Kingdom’s membership in the European Union terminates on or prior to the current deadline of 31 October 2019 set by the European Union without a withdrawal agreement in place (a “no deal” scenario), there remains uncertainty as to the terms under which the United Kingdom would trade with European Union countries as well as with third party countries with whom trade is currently conducted under EU Free Trade Agreements (“FTAs”). Although a number of countries have recently agreed with the United Kingdom to continue to trade under the terms of the existing FTAs even in a no deal scenario, in the event that the United Kingdom is unable to renew all of the existing FTAs on which UK companies rely, the United Kingdom’s trade with certain countries could revert to the tariffs and duties set by World Trade Organisation rules. This could have an adverse impact on trade, including causing short-term disruptions in the import into and export from the United Kingdom of goods which could be delayed as a result of the imposition of additional customs inspections and documentation checks. Diageo could also be subject to changes in laws and regulations following Brexit in areas such as intellectual property rights, employment, environment, supply chain logistics, data protection and health and safety.

The United Kingdom’s withdrawal from the European Union could also negatively impact economic conditions in Europe more generally, which in turn could adversely impact global economic conditions. For instance, the negotiating process surrounding the terms of the departure of the United Kingdom from the European Union may continue to contribute to significant volatility in exchange rates, wider risks to supply chains across the European Union and ultimately lead to changes in market access or trading terms, including to customs duties, tariffs and/or industry-specific requirements and regulations, restrictions on the mobility of employees and generally increased legal and regulatory complexity and costs. This could have adverse effects on Diageo’s business and financial results.

The withdrawal of the United Kingdom from the European Union could also have further implications for the constitutional makeup of the United Kingdom as a result of renewed discussions surrounding further devolved governments in Scotland and Northern Ireland and/or possible independence for Scotland following the outcome of the Brexit referendum. This could result in a further period of political uncertainty in the United Kingdom and otherwise adversely affect Diageo’s business and financial results, particularly since Diageo has substantial operations and inventory located in Scotland.

Risks related to Diageo’s industry

Demand for Diageo’s products may be adversely affected by many factors, including changes in consumer preferences and tastes and the adverse impacts of declining economies

Diageo’s portfolio of brands includes some of the world’s leading beverage alcohol brands, as well as a number of brands that are prominent in certain regional and/or country-specific markets. Maintaining Diageo’s competitive position depends on its continued ability to offer high-quality products that have a strong appeal to a wide range of consumers. Consumer preferences on a global, regional and/or local scale may shift due to a variety of factors, including changes in demographics, evolving social trends (including any shifts in consumer tastes towards small-batch craft alcohol, low or no alcohol beverages, or other alternative products), changes in travel, vacation or leisure activity patterns, weather conditions, public health regulations and/or health and wellness concerns, any or all of which may reduce consumers’ willingness to purchase beverage alcohol products from large producers such as Diageo or at all. Economic pressures could also cause consumers to choose products which have lower price points, including those of Diageo’s competitors, which may have an adverse effect on Diageo’s business and financial results. The competitive position of Diageo’s brands, as well as Diageo’s reputation more generally, could also be adversely affected by any failure by Diageo to provide consistent, reliable quality in its products or in its service levels to customers.

In addition, the social acceptability of Diageo’s products may decline due to negative publicity surrounding, and/or public concerns about, alcohol consumption. Such anti-alcohol publicity or sentiment could also result in regulatory action, litigation or customer complaints against companies in the beverage alcohol industry and have an adverse effect on Diageo’s business and financial results.


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Business description (continued)

Diageo’s business has historically benefited from the launch of new to world products or variants of existing brands (with recent examples including the launch of “White Walker by Johnnie Walker” and the Ketel One Botanical range), and continuing product innovation and the creation of variants to existing brands remain significant elements of Diageo’s growth plans. The launch and ongoing success of new products or brand extensions is inherently uncertain, especially with respect to such products’ initial and continuing appeal to consumers. The failure to successfully launch a new product or a variant of an existing brand, or to maintain the product’s initial popularity, can give rise to inventory write-offs and other costs, as well as negatively impact the consumer perception of and thus the growth of an existing brand. There can be no assurance of Diageo’s continuing ability to develop and launch successful new products or variants of existing products, or to ensure or extend the profitable lifespan of its existing products.
 
Diageo is subject to litigation specifically directed at the beverage alcohol industry, as well as to other litigation

Diageo and other companies operating in the beverage alcohol industry are, from time to time, exposed to class action or other private or governmental litigation and claims relating to product liability, alcohol advertising or distribution, alcohol abuse problems or other health consequences arising from the excessive consumption of or other misuse of alcohol, including underage drinking. Diageo may also be subject to litigation arising from legacy and discontinued activities, as well as other litigation in the ordinary course of its operations, including in connection with the acquisition or disposal of businesses or other assets. Diageo is further subject to the risk of litigation, enforcement or other regulatory actions by tax, customs, competition, environmental, anti-corruption and other relevant regulatory authorities, including with respect to the methodology for assessing importation value, transfer pricing or compliance matters. Diageo’s listing in the United States may also expose it to a higher risk of securities-related class action suits, particularly following any significant decline in the price of Diageo’s securities. Any such litigation or other actions may be expensive to defend and result in damages, penalties or fines as well as reputational damage to Diageo or its brands, and/or impact the ability of management to focus on other business matters, and may adversely affect Diageo’s business and financial results. For additional information with respect to legal proceedings, including certain litigation in India arising from Diageo’s acquisition of USL, see ‘Additional information for shareholders - Legal proceedings’ and note 18 to the consolidated financial statements.

Diageo is subject to tax uncertainties, including changes in tax obligations, tax laws, regulations and interpretations, as well as enforcement actions by tax authorities

Changes in the political and economic climate have resulted in an increased focus on tax collection in recent years, and tax authorities are showing an increased appetite to challenge the methodology used by multinational enterprises, even where a company complies with international best practice guidelines. Changes in tax law (including tax rates), tax treaties, accounting policies and accounting standards, including as a result of the Organisation for Economic Co-Operation and Development’s review of base erosion and profit shifting and the European Union’s anti-tax abuse measures, combined with increased investments by governments in the digitisation of tax administration, could also result in increased levels of audit activity, investigations, litigation or other actions by relevant tax authorities. For example, as discussed in note 18 to the consolidated financial statements, in April 2019 the European Commission issued a decision finding that part of the Group Financing Exemption (as introduced in legislation by the British government in 2013) available under the UK controlled foreign company rules constitutes state aid, which could lead to liability for Diageo and other similarly situated companies. Although both the UK government and Diageo have recently appealed this decision to the General Court of the European Union, the UK government is nonetheless obliged to begin collection proceedings, and as such it is currently considered likely that Diageo will have to make a payment towards its potential liability in this respect during the year ending 30 June 2020. Diageo also operates in a large number of jurisdictions with complex tax and legislative regimes and whose related laws and regulations are open to subjective interpretation. These countries include Brazil and India, where Diageo is currently involved in a large number of tax cases. Assessing the potential financial exposure arising from these cases in Brazil and India is particularly challenging due to the uncertain fiscal environment in these jurisdictions. Any such investigations, litigation or other actions may result in damages, penalties or fines as well as reputational damage to Diageo or its brands, and as a result, adversely impact Diageo’s business and financial results. For additional information with respect to legal proceedings, including the Group Financing Exemption matter and potential tax liabilities in Brazil and India, see ‘Additional information for shareholders - Legal proceedings’ and note 18 to the consolidated financial statements.

Beverage alcohol products are also subject to national excise taxes, import duties, sales or value-added taxes and other types of direct and indirect taxes in most countries around the world, most of which are specific to individual jurisdictions. Increases in any such taxes, or the imposition of new taxes, could have a material adverse impact on Diageo’s revenue from sales or its margin, either through reducing the overall level of beverage alcohol consumption and/or by encouraging consumers to switch to lower-taxed categories of beverage alcohol.

In addition to the above, other changes in tax law (including increases in tax rates), tax treaties, related accounting policies and accounting standards could also increase Diageo’s cost of doing business and lead to a rise in Diageo’s effective tax rate, thus adversely affecting Diageo’s business and financial results.


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Climate change, or legal, regulatory or market measures to address climate change or other environmental concerns, may negatively affect Diageo’s business or operations, and water scarcity or water quality issues could negatively impact Diageo’s production costs and capacity

In recent years, there has been growing concern that carbon dioxide and other greenhouse gases in the atmosphere may have an adverse effect on global temperatures, weather patterns and the frequency and severity of extreme weather-related events and disasters (including hurricanes). In the event that climate change, or legal, regulatory or market measures enacted to address such climate change or other environmental concerns, has a negative effect on agricultural productivity in the various regions from which Diageo procures its raw materials, Diageo may be subject to decreased availability or increased prices for a number of raw materials that are necessary in the production of Diageo’s products, including hops, cereals, agave, sugar, grapes and cream.

Water, which is the main ingredient in substantially all of Diageo’s products and consumed within its agricultural supply chain, is also a limited resource in many parts of the world. As demand for water continues to increase, and as water becomes scarcer and the quality of available water deteriorates, Diageo may be affected by increased production costs (including due to increases in certain water-related taxes or related regulations) or capacity constraints, which in turn could adversely affect Diageo’s business and financial results.

Diageo is also required to report greenhouse gas emissions, energy usage data and related environmental information to a variety of entities, including complying with the European Union Emissions Trading Scheme. If Diageo is unable to accurately measure and disclose such data in a timely manner, it could be subject to penalties in certain jurisdictions. In addition, increased governmental or public pressure for further reductions in greenhouse gas emissions and/or to address any other perceived environmental issues could cause Diageo to incur increased costs for energy, transportation and raw materials, as well as potentially require it to make additional investments in facilities and equipment, thus adversely impacting Diageo’s business and financial results.

Any increases in the cost of production could affect Diageo’s profitability

The components that Diageo uses for the production of its beverage alcohol products are largely commodities purchased from suppliers which are subject to price volatility caused by factors outside of Diageo’s control, including changes in global and regional supply and demand, weather and/or agricultural conditions, fluctuations in relevant exchange rates and/or governmental controls. Fluctuations in the prices of various commodities, including energy prices, may result in unexpected increases in the cost of the raw materials Diageo uses in the production of its products, including the prices of the agricultural commodities, flavourings and other ingredients necessary for Diageo to produce its various beverages, as well as glass bottles and other packaging materials, thus increasing Diageo’s production costs. Diageo may also be adversely affected by shortages of any such materials, by increases in energy costs resulting in higher transportation, freight or other related operating costs, or by inflation in any of the jurisdictions in which it produces its products. Diageo may not be able to increase its prices to offset these increased costs without suffering reduced volume of products sold and/or decreased operating profit.

Risks related to regulation

Regulatory decisions and changes in the legal, and regulatory environment could increase Diageo’s costs and liabilities or limit its business activities

Diageo’s operations are subject to extensive regulatory requirements relating to production, distribution, importation, marketing, advertising, sales, pricing, labelling, packaging, product liability, antitrust, labour, pensions, compliance and control systems, and environmental issues. Changes in any such applicable laws, regulations or governmental or regulatory policies and/or practices could cause Diageo to incur material additional costs or liabilities that could adversely affect its business. In particular, governmental bodies in jurisdictions where Diageo operates may impose new labelling, product or production requirements, limitations on the marketing, advertising and/or promotion activities used to market beverage alcohol, restrictions on retail outlets, restrictions on importation and distribution or other restrictions on the locations or occasions where beverage alcohol is sold which directly or indirectly limit the sales of Diageo products. For example, in 2014 and 2015, respectively, the states of Kerala and Bihar in India announced the imposition of a total ban on alcohol consumption, while, more recently, the Supreme Court of India issued a ruling prohibiting the sale of alcohol in certain outlets near highways. Although the restrictions imposed on the sale of alcohol in Kerala and aspects of the highway ban have since been relaxed, legal and regulatory measures such as these have impacted, and are likely to continue to impact, the sale of Diageo’s products in India and/or in other jurisdictions, which in turn could adversely affect Diageo’s business and financial results.

Regulatory authorities under whose laws Diageo operates may also have enforcement power that can subject the group to actions such as product recalls, product seizures or other sanctions which could have an adverse effect on Diageo’s sales or damage its reputation. Any changes to the regulatory environment in which Diageo operates could also cause Diageo to incur material additional costs or liabilities, which could adversely affect Diageo’s performance.

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Business description (continued)


Diageo is subject to data privacy regulations in many of the markets in which it operates, and laws and regulations in this area are developing and changing on a continual basis. For example, Diageo is subject to the General Data Protection Regulation (“GDPR”) adopted in the European Union in April 2016, which was required to be fully implemented in all member states by May 2018. Diageo incurred significant costs in connection with the implementation of the GDPR, and the introduction of, or changes in, similar data privacy laws and regulations in other jurisdictions in which Diageo operates are likely to continue to require substantial expenditure to make any necessary up front changes to security systems, policies, procedures and business practices, as well as for ongoing compliance costs. Breach of any of these laws or regulations could also lead to significant penalties (including, under the GDPR, a fine of up to 4% of global turnover) and/or damage to Diageo’s reputation, as well as impact Diageo’s ability to deliver on its digital productivity and growth plans.

Any failure by Diageo to comply with anti-corruption laws, sanctions, trade restrictions or similar laws or regulations, or any failure of Diageo’s related internal policies and procedures to comply with applicable law, may have a material adverse effect on Diageo’s business and financial results

Diageo produces and markets its products in a global scale, including in certain countries that, as a result of political and economic instability, a lack of well-developed legal systems and/or potentially corrupt business environments, have a higher level of corruption risk than other countries. There is increasing scrutiny and enforcement by regulators in many jurisdictions of anti-corruption laws, including pursuant to the US Foreign Corrupt Practices Act and the UK Bribery Act. Such enforcement has been enhanced by applicable regulations in the United States, which offer substantial financial rewards to whistle-blowers for reporting information that leads to monetary fines.
 
If Diageo or any of its associates fails to comply with anti-corruption laws (including anti-bribery laws), or with existing or new economic sanctions or trade restrictions imposed by the United States, the European Union or other national or international authorities that are applicable to Diageo or its associates, Diageo may be exposed to the costs associated with investigating potential misconduct as well as potential legal liability and/or reputational damage.

While Diageo has implemented and maintains internal practices, procedures and controls designed to ensure compliance with anti-corruption laws, sanctions, trade restrictions or similar laws and regulations, and routinely conducts investigations, either at its own initiative or in response to requests from regulators in connection with compliance with such internal controls, there is no guarantee that such procedures will be effective in preventing compliance failures at Diageo or at third parties with whom Diageo maintains business relationships.

Any investigations and lawsuits, regardless of the ultimate outcome of the proceeding, are time consuming and expensive and can divert the time and effort of Diageo’s personnel, including senior management, from its business. Adverse publicity, legal and enforcement proceedings, and enhanced government scrutiny can also have a negative impact on Diageo’s reputation. To the extent that violations of anti-corruption, sanctions and/or trade restriction laws and regulations, and/or Diageo’s internal policies and procedures, are found, or if Diageo’s internal policies and procedures are found not to comply with applicable law, possible regulatory sanctions, fines and other consequences may also be material.

Defective internal controls could adversely affect Diageo’s financial reporting and management processes, as well as the accuracy of public disclosures

Diageo has in place internal control and risk management systems in relation to its financial reporting process and its process for the preparation of consolidated financial statements. In addition, management undertakes a review of the consolidated financial statements in order to ensure that the financial position and results of the group are appropriately reflected therein. Diageo is required by the laws of various jurisdictions to publicly disclose its financial results, as well as developments that could materially affect its financial results. Regulators routinely review the financial statements of listed companies such as Diageo for compliance with existing, new or revised accounting and regulatory requirements. Should Diageo be subject to an investigation into potential non-compliance with accounting and disclosure requirements or be found to have breached any such requirements, this may lead to restatements of previously reported results and/or significant penalties. In addition, the reliability of financial reporting is important in ensuring that the business’ management and its results are based on reliable data. Flaws in internal control systems could adversely affect Diageo’s business and financial results, including Diageo’s ability to execute its strategy.

Accurate disclosures also provide investors and other market professionals with information to understand Diageo’s business. Defective internal controls could result in inaccuracies or lack of clarity in public disclosures that could create market uncertainty regarding the reliability of the data presented. As a result, defective internal controls could adversely affect Diageo’s business and financial results and/or the price of Diageo’s securities.


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Risks related to Diageo’s business

The value of Diageo’s brands and its net sales may be negatively affected by its failure to maintain its brand image and corporate reputation or adapt to a changing media environment

The value of Diageo’s brands and its profitability depends heavily on its ability to maintain its brand image and corporate reputation. Adverse publicity, whether or not justified, may tarnish Diageo’s reputation and cause consumers to choose products offered by its competitors. Such adverse publicity could arise as a result of a perceived failure by Diageo to make adequate positive social contributions, including in relation to the level of taxes paid by Diageo, or by any failure of internal controls or compliance breaches leading to violations of Diageo’s Code of Business Conduct, its other key policies or the laws or regulations of the jurisdictions in which it operates.

In addition, Diageo’s ability to maintain, extend, and expand its brand image depends on its ability to adapt to a rapidly changing media environment. Diageo maintains an online presence as part of its business operations, and increasingly relies on social media and online dissemination of advertising campaigns. Diageo’s reputation may suffer if it is perceived to fail to appropriately restrict access to its online content or if it breaches any marketing regulation, code or policy. In addition, the growing use of social and digital media increases the speed and extent that information or misinformation and opinions can be shared. Negative posts or comments about Diageo, its brands or its products on social or digital media, whether or not valid, could seriously damage Diageo’s brands and reputation.

Any failure to maintain, extend, and expand Diageo’s brand image or adapt to a changing media environment may have a material adverse effect on Diageo’s business and financial results.

Contamination, counterfeiting or other events could harm the integrity of customer support for Diageo’s brands and adversely affect the sales of those brands

The success of Diageo’s brands depends upon the positive image that consumers have of those brands, and contamination, whether arising accidentally, or through deliberate third party action, or other events that harm the integrity of or consumer support for those brands, could adversely affect their sales. Diageo purchases most of the raw materials for the production and packaging of its products from third party producers or on the open market. Diageo may be subject to liability if contaminants in those raw materials or defects in the distillation, fermentation or bottling process lead to reduced beverage quality or illness among, or injury to, Diageo’s consumers, or if the products do not otherwise comply with applicable food safety regulations. Diageo may also recall products in the event of contamination or damage. A significant product liability judgment or a widespread product recall may negatively impact sales and profitability of the affected brand or all of Diageo’s brands for a period of time depending on product availability, competitive reaction and consumer attitudes. Even if a product liability claim is unsuccessful or is not fully pursued, any resulting negative publicity could adversely affect Diageo’s reputation with existing and potential customers as well as its corporate and individual brand image.
 
Additionally, third parties may sell products which are either counterfeit versions of Diageo brands or inferior brands that look like Diageo brands, and consumers of Diageo brands could confuse Diageo products with such counterfeit products. A negative consumer experience with such a product could cause them to refrain from purchasing Diageo brands in the future and impair Diageo’s brand equity, thus adversely affecting Diageo’s business.

Diageo faces competition that may reduce its market share and margins

Diageo faces substantial competition from several international companies as well as regional and local companies (including craft breweries) in the countries in which it operates, and competes with drinks companies across a wide range of consumer drinking occasions. Within a number of categories, the beverage alcohol industry has been experiencing continuing consolidation among major global producers, as evidenced by business combinations of substantial value carried out by significant competitors in recent years. Consolidation is also taking place among Diageo’s customers in many countries. These trends may lead to stronger competitors, increased competitive pressure from customers, negative impacts on Diageo’s distribution network (including suboptimal routes to customers and consumers), downward pressure on prices, predatory marketing tactics by Diageo’s competitors and/or a decline in Diageo’s market share in any of these categories. Adverse developments in economic conditions or declines in demand or consumer spending may also result in intensified competition for market share, with potentially adverse effects on sales volumes and prices. Any of these factors may adversely affect Diageo’s results and potential for growth.


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Diageo may be adversely affected by disruption to production facilities, business service centres or information systems, including via cyber-attacks

Diageo operates production facilities around the world. If there was a technical failure, or a fire, explosion, flood or other significant event, at one or more of Diageo’s production facilities, this could result in significant damage to the facilities, plant or equipment, their surroundings and/or the local environment and/or injury or loss of life. Such an event could also lead to a loss of production capacity, result in regulatory action or legal liability, or damage Diageo’s reputation.

Diageo has a substantial inventory of aged product categories, including scotch whisky, which may mature over periods of up to 30 years or more. A substantial portion of this maturing inventory is stored in Scotland, and the loss through contamination, fire or other natural disaster of all or a portion of the stock of any one of those aged product categories could result in a significant reduction in supply of those products, and consequently, Diageo would not be able to meet consumer demand for those products as such demand arises. There can be no assurance that insurance proceeds would cover the replacement value of Diageo’s maturing inventory or other assets in the event that such assets were lost due to contamination, fire or natural disasters, destruction resulting from negligence or the acts of third parties, or failure of information systems or data infrastructure.

Diageo also relies on information technology systems to process, store and transmit large amounts of data. As with all large systems, Diageo’s information systems could also be subject to cyber-attacks (including phishing and ransomware attacks) by parties intent on disrupting production or other business processes or otherwise extracting or corrupting information. Such unauthorised access could disrupt Diageo’s business, including its beverage alcohol production capabilities, and/or lead to loss of assets or to outside parties having access to confidential information, including privileged data or strategic information of Diageo and its employees, customers and consumers. Such information could also be made public in a manner that harms Diageo’s reputation. The concentration of processes in business service centres also means that any sustained disruption to the facility or issue impacting the reliability of the information systems used could impact a large portion of Diageo’s business operations and, in some circumstances, could result in property damage, breaches of regulations, litigation, legal liabilities and reparation costs, thereby having a material adverse effect on Diageo’s business and financial results.

Diageo’s business may be adversely affected by increased costs for, or shortages of, talent, or by labour strikes or disputes

Diageo’s business could be adversely affected by labour or skill shortages or increased labour costs due to increased competition for employees, higher employee turnover or increased employee benefit costs. There is no guarantee that Diageo will continue to be able to recruit, retain and develop personnel possessing the skill sets that it requires to deliver its strategy, for example in relation to sales, marketing and innovation capability within markets, or in its senior management. The loss of senior management or other key personnel or the inability to identify, attract and retain qualified personnel in the future could make it difficult to manage Diageo’s operations and adversely affect Diageo’s business and financial results. In addition, labour strikes, work stoppages or slowdowns within Diageo’s operations or those of Diageo’s suppliers could adversely impact Diageo.

Diageo may not be able to derive the expected benefits from its business strategies, including in relation to expansion in emerging markets, acquisitions, productivity initiatives or inventory forecasting

There can be no assurance that Diageo’s business strategies will result in opportunities for growth and improved margins. Part of Diageo’s growth strategy includes expanding its business in certain emerging market countries (including in Africa) where consumer spending in general, and spending on Diageo’s products in particular, has historically not been significant, but where Diageo believes there are strong prospects for growth. There is no guarantee that this strategy will be successful, and some of these markets may represent a higher risk in terms of their changing regulatory environments and higher degrees of uncertainty over levels of consumer spending.

It is also possible that Diageo’s business strategies could give rise to further business combinations, acquisitions, disposals, joint ventures and/or partnerships (including any associated financing or the assumption of actual or potential liabilities, depending on the transaction contemplated). However, there can be no assurance that any such transaction would be completed and/or that it would deliver the anticipated benefits, cost savings or synergies. The success of any transaction also depends in part on Diageo’s ability to successfully integrate new businesses with its existing operations. Acquisitions may also expose Diageo to liabilities it may not be aware of at the time of the acquisition, for example if acquired companies and business do not act, or have not acted, in compliance with applicable laws and regulations. The ongoing issues in USL detailed in note 18 to the consolidated financial statements provide an example of integration and legal challenges.

Similarly, there can be no assurance that the global productivity programmes implemented by Diageo in order to drive efficiencies and cost savings, or other programmes designed to improve the effectiveness and efficiency of end-to-end operations, will deliver the expected benefits. Such programmes may also result in significant costs to Diageo or may have other adverse impacts on the business and operations of the group.

44

Business description (continued)


Certain of Diageo’s aged product categories may mature over periods of up to 30 years, and forecasts of demand for such products in future periods are subject to significant uncertainty. There is an inherent risk of forecasting error in determining the quantity of maturing stock to lay down in a given year for future consumption as a result of changes in business strategy, market demand and preferences, introductions of competing products and other changes in market conditions. Any forecasting error could lead to Diageo being unable to meet the objectives of its business strategy, future demand or lead to a future surplus of inventory and consequent write- down in value of maturing stocks. If Diageo is unable to accurately forecast demand for its products or efficiently manage its inventory, this may have a material adverse effect on Diageo’s business and financial results.

Diageo’s operations and financial results may be adversely affected by fluctuations in exchange rates and fluctuations in interest rates

Diageo is engaged in an international business that operates in, and makes sales into, countries with different currencies, while its financial results are presented in sterling. As a result, Diageo is subject to foreign currency risk due to exchange rate movements, which affects the sterling value of its transactions, as well as the translation to sterling of the results and underlying net assets of its operations. In particular, approximately 33% of Diageo’s net sales in the year ended 30 June 2019 were in US dollars, approximately 11% were in euros and approximately 14% were in sterling. Movements in exchange rates used to translate foreign currencies into sterling may have a significant impact on Diageo’s reported results of operations from year to year. Exchange rate fluctuations may also expose Diageo to increased interest expense on borrowings denominated in currencies which appreciate against the sterling. As a result, Diageo’s business and financial results may be adversely affected by fluctuations in exchange rates. In addition, Diageo may be adversely impacted by fluctuations in interest rates, mainly through increased interest expense.

Diageo’s operations and financial results may be adversely affected by movements in the value of assets and liabilities related to its pension plans

Diageo operates a number of pension plans throughout the world, which vary in accordance with local conditions and practices. The majority of these pension plans are defined benefit plans and are funded by payments to separately administered trusts or insurance companies. The ability of these pension plans to meet their pension obligations may be affected by, among other things, the performance of assets owned by these pension plans, the liabilities in connection with the pension plans, the underlying actuarial assumptions used to calculate the surplus or deficit in the plans, in particular the discount rate and long term inflation rates used to calculate the liabilities of the pension funds, and any changes in applicable laws and regulations. For example, the net position of Diageo’s post-employment plans improved by £554 million from a deficit of £491 million at 30 June 2017 to a surplus of £63 million at 30 June 2018, and then improved by another £129 million in the next fiscal year to a surplus of £192 million at 30 June 2019, primarily as a result of an increase in the market value of assets held by the plans. However, if there are significant declines in financial markets and/or deterioration in the value of fund assets or changes in discount rates or inflation rates, Diageo may need to make substantial contributions to these pension funds in the future.

Furthermore, if the market values of the assets held by Diageo’s pension funds decline, the valuations of assets by the pension trustees decline or the valuation of liabilities in connection with pension plans increase, pension expenses may increase which, as a result, could materially adversely affect Diageo’s financial position. There is no assurance that interest rates or inflation rates will remain constant, that pension fund assets can earn the assumed rate of return annually or that the value of liabilities will not fluctuate significantly. Diageo’s actual experience may also be significantly more negative than the assumptions used.

Diageo’s operations may be adversely affected by failure to maintain or renegotiate distribution, supply, manufacturing or licence agreements on favourable terms

Diageo’s business has a number of distribution, supply, manufacturing or licence agreements for brands owned by it or by other companies. These agreements vary depending on the particular brand, but tend to be for a fixed number of years. There can be no assurance that Diageo will be able to renegotiate its rights on favourable terms when these agreements expire or that they will not be terminated. Failure to renew these agreements on favourable terms, or any disputes with distributors of Diageo’s products or suppliers of raw materials, could have an adverse impact on Diageo’s business and financial results.


45

Business description (continued)

Diageo may not be able to protect its intellectual property rights

Given the importance of brand recognition to its business, Diageo has invested considerable effort in protecting its intellectual property rights, including trademark registration and domain names. Diageo’s patents cover some of its process technology, including some aspects of its bottle marking technology. Diageo also uses security measures and agreements to protect its confidential information and trade secrets. However, Diageo cannot be certain that the steps it has taken will be sufficient or that third parties will not infringe on or misappropriate its intellectual property rights in its brands or products. Moreover, some of the countries in which Diageo operates offer less intellectual property protection than Europe or North America. Given the attractiveness of Diageo’s brands to consumers, it is not uncommon for counterfeit products to be manufactured and traded in certain jurisdictions. Diageo cannot be certain that the steps it takes to assist the authorities to prevent, detect and eliminate counterfeit products will be effective in preventing material loss of profits or erosion of brand equity resulting from lower quality or even dangerous counterfeit product reaching the market. If Diageo is unable to protect its intellectual property rights against infringement or misappropriation, this could materially harm its future financial results and ability to develop its business.
 
Risks related to Diageo’s securities

It may be difficult to effect service of US process and enforce US legal process against Diageo and its directors

Diageo is a public limited company incorporated under the laws of England and Wales. The majority of Diageo’s directors and officers, and some of the experts named in this document, reside outside of the United States, principally in the United Kingdom. A substantial portion of Diageo’s assets, and all or a substantial portion of the assets of such persons, are located outside of the United States. Therefore, it may not be possible to effect service of process within the United States upon Diageo or these persons in order to enforce judgments of US courts against Diageo or these persons based on the civil liability provisions of US federal securities laws. There is also doubt as to the enforceability in England and Wales, in original actions or in actions for enforcement of judgments of US courts, of civil liabilities solely based on the US federal securities laws. In addition, punitive damages in actions brought in the United States or elsewhere may be unenforceable in England and Wales.

46

Business description (continued)

Cautionary statement concerning forward-looking statements

This document contains ‘forward-looking’ statements. These statements can be identified by the fact that they do not relate only to historical or current facts. In particular, forward-looking statements include all statements that express forecasts, expectations, plans, outlook, objectives and projections with respect to future matters, including trends in results of operations, margins, growth rates, overall market trends, the impact of changes in interest or exchange rates, the availability or cost of financing to Diageo, anticipated cost savings or synergies, expected investments, the completion of any strategic transactions or restructuring programmes, anticipated tax rates, changes in the international tax environment, expected cash payments, outcomes of litigation, anticipated changes in the value of assets and liabilities related to pension schemes and general economic conditions. By their nature, forward-looking statements involve risk and uncertainty because they relate to events and depend on circumstances that will occur in the future. There are a number of factors that could cause actual results and developments to differ materially from those expressed or implied by these forward-looking statements, including factors that are outside Diageo's control.

Factors that could cause actual results and developments to differ materially from those expressed or implied by forward-looking statements include, but are not limited to:

economic, political, social or other developments in countries and markets in which Diageo operates, which may contribute to a reduction in demand for Diageo’s products, adverse impacts on Diageo’s customer, supplier and/or financial counterparties, or the imposition of import, investment or currency restrictions (including the potential impact of any global, regional or local trade wars or any tariffs, duties or other restrictions or barriers imposed on the import or export of goods between territories, including but not limited to, imports into and exports from the United States, Canada, Mexico, the United Kingdom and/or the European Union);

the negotiating process surrounding, as well as the final terms of, the United Kingdom’s exit from the European Union, which could lead to a sustained period of economic and political uncertainty and complexity whilst detailed withdrawal terms and any successor trading arrangements with other countries are negotiated, finalised and implemented, potentially adversely impacting economic conditions in the United Kingdom and Europe more generally as well as Diageo's business operations and financial performance ;

changes in consumer preferences and tastes, including as a result of changes in demographics, evolving social trends (including any shifts in consumer tastes towards small-batch craft alcohol, low or no alcohol, or other alternative products), changes in travel, vacation or leisure activity patterns, weather conditions, health concerns and/or a downturn in economic conditions;

any litigation or other similar proceedings (including with tax, customs, competition, environmental, anti-corruption or other regulatory authorities), including litigation directed at the beverage alcohol industry generally or at Diageo in particular;

changes in the domestic and international tax environment, including as a result of the OECD Base Erosion and Profit Shifting Initiative and EU anti-tax abuse measures, leading to uncertainty around the application of existing and new tax laws and unexpected tax exposures;

the effects of climate change, or legal, regulatory or market measures intended to address climate change, on Diageo’s business or operations, including on the cost and supply of water;

changes in the cost of production, including as a result of increases in the cost of commodities, labour and/or energy or as a result of inflation;

legal and regulatory developments, including changes in regulations relating to production, distribution, importation, marketing, advertising, sales, pricing, labelling, packaging, product liability, antitrust, labour, compliance and control systems, environmental issues and/or data privacy;

the consequences of any failure by Diageo or its associates to comply with anti-corruption, sanctions, trade restrictions or similar laws and regulations, or any failure of Diageo’s related internal policies and procedures to comply with applicable law or regulation;

the consequences of any failure of internal controls, including those affecting compliance with existing or new accounting and/or disclosure requirements;

Diageo’s ability to maintain its brand image and corporate reputation or to adapt to a changing media environment;

47

Business description (continued)


contamination, counterfeiting or other circumstances which could harm the level of customer support for Diageo’s brands and adversely impact its sales;

increased competitive product and pricing pressures, including as a result of actions by increasingly consolidated competitors or increased competition from regional and local companies, that could negatively impact Diageo’s market share, distribution network, costs and/or pricing;

any disruption to production facilities, business service centres or information systems, including as a result of cyber attacks;

increased costs for, or shortages of, talent, as well as labour strikes or disputes;

Diageo’s ability to derive the expected benefits from its business strategies, including in relation to expansion in emerging markets, acquisitions and/or disposals, cost savings and productivity initiatives or inventory forecasting;

fluctuations in exchange rates and/or interest rates, which may impact the value of transactions and assets denominated in other currencies, increase Diageo’s cost of financing or otherwise adversely affect Diageo’s financial results;

movements in the value of the assets and liabilities related to Diageo’s pension plans;

Diageo’s ability to renew supply, distribution, manufacturing or licence agreements (or related rights) and licences on favourable terms, or at all, when they expire; or

any failure by Diageo to protect its intellectual property rights.

All oral and written forward-looking statements made on or after the date of this document and attributable to Diageo are expressly qualified in their entirety by the above factors and by the principal risks set out in the ‘Risk factors’ section above. Any forward-looking statements made by or on behalf of Diageo speak only as of the date they are made. Diageo does not undertake to update forward-looking statements to reflect any changes in Diageo’s expectations with regard thereto or any changes in events, conditions or circumstances on which any such statement is based. The reader should, however, consult any additional disclosures that Diageo may make in any documents which it publishes and/or files with the US Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). All readers, wherever located, should take note of these disclosures.

This document includes names of Diageo's products, which constitute trademarks or trade names which Diageo owns, or which others own and license to Diageo for use. All rights reserved. © Diageo plc 2019.

The information in this document does not constitute an offer to sell or an invitation to buy shares in Diageo plc or an invitation or inducement to engage in any other investment activities.

This document may include information about Diageo’s target debt rating. A security rating is not a recommendation to buy, sell or hold securities and may be subject to revision or withdrawal at any time by the assigning rating organisation. Each rating should be evaluated independently of any other rating.

Past performance cannot be relied upon as a guide to future performance.



48

Business review

Operating results 2019 compared with 2018

Group financial review

Reported net sales were up 5.8% as organic growth was partially offset by acquisitions and disposals
Reported operating profit was up 9.5% driven by organic growth, lower exceptional operating charges and favourable exchange, partially offset by acquisitions and disposals
Organic results improved with volume growth of 2.3%
Organic net sales growth of 6.1%
Organic operating profit grew 9%
Free cash flow continued to be strong at £2.6bn
Net cash from operating activities was £3.2bn
Basic eps of 130.7 pence was up 7.4%
Eps before exceptional items increased 10% to 130.8 pence

CHART-08BAA469E126FD846E6.JPG CHART-A4C1BCA1A0C07A8A9E2.JPG CHART-7C6706C65FA1E6FFABC.JPG CHART-50ACF358C01F426FE24.JPG
l
North America
l
Europe and Turkey
l
Africa
l
Latin America and Caribbean
l
Asia Pacific

(i)
Excluding corporate net sales of £53 million ( 2018 - £52 million ).
(ii)
Excluding net corporate cost of £210 million ( 2018 - £158 million ).
(iii)
Excluding exceptional operating charges of £74 million ( 2018 - £128 million ) and net corporate operating costs of £189 million ( 2018 - £158 million ).

49

Business review (continued)

Summary financial information
 
2019

 
2018

Volume
EUm
245.9

 
240.4

Net sales
£ million
12,867

 
12,163

Marketing
£ million
2,042

 
1,882

Operating profit before exceptional items
£ million
4,116

 
3,819

Exceptional operating items (i)
£ million
(74
)
 
(128
)
Operating profit
£ million
4,042

 
3,691

Share of associate and joint venture profit after tax
£ million
312

 
309

Non-operating exceptional gain (i)
£ million
144

 

Net finance charges
£ million
(263
)
 
(260
)
Exceptional taxation (charge)/credit (i)
£ million
(39
)
 
203

Tax rate including exceptional items
%
21.2

 
15.9

Tax rate before exceptional items
%
20.6

 
20.7

Profit attributable to parent company’s shareholders
£ million
3,160

 
3,022

Basic earnings per share
pence
130.7

 
121.7

Earnings per share before exceptional items
pence
130.8

 
118.6

Recommended full year dividend
pence
68.57

 
65.3

(i)     For further details of exceptional items see pages 196 to 198.

Reported growth by region
 
Volume
%

 
Sales
%

 
Net sales
%

 
Marketing
%

 
Operating profit
%

 
Operating
profit before
exceptional items
%

North America
 
2

 
9

 
8

 
15

 
4

 
4

Europe and Turkey
 
(2
)
 
(2
)
 

 
3

 
(3
)
 
(1
)
Africa
 
1

 
7

 
7

 
10

 
337

 
44

Latin America and Caribbean
 
1

 
7

 
6

 
3

 
19

 
19

Asia Pacific
 
5

 
6

 
7

 
6

 
18

 
24

Diageo - reported growth by region (ii)
 
2

 
5

 
6

 
9

 
10

 
8

Organic growth by region
 
Volume
%

 
Sales
%

 
Net sales
%

 
Marketing
%

 
 
 
Operating profit (i)
%

North America
 
2

 
5

 
5

 
11

 
 
 
3

Europe and Turkey
 
(2
)
 
4

 
4

 
6

 
 
 
2

Africa
 
1

 
7

 
7

 
3

 
 
 
50

Latin America and Caribbean
 
1

 
10

 
9

 
6

 
 
 
19

Asia Pacific
 
5

 
9

 
9

 
7

 
 
 
26

Diageo - organic growth by region (ii)
 
2

 
6

 
6

 
8

 
 
 
9


(i)
Before exceptional operating items.
(ii)
Includes Corporate. In the year ended 30 June 2019 corporate net sales were £53 million (2018 - £52 million). Net corporate operating costs were £189 million (2018 - £158 million).


50

Business review (continued)

Key performance indicators

Net sales (£ million)

Reported net sales grew 5.8 %
Organic net sales grew 6.1 %
CHART-3A0EAE6A5778086F029.JPG
(i)    Exchange rate movements reflect the translation of prior year reported results at current year exchange rates.
(ii)    Organic movement

Reported net sales grew 5.8% , driven by organic growth and favourable exchange which was partially offset by acquisitions and disposals.

Organic volume growth of 2.3% and 3.8% positive price/mix delivered 6.1% organic net sales growth. All regions reported organic net sales growth.

Operating profit (£ million) 

Reported operating profit grew 9.5 %
Organic operating profit grew 9.0 %
CHART-7F4FC00CEC14FD6C1E6.JPG
Reported operating profit was up 9.5 % driven by organic growth, lower exceptional operating charges, and favourable exchange, partially offset by acquisitions and disposals.

Organic operating profit grew ahead of net sales at 9.0 %.

Acquisitions and disposals

The impact of acquisitions and disposals on the reported figures was primarily attributable to the disposal of a portfolio of 19 brands to Sazerac which was completed on 20 December 2018 and to the prior year acquisition of the Casamigos brand.


51

Business review (continued)

Operating margin (%)

Reported operating margin increased 107bps
Organic operating margin increased 83 bps
CHART-7DA0F2F5C6C677975F5.JPG
(i)    Organic movement

Reported operating margin increased 107bps driven by organic operating margin improvement, lower exceptional operating charges and favourable exchange partially offset by the impact from acquisitions and disposals.

Organic operating margin improved 83 bps driven by improved price/mix and productivity benefits from everyday cost efficiencies, partially offset by cost inflation and higher marketing investment.

Basic earnings per share (pence)

Basic eps increased 7.4% from 121.7 pence to 130.7 pence
Eps before exceptional items increased 10.3% from 118.6 pence to 130.8 pe nce
CHART-A6E200DFFF153E30809.JPG
(i)
Excluding exchange .
(ii)
Net finance charges in relation to share buyback and acquisitions and disposals are reflected in the respective categories.

Eps before exceptional items increased 12.2 pence as organic operating profit growth and lower finance charges more than offset the higher tax charge and impact from acquisitions and disposals.

Basic eps increased 9.0 pence impacted by an increase in net exceptional charges.

52

Business review (continued)

Net cash from operating activities and free cash flow (£ million)

Net cash from operating activities (i) was £3,248 million .
CHART-0C542AC67EAE5BCE8D7.JPG
Free cash flow was £2,608 million .
CHART-F68C547D2D9854E8ADC.JPG
( i)
Net cash from operating activities excludes net capex and movements in loans and other investments ( 2019 - £(640) million; 2018 - £(561) million ).
(ii)
Exchange on operating profit before exceptional items.
(iii)
Operating profit excluding exchange, depreciation and amortisation, post employment charges and non-cash items but including exceptional operating items.
(iv)
Working capital movement includes maturing inventory.
( v)
Other items include post employment payments, dividends received from associates and joint ventures, and movements in loans and other investments.

Net cash from operating activities was £3.2 billion , an increase of £164 million compared to last year. This was driven by operating profit growth and favourable exchange movement, partially offset by reduced working capital gains and higher tax payments.

Free cash flow continued to be strong at £2.6 billion , an increase of £85 million . This was largely driven by operating profit growth and favourable exchange movement which more than offset the reduced working capital gains and increased investment in maturing stock, increased capex and higher tax payments.



53

Business review (continued)

Return on invested capital (ROIC)%

Return on closing invested capital (%)
The return on closing invested capital of 32.9% for the year ended 30 June 2019 , calculated as profit for the year divided by net assets as of 30 June 2019 , increased by 610bps principally driven by a decrease in net assets.

Return on average total invested capital (%) (i) improved 80bps .
CHART-CC75FCB5480DEBC0472.JPG
(i)
ROIC calculation excludes exceptional items.

ROIC increased 80bps largely driven by organic operating profit growth which was partially offset by the impact of acquisitions and disposals, higher tax charges and other movements, primarily net capex and maturing stock.


54

Business review (continued)

Income statement
 
 
 
2018
£ million

 
Exchange
(a)
£ million

 
Acquisitions
and  disposals
(b)
£ million

 
Organic
movement (i)
£ million

 
Reclassifi-
cation (ii)
£ million

 
2019
£ million

Sales
 
18,432

 
(234
)
 
(61
)
 
1,157

 

 
19,294

Excise duties
 
(6,269
)
 
258

 
4

 
(420
)
 

 
(6,427
)
Net sales
 
12,163

 
24

 
(57
)
 
737

 

 
12,867

Cost of sales
 
(4,634
)
 
(9
)
 
9

 
(232
)
 

 
(4,866
)
Gross profit
 
7,529

 
15

 
(48
)
 
505

 

 
8,001

Marketing
 
(1,882
)
 
(5
)
 
(1
)
 
(144
)
 
(10
)
 
(2,042
)
Other operating expenses
 
(1,828
)
 
15

 
(15
)
 
(25
)
 
10

 
(1,843
)
Operating profit before exceptional items
 
3,819

 
25

 
(64
)
 
336

 

 
4,116

Exceptional operating items (c)
 
(128
)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
(74
)
Operating profit
 
3,691

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
4,042

Non-operating items (c)
 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
144

Net finance charges
 
(260
)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
(263
)
Share of after tax results of associates and joint ventures
 
309

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
312

Profit before taxation
 
3,740

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
4,235

Taxation (d)
 
(596
)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
(898
)
Profit for the year
 
3,144

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
3,337


(i)
For the definition of organic movement see page 110.
(ii)
For the year ended 30 June 2018 marketing costs of £10 million in South Africa have been reclassified from overheads to marketing.

(a) Exchange

The impact of movements in exchange rates on reported figures for net sales and operating profit is principally in respect of the weakening of sterling against the US dollar, the euro and the Kenyan shilling, partially offset by strengthening of sterling against the Turkish lira, the Indian rupee and the Australian dollar.

The effect of movements in exchange rates and other movements on profit before exceptional items and taxation for the year ended 30 June 2019 is set out in the table below.

 
 
Gains/
(losses)
£ million

Translation impact
 
15

Transaction impact
 
10

Operating profit before exceptional items
 
25

Net finance charges
 
(9
)
Associates – translation impact
 

Profit before exceptional items and taxation
 
16


 
 
Year ended
30 June 2019

 
Year ended
30 June 2018

Exchange rates
 
 
 
 
Translation £1 =
 

$1.29

 

$1.35

Transaction £1 =
 

$1.33

 

$1.36

Translation £1 =
 

€1.13

 

€1.13

Transaction £1 =
 

€1.13

 

€1.16


55

Business review (continued)

(b) Acquisitions and disposals

The acquisitions and disposals movement was mainly attributable to the disposal of a portfolio of 19 brands (see the list of brands disposed of on page 117) to Sazerac completed on 20 December 2018 and to the prior year acquisition of the Casamigos brand.

See note 9 for further details.

(c) Exceptional items

Exceptional operating charges in the year ended 30 June 2019 were £74 million before tax ( 2018 - £128 million ).

On 26 October 2018 , the High Court of Justice of England and Wales issued a judgment in a claim between Lloyds Banking Group Pension Trustees Limited (the claimant) and Lloyds Bank plc (defendant) that UK pension schemes should equalise pension benefits for men and women for the calculation of their guaranteed minimum pension liability. The judgment concluded that the claimant has a duty to amend their pension schemes to equalise benefits and provided comments on the method to be adopted to equalise the benefits. This court ruling impacts the majority of companies with a UK defined benefit pension plan that was in existence prior to 1997. For the Diageo Pension Scheme (DPS) an estimate was made of the impact of equalisation which increased the liabilities of the DPS by £21 million with a corresponding charge to exceptional operating items. Additional work will be carried out to finalise the charge in the year ending 30 June 2020.

Following recent assessments of competitors' indirect tax in respect of certain channel accounts and a recent regulatory change in Korea, Diageo has made a provision, in the year ended 30 June 2019, of £35 million in respect of prior years.

In July 2019 Diageo reached agreement with the French tax authorities resulting in penalty charges of £18 million (see Taxation below).

In the year ended 30 June 2018, there was an impairment charge of £128 million in respect of the Meta brand, Ethiopian tangible fixed assets, associated spare parts reported in inventory and goodwill allocated to the Africa Regional Markets cash-generating unit.

Non-operating exceptional items in the year ended 30 June 2019 were £144 million income before tax ( 2018 - £nil ).

Diageo completed the sale of a portfolio of 19 brands to Sazerac on 20 December 2018 for an aggregate consideration of $550 million ( £435 million ) resulting in a profit before taxation of $198 million ( £155 million ).

The disposal of United National Breweries (UNB), Diageo's wholly owned sorghum business in South Africa, was agreed in December 2018 and is subject to regulatory approvals. The prospective sale has resulted in an exceptional loss of approximately ZAR 156 million ( £9 million ).

The disposal of the Indian wine business resulted in a loss of £2 million .

See page 111 for the definition of exceptional items.


(d) Taxation

The reported tax rate for the year ended 30 June 2019 was 21.2% compared with 15.9% for the year ended 30 June 2018 . Included in the tax charge of £898 million for the year ended 30 June 2019 is a net exceptional tax charge of £39 million.

As disclosed in the interim announcement for the six month ended 31 December 2018, Diageo has been in discussions with the French tax authorities over the deductibility of certain interest costs, and assessments had been issued denying tax relief for interest costs incurred in the periods ended 30 June 2011 to 30 June 2017 with a maximum potential liability of €241 million (£213 million). In July 2019 Diageo reached a resolution on the treatment of interest costs for all open periods which resulted in a total exceptional charge of €100 million (£88 million), comprising a tax charge of €69 million (£61 million), penalties of €21 million (£18 million) and interest of €10 million (£9 million). This brings to a close all open issues with the French tax authorities for periods up to and including 30 June 2017.

During the year ended 30 June 2019 the Dutch Senate agreed to a phased reduction in the Dutch corporate tax rate which is effective from 1 January 2020. An exceptional tax credit of £51 million principally arose from remeasuring the deferred tax liabilities in respect of the Ketel One vodka distribution rights from 25% to 20.5%.


56

Business review (continued)

In addition, in the year ended 30 June 2019 there was a £33 million exceptional charge in respect of the disposal of a portfolio of 19 brands to Sazerac and an exceptional tax credit of £4 million in respect of the equalisation of liabilities for males and females in the Diageo Pension Scheme.

For the year ended 30 June 2018 there was an exceptional tax credit of £203 million comprising the favourable impact of applying the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act, enacted on 22 December 2017, in the United States of £354 million, which was partially offset by the additional exceptional tax charge in respect of the transfer pricing agreement in the United Kingdom of £143 million and other net exceptional charges of £8 million.

The tax rate before exceptional items for the year ended 30 June 2019 was 20.6% compared with 20.7% in the prior year .

The year ended 30 June 2019 benefitted from one-off items which are not expected to repeat. This combined with our changing business mix is expected to result in a tax rate before exceptional items for the year ending 30 June 2020 to be in the range of 21% to 22%.

(e) Dividend

The group aims to increase the dividend each year and the decision in respect of the dividend is made with reference to dividend cover as well as current performance trends including sales and profit after tax together with cash generation. Diageo targets dividend cover (the ratio of basic earnings per share before exceptional items to dividend per share) within the range of 1.8-2.2 times. For the year ended 30 June 2019 dividend cover is 1.9 times . The recommended final dividend for the year ended 30 June 2019 is 42.47 pence , an increase of 5% consistent with the interim dividend increase. This brings the full year dividend to 68.57 pence per share . It is expected that a mid-single digit increase in the dividend will be maintained until the cover is operating comfortably in the policy range.

Subject to approval by shareholders, the final dividend will be paid to holders of ordinary shares and US ADRs on the register as of 9 August 2019 . The ex-dividend date both for the holders of the ordinary shares and for US ADR holders is 8 August 2019 . The final dividend will be paid to shareholders on 3 October 2019 . Payment to US ADR holders will be made on 8 October 2019. A dividend reinvestment plan is available to holders of ordinary shares in respect of the final dividend and the plan notice date is 12 September 2019 .

(f) Share buyback

On 26 July 2018, a share buyback programme was approved to return up to £2.0 billion to shareholders during the year ending 30 June 2019. On 20 December 2018 Diageo completed the sale of a portfolio of 19 brands to Sazerac. The net proceeds of approximately £340 million, after corporate tax and transaction costs, were returned to shareholders through an increase to the share buyback programme. On 30 January 2019 the Board approved an incremental share buyback programme of £660 million, bringing the total programme up to £3.0 billion for the year ending 30 June 2019.

In the year ended 30 June 2019 , 94.7 million shares were repurchased for an aggregate consideration of £2.8 billion . After the year end a further 0.3 million shares were purchased for an aggregate consideration of £26 million , including settlement payments for the full tranche, which were recognised as a financial liability at 30 June 2019 . The shares purchased under the share buyback programmes were cancelled.

On 25 July 2019 , the Board approved plans for a further return of capital up to £4.5 billion to shareholders for the three year period to 30 June 2022 .



57

Business review (continued)

Movement in net borrowings and equity
 
Movement in net borrowings
 
2019
£ million

 
2018
£ million

Net borrowings at the beginning of the year
 
(9,091
)
 
(7,892
)
Free cash flow (a)
 
2,608

 
2,523

Acquisitions (b)
 
(56
)
 
(594
)
Sale of businesses and brands (c)
 
426

 
4

Share buyback programme
 
(2,775
)
 
(1,507
)
Proceeds from issue of share capital
 
1

 
1

Net sale of own shares for share schemes (d)
 
50

 
8

Dividends paid to non-controlling interests
 
(112
)
 
(80
)
Rights issue proceeds from non-controlling interests of subsidiary company
 

 
26

Net movements in bonds (e)
 
1,598

 
1,041

Purchase of shares of non-controlling interests (f)
 
(784
)
 

Net movements in other borrowings (g)
 
721

 
(26
)
Equity dividends paid
 
(1,623
)
 
(1,581
)
Net increase/(decrease) in cash and cash equivalents
 
54

 
(185
)
Net increase in bonds and other borrowings
 
(2,331
)
 
(1,015
)
Exchange differences (h)
 
(22
)
 
80

Other non-cash items
 
113

 
(79
)
Net borrowings at the end of the year
 
(11,277
)
 
(9,091
)

(a) See page 114 for the analysis of free cash flow.
 
(b) In the year ended 30 June 2019 Diageo has made a number of small acquisitions of brands, distribution rights and equity interests in various drinks businesses.

In the year ended 30 June 2018 acquisitions included $706 million (£549 million) in respect of the completion of the acquisition of Casamigos . See note 9 for further details.

(c) In the year ended 30 June 2019 , sale of businesses and brands represents the cash received on the disposal of a portfolio of 19 brands sold to Sazerac net of transaction costs.

(d) Net sale of own shares comprised purchase of options over own shares and treasury shares for the future settlement of obligations under the employee share option schemes of £16 million ( 2018 - £68 million ) less receipts from employees on the exercise of share options of £66 million ( 2018 - £76 million ).

(e) In the year ended 30 June 2019 , the group issued bonds of €2,600 million (£2,270 million) and £496 million (including £4 million discount and fee) and repaid bonds of €1,350 million (£1,168 million). In the comparable period the group issued bonds of €1,275 million (£1,136 million) and $2,000 million (£1,476 million) and repaid bonds of $2,100 million (£1,571 million).

(f) In the year ended 30 June 2019 purchase of shares of non-controlling interests comprised RMB 6,774 million (£775 million) and transaction costs of £9 million in respect of the acquisition of 23.43% of the share capital of Sichuan Shuijingfang Company Limited (SJF) in two separate transactions. This took Diageo’s shareholding in SJF from 39.71% to 63.14%. SJF is a manufacturer and distributor of Chinese white spirits located in Sichuan province in China and was controlled and therefore consolidated prior to the transactions in the year.

(g) In the year ended 30 June 2019 the net movement in other borrowings principally arose from the issue of commercial paper.

(h) The exchange arising on net borrowings of £22 million is primarily driven by unfavourable exchange movements on US dollar and euro denominated borrowings partially offset by a favourable movement on foreign exchange swaps and forwards.



58

Business review (continued)

Movement in equity
 
2019
£ million

 
2018
£ million

Equity at the beginning of the year
 
11,713

 
12,028

Profit for the year
 
3,337

 
3,144

Exchange adjustments (a)
 
255

 
(609
)
Remeasurement of post employment plans net of taxation
 
36

 
368

Purchase of shares of non-controlling interests (b)
 
(784
)
 

Rights issue proceeds from non-controlling interests of subsidiary company (c)
 

 
26

Dividends to non-controlling interests
 
(114
)
 
(101
)
Equity dividends paid
 
(1,623
)
 
(1,581
)
Share buyback programme
 
(2,801
)
 
(1,507
)
Other reserve movements
 
137

 
(55
)
Equity at the end of the year
 
10,156

 
11,713

 
(a) Exchange movement in the year ended 30 June 2019 primarily arose from exchange gains in respect of the US dollar and the Indian rupee partially offset by exchange losses on the Turkish lira.

(b) In the year ended 30 June 2019 Diageo acquired an additional 23.43% of the share capital of SJF which was already controlled and therefore consolidated prior to the transaction. This took Diageo’s shareholding in SJF from 39.71% to 63.14%.

(c) In the year ended 30 June 2018 a rights issue was completed by Guinness Nigeria (GN) where Diageo’s controlling equity share in GN increased from 54.32% to 58.02%. The transaction resulted in a credit of £31 million to non-controlling interests and a charge of £5 million to reserves.

Post employment plans

The net surplus of the group's post employment benefit plans increased by £151 million from £63 million at 30 June 2018 to £214 million at 30 June 2019 . The increase primarily arose due to an increase in the market value of the assets held by the post employment schemes and the cash contributions paid into the post employment plans being in excess of the impact of the changes in financial assumptions and income statement charge.

The operating profit charge before exceptional items decreased by £34 million from £84 million for the year ended 30 June 2018 to £50 million for the year ended 30 June 2019 primarily due to changes made to future pension increases for members of the UK scheme (including a Pension Increase Exchange (PIE) option offered to current pensioners) and changes to the principal Irish scheme which resulted in an aggregate past service credit of £54 million (2018 - £21 million in respect of changes to future pension increases in the principal Irish scheme).

Total cash contributions by the group to all post employment plans in the year ending 30 June 2020 are estimated to be approximately £170 million.

59

Business review (continued)


North America

  CHART-238C4DEF5F37F1EDE72.JPG CHART-28F253A1163C44E7D05.JPG
l
US Spirits
l
Canada
l
Spirits
l
Ready to drink
l
DBC USA
l
Other (principally
Travel Retail)
l
Beer
l
Other
 
 
 
 
 
 
 


Key financials
 
2018
£ million

 
Exchange
£ million

 
Acquisitions
and
disposals
£ million

 
Organic movement
£ million

 
2019
£ million

 
Reported movement
%
Net sales
 
4,116

 
176

 
(48
)
 
216

 
4,460

 
8
Marketing
 
662

 
24

 
1

 
75

 
762

 
15
Operating profit
 
1,882

 
74

 
(60
)
 
52

 
1,948

 
4

North America remains the largest premium drinks market worldwide. For Diageo, North America represents approximately one third of our net sales and approximately half of our operating profit.

The consumer lies at the heart of our business. We are focused on delivering sustainable performance through investment behind our brands, data led insights and executional excellence in our route to market. We have observed our portfolio achieving market share gains during the year ended 30 June 2019. We also disposed of 19 brands to Sazerac, enhancing our focus on the higher growth segment of our portfolio.

Our markets

Diageo North America is presently headquartered in Norwalk, Connecticut, but is relocating to New York, in early 2020. The business is comprised of US Spirits, Diageo Beer Company USA (DBC USA), and Diageo Canada, headquartered in Toronto.

Supply operations

With nine domestic production facilities across the United States, Canada and the US Virgin Islands, Diageo North America’s supply function is one of the largest producers of beverage alcohol on the continent. We have made major investments in innovation and sustainability driving efficiency and best in class operations.

In addition to beginning construction on our new Bulleit Frontier Whiskey Visitor Center in Shelbyville, Kentucky, in 2018 we opened our new Guinness Open Gate Brewery, in Relay, Maryland, and announced plans to invest £100 million to build a new distillery and warehousing facility in Lebanon, Kentucky. Production at the new distillery is expected to commence in 2021.


60

Business review (continued)

Route to consumer

The route to consumer in the United States is through the three-tier system. We distribute our products through approximately 40 spirits distributors and brokers, and more than 400 beer distributors. We have consolidated our US Spirits business into single distributors or brokers in 41 states and the District of Columbia, representing more than 80% of our spirits volume.

Our strategy is to continue driving excellence in our route to consumer through insights-driven execution, which allows us to better leverage available data and deliver sustained performance. This includes key capabilities around commercial execution, robust performance management and using more granular data analytics to provide competitive differentiation at the outlet level, including changing the way we collect outlet level data using technology.

US Spirits is responsible for the sale of our portfolio of spirits products and manages sales through two divisions focused on Open (distribution through private distributors) and Control (distribution through governmental entities) states. DBC USA sells and markets brands including Guinness and Smirnoff Ice. Beer distribution generally follows the three-tier open state regulations across the United States. Diageo Canada distributes our portfolio of spirits, ready to drink and beer brands across all Canadian provinces, which generally operate within a highly regulated federal and provincial system. Diageo Canada manages all sales operations with the provincial liquor control boards and national chain account customers directly, utilising brokers to support the execution at the point of sale.

Sustainability and responsibility

Both brand activity and business-wide programmes continue to support our focus on responsible drinking. Our ‘Decisions: Party’s Over’ experience, which uses virtual reality to educate consumers about the dangers of binge drinking, has amassed millions of views across social media and other platforms. Our Crown Royal brand is using its involvement in the NFL (National Football League) as a platform to remind sports fans to take a water break and encourage moderation. It reached over 44 million adults this year.

We are also making meaningful progress on environmental performance. This year we improved water use efficiency by 4.5%. We are continuing to assess options to eliminate waste to landfill for the six remaining sites in the region that currently dispose of low quantities in this way. This will support our zero waste to landfill target for 2020.

We continue to work with communities through a range of activities, including our six-week Learning Skills for Life (LSFL) programme, which has reached over 600 unemployed people with basic employability skills, specialist training and work experience within the hospitality industry.

Performance

Sales and net sales

Sales increased by £403 million, or 9%, to £5,074 million in the year ended 30 June 2019 from £4,671 million in the year ended 30 June 2018 . Excise duties were £614 million in the year ended 30 June 2019 and £555 million in the year ended 30 June 2018 , an increase of £59 million.

Net sales (sales less excise duties) were £4,460 million in the year ended 30 June 2019 an increase of £344 million, or 8%, compared to net sales of £4,116 million in the year ended 30 June 2018 . Net sales were favourably impacted by organic growth of £216 million (see further performance analysis below), by exchange rate movements of £176 million primarily due to the strengthening of the US dollar against sterling and by the impact of the acquisition of Casamigos brand of £10 million. This increase was partially offset by a decrease in net sales of £58 million following the disposal of a portfolio of 19 brands sold to Sazerac in December 2018 .

Operating profit

Operating profit was £1,948 million in the year ended 30 June 2019 an increase of £66 million compared to operating profit of £1,882 million in the year ended 30 June 2018 . Operating profit increased by £74 million as a result of exchange rate movements due to the strengthening of the US dollar (£60 million translation impact plus £14 million transactional exchange impact), by £52 million organic growth, and by a £7 million impact from the acquisition of Casamigos. This increase was partially offset by a decrease in operating profit of £52 million following the disposal of a portfolio of 19 brands sold to Sazerac in December 2018, and a £15 million charge in respect of a reassessment of the Casamigos contingent consideration liability.


61

Business review (continued)

Further performance analysis

Unless otherwise stated percentage movements refer to organic movements in the following analysis.

North America delivered net sales growth of 5%, with growth across all three key markets. The disposal of a portfolio of 19 brands to Sazerac resulted in an estimated 40bps improvement in organic net sales growth. In US Spirits, net sales increased 5%. Crown Royal net sales increased by 6% and the brand gained share, driven by strengthened marketing investment fuelling the growth of Crown Royal Regal Apple and by the Crown Royal Peach limited time offer. Bulleit net sales were up 8% and it continued to gain share in US whiskey. Scotch grew net sales by 7% and gained share with strong innovation performance recruiting new consumers into scotch. Vodka net sales were flat, an improvement over the prior year, reflecting growth in Ketel One and Smirnoff and decline in Cîroc. Ketel One net sales grew by 10% and gained share in the category, driven by Ketel One Botanical with improvement in core Ketel One vodka performance. Smirnoff net sales grew by 2% due to stabilisation of the base business and the launch of Smirnoff Zero Sugar Infusions. Captain Morgan net sales declined 5%. In tequila, both Don Julio and Casamigos delivered strong double digit growth and gained share in the category. Diageo Beer Company USA net sales grew 10%, largely driven by growth in ready to drink as a result of successful prior year innovation launches. Beer net sales grew by 2%, improving over prior year and gaining share. Net sales in Canada increased 5% with broad based growth, including strong ready to drink performance. North America operating margin declined 103bps, mainly driven by up-weighted marketing investment behind US Spirits, with some impact from market mix shift and higher commodity and logistics costs partially offset by overhead efficiencies.

Markets:
 
Organic
volume
movement
%

 
Reported
volume
movement
%

 
Organic
net sales
movement
%

 
Reported
net sales
movement
%

North America
 
2

 
2

 
5

 
8

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
US Spirits (i)
 
2

 
(2
)
 
5

 
8

DBC USA
 
8

 
8

 
10

 
15

Canada
 
3

 
3

 
5

 
4

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Spirits
 
2

 
2

 
5

 
8

Beer
 
(4
)
 
(4
)
 
1

 
5

Ready to drink
 
18

 
17

 
18

 
21

Global giants, local stars and reserve (ii) :
 
Organic
volume
movement
(iii)
%

 
Organic
net sales
movement
%

 
Reported
net sales
movement
%

Crown Royal
 
 
 
6

 
6

 
10

Smirnoff
 
 
 
2

 
3

 
7

Captain Morgan
 
 
 
(3
)
 
(4
)
 

Johnnie Walker
 
 
 
1

 
5

 
9

Ketel One (iv)
 
 
 
10

 
10

 
15

Cîroc vodka
 
 
 
(10
)
 
(10
)
 
(6
)
Baileys
 
 
 

 
2

 
6

Guinness
 
 
 
(3
)
 
2

 
6

Tanqueray
 
 
 
2

 
1

 
5

Don Julio
 
 
 
20

 
26

 
32

Bulleit
 
 
 
11

 
8

 
13

Buchanan’s
 
 
 
8

 
4

 
9


(i)
Reported US Spirits volume growth was impacted by acquisitions and disposals.
(ii)    Spirits brands excluding ready to drink.
(iii)    Organic equals reported volume movement.
(iv)    Ketel One includes Ketel One vodka and Ketel One Botanical.


62

Business review (continued)

Key highlights
 
Net sales in US Spirits were up 5%, broadly in line with depletions. Crown Royal grew net sales by 6% and gained share in its category, driven by continued growth of Crown Royal Regal Apple and Crown Royal Vanilla underpinned by strong marketing investment and the Crown Royal Peach and Crown Royal Salted Caramel limited time offers. In scotch, Johnnie Walker and Buchanan's gained share. Johnnie Walker net sales increased 6% with the successful launch of "White Walker by Johnnie Walker" inspired by the TV series Game of Thrones, which recruited new consumers into scotch. In vodka, net sales were flat, an improvement on the prior year's decline of 3%, despite continued weakness in Cîroc. Ketel One net sales were up 10%, benefitting from the success of Ketel One Botanical. Smirnoff returned to growth, up 2%, with strong marketing support reflected in the stabilisation of the base business and strengthened brand equity and with growth fuelled by the launch of Smirnoff Zero Sugar Infusions in May. Captain Morgan net sales declined by 5% in a category that is also in decline. Baileys net sales grew by 3% and gained category share as it continued its year-round focus on Baileys as an everyday treat. In tequila, Don Julio and Casamigos had strong double digit growth and gained share in the tequila category with Don Julio significantly up-weighting media investment to drive awareness and Casamigos focusing on public relations, social media and targeted events.

DBC USA net sales increased 10%, driven by ready to drink growth of 18% as Smirnoff Spiked Seltzer and Smirnoff Ice Smash success continued. In beer, net sales were up 2% with Guinness up 3%. The opening of the Guinness Open Gate Brewery and Barrel House in Maryland and expanding at-home consumption occasions supported Guinness growth.

Net sales in Canada grew 5%, driven by growth in spirits and ready to drink. Spirits net sales were up 3% with broad based growth across all categories, including a strong performance from "White Walker by Johnnie Walker". Ready to drink benefitted from innovation, particularly the Smirnoff Ice Berry Blast ready to drink.

Marketing grew 11%. Up-weighted investment coupled with the use of marketing effectiveness analytic tools to help make better investment decisions continued to strengthen brand equity and deliver sustainable growth.


63

Business review (continued)

Europe and Turkey

CHART-62D366741B2D5F2322B.JPG CHART-B1D991E4AD7CE118E45.JPG
l
Europe
l
Other (principally
Travel Retail)
l
Spirits
l
Ready to drink
l
Turkey

l
Beer
l
Other









Key financials
 
2018
£ million

 
Exchange
£ million

 
Acquisitions
and
disposals
£ million

 
Organic movement
£ million

 
2019
£ million

 
Reported movement
%

Net sales
 
2,932

 
(95
)
 
(2
)
 
104

 
2,939

 

Marketing
 
474

 
(10
)
 

 
26

 
490

 
3

Operating profit before exceptional items
 
1,028

 
(35
)
 
(1
)
 
22

 
1,014

 
(1
)
Exceptional operating items (i)
 

 

 

 

 
(18
)
 

Operating profit
 
1,028

 

 

 

 
996

 
(3
)

  (i) For further details on exceptional operating items see pages 196 to 198.

Within the geography of Europe there are two markets: Europe and Turkey. Our Europe business is driving consistent share gaining performance through execution at scale of our consumer marketing programme across the market as well as continuing to optimise our route to market. The economic environment in Turkey continues to be challenging but we remain focused on executing our strategy through growth of international premium spirits and premiumisation.

Our markets

Europe comprises Great Britain, Ireland, France, Continental Europe (including Northern Europe, Central Europe, Iberia, the Mediterranean and the Europe Partner Markets distribution businesses) and Russia, whilst Turkey is a standalone market. Europe is managed as a single market with country teams focusing on sales and customer marketing execution.

Supply operations

A number of Diageo’s International Supply Centre (ISC) operations are located in Europe including production sites in the United Kingdom, Ireland and Italy. The group owns 29 distilleries in Scotland, a Dublin based brewery, distillery, and maturation and packaging facilities in Scotland, England, Ireland and Italy. The ISC leads all supply chain activities for Europe and manufactures whisky, vodka, gin, rum, beer, cream liqueurs, and other spirit-based drinks which are distributed in over 180 countries.

In 2018 we announced a £150 million investment in visitor experiences in Scotland over the next two years. We are transforming our Scotch whisky visitor experiences through investment in our 12 malt whisky distillery visitor centres with a focus on the ‘Four Corners distilleries’, Glenkinchie, Caol Ila, Clynelish and Cardhu, celebrating the important role these single malts play in the flavours of Johnnie Walker. Also, as part of the investment programme, formal permission for plans to create a global flagship visitor experience for Johnnie Walker in Edinburgh city centre has been received. Raki and vodka are produced at a number of sites in Turkey and other local brands are produced in Russia.


64

Business review (continued)

Route to consumer

In Great Britain we sell and market our products through Diageo GB (spirits, beer and ready to drink) and Justerini & Brooks Fine Wines (wines private clients). Products are distributed through independent wholesalers and directly to retailers. In the on-trade, products are sold through major brewers, multiple retail groups and smaller regional independent brewers and wholesalers. In the Republic of Ireland and Northern Ireland, Diageo sells and distributes directly to the on-trade and the off-trade as well as wholesalers. In France our products are sold through a joint venture arrangement with Moët Hennessy. In Continental Europe and Russia, we distribute our spirits brands primarily through our own distribution companies, except in Europe Partner Markets where we typically use distributors.

In Turkey, we sell our products via the distribution network of Mey İçki , our wholly owned subsidiary. Mey İçki distributes both local brands (raki, other spirits and wine) and Diageo’s global spirits brands.

Sustainability and responsibility

Encouraging moderation and tackling harmful drinking remain key strategic priorities. Our ‘Stay Yourself’ moderation campaign, which began on university campuses in 2018, reached a further five million students this year through online and offline channels, and we reached over 42,000 people through our 'Smashed' theatre-based education programme.

Our Learning for Life (L4L) skills programme goes from strength to strength. More than 600 people graduated this year in the UK, Spain, Portugal, the Netherlands, Belgium and Germany. We launched new L4L programmes in Italy and Greece, and in Ireland we launched the ‘Open Doors’ initiative, aimed at refugees, asylum seekers and people with disabilities. We received the inaugural Inclusion and Diversity Chambers award in Ireland for our L4L work with refugees and asylum seekers.

Forty-eight of our sites in Europe recorded zero lost-time accidents, maintaining the strong performance of last year. Our commitment to progress on environmental performance is reflected by a 10.8% improvement in our water use efficiency. Turkey performed particularly strongly, recording an improvement of nearly 16% this year. In April, we announced a £16 million investment in reducing the plastic content of our beer packaging through the use of 100% recyclable and biodegradable cardboard.

Performance

Sales and net sales

Sales decreased by £100 million, or (2)%, to £5,132 million in the year ended 30 June 2019 from £5,232 million in the year ended 30 June 2018 . Excise duties were £2,193 million in the year ended 30 June 2019 and £2,300 million in the year ended 30 June 2018 , a decrease of £107 million.

Net sales (sales less excise duties) were £2,939 million for the year ended 30 June 2019 an increase of £7 million, compared to net sales of £2,932 million in the year ended 30 June 2018 . Net sales were positively impacted by organic growth of £104 million (see further performance analysis below). This increase was partially offset by unfavourable exchange rate movements of £95 million primarily due to the weakening of the Turkish lira against sterling, and a reduction of £2 million of net sales due to the disposal of a portfolio of 19 brands sold to Sazerac in December 2018.

Operating profit

Operating profit was £996 million in the year ended 30 June 2019 a decrease of £32 million compared to operating profit of £1,028 million in the year ended 30 June 2018 . Operating profit decreased as a result of unfavourable exchange rate movements of £35 million primarily due to the weakening of the Turkish lira against sterling (£5 million transactional exchange gain less £40 million translation loss), by an exceptional charge of £18 million in respect of penalties on the settlement of the French tax audit and by a reduction of £1 million of operating profit due to the disposal of a portfolio of 19 brands sold to Sazerac in December 2018. This decrease was partially offset by £22 million organic growth.


65

Business review (continued)

Further performance analysis

Unless otherwise stated percentage movements refer to organic movements in the following analysis.

Europe and Turkey delivered 4% net sales growth, reflecting another year of consistent performance in Europe where net sales were up 3% with double digit growth in Turkey. Europe growth was driven by Continental Europe, Great Britain and Ireland. Strong growth in gin continued with Tanqueray and Gordon’s growing double digit. Western Europe continued to gain market share in gin. Both Gordon's and Tanqueray benefitted from strong growth across their core and innovation variants. Beer was up 1%. Lager net sales grew 5% driven by Rockshore in Ireland, while Guinness Draught grew 1%. Scotch net sales were flat as growth in Johnnie Walker and scotch malts was largely offset by the weaker performance of JεB. Baileys was up 2% largely driven by the launch of Baileys Strawberries & Cream in Continental Europe. Smirnoff net sales declined 2% driven by Great Britain and Continental Europe, partially offset by growth in Ireland. Tequila grew double digit with growth across all markets. Ready to drink grew 17% driven by the Gordon's premix range. In Turkey, net sales were up 11% due to inflation and excise duty led price increases. Operating margin declined 49bps as positive price/mix and productivity savings were offset by up-weighted marketing investment, as well as inflationary cost pressure, particularly in Turkey.

Markets:
 
Organic
volume
movement
%

 
Reported
volume
movement
%

 
Organic
net sales
movement
%

 
Reported
net sales
movement
%

Europe and Turkey
 
(2
)
 
(2
)
 
4

 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Europe
 

 

 
3

 
2

Turkey
 
(13
)
 
(13
)
 
11

 
(20
)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Spirits
 
(2
)
 
(2
)
 
3

 
(1
)
Beer
 
1

 
1

 
1

 

Ready to drink
 
13

 
13

 
16

 
15

Global giants and local stars (i) :
 
 
 
Organic
volume
movement
(ii)
%

 
Organic
net sales
movement
%

 
Reported
net sales
movement
%

Guinness
 
 
 
1

 
1

 
1

Johnnie Walker
 
 
 
(2
)
 
3

 
1

Smirnoff
 
 
 
(4
)
 
(1
)
 
(1
)
Baileys
 
 
 
(2
)
 
3

 
3

Yenì Raki
 
 
 
(19
)
 
6

 
(24
)
Captain Morgan
 
 
 
1

 

 
(2
)
JεB
 
 
 
(8
)
 
(8
)
 
(10
)
Tanqueray
 
 
 
14

 
21

 
21


(i)
Spirits brands excluding ready to drink.
(ii)
Organic equals reported volume movement.


66

Business review (continued)

Key highlights
 
In Europe , net sales were up 3%:

In Great Britain , net sales grew 4%, with Diageo gaining share across beer and spirits. Gordon’s and Tanqueray both delivered strong double digit growth, both benefitting from strong growth of their innovation variants. Ready to drink grew 17% driven by the Gordon’s premix range. Guinness net sales grew 4%, driven by a strong performance for Guinness Draught and the continued growth of Hop House 13 Lager. Across Baileys, Smirnoff and Captain Morgan supply chain actions as well as commercial negotiations following recent pricing decisions have resulted in net sales decline.

Ireland grew net sales 3%. Beer net sales were flat. Lager net sales grew 4% driven by strong growth in Rockshore. Guinness net sales declined 2% impacted by difficult competitive conditions. In spirits, net sales grew double digit largely driven by Smirnoff, Baileys and Gordon's.

In Continental Europe , net sales were up 3%:

Iberia net sales grew 1%. Growth was driven by strong performance in Baileys and gin with growth across both Tanqueray and Gordon's. Scotch declined 3% as growth in Cardhu and Johnnie Walker was offset by declines in JεB. In Spain, market share in scotch was broadly flat, as the category continued to decline.
 
In Central Europe, net sales grew 4% driven by the launch of Baileys Strawberries & Cream and double digit growth in gin which more than offset the impact of pricing actions in Germany.
 
In Northern Europe net sales were up 9% driven by growth across both Benelux and the Nordics partially driven by net revenue management initiatives.
 
In the Mediterranean Hub, net sales were down by 6% driven by lapping strong comparable performance in Italy in the prior year and a continuing tough economic environment in Greece.
 
Europe Partner Markets grew net sales 6% driven by strong scotch performance and continued growth in Guinness and gin.

Russia net sales declined 3% driven by a volatile external environment and lapping strong comparables in the prior year.

France net sales grew 1%. Double digit net sales growth in Captain Morgan was partially offset by a decline in JεB.

In Turkey , net sales grew 11% despite volume decline of 13%, reflecting the impact of price increases, which were taken in response to increases in excise duties and inflation. Growth was largely driven by Yenì Raki which grew net sales by 7%, wine and scotch which grew double digit, led by strong growth in Johnnie Walker.

Marketing investment increased 6%, ahead of net sales, largely driven by increased investment in beer and gin. Beer marketing investment growth was primarily driven by the Six Nations rugby sponsorship agreement supporting the Guinness brand. Up-weighted investment in gin was across both Gordon's and Tanqueray.


67

Business review (continued)

Africa

CHART-F85FF041C9B4366271A.JPG CHART-611856A5FBB42847813.JPG
l
East Africa
l
South Africa
l
Spirits
l
Ready to drink
l
Africa Regional
Markets (ARM)
l
Other (principally
Travel Retail)
l
Beer
l
Other






l
Nigeria







Key financials
 
2018
£ million

 
Exchange
£ million

 
Reclassifi-cation(i)£million

 
Acquisitions
and
disposals
£ million

 
Organic movement
£ million

 
2019
£ million

 
Reported movement
%

Net sales
 
1,491

 
8

 

 
(2
)
 
100

 
1,597

 
7

Marketing
 
158

 
1

 
10

 

 
5

 
174

 
10

Operating profit before exceptional items
 
191

 
(6
)
 

 
(1
)
 
91

 
275

 
44

Exceptional operating items (ii)
 
(128
)
 

 

 

 

 

 

Operating profit
 
63

 

 

 

 

 
275

 
337


(i)
Reclassification comprises a reallocation of costs from overheads to marketing.
(ii) For further details on exceptional operating items see pages 196 to 198.

In Africa our strategy is to grow through participation in beer and spirits across price points. We leverage the full range of the Diageo portfolio. Guinness, Malta and several local brands lead our brewing portfolio while Johnnie Walker and Smirnoff are at the heart of our international premium spirits offerings. Locally we produce a range of mainstream spirits. We are focused on consistent, profitable growth in the markets and categories in which we participate and continue to invest in manufacturing and partnerships to access more consumers across the continent.

Local sourcing is very important to our strategy, directly supporting our commercial operations whilst bringing wider benefits to local communities, farmers and society as a whole.

Our markets

The region comprises East Africa (Kenya, Tanzania, Uganda, Burundi, Rwanda and South Sudan), Africa Regional Markets (including Ghana, Cameroon, Ethiopia and Angola), Nigeria and South Africa.

Supply operations

During the financial year our operation in Africa consisted of 13 breweries in Africa, two sites that produce sorghum beer in South Africa, one cider plant and ten facilities which provide blending and malting services. In the year ended 30 June 2019 we established a site in Angola to produce spirits and ready to drink products and started production in a new brewery in Kisumu in Kenya increasing our capacity in an attractive market. We are in the process of selling the sorghum beer business in South Africa.

In addition, our beer and spirits brands are produced under license by third parties in 15 African countries.


68

Business review (continued)

Route to consumer

In Nigeria we own a 58.02% controlling stake in a listed company whose principal products are Guinness, Malta Guinness and Dubic, and in East Africa we own a 50.03% controlling equity stake in East African Breweries Limited (EABL).

EABL produces and distributes beer and spirits brands to a range of consumers in Kenya and Uganda, and also owns 51% of Serengeti Breweries Limited located in Tanzania. Within Africa Regional Markets, we have wholly owned subsidiaries in Cameroon, Ethiopia and Reunion and Diageo controlled subsidiaries in Ghana, Angola and the Seychelles. In South Africa we sell spirits and ready to drink products through our wholly owned subsidiary. Diageo has agreements with the Castel Group who brew and distribute Guinness under license in several countries across Africa Regional Markets. Diageo sells spirits through distributors in the majority of other sub-Saharan countries.

Sustainability and responsibility

We aim to create value in Africa beyond our significant contribution as an employer and taxpayer. Our supply chain is a key opportunity: more than 72,000 smallholder farmers and suppliers provide us with our raw materials, and we work with farmers to improve farm yield, livelihoods, and environmental and labour standards. This year we sourced 82% of our agricultural raw materials locally, and completed human rights impact assessments in South Africa and Nigeria.

This year we announced an investment of £180 million in projects at 11 breweries across Africa that include solar and biomass energy, and water treatment plants. We also co-founded the Africa Plastics Recycling Alliance while developing the Ghana Recycling Initiative by Private Enterprise (GRIPE) partnership to build plastic collection and recycling infrastructure.

We continue to partner with the NGO WaterAid to deliver safe sources of water and sanitation, which we aim to combine with our other community objectives, including skills training and women’s empowerment. This year, for example, alongside the launch of a new water system in Maroua, Cameroon, which provides water for two villages and irrigates local farmland, we trained 2,000 smallholder farmers in agricultural best practices and helped an additional 150 women create new water-related businesses. Project Heshima, in Kenya, provides vocational training to women at risk of consuming or producing illicit alcohol, empowering them economically while counteracting a serious public health risk.

As part of our focus on responsible drinking, we expanded our 'Smashed' underage drinking campaigns in Nigeria and Cameroon reaching 114,000 students. Our #DriveDry campaign in South Africa reached more than 40 million people.

Performance

Sales and net sales

Sales increased by £152 million, or 7%, to £2,235 million in the year ended 30 June 2019 from £2,083 million in the year ended 30 June 2018 . Excise duties were £638 million in the year ended 30 June 2019 and £592 million in the year ended 30 June 2018 , an increase of £46 million.

Net sales (sales less excise duties) were £1,597 million in the year ended 30 June 2019 an increase of £106 million, or 7%, compared to net sales of £1,491 million in the year ended 30 June 2018 . Net sales were favourably impacted by organic growth of £100 million (see further performance analysis below), by exchange rate movements of £8 million primarily due to the strengthening of the Nigerian naira, the Kenyan schilling, partially offset by weakening South African rand and Ghanaian cedi against sterling. This increase was partially offset by a reduction of £2 million of net sales due to the disposal of a portfolio of 19 brands sold to Sazerac in December 2018.

Operating profit

Operating profit was £275 million in the year ended 30 June 2019 an increase of £212 million compared to operating profit of £63 million in the year ended 30 June 2018 . Operating profit increased as a result of lapping an exceptional impairment charge of £128 million in respect of the Meta brand and associated tangible fixed assets and spare parts in Ethiopia and goodwill allocated to the Africa Regional Markets, and by £91 million due to organic growth. This increase was partially offset by unfavourable exchange rate movements of £6 million primarily due to the weakening of the Ghanaian cedi and South African rand against sterling (£5 million translation impact less £11 million transactional exchange impact) and by a reduction of £1 million of operating profit due to the disposal of a portfolio of 19 brands sold to Sazerac in December 2018.


69

Business review (continued)

Further performance analysis

Unless otherwise stated percentage movements refer to organic movements in the following analysis.

Africa delivered 7% net sales growth, with growth across East Africa, Africa Regional Markets and South Africa partially offset by a decline in Nigeria. In East Africa and Africa Regional Markets net sales grew 13% and 8%, respectively, driven by growth across both beer and spirits. East Africa partially benefitted from lapping prior year weakness in the first half. Net sales grew 6% in South Africa driven by growth in spirits. Nigeria net sales declined by 7% driven by the continued tough economic and competitive environment in the lager segment. Across Africa, beer net sales were up 5% driven by double digit growth in Senator Keg, Serengeti Lite, and Malta Guinness, partially offset by declines in Satzenbrau. Spirits delivered strong net sales growth driven by mainstream spirits and scotch across all key markets as well as strong growth of Tanqueray in South Africa. Scotch net sales were up 8% driven by Johnnie Walker, up 10%, partially as a result of a strong launch of "White Walker by Johnnie Walker" in South Africa. Operating margin improved by 494bps driven by improved price/mix and the continued benefit from productivity initiatives more than offsetting cost inflation.

Markets:
 
Organic volume
movement
%

 
Reported volume
movement
%

 
Organic
net sales
movement
%

 
Reported
net sales
movement
%

Africa
 
1

 
1

 
7

 
7

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
East Africa
 
12

 
11

 
13

 
18

Africa Regional Markets (i)
 
(3
)
 
3

 
8

 
9

Nigeria
 
(10
)
 
(10
)
 
(7
)
 
(3
)
South Africa (i)
 
(2
)
 
(10
)
 
6

 
(6
)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Spirits
 
5

 
5

 
13

 
10

Beer
 
1

 
1

 
5

 
8

Ready to drink
 
(3
)
 
(3
)
 
4

 
2

Global giants and local stars (ii) :
 
 
 
Organic volume
movement
(iii)
%

 
Organic net sales
movement
%

 
Reported net sales
movement
%

Guinness
 
 
 
(1
)
 
2

 
3

Johnnie Walker
 
 
 
4

 
10

 
9

Smirnoff
 
 
 

 
12

 
9

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Other beer:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Malta Guinness
 
 
 
8

 
15

 
13

Tusker
 
 
 
(5
)
 
1

 
6

Senator
 
 
 
21

 
22

 
28

Serengeti
 
 
 
40

 
46

 
49


(i)
In the year ended 30 June 2019 the following countries, Mozambique, Zambia, Zimbabwe, St Helena and Malawi, moved on a management basis from South Africa to Africa Regional Markets. This reallocation has been reflected in the organic reporting.
(ii)
Spirits brands excluding ready to drink.
(iii)
Organic equals reported volume movement.

70

Business review (continued)

Key highlights
 
In East Africa , net sales grew by 13%. Kenya continued to grow strongly driven by double digit growth in beer and mainstream spirits as well as partially benefitting from lapping prior year weakness in the first half as a result of the 2017 presidential election. Tanzania continued to grow double digit. Beer net sales grew 13% led by continued strong growth in Serengeti Lite in Tanzania and double digit growth of Senator Keg in Kenya. Guinness net sales grew by 4%.

In Africa Regional Markets , net sales increased by 8% with double digit growth in Ghana and Angola and a return to growth in Cameroon as it lapped prior year challenges in the distributor network. Beer grew 6% driven by strong performance in Malta Guinness. Scotch also returned to growth driven by net revenue management actions.

South Africa net sales returned to growth of 6% driven by strong spirits performance in Tanqueray, double digit growth in Smirnoff 1818 and Captain Morgan and the launch of "White Walker by Johnnie Walker".

In Nigeria , net sales declined by 7% driven by Satzenbrau, as a result of a tough economic and competitive environment impacting the lager segment. Net sales grew in Malta Guinness, Guinness and spirits.

Marketing investment increased by 3% largely driven by up-weighted investment in Tusker marketing activities and media campaigns, the relaunch of Guinness Foreign Extra Stout, an evolution of Guinness' successful football campaign across Africa, led by Guinness brand ambassador Rio Ferdinand, and the continuation of Serengeti's sponsorship of the Tanzanian national football team.

71

Business review (continued)

Latin America and Caribbean
 
CHART-F50EAFB0DF7B1AB6C20.JPG CHART-30E753FA26BF7071FC4.JPG
l
PUB
l
Andean
l
Spirits
l
Ready to drink
l
Mexico
l
PEBAC
l
Beer
l
Other
l
CCA
l
Other (principally
Travel Retail)




 
 





Key financials
 
2018
£ million

 
Exchange
£ million

 
Acquisitions
and
disposals
£ million

 
Organic movement
£ million

 
2019
£ million

 
Reported movement
%
Net sales
 
1,069

 
(29
)
 

 
90

 
1,130

 
6
Marketing
 
196

 
(7
)
 

 
12

 
201

 
3
Operating profit
 
308

 
(2
)
 

 
59

 
365

 
19

In Latin America and Caribbean the strategic priority is to continue to lead in scotch, while broadening our category range through tequila, vodka, rum, liqueurs and local spirits. We continue to invest in routes to market and in the breadth and depth of our portfolio of leading brands. We are also enhancing our supply structure to enable the business to provide both the emerging middle class and an increasing number of affluent consumers with the premium brands they aspire to. Our presence is supported by our reputation as a trusted and respected business, based on our stance on responsible drinking, and community development programmes.

Our markets

Our Latin America and Caribbean (LAC) business comprises five markets: PUB (Paraguay, Uruguay and Brazil), Mexico, CCA (Central America and Caribbean), Andean (Colombia and Venezuela) and PEBAC (Peru, Ecuador, Bolivia, Argentina and Chile).

Supply operations

Many of the brands sold in the region are manufactured by our International Supply Centre in Europe, but we also own manufacturing facilities in Mexico that produce tequila, in Brazil that produce cachaça, and in Guatemala that produces Zacapa rum. We also work with a wide array of local co-packers, bottlers, and licensed brewers throughout Latin America and the Caribbean.

Route to consumer

We drive an efficient route to consumer through differentiated models tailored to each markets’ size and needs. In Mexico and Brazil our in-market companies sell to a wide network of retailers, wholesalers, and resellers which make our product available to shoppers in on and off premise outlets. In most of Central America and the Caribbean, Argentina, Ecuador, Bolivia, and Venezuela, we partner with geographically exclusive distributors who are in charge of the sales execution and marketing programmes. In Colombia, Peru, and Chile, we use hybrid models where Diageo sells directly to some key accounts while distributors are used to improve our products’ physical availability.


72

Business review (continued)

Sustainability and responsibility

Partnership is central to our work in LAC, as it enables us to increase our impact by working with a range of stakeholders in areas such as community empowerment, encouraging moderation and tackling alcohol-related harm. For example, through our partnership with the United Nations Institute for Training and Research (UNITAR), we have worked with law-enforcement and government agencies in the Dominican Republic and Mexico to address drink driving and road safety. We have also supported an industry-wide initiative working with government to launch the use of breathalysers in the Dominican Republic.

In Brazil, we have launched the Diageo Institute, a not-for-profit entity supported by Diageo and Ypióca Industrial. It aims to generate social impact in the state of Ceará through partnerships, and brings together our work on positive drinking, skills programmes and the environment. As well as our longstanding Learning for Life programme, the Diageo Institute will oversee two new programmes: 'Weaving the Future', which encourages carnauba straw craftsmanship; and 'Real Talk', an education programme addressing underage drinking.

We deliver local and global programmes in Spanish and Portuguese across our market to meet the needs of our communities. 'Fala Sério', which is an adaptation of Diageo's theatre-based education programme 'Smashed', reached more than 10,000 young people in Brazil and Colombia this year. 'Teiquirisi Club' helps educate children aged seven to ten in Mexico to avoid underage drinking, and has reached 2,000 children, teachers and parents. 'La Bomba', launched this year in Peru, has reached 5,300 students and approximately 400 parents.

We continue to drive environmental improvements. In PUB we have reduced carbon emissions by 82% versus the baseline. The energy for our new facilities in Jalisco, Mexico, will be predominantly from renewable sources. Finally, work continues to eliminate waste to landfill across the region, particularly in Mexico and PEBAC. 

Performance

Sales and net sales

Sales increased by £92 million, or 7%, to £1,444 million in the year ended 30 June 2019 from £1,352 million in the year ended 30 June 2018. Excise duties were £314 million in the year ended 30 June 2019 and £283 million in the year ended 30 June 2018, an increase of £31 million.

Net sales (sales less excise duties) were £1,130 million in the year ended 30 June 2019 an increase of £61 million, or 6%, compared to net sales of £1,069 million in the year ended 30 June 2018. Net sales were favourably impacted by organic growth of £90 million (see further performance analysis below), partially offset by exchange rate movements of £29 million due to the weakening of the Brazilian real, Argentine peso, and the Colombian peso against sterling.

Operating profit

Operating profit was £365 million in the year ended 30 June 2019 an increase of £57 million compared to operating profit of £308 million in the year ended 30 June 2018. Operating profit was favourably impacted by organic growth of £59 million. This increase was partially offset by unfavourable exchange rate movements of £2 million.


73

Business review (continued)

Further performance analysis

Unless otherwise stated percentage movements refer to organic movements in the following analysis.

Latin America and Caribbean delivered 9% growth in net sales with strong performance in Brazil, Mexico, Colombia and CCA. Net sales in Brazil grew 11% largely driven by gin, and partially benefitting from a one-off incentive related credit. Mexico grew 8% led by double digit growth in tequila. Colombia grew 19% largely driven by scotch. CCA benefitted from lapping the impact of last year's hurricanes. Growth in the region was broad based across key categories. Scotch grew 7% with continued solid performance of Johnnie Walker and primary scotch growing 5% and 14% respectively. Buchanan's was up 8% and Old Parr returned to growth as both brands benefitted from lapping last year's tax changes in Colombia. Don Julio delivered double digit growth led by Mexico. Gin grew double digit driven by the strong growth of Tanqueray in Brazil. Operating margin for the region increased 288bps benefitting from improved price/mix, productivity led efficiencies and a one-off tax benefit in other income in Brazil.

Markets:
 
Organic volume
movement
%

 
Reported volume
movement
%

 
Organic net sales
movement
%

 
Reported net sales
movement
%

Latin America and Caribbean
 
1

 
1

 
9

 
6

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
PUB
 
(1
)
 
(1
)
 
6

 
(3
)
Mexico
 
4

 
4

 
8

 
8

CCA
 
5

 
5

 
13

 
14

Andean
 
(16
)
 
(15
)
 
19

 
14

PEBAC
 
13

 
13

 
6

 
3

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Spirits
 
1

 
1

 
9

 
6

Beer
 
2

 
2

 
(4
)
 
(7
)
Ready to drink
 
(4
)
 
(4
)
 
8

 
4

Global giants and local stars (i) :
 
Organic
volume
movement
(ii)
%

 
Organic
net sales
movement
%

 
Reported
net sales
movement
%

Johnnie Walker
 
 
 
3

 
5

 
3

Buchanan’s
 
 
 
5

 
8

 
7

Smirnoff
 
 
 
11

 
19

 
10

Old Parr
 
 
 
5

 
3

 
1

Baileys
 
 
 
3

 
17

 
13

Ypióca
 
 
 
(7
)
 
(1
)
 
(11
)
Black & White
 
 
 
8

 
5

 


(i)
Spirits brands excluding ready to drink.
(ii)
Organic equals reported volume movement.


74

Business review (continued)

Key highlights
 
In PUB (Paraguay, Uruguay and Brazil), net sales grew 6%. Brazil delivered 11% growth driven by strong growth in gin, and partially benefitting from a one-off incentive related credit. Tanqueray drove the growth in gin supported by scaled up commercial activations in conjunction with media support. Scotch net sales grew 6% led by White Horse. Black & White declined as it was impacted by a state tax change in Brazil.

In Mexico , net sales increased 8%. Growth was broad based but led by Don Julio which continued to gain share in the tequila category, reflecting strong brand momentum and well-executed marketing campaigns and commercial platforms. Scotch grew 4% with Johnnie Walker up 7% and Black & White up 4% supported by an increased focus on brand availability through trade activations. Baileys grew strong double digit driven by distribution expansion, new brand communication focusing on Baileys' indulgent treat positioning and the launch of new flavours.

In CCA (Caribbean and Central America), net sales increased 13% as it benefitted from lapping the impact of the hurricanes in the prior year. Growth was broad based but led by Johnnie Walker Black Label which grew double digit as it benefitted from greater visibility with the "Keep Walking" campaign. Smirnoff ready to drink grew 19% driven by innovations with Guarana and Green Apple flavours.

Andean (Colombia and Venezuela) net sales increased 19% driven by Colombia, which partially benefitted from lapping the impact of tax changes last year. Scotch delivered double digit net sales growth. Buchanan's strong performance was supported by occasion driven consumer activations with local media campaigns. Black & White benefitted from route to consumer expansion and recruiting new consumers from local spirits and beer. Johnnie Walker grew double digit partially driven by the "White Walker by Johnnie Walker" innovation. Venezuela volume remained in decline as economic conditions continued to deteriorate.

PEBAC (Peru, Ecuador, Bolivia, Argentina and Chile) delivered 6% net sales growth, driven by Ecuador and Chile partially offset by Bolivia and Peru, which were impacted by tax changes. Growth was driven by scotch with a strong contribution from Johnnie Walker Red Label and "White Walker by Johnnie Walker".

Marketing investment increased 6% driven by the key campaigns including Johnnie Walker “We are all Human", Buchanan's “Vivamos Grandes Momentos”, Old Parr “Cambia el Guión” and Tanqueray "Tanqueray Mixed Gin Bar".

75

Business review (continued)

Asia Pacific

CHART-FDF31ACB14166B9A093.JPG CHART-620B027C200F75AA11D.JPG
l
India
l
South East Asia
l
Spirits
l
Ready to drink
l
Greater China
l
North Asia
l
Beer
l
Other
l
Australia
l
Other (principally
Travel Retail)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

Key financials
 
2018
£ million

 
Exchange
£ million

 
Acquisitions
and
disposals
£ million

 
Organic movement
£ million

 
2019
£ million

 
Reported movement
%

Net sales
 
2,503

 
(36
)
 
(5
)
 
226

 
2,688

 
7

Marketing
 
388

 
(3
)
 

 
27

 
412

 
6

Operating profit before exceptional items
 
568

 
(6
)
 
(2
)
 
143

 
703

 
24

Exceptional operating items (i)
 

 

 

 

 
(35
)
 

Operating profit
 
568

 

 

 

 
668

 
18


(i) For further details on exceptional operating items see pages 196 to 198.

In Asia Pacific our focus is to grow in both developed and emerging markets across our entire portfolio ranging from international and local spirits to ready to drink formats and beer. We have a clear long-term strategy that enables us to allocate resources behind brands that win in key consumer occasions and categories. We manage our portfolio to meet the increasing demands of the growing middle class and aim to inspire our consumers to drink better, not more. This strategy ensures that we deliver consistent and efficient growth with a key focus on developing our premium and super deluxe segments across the region.

Our markets

Asia Pacific comprises India, Greater China (China, Taiwan, Hong Kong and Macau), Australia (including New Zealand), South East Asia (Vietnam, Thailand, Philippines, Indonesia, Malaysia, Singapore, Cambodia, Laos, Myanmar, Nepal and Sri Lanka), North Asia (Korea and Japan) and Travel Retail Asia and Middle East.

Supply operations

We have distilleries at Chengdu, in China that produces Chinese white spirit (baijiu) and in Bundaberg, Australia that produce rum. United Spirits Limited (USL) operates 16 owned manufacturing units in India. In addition, USL and Diageo brands are also produced under licence by third party manufacturers. We also have bottling plants in Korea, Thailand and Australia with ready to drink manufacturing capabilities.


76

Business review (continued)

Route to consumer

In South East Asia, spirits and beer are sold through a combination of Diageo companies, joint venture arrangements, and third party distributors. In Thailand, Malaysia and Singapore, we have joint venture arrangements with Moët Hennessy, sharing administrative and distribution costs. Diageo operates wholly owned subsidiaries in the Philippines and Vietnam. In addition, in Vietnam, we own a 45.57% equity stake in Hanoi Liquor Joint Stock Company which manufactures and sells vodka. In Indonesia, Guinness is brewed by, and distributed through third party arrangements.

In Greater China our market presence is established through our 63.14% equity investment in Sichuan Shuijingfang Company Limited which manufactures and sells baijiu, and our wholly owned entity Diageo China Limited, selling Diageo brands, and a joint venture arrangement with Moët Hennessy where administrative and distribution costs are shared. Diageo operates a wholly owned subsidiary in Taiwan. In 2019, a newly created venture between Jiangsu Yanghe Distillery and Diageo in China has resulted in the creation of a new-to-world whisky, Zhong Shi Ji, which fuses the skills, craftsmanship and heritage of Chinese Baijiu and Scotch whisky master blenders.

In India, we manufacture, market and sell Indian whisky, rum, brandy and other spirits through our 54.78% shareholding in USL. Diageo also sells its own brands through USL.

In Australia, we manufacture, market and sell Diageo products. In New Zealand we operate through third party distributors. In North Asia, we have our own distribution company in South Korea. In Japan, the majority of sales are through joint venture agreements with Moët Hennessy and Kirin. Airport shops and airline operators are serviced through a dedicated Diageo sales and marketing organisation. In the Middle East, we sell our products through third party distributors.

Sustainability and responsibility

Tackling drink driving and underage drinking are priorities. Our partnership with the United Nations Institute for Training and Research (UNITAR), has gathered experts, government officials, educators and business leaders to address road safety in Thailand, South Korea and the Philippines. In India, our 'Road to Safety' programme has trained 7,228 police officers and gathered over one million pledges against drink driving.

We are also working to embed human rights and empower communities. We continued programmes in India that combine providing safe drinking water with skills development and women's empowerment, such as our new 'water ATM' programme, which trains women to maintain new water systems.

Our facilities in India have delivered our 2020 targets on carbon emissions and water use one year ahead of schedule and continue to identify new opportunities to minimise the impacts of climate change.

Performance

Sales and net sales

Sales increased by £314 million, or 6%, to £5,356 million in the year ended 30 June 2019 from £5,042 million in the year ended 30 June 2018. Excise duties were £2,668 million in the year ended 30 June 2019 and £2,539 million in the year ended 30 June 2018, an increase of £129 million.

Net sales (sales less excise duties) were £2,688 million in the year ended 30 June 2019 an increase of £185 million, or 7%, compared to net sales of £2,503 million in the year ended 30 June 2018. Net sales were favourably impacted by organic growth of £226 million (see further performance analysis below), partially offset by £36 million of unfavourable exchange rate movements due to the weakening of the Indian rupee and the Australian dollar against sterling. In addition, there was a reduction in net sales of £3 million due to the disposal of a subsidiary in Nepal and £2 million of net sales due to the disposal of a portfolio of 19 brands sold to Sazerac in December 2018.

Operating profit

Operating profit was £668 million in the year ended 30 June 2019 an increase of £100 million compared to operating profit of £568 million in the year ended 30 June 2018. Operating profit was favourably impacted by organic growth of £143 million. This increase was partially offset by a £35 million exceptional indirect tax charge in Korea, by unfavourable exchange rate movements of £6 million primarily due to the weakening of the Indian rupee and the Australian dollar, £1 million due to the disposal of a subsidiary in Nepal and £1 million due to the disposal of a portfolio of 19 brands sold to Sazerac in December 2018.


77

Business review (continued)

Further performance analysis

Unless otherwise stated percentage movements refer to organic movements in the following analysis.

Asia Pacific delivered 9% growth in net sales with strong growth across the region except North Asia. Greater China grew 19% driven by strong performance in both Chinese white spirits and scotch. Net sales in India grew 8% driven by IMFL whisky and scotch. Travel Retail Asia and Middle East grew 13% mostly from Johnnie Walker. South East Asia grew 8% driven by Johnnie Walker and Guinness. Scotch net sales were up 9% across the region led by strong performance in Johnnie Walker, which benefitted from the successful launch of the "White Walker by Johnnie Walker" innovation and scotch malts, which more than offset the net sales decline of Windsor in Korea. Gin grew double digit largely driven by strong growth in Australia. Net sales of Reserve brands were up 19% largely driven by Chinese white spirits and Johnnie Walker super deluxe variants. Operating margin increased 341bps driven by positive price/mix and productivity led savings.

Markets:
Organic volume
movement
%
 
Reported volume
movement
%

 
Organic net sales
movement
%

 
Reported net sales
movement
%

Asia Pacific
5
 
5

 
9

 
7



 


 


 


India
5
 
5

 
8

 
4

Greater China
11
 
11

 
19

 
19

Australia
3
 
3

 
6

 
2

South East Asia
2
 
2

 
8

 
9

North Asia
12
 
11

 
(2
)
 

Travel Retail Asia and Middle East
4
 
9

 
13

 
15



 


 


 


Spirits
5
 
5

 
10

 
8

Beer
1
 
1

 
5

 
(2
)
Ready to drink
3
 
3

 
6

 
6

Global giants and local stars (i) :
 
Organic
volume
movement
(ii)
%

 
Organic
net sales
movement
%

 
Reported
net sales
movement
%

Johnnie Walker
 
6

 
11

 
13

McDowell's
 
7

 
9

 
5

Windsor
 
(1
)
 
(16
)
 
(15
)
Smirnoff
 
(4
)
 
2

 
1

Guinness
 
1

 
5

 
(1
)
Bundaberg
 
(4
)
 
(1
)
 
(5
)
Shui Jing Fang (iii)
 
16

 
23

 
22


(i)
Spirits brands excluding ready to drink.
(ii)
Organic equals reported volume movement except for Johnnie Walker 7% largely due to the reallocation of the results of Travel Retail.
(iii)
Organic growth figures represent total Chinese white spirits of which Shui Jing Fang is the principal brand. Organic growth adjusted to remove bulk sales reported in the prior comparable period. Reported volume was up 17%.


78

Business review (continued)

Key highlights
 
In India net sales increased 8% with growth from the "Prestige and Above" segment up 12%, led by double digit growth in scotch, driven by Johnnie Walker and Black & White. This was supported by solid performance from McDowell’s No.1 enhanced by the launch of its new Platinum range and good growth in Royal Challenge and Signature. Vodka net sales were up 5%, supported by Smirnoff consumer activation. Net sales in the popular brands segment increased 1%.

In Greater China net sales increased 19%, with double digit growth in both Chinese white spirits and scotch. Chinese white spirits grew 23% partly driven by route to consumer expansion. Scotch net sales increased 13% with continued growth in scotch malts and Johnnie Walker super deluxe in mainland China and a return to growth from Johnnie Walker in Taiwan.

Net sales in Australia grew 6%, driven by strong performance in the ready to drink and gin portfolio. Ready to drink net sales increased 7% fuelled by innovation geared towards more premium products such as Gordon's Premium Pink Gin & Soda and Tanqueray & Tonic. Gin grew double digit as the fastest growing spirit in Australia supported by innovation from Gordon's Pink and House of Tanqueray. Bundaberg net sales stabilised on the back of the "Unmistakably Ours" campaign.

In South East Asia, net sales increased 8% driven by growth across all key countries except Thailand. Scotch was the main growth driver with net sales growth of 6%, led by "White Walker by Johnnie Walker" and Johnnie Walker super deluxe. Guinness grew 11% driven by solid performance in Indonesia supported by focus on modern on-trade recruitment and by route to consumer expansion of Guinness Draught in Singapore.

In North Asia, net sales declined 2% with growth in Japan being offset by continued weakness in Korea. In Korea net sales declined 9% due to a continued weak Windsor performance, as a result of the contraction of the scotch category. Japan net sales grew 10% driven by primary scotch, Johnnie Walker and the successful relaunch of the Guinness Draught in Can.

Travel Retail Asia and Middle East net sales grew 13% driven by successful launches within the Johnnie Walker portfolio, including "White Walker by Johnnie Walker" and Johnnie Walker Blue Label innovation.

Marketing investment increased 7% driven by increased investment in Chinese white spirits, Johnnie Walker and scotch malts in Greater China and a new culture leading campaign "#ChallengeAccepted" for Royal Challenge in India.


Corporate

Performance

Sales and net sales

Corporate sales principally arise in the Guinness visitor centre in Dublin, Ireland and the income from the global licencing of Diageo brands and trademarks. Corporate sales and net sales were £53 million in the year ended 30 June 2019 an increase of £1 million compared to net sales of £52 million in the year ended 30 June 2018  due to organic growth.

Operating costs

Corporate operating costs comprise central costs, including finance, marketing, corporate relations, human resources and legal, as well as certain information systems, facilities and employee costs that are not allocable to the geographical segments or to the ISC. Operating costs were £210 million in the year ended 30 June 2019 an increase of £52 million compared to operating costs of £158 million in the year ended 30 June 2018 . The increase in costs in the year ended 30 June 2019 was principally a result of an increased employee bonus accrual, an increase in legal case accruals and an exceptional item of £21 million in respect of guaranteed minimum pension equalisation.

79

Business review (continued)

Category review

CHART-FC02DBA240A8AD5E223.JPG CHART-7211A68FD1848F6E85F.JPG CHART-5CFBCFD31ED7B947D54.JPG

l
Scotch
l
Canadian whisky
l
Indian-Made Foreign Liquor (IMFL) whisky
l
Liqueurs
l
Tequila
l
Ready to drink
l
Other
l
Vodka


l
Gin
l
Beer



l
US whiskey
l
Rum









 
Key categories
 
Organic
volume
movement
(iii)
%

 
Organic
net sales
movement
%

 
Reported
net sales
movement
%

Spirits (i)
 
3

 
7

 
6

Scotch
 
2

 
6

 
6

Vodka (ii)(iv)
 
2

 
2

 
4

US whiskey
 
2

 
4

 
9

Canadian whisky
 
6

 
6

 
8

Rum (ii)
 
(3
)
 
(2
)
 
(3
)
Indian-Made Foreign Liquor (IMFL) whisky
 
6

 
8

 
3

Liqueurs
 
1

 
4

 
4

Gin (ii)
 
17

 
22

 
23

Tequila
 
19

 
29

 
37

Beer
 
1

 
3

 
4

Ready to drink
 
7

 
12

 
12


(i)    Spirits brands excluding ready to drink.
(ii)    Vodka, rum, gin including IMFL brands.
(iii)    Organic equals reported volume movement except for Canadian whisky 5%, gin 16%, and tequila 21%, which were impacted by acquisitions and disposals.
(iv)    Vodka includes Ketel One Botanical.


80

Business review (continued)

Unless otherwise stated percentage movements refer to organic movements in the following analysis.

Scotch represents 25% of Diageo's net sales and was up 6% with broad based growth across all regions except Europe. Scotch growth was driven by Johnnie Walker, which delivered a strong performance with net sales up 7%, benefitting from the successful launch of "White Walker by Johnnie Walker" inspired by the TV series Game of Thrones. Primary scotch brands grew 9% largely driven by Black & White in Asia Pacific and White Horse in Latin America and Caribbean and Asia Pacific. Buchanan's grew 8% in Latin America and Caribbean and 4% in North America. Scotch malts were up 12% with growth coming from Asia Pacific, North America and Europe benefitting from the launch of the "Game of Thrones Single Malt Scotch Whisky Collection". Old Parr returned to growth this year, as the brand lapped tax changes in Colombia. JεB continued to be under pressure in Europe led by the challenged scotch category in Iberia. Scotch continued to decline in Korea driven by declines in Windsor.

Vodka represents 11% of Diageo’s net sales and returned to growth with net sales up 2% and growth across all the regions except Europe. Vodka growth was driven by Smirnoff and Ketel One partially offset by a decline in Cîroc vodka. Overall, Smirnoff grew 3%, with net sales up 2% in US Spirits and 4% outside of the US, where performance was largely driven by double digit growth in Brazil and South Africa. Ketel One grew net sales by 10%, with US Spirits being the largest contributor to growth, benefitting from the success of Ketel One Botanical. The decline in Cîroc vodka was driven by US Spirits.

US whiskey represents 2% of Diageo’s net sales and grew 4%. Performance continued to be driven by good growth in Bulleit in US Spirits.

Canadian whisky represents 7% of Diageo’s net sales and grew 6%. Solid growth of Crown Royal in US Spirits was driven by strengthened marketing investment fuelling the growth of Crown Royal Regal Apple and by the Crown Royal Peach limited time offer. The brand also grew share within its category. The brand also grew share within its category.

Rum represents 6% of Diageo’s net sales and declined 2% largely driven by Captain Morgan decline in US Spirits, in a category that is also in decline.
IMFL whisky represents 5% of Diageo’s net sales and grew 8% driven by the strong performance of the McDowell’s trademark, Signature and Royal Challenge.

Liqueurs represent 5% of Diageo’s net sales and grew 4% with growth in all regions. Baileys was up 4% led by Europe, US Spirits and Mexico, with performance driven by continued focus on reminding consumers of Baileys' indulgent treat year-round positioning.

Gin represents 4% of Diageo’s net sales and grew 22% with double digit growth across all regions except North America. Strong growth in gin continued with Tanqueray and Gordon’s growing double digit with both Gordon's and Tanqueray benefitting from strong growth across their core and innovation variants. We continued to gain share in the gin category in Western Europe.

Tequila represents 4% of Diageo’s net sales and grew 29%. The performance was driven by strong double digit growth of Don Julio in US Spirits and Latin America and Caribbean as well as Casamigos in US Spirits.

Beer represents 16% of Diageo’s net sales and grew 3%. In Africa beer grew 5%, largely driven by Senator Keg in Kenya and Serengeti Lite in Tanzania partially offset by decline in Satzenbrau in Nigeria. Guinness grew 2% with growth largely driven by Guinness Foreign Extra Stout, as well as Guinness Draught and the continued growth of Hop House 13 Lager in Europe. In Ireland lager net sales grew 4% driven by strong growth in Rockshore.

Ready to drink represents 6% of Diageo’s net sales and grew 12% primarily driven by North America and Europe.


81

Business review (continued)

Global giants, local stars and reserve (i) :
 
Organic
volume
movement
(ii)
%

 
Organic
net sales
movement
%

 
Reported
net sales
movement
%

Global giants
 

 

 

Johnnie Walker
 
2

 
7

 
7

Smirnoff
 

 
3

 
5

Baileys
 

 
4

 
5

Captain Morgan
 
(1
)
 
(2
)
 
1

Tanqueray
 
17

 
19

 
21

Guinness
 

 
2

 
2

Local stars
 

 

 

Crown Royal
 
6

 
6

 
10

Yenì Raki
 
(19
)
 
6

 
(24
)
Buchanan’s
 
6

 
6

 
8

JεB
 
(10
)
 
(8
)
 
(9
)
Windsor
 
(1
)
 
(16
)
 
(15
)
Old Parr
 
4

 
3

 
1

Bundaberg
 
(4
)
 
(1
)
 
(5
)
Black & White
 
10

 
14

 
9

Ypióca
 
(7
)
 
(1
)
 
(12
)
McDowell's
 
7

 
8

 
4

Shui Jing Fang (iii)
 
16

 
22

 
22

Reserve
 

 

 

Scotch malts
 
7

 
12

 
12

Cîroc vodka
 
(8
)
 
(8
)
 
(5
)
Ketel One (iv)
 
9

 
10

 
15

Don Julio
 
15

 
26

 
30

Bulleit
 
9

 
7

 
12


(i)
Spirits brands excluding ready to drink.  
(ii)
Organic equals reported volume movement except for Johnnie Walker 3%.
(iii)
Organic growth figures represent total Chinese white spirits of which Shui Jing Fang is the principal brand. Organic growth adjusted to remove bulk sales reported in the comparable period last year. Reported volume was up 17%.
(iv)
Ketel One includes Ketel One vodka and Ketel One Botanical.

Unless otherwise stated percentage movements refer to organic movements in the following analysis.

Global giants represent 41% of Diageo’s net sales and grew 5%. Growth was broad based across all brands with the exception of Captain Morgan. Captain Morgan was down 2%, driven by a 5% decline in US Spirits in a category that is also in decline.

Local stars represent 20% of Diageo’s net sales and grew 6%, largely driven by strong growth of Chinese white spirits, Crown Royal in US Spirits, McDowell’s No. 1 in India, Buchanan's in Latin America and Caribbean and Black&White in Asia Pacific. This was partially offset by declines of Windsor in Korea and JεB in Iberia.

Reserve brands represent 19% of Diageo’s net sales and grew 11% largely driven by double digit growth of Don Julio in US Spirits and Mexico, Chinese white spirits and Casamigos in US Spirits partially offset by declines in Cîroc. Net sales of Johnnie Walker reserve variants were up 7%.

82

Business review (continued)

Operating results 2018 compared with 2017

For the discussion on our operating results for the year ended 30 June 2017 , including certain comparative discussion on our operating results for the years ended 30 June 2017 and 2018 , please refer to 'Operating results 2018 compared with 2017 ' on pages 50 to 82 in our Annual Report on Form 20-F (File No. 001-10691) filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on 6 August 2018.


83

Business review (continued)

Liquidity and capital resources

1. Analysis of cash flow and balance sheet

The primary source of the group’s liquidity over the last three financial years has been cash generated from operations. These funds have generally been used to pay interest, taxes and dividends, and to fund capital expenditure and acquisitions, and are expected to continue to fund future operating and capital needs.

2019 compared with 2018

Net cash from operating activities – see page 53
Movement in net borrowings – see page 58
Movement in equity – see page 59
Post employment net surplus – see page 59

2. Analysis of borrowings

a) Gross borrowings (excluding finance lease liabilities and the fair value of derivative instruments) are expected to mature as follows:
 
2019
£ million

 
2018
£ million

Within one year
1,959

 
1,828

Between one and three years
2,940

 
2,033

Between three and five years
2,879

 
2,111

Beyond five years
4,777

 
3,930

 
12,555

 
9,902


b) The following bonds were issued and repaid:
 
2019
£ million

 
2018
£ million

Issued
 
 
 
€ denominated
2,270

 
1,136

£ denominated
496

 

US$ denominated

 
1,476

Repaid
 
 
 
€ denominated
(1,168
)
 

US$ denominated

 
(1,571
)
 
1,598

 
1,041


c) The group had available undrawn committed bank facilities as follows:
 
2019
£ million

 
2018
£ million

Expiring within one year

 
788

Expiring between one and two years

 

Expiring after two years
2,756

 
1,864

 
2,756

 
2,652


The facilities can be used for general corporate purposes and, together with cash and cash equivalents, support the group’s commercial paper programmes.

There are no financial covenants on the group’s material short- and long-term borrowings. Certain of these borrowings contain cross default provisions and negative pledges.


84

Business review (continued)

The committed bank facilities are subject to a single financial covenant, being minimum interest cover ratio of two times (defined as the ratio of operating profit before exceptional items, aggregated with share of after tax results of associates and joint ventures, to net interest). They are also subject to pari passu ranking and negative pledge covenants.

Any non-compliance with covenants underlying Diageo’s financing arrangements could, if not waived, constitute an event of default with respect to any such arrangements, and any non-compliance with covenants may, in particular circumstances, lead to an acceleration of maturity on certain borrowings and the inability to access committed facilities. Diageo was in full compliance with its financial, pari passu ranking and negative pledge covenants in respect of its material short and long-term borrowings throughout each of the years presented.

3. Capital management

The group’s management is committed to enhancing shareholder value in the long-term, both by investing in the business and brands so as to deliver continued improvement in the return from those investments and by managing the capital structure. Diageo manages its capital structure to achieve capital efficiency, provide flexibility to invest through the economic cycle and give efficient access to debt markets at attractive cost levels. This is achieved by targeting an adjusted net borrowings (net borrowings aggregated with post employment benefit liabilities) to adjusted EBITDA leverage of 2.5 – 3.0 times, this range for Diageo being currently broadly consistent with an A band credit rating. Diageo would consider operating outside of this range in order to effect strategic initiatives within its stated goals, which could have an impact on its rating. If Diageo’s leverage was to be negatively impacted by the financing of an acquisition, it would seek over time to return to the range of 2.5 – 3.0 times. The group regularly assesses its debt and equity capital levels against its stated policy for capital structure. As at 30 June 2019 the adjusted net borrowings ( £12,123 million ) to adjusted EBITDA ratio was 2.5 times. For this calculation net borrowings are adjusted by post employment benefit liabilities ( £846 million ) whilst adjusted EBITDA ( £4,802 million ) comprises operating profit excluding exceptional operating items and depreciation, amortisation and impairment and includes share of after tax results of associates and joint ventures.

4. Capital repayments

Authorisation was given by shareholders on 20 September 2018 to purchase a maximum of 246,118,306 shares at a minimum price of 28 101 / 108 pence and a maximum price of higher of (a) 105% of the average of the middle market quotations for an ordinary share for the five preceding business days and (b) the higher of the price of the last independent trade and the highest current independent bid on the London Stock Exchange at the time the purchase is carried out. The programme expires at the conclusion of the next Annual General Meeting or on 19 December 2019 if earlier .

In the year ended 30 June 2019 the group purchased 94.7 million ordinary shares ( 2018 58.9 million), representing approximately 3.5% of the issued ordinary share capital ( 2018 2.1% ) at an average price of £ 29.24 per share, and an aggregate cost of £2,775 million (including £6 million of transaction costs) ( 2018 – £ 25.43 per share, and an aggregate cost of £1,507 million including £9 million of transaction costs) under share buyback programmes. The programme completed on 10 July 2019 resulting in the repurchase of an additional 0.3 million shares at an average price of £33.73 , and an aggregate cost of £26 million (including £17 million settlement payments for the full tranche) recognised as a financial liability at 30 June 2019 . The shares purchased under the share buyback programmes were cancelled.

During the year ended 30 June 2019 the company purchased call options over 4 million shares at a cost of £14 million to hedge employee share awards and share option grants. These are three-year call options, denominated in sterling.

During the year ended 30 June 2018 , as part of the employee share schemes, the company purchased 2.5 million ordinary shares, nominal value of £1 million ( 2017 5 million ordinary shares, nominal value of £1 million ), representing approximately 0.1% (2017 - 0.2% ) of the issued ordinary share capital (excluding treasury shares).

For further details about the shares purchased and the average price paid per share please refer to note 17 in the consolidated financial statements.


85

Business review (continued)

Contractual obligations and other commitments
 
 
 
Payments due by period
 
As at 30 June 2019
 
Less than
1 year
£ million

 
1-3  years
£ million

 
3-5  years
£ million

 
More than
5 years
£ million

 
Total
£ million

Long term debt obligations
 
978

 
2,942

 
2,846

 
4,748

 
11,514

Interest obligations
 
363

 
489

 
368

 
1,362

 
2,582

Credit support obligations
 
120

 

 

 

 
120

Purchase obligations
 
1,125

 
478

 
146

 
16

 
1,765

Operating leases
 
98

 
109

 
56

 
58

 
321

Post employment benefits (i)
 
50

 
95

 
90

 
80

 
315

Provisions and other non-current payables
 
101

 
292

 
29

 
214

 
636

Finance leases
 
48

 
50

 
36

 
9

 
143

Capital commitments
 
224

 
31

 

 

 
255

Other financial liabilities
 
174

 

 

 

 
174

Total
 
3,281

 
4,486

 
3,571

 
6,487

 
17,825

 

(i)
For further information see note 13 to the consolidated financial statements.

Long-term debt obligations comprise the principal amount of borrowings (excluding foreign currency swaps) with an original maturity of greater than one year. Interest obligations comprise interest payable on these borrowings and are calculated based on the fixed amounts payable and where the interest rate is variable on an estimate of what the variable rates will be in the future. Credit support obligations represent liabilities to counterparty banks in respect of cash received as collateral under credit support agreements. Purchase obligations include various long-term purchase contracts entered into for the supply of raw materials, principally bulk
whisk(e)y, cereals, cans and glass bottles. Contracts are used to guarantee the supply of raw materials over the long term and to enable a more accurate prediction of costs of raw materials in the future. Provisions and other non-current payables exclude £4 million in respect of vacant properties. For certain provisions discounted numbers are disclosed.

Corporate tax payable of £378 million and deferred tax liabilities are not included in the table above, as the ultimate timing of settlement cannot be reasonably estimated.

Management believe that it has sufficient funding for its working capital requirements.

Post employment benefits contractual obligations comprise committed deficit contributions but exclude future service cost contributions .

Off-balance sheet arrangements

Neither Diageo plc nor any member of the Diageo group has any off-balance sheet financing arrangements that currently have or are reasonably likely to have a material future effect on the group’s financial condition, changes in financial condition, results of operations, liquidity, capital expenditure or capital resources.

Risk management

The group’s funding, liquidity and exposure to foreign currency, interest rate risks, financial credit risk and commodity price risk are conducted within a framework of board approved policies and guidelines. The group purchases insurance for commercial or, where required, for legal or contractual reasons. In addition, the group retains some insurable risk where external insurance is not considered to be an economic means of mitigating this risk. Loan, trade and other receivables exposures are managed locally in the operating units where they arise and credit limits are established as deemed appropriate for the customer.

For a detailed analysis of the group’s exposure to foreign exchange, interest rate, commodity price, credit and liquidity risks see note 15 to the consolidated financial statements on pages 227-230.


86

Business review (continued)

Critical accounting policies

The consolidated financial statements are prepared in accordance with IFRS. Diageo’s accounting policies are set out in the notes to the consolidated financial statements. In applying these policies, the directors are required to make estimates and subjective judgements that may affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities at the balance sheet date and reported profit for the year. The directors base these on a combination of past experience and any other evidence that is relevant to the particular circumstance. The actual outcome could differ from those estimates.

The critical accounting policies, which the directors consider are of greater complexity and/or particularly subject to the exercise of judgements, are set out in detail in the relevant notes:

Exceptional items - page 196
Taxation - page 201
Brands, goodwill and other intangibles - page 208
Post employment benefits - page 216
Contingent liabilities and legal proceedings - page 244

New accounting standards

A number of accounting standards, amendments and interpretations have recently been issued by the IASB and IFRIC. Those that are of relevance to the group are discussed in note 1 to the consolidated financial statements on pages 188 and 189.



87

Business review (continued)

Our role in society

Sustainability & Responsibility review

We are proud to be the stewards of some of the most iconic brands in the world, built over generations by people who understood the importance of creating value for the long term, not just the present. We too have a responsibility to think about the future - and we are determined to build a business that continues to make a positive impact on the issues that matter most to our stakeholders and to wider society.

Diageo’s purpose is to celebrate life every day, everywhere. We are proud that bringing people together to enjoy our brands creates value for millions of people around the world. Our commercial success depends on us creating a positive impact on society, wherever we live, work, source and sell.

Our ambition is to be among the best performing, most trusted and respected consumer product companies in the world. This requires us to harness our entire business, including our brands and our 28,400 diverse and talented employees, to ensure we promote inclusive growth and support the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

This long-term approach to environmental, social and corporate governance issues reflects the values of our founders and the people who make Diageo thrive today. It also makes our business stronger. By deepening our brands’ relationships with consumers, earning the trust of stakeholders, attracting and empowering the best and most diverse talent, boosting our resilience and productivity and mitigating risk, our Sustainability and Responsibility (S&R) Strategy will ensure our business creates value for generations to come.

Doing business with integrity and winning trust require a robust and transparent approach to governance and ethics. Our rigorous global risk and compliance framework is set out on pages 38 to 48.

How we are contributing to the UN Sustainable Development Goals :

Promoting positive drinking (see page 89)
Building thriving communities (see page 93)
Reducing our environmental impact (see page 98)
Our people (see page 106)

A responsibility - and an opportunity - to build our business sustainably

We take a holistic approach to S&R, building on our brands’ connections with consumers, leading the way in promoting positive drinking and attracting, empowering and retaining the best talent. We must ensure that our operations and networks meet the highest social and environmental standards and that contribute to inclusion, diversity and the promotion of human rights.

The relationships we have throughout our value chain are also critical. We connect with millions of people – with the farmers who grow our raw materials, with our many suppliers and contractors, and with the retailers and distributors who link us to our consumers. Our approach aims to ensure all these relationships create value and promote sustainable growth.

Ambitious targets driving progress

In 2015 we set targets for 2020 across each pillar of our S&R Strategy and we have since set additional targets for renewable electricity and plastic packaging. We believe they are among the most ambitious and stretching in our industry. We were an early adopter of absolute, rather than relative, reductions in our environmental impact, in line with the principles of the Science Based Targets initiative. Our targets for supporting communities, encouraging moderation and reducing alcohol-related harm, and improving health and safety have helped to drive positive impacts for millions of people within and beyond our business.

In many areas we have made rapid progress – but we are not complacent. We achieved our 2020 targets to promote positive drinking ahead of schedule. So last year we launched a more ambitious strategy that will reach millions more people with our core aims of promoting moderation and reducing alcohol misuse.


88

Business review (continued)

By focusing on inclusion and diversity we reached our 2020 target of having 30% of leadership positions held by women in 2017. We then stretched the target to 35% − a figure we exceeded this year. Similarly, in 2018 we achieved our health and safety target of one lost-time accident (LTA) per 1,000 employees and no work-related fatalities two years early. So this year we started developing an expanded global strategy with further stretching targets to help drive our safety performance towards our ultimate aim of zero harm. Our environmental programmes have achieved a cumulative reduction of 44.7% in our greenhouse gas emissions, improved our water efficiency by 43.8%, and made 98.7% of our packaging recyclable.

We know we face challenges in some areas. We need to work more with partners to improve recycling infrastructure if we are to meet all our ambitious packaging targets. We have also made slower progress than we expected on our target to improve our wastewater performance. While we meet all regulatory requirements for wastewater at our sites, we need to embrace new technologies and solutions to reach the next level.

Overall, we are making good progress across our S&R Strategy. We report against each of our targets in the following pages, with supporting data and commentary in our Sustainability & Responsibility Performance Addendum and our submissions to CDP (formerly known as the Carbon Disclosure Project) on climate change and water. We are also developing our ambition and objectives beyond 2020, including our role in supporting the delivery of the UN SDGs. Our new commitments will reflect our increasing understanding of our risks and opportunities, including those highlighted by our work on implementing the recommendations of the Task Force on Climate-related Financial Disclosures (TCFD), discussed further on page 103.

“We are pleased to see Diageo’s focus on making a positive contribution to society. Businesses will play a vital role in creating the better, fairer world envisioned by the Sustainable Development Goals. And it makes business sense – because the only way companies will thrive in the long term is by making a positive impact across their value chains.”

Steve Kenzie
Executive Director, UN Global Compact Network UK


Promoting positive drinking

Our brands have been part of people's celebrations for generations. We make them with pride, and we want them to be enjoyed responsibly. That means our goal is for people to drink better, not more - an approach that both supports our social values, and aligns with our commercial interests as a business making premium drinks. We are committed to promoting moderation, tackling misuse, and improving laws and standards, while respecting the fact that many people choose not to drink alcohol at all.

We are proud of the heritage, authenticity and taste of our brands. We are also proud that millions of people around the world enjoy our brands responsibly as part of a balanced lifestyle. At the same time we know that harmful drinking causes significant issues for individuals and for society. Everyone at Diageo recognises the importance of promoting positive drinking, encouraging moderation and tackling the misuse of alcohol. If we do not, we damage our reputation and make it harder to create value. That is why we focus on quality, while also promoting moderation. We want people to ‘drink better, not more’, which makes commercial sense as consumers choose to trade up to higher-quality, better-tasting drinks.

Promoting moderation, reducing harm and improving standards

We have long supported the World Health Organization’s (WHO) goal of reducing harmful drinking by 10% across the world by 2025. We work with partners from within and beyond our industry on initiatives that advance that goal. We have also taken a clear stand on key issues – we were the first to put nutritional information and alcohol content onto our labels – while supporting a range of programmes around the world that aim to reduce harm and change behaviour.

Globally, we have focused our efforts on three core pillars – promoting moderation, campaigning to reduce harmful drinking, and improving laws and industry standards – and we have set ourselves stretching targets to reach by 2025.


89

Business review (continued)

“The private sector is a key partner in implementing measures that improve road safety. The United Nations Institute for Training and Research (UNITAR) and Diageo joined forces to launch a capacity-building initiative with a special focus on countries with the highest death rates related to road traffic. Between 2017 and 2018, the initiative reached 1,896 officials from national and local governments from 38 countries, as well as representatives from the private sector, academia and NGOs.”

Nikhil Seth
United Nations Assistant Secretary-General and Executive Director, UNITAR


Our targets for 2025

Educate
 
Collect
 
Reach
5 m
 
50 m
 
200 m
young people, parents and
teachers about the dangers
of underage drinking
 
pledges never to drink and
drive through #JoinThePact
 
people with moderation
messages from our brands
Progress to date
632,000
 
16.88m
 
66.02m


90

Business review (continued)

How we will achieve our targets

PILLAR 1
Promoting moderation
PILLAR 2
Campaigning to reduce harmful drinking
PILLAR 3
Improving laws and industry standards
For most people who drink alcohol, drinking responsibly is common sense. We want to reinforce that understanding of moderation in everything we do.
We focus resources on global programmes that address our priorities for reducing harmful drinking in line with the WHO's goal.
We comply with all laws and regulations wherever we operate, as a minimum requirement. We advocate sensible new regulation based on evidence, including legal purchase age laws and blood-alcohol volume driving limits in countries where these do not exist.
Brand action
Preventing drink driving
Support for the global focus on reducing the harmful use of alcohol
We are using our brands to carry a strong moderation message and combat heavy episodic drinking.
Our global #JoinThePact programme aims to encourage 50 million people to never drink and drive through signing a global pact.
Partnerships with police, local authorities and other agencies support enforcement, provide education for drivers and law enforcers, and support safe rides and public transportation.
A new three-year partnership with UNITAR focuses on high-visibility enforcement in Latin America, Asia and Africa, all identified as high-risk regions.
Our Chief Executive is Chairman of the CEO group at the International Alliance for Responsible Drinking (IARD).
As an IARD member, we are committed to delivering positive change, and we are fully aligned with the whole-of-society approach to addressing non-communicable diseases (NCDs), as outlined in the 2018 UN Political Declaration on NCDs.
Providing information to consumers
Addressing underage drinking
 
DRINKiQ.com, our dedicated responsible drinking website, is available in 25 languages and 38 countries. It gives consumers access to a wide range of training and resources on the effects of drinking.
Our flagship theatre-based ‘Smashed’ education programme informs young people about the dangers of underage drinking.
Our 'Ask, Listen, and Learn' programme in the Caribbean, developed and delivered by the Foundation for Advancing Alcohol Responsibility (FAAR), has been introduced to over 20,000 schools.
Our underage programmes have reached more than 632,000 people in the last two years across 20 countries.
 
 
Tackling heavy episodic (or binge) drinking
 
Labels and packaging also help us reach consumers, and our Diageo Consumer Information Standards provide benchmarks for the mandatory minimum information to be included on labels and packaging on all our brands, wherever they are legally permitted.
Brand campaigns and night-time economy city demonstration pilots work with a coalition of partners to reduce alcohol-related problems in entertainment districts. We adopted this approach in Toronto, Dublin, and Cancún in 2019.
 
 
 
Industry collaboration
 
 
We worked with our peers to implement the Global Beer, Wine and Spirits Producers' Commitments to reduce harmful drinking from 2013. A final progress report was issued in September 2018 and can be found at www.producerscommitments.org.
 


91

Business review (continued)

Responsible marketing

The Diageo Marketing Code (DMC) and Digital Code are our mandatory minimum standards for responsible marketing, and we review them every two years to ensure they represent best practice. We published an updated DMC in July 2019, shortly after the financial year 2019 covered by this Annual Report.

The DMC supports our approach to innovative marketing and the entrepreneurial spirit of our marketers, while at the same time ensuring we stay true to our core values and market responsibly. At the heart of the DMC is our commitment to ensuring all our activities depict and encourage only responsible and moderate drinking, and never target those who are younger than the legal purchase age for alcohol.

Across many of our markets, advertising monitoring and industry bodies publicly report breaches of self-regulatory alcohol marketing codes. We report these in our Annual Report.

This year, a complaint was upheld by Australia’s ABAC Responsible Alcohol Marketing Scheme about an advertisement for Johnnie Walker on the digital TV channel 9Now in November 2018.

The advert appeared during a programme showing the Adelaide Christmas Pageant, and the grounds of the complaint were that this was a children’s programme. While data on viewing of the programme in previous years showed that it was reasonable to expect 75% or more of viewers to be over 18, the ABAC adjudication panel reviewed the programme and concluded that it was primarily focused on families and children. The panel noted that Diageo did not make a specific marketing decision to target the broadcast of the Pageant, but upheld the complaint with the advice that Diageo should take more care in ensuring the ABAC placement rules are satisfied. We have since worked with all free-to-air broadcast partners to implement further content categorisation, and the broadcasters have created a new ‘family’ category of content.

Complaints about advertising upheld by industry bodies that report publicly (i)  

Country
 
Body
 
Industry complaints upheld
 
Complaints upheld about Diageo brands
Australia
 
ABAC Scheme
 
16
 
1
Ireland
 
Advertising Standards Authority for Ireland (ASAI)
 
1
 
0
United Kingdom
 
The Portman Group
 
11
 
0

 
Advertising Standards Authority (ASA)
 
4
 
0
United States
 
Distilled Spirits Council of the United States (DISCUS)
 
1
 
0

(i) From 1 July 2018 to 30 June 2019

Spotlight
Sometimes less is more: Guinness Clear

Made to a time-honoured recipe, 100% H 2 O, and available from all good taps, nationwide: Guinness Clear.

Our Guinness Clear initiative took a fresh approach to an important issue – raising awareness of the effects alcohol has on the body and encouraging moderate drinking. It brought together some of the most famous names in sport to highlight the importance of staying hydrated and in control – and it was a core pillar of one of our biggest and most exciting campaigns of 2019.

As title sponsor of the Guinness Six Nations Rugby Championship, and Official Sponsor of the Women’s Six Nations Championship, we knew we had a platform to reach the millions of people engaged by Europe’s premier international rugby tournaments.

We used a significant proportion of our marketing investment to encourage adult fans to drink responsibly. Launched with a 30-second television ad that went on to win a Gold award at the Cannes Lions festival, Guinness Clear had a prominent presence at stadiums, including through teams giving water to fans. It reached over 21 million people in the UK and Ireland.


92

Business review (continued)

The campaign was a perfect example of our approach. Put simply, we do not see marketing campaigns and responsible drinking campaigns as two separate channels. We invest significant time and money in training our marketers so that all our campaigns deliver responsible drinking messages – because we believe it is both socially and commercially essential for consumers to 'drink better, not more'.

Building thriving communities

Supporting the communities where we live, work, source and sell allows us to strengthen our business while increasing our positive social impact. We aim to promote inclusive growth by embedding and advancing human rights throughout our business, fostering sustainable and inclusive value chains, and delivering programmes that enhance skills and opportunities and empower women.

Our principles

We do not tolerate discrimination, harassment, bullying or abuse; we comply with wage and working time laws; we respect our employees’ decisions to join or not join a trade union; and we do not tolerate forced labour. Our Modern Slavery Statement describes our activities to prevent slavery and human trafficking in our business operations and supply chain in line with the UK Modern Slavery Act 2015 and the California Transparency in Supply Chains Act 2010. The statement and further details of our policies are available on www.diageo.com.

Respecting human rights throughout our business

Diageo is built on long-term relationships of trust and shared value, underpinned by respect for human rights. We aim to embed respect for human rights into the way we do business in every country and function. We have a well-developed policy framework that addresses human rights and our commitment to integrity, and this year we refreshed the human rights elements of our Code of Business Conduct, which we will launch next financial year.

Respect for human rights also informs the core principles of our supplier code, Partnering with Suppliers. Our commitments apply throughout our entire value chain – we will not work with anyone who does not align with these standards.

We have been signatories to the UN Guiding Principles on Business and Human Rights (UNGP) since 2014. We continue to embed human rights in line with the UNGP, using our comprehensive human rights impact assessment (HRIA) process, which considers our entire value chain. Based on localised risk assessments, we develop mitigation plans for addressing specific human rights risks in order to strengthen our processes and prevent risks arising.

We have identified three external risks as particularly salient to our business: labour rights, including the risk of child labour, especially in agricultural supply networks; labour standards for contract workers; and sexual harassment in the hospitality sector.

We have responded to these risks in a number of ways, such as awareness programmes focused on child protection. As part of this work, in 2018, we developed and rolled out training for a variety of internal and external stakeholders including, in some countries, selected suppliers and aggregators. This year, we commissioned an independent study into contracted labour, which we will use to develop key mitigation strategies for next year and beyond. We also developed new standards and training aimed at protecting brand promotion teams from harassment.

“Through the roll-out of comprehensive human rights assessments across its value chain worldwide, Diageo is able to address its human rights impacts and identify where it can further promote the advancement of human rights in the industry. As we work with companies to embed human rights as part of their business strategy, we see opportunities for companies to support systematic respect for human rights in the communities in which they operate.”

Aron Cramer
President and CEO, BSR


93

Business review (continued)

Target : Act in accordance with the UN Guiding Principles on Business and Human Rights.
 
KPI : Number of markets in which we have carried out human rights assessments (HRIAs).
 
Progress : We aim to conduct HRIAs in all markets by 2020. This year, we finalised HRIAs in South Africa and Nigeria, bringing our total since 2015 to 14. Both markets have developed action plans to address specific salient risks. The findings of our HRIAs since 2015 have informed the work to address salient risks, described on page 93.

Creating impact in our supply chains

We rely on resilient, thriving supply chains for the raw materials in our brands. Collaborating with our suppliers also provides a vital opportunity for us to contribute to sustainable development and the UN SDGs. We aim to build our suppliers’ capabilities while advancing respect for human rights, so they can be our partners in providing responsibly- sourced goods and services, and to source locally where appropriate.

Our Partnering with Suppliers standard sets out the minimum social, ethical and environmental standards we require suppliers to follow as part of their contract with us, and sets targets for our long-term partners to improve.

We also work through SEDEX, a not-for-profit organisation that allows suppliers to share assessments and audits of ethical and responsible practices with multiple customers, and AIM-PROGRESS, a forum of leading consumer goods companies which promotes responsible sourcing and sustainable supply chains. These platforms allow us to work with suppliers to create action plans that address areas for improvement.

Target : Deliver our responsible sourcing commitments with suppliers to improve labour standards and human rights in our supply chains.
 
KPI : % of potential high-risk supplier sites audited.
 
Progress : This year,1,260 of our supplier sites assessed as a potential risk completed a SEDEX self-assessment. Of these, 413 were assessed as a potential high risk, with 89% independently audited over the past three years. Of these audits, we commissioned 224 and143 came through SEDEX or AIM-PROGRESS mutual recognition audits. 146 audits were conducted in the past year.

Focus on sustainable agriculture

We have a Building Sustainable Supply Chains strategy supported by our Sustainable Agriculture Guidelines (SAG). These set out the agriculture-specific standards we expect of suppliers of raw materials, and how suppliers should work towards sustainable farming. These include treating farmers and workers fairly, reducing negative environmental impacts while protecting natural resources, and supporting wider economic benefits for farming communities. Both documents are published on www.diageo.com.

Wherever we work, we aim to promote sustainable agricultural practices that meet our standards, while avoiding process duplication for our suppliers.

Driving progress through Farm Sustainability Assessments

We use the Sustainable Agriculture Initiative (SAI) Platform’s Farm Sustainability Assessment (FSA) tool. In 2018 we set the minimum compliance level to meet our SAG requirements as FSA Bronze – a level which must be verified through third party assurance, either directly, or using a benchmarked standard.

More than 80 global, regional, company or crop-specific standards have now been benchmarked against the FSA, so suppliers that already comply with an equivalent scheme can demonstrate that they meet our requirements.

We hold ourselves to the same standards. This year, for example, our agricultural team in Mexico assessed our own practices against FSA. After implementing an action plan to address gaps, our practices were independently verified as 100% FSA Gold, and Don Julio Agavera has been issued with an FSA Gold attestation.


94

Business review (continued)

Partnering with farmers

We also work directly with suppliers at farm level to help them meet our standards. This year in Turkey, for example, we began a project intended to help small-scale aniseed farmers build their climate resilience and improve their livelihoods, including through providing inputs and commissioning research into the best seeds to improve yields. In Africa, where our longstanding connection with farmers has resulted in some of our most developed programmes, we continued to support groups of smallholder farmers through a selection of training, access to seeds and fertilisers, access to capital through micro-loans, and engagement with NGOs and other stakeholders to build financial resilience.

Target : Source 80% of our agricultural raw materials locally in Africa by 2020.
 
KPI : % of agricultural raw materials sourced locally in Africa.
 
Progress toward 2020 : We sourced 82% of agricultural materials locally within Africa for use by our African markets, compared with 78% last year. We support this target through a range of farmer capacity-building programmes, described above.

Target : Establish partnerships with farmers to develop sustainable agricultural supplies of key raw materials.
 
KPI : Numbers of smallholder farmers supported.
 
Progress toward 2020 : We support more than 72,000 farmers in Africa. We buy from a further 39,000 farmers. Our work with farmers is described in 'Partnering with farmers', above.

Global raw materials (i) by volume
(Total – 1.5 million tonnes)

CHART-86A2E6CFCAD92D2175C.JPG
Barley (ii)
38
%
Agave
5
%
Wheat
13
%
Grapes
5
%
Maize
12
%
Rice
2
%
Molasses
9
%
Raisins
1
%
Sorghum
7
%
Dairy
1
%
Sugar
6
%
Rye
1
%

(i)
Figures represent raw materials we buy directly, and exclude raw materials used to make the neutral spirit we purchase. Other global raw materials (including aniseed, cassava and hops) are less than 0.5% of the total.
(ii)
Includes malted barley.


95

Business review (continued)

Empowering communities where we live, work, source and sell

Our distilleries and breweries are at the heart of their communities. Through our full value chain, from grain to glass, we are connected to many more. We are committed to programmes that support the communities around us while at the same time strengthening the commercial aims and sustainability ambitions of our core business. This year Diageo invested £12.6 million or 0.3% (2018 – 0.3%) of operating profit in community initiatives.

“We all have a role to play in creating a fairer, more sustainable world, and businesses are crucial in bringing about change on a global scale, benefiting people, planet and profit. Diageo has successfully developed a model that allows them to create a thriving business while also helping improve access to clean water, decent toilets and good hygiene across the world.”

Tim Wainwright
Chief Executive, WaterAid UK


Target : Our community programmes enable those who live and work in our communities, particularly women, to have the skills and resources to build a better future for themselves. We will evaluate and report on the tangible impacts of our programmes.
 
 
 
KPI: Number of women empowered by our programmes.
KPI:  Number of people reached through skills and empowerment programmes.
KPI:  Number of people reached through Water of Life programmes.
Progress

Women’s empowerment
 is a priority everywhere we work. We know that every value chain contains barriers to women's equal participation, and that removing these barriers is essential to unlocking the wider economic growth on which a business like ours depends.
As well as aiming to build a truly inclusive and diverse business (see Our People on page 106), our programmes aim to address the root causes of inequality through a combination of research, community programmes and advocacy. We are working in a global partnership for women’s empowerment with the NGO CARE International UK.
To date, our programmes have empowered more than 400,000 women with access to training and skills.
Progress

Skills development
 programmes help people in communities around the world overcome barriers and build skills that enhance their employability and help them advance in their careers, while strengthening our value chain. Our largest global programme, Learning for Life, which focuses on hospitality, retail and entrepreneurship, has reached more than 140,000 people since its launch in 2008, with typically more than 70% gaining permanent jobs. Through our range of skills programmes, we helped more than 10,300 people around the world this year.
Progress

Water of Life
helps build thriving communities by providing access to water, sanitation and hygiene, typically in rural areas that supply our raw materials and support our core business. It has reached more than 10 million people in India and in Africa since 2006, including 232,000 this year.


Spotlight
A holistic approach delivers far more to villages in Cameroon

Guinness has a big presence in Cameroon – and we see ourselves as both part of and an important contributor to local communities. Our Water of Life programme has already brought clean water to a number of communities in Cameroon, and this year we brought it to 15,000 people living in and around the villages of Moinam and Marouaré. But this latest programme has gone much further than just clean drinking water.

Bringing together the core themes of all our community programmes – WASH (water, sanitation and hygiene), skills development and women’s empowerment – into one holistic approach can achieve far more than a single programme on its own. So, in these two villages, as well as installing borehole wells with manual pumps to provide safe drinking water, we invested in awareness sessions about child labour and positive drinking, and encouraged women to take part in a hygiene session. This session covered menstrual hygiene and, as part of it, we distributed reusable sanitary towels to the girls and young women. Lack of access to sanitary products is a big factor in preventing girls getting an education and women entering employment, so this kind of educational effort is fundamental to women’s empowerment.


96

Business review (continued)

In May, the community held an official handover ceremony, marking the completion of the project, attended by Andrew Ross, Managing Director of Guinness Cameroun and Astrid Bembone, Regional Sales Manager, Center Region. Ndinga Guiwa Jeremie, Chief of Moinam village, expressed the community’s gratitude for Diageo’s investment, commenting that the clean water had eradicated water-borne diseases, while the awareness programme around positive drinking had helped people make better choices.

CHART-DBA81DF4956F5BF14DD.JPG              CHART-179581A58163BAD5C84.JPG
North America
33
%
Europe and Turkey, and global functions
31
%
Asia Pacific
16
%
Latin America and Caribbean
10
%
Africa
10
%
            
Community aspects of responsible drinking programmes (i)
43
%
Skills empowerment programmes
27
%
Brand-led and local community spend (ii)
19
%
Water of Life programmes
7
%
Women's empowerment programmes
4
%

(i) This is a sub-section of the total responsible drinking budget.
(ii) Category includes cause-related brand campaigns, local market giving and disaster relief.

“At CARE we know that we cannot overcome poverty until all people have equal rights and opportunities. When you empower a girl or a woman, she becomes a catalyst for positive change, whose success benefits everyone around her. Diageo’s value chain approach to tackling the root causes of gender inequality is an example of the kind of inclusive business models that are critical for tackling poverty.”

Laurie Lee
Chief Executive, CARE International UK


Spotlight
Learning for Life and empowering people through skills

We want to create opportunities for people around the world to overcome barriers, boost their skills and build a better life for themselves and their families, and since 2008 our flagship Learning for Life (L4L) programme has been leading the way..

From its origins in our Latin America and Caribbean markets, L4L’s aim of finding talented people and supporting them to reach their full potential now spans more than 40 countries. At its core, L4L focuses on giving people the tools, training and skills they need to succeed in sectors including hospitality, retail, entrepreneurship and bartending .

After over a decade of programmes, L4L is always looking to break new ground. This year, for example, we ran our first ever L4L initiatives in Greece and Italy, while in Ireland we completed the second year of a L4L programme which aims to create opportunities for refugees through skills and education. .


97

Business review (continued)

L4L is not our only programme to provide skills empowerment opportunities. In Kenya, for example, Project Heshima provides vocational training to thousands of young people and women at risk of consuming or producing illicit brews. In India, our safe drinking 'water ATM' programmes include training for 287 women entrepreneurs so they can maintain and run the facilities.

We are proud that these initiatives have reached around 140,000 people to date, including 10,300 this year alone. We believe that by empowering disadvantaged people through enhanced skills and employability, our programmes support UN Sustainable Development Goal 8, focused on decent work and economic growth. We are sure it makes Diageo stronger - by helping to create thriving communities where we live, work, source and sell.

Reducing our environmental impact

We are a business which relies on the careful stewardship of natural resources for our long-term success. From the fields in which our raw materials are grown, to the water and energy we use to make our brands, we depend on resources that we share with the communities around us – just as we also share the impacts that result from these resources becoming constrained.

Climate change, water scarcity, soil degradation and the loss of biodiversity threaten the prosperity of our communities and the environment, as well as our business. For our own benefit, as well as for the future of those around us, we must use natural resources efficiently across our whole value chain and, wherever possible, have a positive impact on the environment.

This is not new for us – our brands have relied on responsible environmental stewardship for generations. Nonetheless, we need to make sure we keep building on our longstanding commitment to preserving the natural environment, to ensure the continuing viability of the resources and communities that help us create value.

Addressing our most material issues

In 2015 we set ambitious targets for 2020 to reduce our environmental impacts and build resilience in critical areas. We have periodically added new targets to push performance, such as prioritising renewable electricity and addressing plastics. To stretch ourselves and ensure our efforts have a material impact on tackling climate-related issues, many of our targets are absolute, rather than relative reductions. Diageo is part of a pioneering group of companies with approved science-based targets for carbon reduction. In areas such as greenhouse gas emissions or waste to landfill, we believe the most responsible approach is to decouple our impacts from business growth. We report on all our targets in the following pages.

Climate and water: at the heart of our strategy

The need for businesses to act is compelling. We continue to see some of the impacts of climate change and water stress in our supply chain and operations. Drought has affected raw material supplies in Africa, India and Brazil. Hurricanes impacted our business in the Caribbean in 2017, while the extreme summer in Scotland in 2018 led to high water temperatures and the temporary closure of two distilleries. Water availability is inevitably a key consideration in our planning and investments in water-stressed areas.

These impacts reinforce our support for global action on climate change. As members of the UN Global Compact, the CEO Water Mandate and the We Mean Business coalition, we are also making progress on a range of initiatives, including our science-based carbon emissions reduction targets and the elimination of commodity-driven deforestation. To reduce our climate impacts further, we are committed to procuring 100% of our electricity from renewable sources by 2030 and reducing emissions from short-lived climate pollutants such as HFCs.

We also know the importance, both ethical and commercial, of responsible water stewardship. Water is a strategic priority for us and our Water Blueprint provides the framework to reduce our overall impact, especially in sites in water-stressed areas in Africa, India and Brazil, which account for approximately a third of our total production by volume. In 2018 we carried out water risk assessments of all our third party manufacturing sites and identified 18 in water-stressed areas. This year we began working with these sites to better understand their water performance and to roll out our water stewardship toolkit.

Our Water Blueprint is delivered through a four-pillared strategic approach and is driven by our key targets for improving water efficiency in our own and third party operations, replenishing water in water-stressed areas and supporting community water programmes. We continue to advocate for greater collaboration and impact in water management.


98

Business review (continued)

Understanding the challenges, and looking beyond 2020

We have seen significant, long-term progress against most of our targets. We have reduced absolute greenhouse gas emissions from our direct operations by 44.7% against our 2007 baseline and from our entire supply chain by 27.1%. In the same period, waste to landfill was down by 96.2% and we have improved our water efficiency by 43.8%.

We have made slower progress in some areas, notably the quality of wastewater we discharge and our efforts to reduce the overall weight of our packaging. Although we comply with regulations on wastewater everywhere we operate, for wastewater and packaging the solutions we have explored so far have not produced the improvements in performance we need to meet our stretching 2020 targets. They will continue to be a focus beyond 2020, and in the next two to three years we plan to address them through a range of solutions, including further investments in wastewater treatment.

We remain committed to our 2020 targets and we have identified investments that will help us continue our progress. We have also started work to define our ambition and targets for environmental sustainability beyond 2020, which we will share during the next financial year.

“As the severity of environmental risks to business becomes ever more apparent, companies showing environmental leadership are positioning themselves to provide solutions, seize new market opportunities and thrive in the transition to a sustainable economy. I congratulate Diageo on their inclusion in CDP’s A List for Climate and Water in 2018, and for joining the Supplier Engagement 2018/9 leader board. We need to urgently scale up environmental action at all levels to meet the goals of the Paris Agreement and the UN Sustainable Development Goals.”

Paul Simpson
Chief Executive Officer, CDP


99

Business review (continued)

Performance against 2020 targets (i)

Water stewardship
2020 target
KPI
2019 Performance
Cumulative performance
vs baseline
Projection and progress
Reduce water use through a 50% improvement in water use efficiency
% improvement in litres of water used per litre of packaged product
6.0%
43.8%
We have made significant further progress this year at our sites, driven by continuous improvement and innovation projects in brewing, maltings and distilling operations worldwide.

This year,16,442m
3  of water were used for agricultural purposes on land under our operational control. We report this separately from water used in our direct operations.

The volume of water we recycled or reused in our own production was 1,029,305m
3 , representing 5.2% of total water withdrawals.
Return 100% of wastewater from our operations to the environment safely
% reduction in wastewater polluting power measured in BOD ('000 tonnes)
13.6%
36.0%
While we met all regulatory requirements on wastewater at our sites and have made good progress this year, we recognise we will not achieve our full target by 2020.

Over 80% of our sites have achieved the 2020 target. We are now concentrating on our remaining cluster of sites. As part of a range of solutions, we are planning further investment in wastewater treatment together with the use of new technologies to create value from our by-products.
Replenish the amount of water used in our final product in water-stressed areas
% of water replenished in water-stressed areas (m 3 )
11.8%
60.5%
This year we replenished 11.8% of the total water used in our final product, and cumulatively 60.5% of the water used in water-stressed locations is now replenished. Significant progress will be required in Nigeria, Ghana and Kenya in 2020 to ensure we achieve our ambitious target.
Equip our suppliers with tools to protect water resources in our most water-stressed locations
% of key suppliers engaged in water management practices
86%

We engaged 128 suppliers to disclose their water management practices through CDP’s Supply Chain Water Programme, with an 86% response rate. We prioritised more than 100 third party operators for more in-depth water risk assessment and support, and have begun mapping site water performance and rolling out our water guidance for the most water stressed.


100

Business review (continued)

Carbon
2020 target
KPI
2019 Performance
Cumulative performance
vs baseline
Projection and progress
Reduce absolute greenhouse gas emissions from direct operations by 50%
% reduction in absolute GHG
(kt CO
2 e)
5.9%
44.7%
We made important progress this year, achieving a 5.9% decrease in carbon emissions. In addition to continuous improvement at our operations and fuel switching, we have purchased energy attribute certificates to support our decarbonisation strategy.

As a signatory to RE100, we aim to source 100% of our electricity from renewable sources by 2030. This year 45.4% of electricity at our production sites came from renewable sources such as wind, hydro and solar (2018 - 18.5%). In the United Kingdom, 100% of our electricity came from renewable sources.

We use the World Resources Institute/World Business Council for Sustainable Development Greenhouse Gas Protocol as a basis for reporting our emissions, and we include all facilities where we have operational control for the full financial year.

Diageo’s total direct and indirect carbon emissions (location/gross) this year were 785,545 tonnes (2018 – 782,294 tonnes), comprising direct emissions (Scope 1) of 620,573 tonnes (2018 – 620,608 tonnes), and indirect (Scope 2) emissions of 164,971 tonnes (2018 – 164,971 tonnes). The intensity ratio for this year was 185 grams per litre packaged (2018 – 186 grams per litre packaged).
Achieve a 30% reduction in absolute greenhouse gas emissions along the total supply chain
% reduction in absolute GHG
(kt CO
2 e)
5.9%
27.1%
Our total supply chain carbon footprint this year was 3.165 million tonnes, a 5.9% improvement and important progress towards our target.

We engaged suppliers directly on measuring and managing their carbon emissions and made further data analysis improvements. This year we received responses from 86% of the 224 suppliers we engaged through the CDP, and 50% of these suppliers reported that they had emissions reduction targets.
Ensure all our new refrigeration equipment in trade is HFC- free, with a reduction in associated greenhouse gas emissions from 2015
% of new equipment sourced HFC-free from 1 July 2015
99.5%

Eliminating HFCs plays a role in reducing our overall carbon footprint. 99.5% of the 48,000 new fridges we have purchased since July 2015 were HFC-free.

Waste
2020 target
KPI
2019 Performance
Cumulative performance
vs baseline
Projection and progress
Achieve zero waste
to landfill
% reduction in
total waste to
landfill (tonnes)
75.7%
96.2%
Following a setback in 2018 caused by hurricanes in the Caribbean, we achieved significant progress this year. Over 80% of our sites have now achieved our 2020 target of zero waste to landfill. We continue to focus on our residual volumes and sites.

101

Business review (continued)

Packaging
2020 target
KPI
2019 Performance
Cumulative performance
vs baseline
Projection and progress
Reduce total packaging by 15%, while increasing recycled content to 45% and making 100% of packaging recyclable
% of total packaging by weight
1.4%
10.8%
We made significant progress this year in reducing total packaging by weight, predominantly through initiatives to optimise glass and carton weight in India. However, despite recent improvements, delivery of this target in full will stretch beyond 2020.

% of recycled content by weight
0%
40.5%
Our commitment to increase recycled content in our packaging, set in 2009, has resulted in a 19% improvement against our baseline. We continue to work with suppliers and other partners to improve recycled content.

We reuse returned glass bottles in parts of our business, but do not currently include them in our reported recycled content data. We are reviewing our reporting boundaries for recycled content so that we can consider including returned glass in our recycled content data from 2020.

% of recyclable packaging by weight
0%
98.7%
As we approach our target, we are finding challenges in the areas of recycling infrastructure and technology solutions. We plan to carry out a review of the options available in order to achieve the final 1.3% to meet our target.
Sustainably source all of our paper and board packaging to ensure zero net deforestation
% sustainably sourced paper and board packaging
94%
 
We define sustainably sourced as Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) or Programme for the Endorsement of Forest Certification (PEFC) certified, or recycled fibre. To date we have engaged over 280 suppliers, with 93% responding. Collectively these suppliers have self-reported that 94% of the paper and board packaging they supply meets our sustainable sourcing criteria, and we continue to work with our suppliers to deliver our goal of 100% by 2020.

(i) Baseline year is 2007 except for packaging which is 2009 and water replenishment which is 2015.

Performance against 2025 targets (ii)  

Packaging (plastic)
2025 target
KPI
2019 Performance (i)
Cumulative performance
vs baseline
(i)
Projection and progress
Achieve 40% average
recycled content in all
plastic bottles (and
100% by 2030)
Tonnes (metric) of
recycled content/
total tonnes of
plastics used
0.02%
0.02%
In our first year of reporting against this target, we have identified opportunities to increase the use of recycled content in plastic (PET) bottles, particularly in North America. Although only 2% of our packaging is made from plastic (PET), we nonetheless consider this an important target.
Ensure 100% of our
plastics will be designed
to be recyclable,
reusable or compostable
in countries where
we operate
Tonnes (metric)
plastics widely
recyclable (or
reusable/
compostable)/
total tonnes of
plastic used
81%
81%
We continue to work with our suppliers and other partners to remove non-recyclable plastics from our products and to promote better recycling infrastructure in selected markets.

(ii) These targets were introduced in 2018.


102

Business review (continued)

Understanding and responding to climate-related risks and opportunities

As part of our drive to increase our understanding of the financial aspects of climate-related risks, and in line with the recommendations of the Task Force on Climate-related Financial Disclosures (TCFD), we have carried out Sustainability Value Assessments (SVAs) in three key markets.

Water scarcity is our most material risk, and our SVAs examined the potential impact of climate-related water scarcity over a five- and ten-year horizon.

The insights provided by our SVAs feed into our overall approaches to both water stewardship and climate adaptation. This year, we formed a new cross functional working group, with representatives from our Compliance and Risk, Strategy, Investor Relations, Environment, Procurement, Security, Corporate Relations, and Treasury functions. This group will manage climate risk and provide regular updates to the Executive and Board.

Highlight
Executive oversight of climate risk

David Cutter was appointed Chief Sustainability Officer in November 2018, in addition to his role as President of Global Supply and Procurement. He sits on Diageo’s Executive Committee, and chairs the Executive Environment Working Group.

Highlight
Collaborating on climate adaptation

We share knowledge and expertise through the Beverage Industry Environmental Roundtable (BIER), a technical coalition of leading global beverage companies working together to advance environmental sustainability. We are supporting BIER’s work exploring options to develop a consistent approach to TCFD scenario planning for the beverage sector.

Direct and indirect carbon emissions by weight (1,000 tonnes CO 2 e) (i),(ii)  
(market-/net-based)

CHART-49CFC3BE17B91D16102.JPG
Direct
Indirect
 
 
 
 
 
 
(i)
CO 2 e figures are calculated using the WRI/WBCSD GHG Protocol guidance available at the beginning of our financial year, the kWh/CO 2 e conversion factor provided by energy suppliers, the relevant factors to the country of operation, or the International Energy Agency, as applicable.
(ii)
2007 baseline data, and data for each of the intervening years in the period ended 30 June 2018, have been restated where relevant in accordance with the WRI/WBCSD GHG Protocol and Diageo’s environmental reporting methodologies.


103

Business review (continued)

Spotlight
Working with others to transform recycling

Our long-term commitment is to make our packaging as sustainable as possible at every stage of its life cycle. Increasing our use of recycled materials – and making it as easy as possible for consumers to recycle our packaging after use – is vital to achieving our packaging ambitions, described on page 102.

But with any material, our ability to contribute to a recycling culture is heavily influenced by the available local infrastructure. In some of the places where we operate, consumers have few options to recycle, or none. The only way to change this is to work with others, which makes our partnerships very important.

The Glass is Good initiative in Brazil is a great example. It brings together the entire glass production chain, from glass packaging manufacturers to commercial establishments to major beverage companies, to support the work of local recycling cooperatives. Since 2010, it has enabled 27,000 tonnes of glass to be recycled – equivalent to approximately 50 million one-litre vodka bottles. We are very pleased that this year, other alcohol companies joined us in this effort.

It is this sort of collaborative thinking that we want to expand elsewhere, and to other materials. So in 2019 we co-founded the Africa Plastics Recycling Alliance, which aims to drive collective action by some of the biggest consumer goods businesses to address plastics waste, while creating economic opportunities through better recycling and reprocessing infrastructure. It is early days, but by sharing knowledge, encouraging innovation, and collaborating on technical and other solutions appropriate for Sub-Saharan Africa, we believe we can make a real impact – and ensure that our products are not just enjoyable, but sustainably packaged.

Global packaging materials (i) by volume
(Total – 1.5 million tonnes)
CHART-0DFA130DBAEF898149D.JPG
Glass
83
%
Cans
1
%
Corrugate
7
%
Other (beverage cartons, labels, sleeves, bags and sachets)
1
%
Cartons
4
%

Closures and crowns
2
%

PET
2
%


(i) Excludes promotional materials.


104

Business review (continued)

Carbon emissions by weight by region (1,000 tonnes CO 2 e) (i), (ii)  

Region
 
2007
 
2017
 
2018
 
2019
North America
 
211
 
50
 
44
 
54
Europe and Turkey
 
399
 
264
 
279
 
233
Africa
 
271
 
234
 
225
 
225
Latin America and Caribbean
 
8
 
15
 
18
 
19
Asia Pacific
 
151
 
58
 
49
 
47
Corporate
 
20
 
12
 
8
 
8
Diageo (total)
 
1,060
 
633
 
623
 
586

(i)
CO 2 e figures are calculated using the WRI/WBCSD GHG Protocol guidance available at the beginning of our financial year, the kWh/CO 2 e conversion factor provided by energy suppliers, the relevant factors to the country of operation, or the International Energy Agency, as applicable.
(ii)
2007 baseline data, and data for each of the intervening years in the period ended 30 June 2018, have been restated in accordance with the WRI/WBCSD GHG Protocol and Diageo’s environmental reporting methodologies.

Environmental data by region

Water efficiency by region, by year (l/l) (i), (ii)
 

 

 

 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Region
 
2007
 
2017
 
2018
 
2019
North America
 
6.88
 
5.73
 
5.55
 
5.26
Europe and Turkey
 
7.94
 
5.78
 
6.02
 
5.37
Africa
 
8.48
 
4.32
 
4.28
 
4.16
Latin America and Caribbean
 
34.84
 
3.88
 
4.66
 
4.58
Asia Pacific
 
7.06
 
4.31
 
3.64
 
3.36
Diageo (total)
 
8.27
 
4.98
 
4.94
 
4.64

Wastewater polluting power by region, by year (BOD/t) (i)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Region
 
2007

 
2017

 
2018

 
2019

North America
 
214

 
240

 
343

 
835

Europe and Turkey
 
22,610

 
17,617

 
23,502

 
18,353

Africa
 
9,970

 
183

 
151

 
1609

Latin America and Caribbean
 
10

 
34

 
14

 
10

Asia Pacific
 
92

 
64

 
2

 
2

Corporate
 

 

 
1

 
1

Diageo (total)
 
32,896

 
18,138

 
24,013

 
20,810

Total under direct control
 
32,070

 
17,936

 
23,751

 
20,531


(i)
2007 baseline data, and data for each of the intervening years in the period ended 30 June 2018, have been restated where relevant and in accordance with Diageo’s environmental reporting methodologies.
(ii)
In accordance with our environmental reporting methodologies, total water used excludes irrigation water for agricultural purposes on land under the operational control of the company.


105

Business review (continued)

Total waste to landfill by region (tonnes) (i)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Region
 
2007
 
2017
 
2018
 
2019
North America
 
39,857
 
146
 
12177
 
276
Europe and Turkey
 
19,898
 
1,252
 
169
 
195
Africa
 
37,062
 
3,937
 
3,108
 
2,545
Latin America and Caribbean
 
243
 
379
 
106
 
84
Asia Pacific
 
8,583
 
380
 
504
 
549
Corporate
 
604
 
719
 
461
 
372
Diageo (total)
 
106,247
 
6,813
 
16,525
 
4,021

(i) 2007 baseline data, and data for each of the intervening years in the period ended 30 June 2018, have been restated where relevant and in accordance with Diageo’s environmental reporting methodologies.
(ii) In September 2017, damage caused by Hurricane Maria meant that by-products from our distillery in St Croix in the US Virgin Islands, which are usually recycled as animal feed, were diverted to landfill. We took remedial action, including upgrading equipment, to minimise the risk of this reoccurring.

Our people

We aim to create a trusting, respectful and inclusive culture, where people are proud of their work, empowered to succeed, and know that their health, safety and other human rights are respected.

Health and safety

The health, safety and wellbeing of our employees is our highest priority. Our recently revised global Health and Safety strategy aims to take a holistic approach to the wellbeing, as well as the safety, of our people. Our global Zero Harm programme is designed to ensure that everyone goes home safe and healthy, every day – and it has driven industry-leading progress.

This year, we exceeded our 2020 target of achieving less than one lost-time accident (LTA) per 1,000 employees, and no fatalities, for the second consecutive year. In 18 markets, we operated without any LTAs for the year.

We are proud of this progress, but we know that there is no acceptable level of accidents, and we want to continue to drive our performance. We have started to adopt a new primary safety KPI, total recordable accidents (TRA). This gives us a broader lens on different types of incidents and means we can apply the same rigorous root cause investigations to them, giving us a greater ability to predict and prevent more serious accidents. We are also starting to adopt more advanced technology systems, which will help us gather richer health and safety data insights. We are confident these changes will help the business achieve further step-changes in performance and create an even stronger Zero Harm culture. Our ambition is to develop a new health and safety target using a leading indicator by 2025, but in the shorter term we will report on the new TRA metric from next year.

Sustaining and improving our best practice culture and growing our people’s capabilities continue to be core areas of focus. We aim to ensure these are embedded across all areas of our organisation, from supply sites to office and commercial team environments. We are also working to ensure our third party operations are aligned with our Zero Harm values.

Target:
Keep our people safe by achieving less than one lost-time accident (LTA) per 1,000 employees and no fatalities.
 
 
KPI:
Number of LTAs; number of fatalities.
 
 
Progress:
There were 0.98 LTAs per 1,000 employees this year, compared with 1.00 in 2018. This is the second year we have met our 2020 target of less than one LTA per 1,000 employees. From next year we will report on total recordable accidents as a new KPI (see above).


106

Business review (continued)

Lost-time accident frequency rate per 1,000 full-time employees (i)  

Region
 
2014

 
2015

 
2016

 
2017

 
2018

 
2019

North America
 
0.84

 
1.83

 
0.37

 
0.7

 
0.0

 
1.76

Europe and Turkey
 
2.08

 
2.51

 
1.28

 
1.46

 
1.58

 
1.00

Africa
 
0.56

 
1.2

 
0.77

 
1.26

 
1.35

 
1.19

Latin America and Caribbean
 
4.7

 
0.66

 
2.27

 
1.79

 
0.36

 
1.13

Asia Pacific
 
1.62

 
1.21

 
2.01

 
0.81

 
0.66

 
0.57

Diageo (total)
 
1.66

 
1.66

 
1.44

 
1.14

 
1.00

 
0.98


(i)
Number of accidents per 1,000 employees and directly supervised contractors resulting in time lost from work of one calendar day or more.

Number of days lost to accidents per 1,000 full-time employees (i)  

Number of days lost
to accidents per 1,000 full-time employees
 
2014

 
2015

 
2016

 
2017

 
2018

 
2019

Diageo total
 
49.7

 
89.4

 
57

 
36

 
45

 
67.3

Fatalities
 
2014

 
2015

 
2016

 
2017

 
2018

 
2019

Diageo total
 
1

 
1

 
1

 
1

 
0

 
0

(i) While the number of lost-time accidents decreased this year, the severity of the injuries sustained unfortunately increased. The introduction of our new total recordable accident metric will ensure more accidents will be investigated with the same rigour as lost-time accidents, helping to prevent more serious injuries in the future.

Inclusive, diverse, and high-performing culture

Celebrating our inclusive and diverse culture is core to our purpose, and maintaining and growing that culture is a critical business priority. Everyone should have the freedom to succeed, irrespective of their gender, race, religion, disability, age or sexual orientation. We firmly believe that an inclusive and diverse business is a better place to work – and a better-performing business. As just one example of our commitment, in 2019 we were proud to sign the BITC Race at Work Charter, a new initiative designed to improve outcomes for black, Asian and minority ethnic (BAME) employees in the UK, by providing practical help to tackle racial barriers in the workplace. 

This year, we continued to develop our policy framework to make sure we give people the opportunity to be the best they can be. In Europe, our new Dignity at Work policy is helping to build a culture where everyone feels free and comfortable to discuss anything that has an impact on their health, safety, wellbeing, or ability to do their job effectively. The policy is available in 11 languages, and our new eLearning course is mandatory for all employees and new starters. In May 2019, we announced our new Family Leave Policy, which supports employees through global standards (see highlight below).

Highlight
Tackling the barriers to career progression: our industry-leading Family Leave Policy

From May 2019, we began rolling out our global family leave policy, which provides fully-paid 26-week maternity leave for all female employees, and a global minimum standard of four weeks paternity leave on full rate of pay in all markets. Since April 2019, parents employed by Diageo in the UK have been eligible for the same fully-paid 26 weeks' leave, retaining benefits and bonuses regardless of gender and sexual orientation, whether they become parents biologically, via surrogacy or by adoption. A range of other markets have either moved, or are moving, to a standard of 26 weeks' fully-paid paternity leave.


107

Business review (continued)

Target:
Build diversity, with 35% (i)  of leadership positions held by women by 2020 (40% by 2025) and measures implemented to help female employees attain and develop in leadership roles.
 
 
KPI:
% of leadership positions held by women
 
 
Progress:
This year, 36% of leadership roles were held by women. At the most senior level, 44% of our Board members and 40% of our Executive Committee members are women.

(i) We increased the target from 30% to 35% in 2017.

At the same time, we have continued our drive to make our business more diverse, and more gender equal. We want to be the employer of choice for women in the UK, and globally we are focusing on developing a strong pipeline of female talent for all roles. Currently, 40% of our Executive Committee and 44% of our Board are women. Women currently hold more than 36% of leadership positions, and each of our 21 markets has a strategy in place to foster greater inclusion and diversity. We also seek to promote inclusion, gender balance and equality through our brands and programmes.

Engaged, empowered, and proud of what we do

We want our people to be the ‘best they can be’. That means working to make sure they are engaged and empowered, so they can be passionate about our strategy, connected to our values and purpose, and motivated to perform at their best as advocates of our brands.

Communications and leadership interventions across the business bring our strategy and purpose to life for employees throughout the year, while a range of campaigns also engage employees on their part in promoting positive drinking. We have a framework of clear policies, competitive reward programmes, coaching and development, and health and wellbeing initiatives, to make sure our people have the opportunity to develop themselves, and their performance.

We report employee engagement on page 28 as one of the overarching KPIs that measure the progress of our business. We use our annual Your Voice survey to help us understand how engaged employees are, as well as to listen to their feedback on the business - and this year we enhanced the survey to give employees more opportunities to make their voices heard. This year's results show that engagement remains high, and employee satisfaction has increased. Most employees have a favourable view of Diageo's culture and a strong relationship with their line manager.

Target:
Increase employee engagement to 80%, becoming a top quartile performer on measures such as employee satisfaction, pride and loyalty.
 
 
KPI:
Employee satisfaction, loyalty, advocacy and pride, measured through our Values Survey. (i)
 
 
Progress:
94% of our people participated in our annual Your Voice survey (22,615 of the 24,129 invited).
75% identified themselves as being engaged, compared to 76% last year. This remains a strong engagement score, on a par with best-in-class benchmarks. 89% said they were proud to work for Diageo, and 77% agreed with the statement “I am extremely satisfied with Diageo as a place to work”.
(i) In 2019 we introduced Your Voice, an enhanced survey to capture deeper insights into employee experiences of working for Diageo.


108

Business review (continued)

Average number of employees by region by gender (i)  

Region
 
Men

 
%

 
Women

 
%

 
Total

North America
 
1,667

 
61

 
1,080

 
39

 
2,747

Europe and Turkey
 
6,337

 
60

 
4,158

 
40

 
10,495

Africa
 
3,167

 
74

 
1,103

 
26

 
4,270

Latin America and Caribbean
 
1,594

 
64

 
899

 
36

 
2,493

Asia Pacific
 
6,345

 
75

 
2,070

 
25

 
8,415

Diageo (total)
 
19,110

 
67

 
9,310

 
33

 
28,420


Average number of employees by role by gender

Role
 
Men

 
%

 
Women

 
%

 
Total

Senior Manager (ii)
 
361

 
64

 
205

 
36

 
566

Line Manager (iii)
 
2,373

 
69

 
1,072

 
31

 
3,445

Supervised employee (iv)
 
16,376

 
67

 
8,033

 
33

 
24,409

Diageo (total)
 
19,110

 
67

 
9,310

 
33

 
28,420


New hires by region by gender (i)  

Region
 
Men

 
Women

 
Total

 
% of headcount

North America
 
249

 
125

 
374

 
13.6

Europe and Turkey
 
660

 
642

 
1,302

 
12.4

Africa
 
280

 
166

 
446

 
10.4

Latin America and Caribbean
 
296

 
183

 
479

 
19.2

Asia Pacific
 
525

 
375

 
900

 
10.7

Diageo (total)
 
2,010

 
1,491

 
3,501

 
12.3

Percentage of total new hires
 
57.4
%
 
42.6
%
 


 



Leavers by region by gender (i)  

Region
 
Men

 
Women

 
Total

 
% of headcount

North America
 
299

 
198

 
497

 
18.1

Europe and Turkey
 
880

 
803

 
1,683

 
16.0

Africa
 
438

 
175

 
613

 
14.4

Latin America and Caribbean
 
228

 
186

 
414

 
16.6

Asia Pacific
 
1,219

 
379

 
1,598

 
19.0

Diageo (total)
 
3,064

 
1,741

 
4,805

 
16.9

Percentage of total leavers
 
63.8
%
 
36.2
%
 


 



(i) Employees have been allocated to the region in which they reside.
(ii) Top leadership position in Diageo, excluding Executive Committee.
(iii) All Diageo employees (non-senior managers) with one or more direct reports.
(iv) All Diageo employees (non-senior managers) who have no direct reports.

For more information please see the Sustainability & Responsibility Performance Addendum 2019 which contains detailed disclosures against the GRI Standards, the UN Global Compact and the Sustainability Accounting Standards Board.

109

Business review (continued)

Definitions and reconciliation of non-GAAP measures to GAAP measures

Diageo’s strategic planning process is based on the following non-GAAP measures. They are chosen for planning and reporting, and some of them are used for incentive purposes. The group’s management believes these measures provide valuable additional information for users of the financial statements in understanding the group’s performance. These non-GAAP measures should be viewed as complementary to, and not replacements for, the comparable GAAP measures and reported movements therein.
 
It is not possible to reconcile the forecast tax rate before exceptional items and forecast organic operating profit increases to the most comparable GAAP measures as it is not possible to predict, with reasonable certainty, the future impact of changes in exchange rates, acquisitions and disposals and potential exceptional items.

Volume

Volume is a non-GAAP measure that is measured on an equivalent units basis to nine-litre cases of spirits. An equivalent unit represents one nine-litre case of spirits, which is approximately 272 servings. A serving comprises 33ml of spirits, 165ml of wine, or 330ml of ready to drink or beer. Therefore, to convert volume of products other than spirits to equivalent units, the following guide has been used: beer in hectolitres, divide by 0.9; wine in nine-litre cases, divide by five; ready to drink in nine-litre cases, divide by 10; and certain pre-mixed products that are classified as ready to drink in nine-litre cases, divide by ten.

Organic movements

In the discussion of the performance of the business, 'organic' information is presented using pounds sterling amounts on a constant currency basis excluding the impact of exceptional items and acquisitions and disposals. Organic measures enable users to focus on the performance of the business which is common to both years and which represents those measures that local managers are most directly able to influence.

Calculation of organic movements

The organic movement percentage is the amount in the row titled ‘Organic movement’ in the tables below, expressed as a percentage of the amount in the row titled ‘ 2018 adjusted’. Organic operating margin is calculated by dividing operating profit before exceptional items by net sales after excluding the impact of exchange rate movements and acquisitions and disposals.

(a) Exchange rates

'Exchange' in the organic movement calculation reflects the adjustment to recalculate the prior year results as if they had been generated at the current year exchange rates.

Exchange impacts in respect of the external hedging of intergroup sales of products and the intergroup recharging of third party services are allocated to the geographical segment to which they relate. Residual exchange impacts are reported in Corporate.

(b) Acquisitions and disposals

For acquisitions in the current year, the post acquisition results are excluded from the organic movement calculations. For acquisitions in the prior year, post acquisition results are included in full in the prior year but are included in the organic movement calculation from the anniversary of the acquisition date in the current year. The acquisition row also eliminates the impact of transaction costs that have been charged to operating profit in the current or prior year in respect of acquisitions that, in management’s judgement, are expected to be completed.

Where a business, brand, brand distribution right or agency agreement was disposed of, or terminated, in the period up to the date of the external results announcement, the group, in the organic movement calculations, excludes the results for that business from the current and prior year. In the calculation of operating profit, the overheads included in disposals are only those directly attributable to the businesses disposed of, and do not result from subjective judgements of management.

In addition, as part of acquisitions and disposals in the reconciliation for operating profit before exceptional items in the year ended 30 June 2019, there is a charge of £15 million in respect of an increase in the contingent consideration payable to the former owners of the Casamigos brand which was acquired in August 2017.


110

Business review (continued)

(c) Exceptional items

Exceptional items are those that in management’s judgement need to be disclosed by virtue of their size and/or nature. Such items are included within the income statement caption to which they relate, and are separately disclosed in the notes to the consolidated financial statements, and are excluded from the organic movement calculations.

Exceptional operating items are those that are considered to be material and/or unusual or non recurring in nature and are part of the operating activities of the group such as impairments of fixed assets, indirect tax settlements, property disposals and changes in post employment plans.

Gains and losses on the sale of businesses, brands or distribution rights, step up gains and losses that arise when an investment becomes an associate or an associate becomes a subsidiary and other material, unusual non-recurring items, that are not in respect of the production, marketing and distribution of premium drinks, are disclosed as non-operating exceptional items below operating profit in the consolidated income statement.

Exceptional current and deferred tax items comprising material unusual non recurring items that impact taxation, such as direct tax provisions and settlements in respect of prior years and the remeasurement of deferred tax assets and liabilities following tax rate changes.

It is believed that separate disclosure of exceptional items and the classification between operating and non-operating further helps investors to understand the performance of the group.

Organic movement calculations for the year ended 30 June 2019 were as follows:

 
 
North America
million

 
Europe and Turkey
million

 
Africa
million

 
Latin America
and Caribbean
million

 
Asia Pacific
million

 
Corporate
million

 
Total
million

Volume (equivalent units)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
2018 reported
 
48.2

 
46.3

 
33.2

 
22.2

 
90.5

 

 
240.4

Disposals (iv)
 
(2.7
)
 
(0.1
)
 

 

 
(0.1
)
 

 
(2.9
)
2018 adjusted
 
45.5

 
46.2

 
33.2

 
22.2

 
90.4

 

 
237.5

Disposals (iv)
 
2.8

 
0.1

 

 

 

 

 
2.9

Organic movement
 
1.1

 
(0.9
)
 
0.4

 
0.2

 
4.7

 

 
5.5

2019 reported
 
49.4

 
45.4

 
33.6

 
22.4

 
95.1

 

 
245.9

Organic movement %
 
2

 
(2
)
 
1

 
1

 
5

 

 
2

 
 
North America
£ million


Europe and Turkey
£ million


Africa
£ million


Latin America
and Caribbean
£ million


Asia Pacific
£ million


Corporate
£ million


Total
£ million

Sales
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
2018 reported
 
4,671

 
5,232

 
2,083

 
1,352

 
5,042

 
52

 
18,432

Exchange (i)
 
200

 
(291
)
 
12

 
(35
)
 
(120
)
 

 
(234
)
Disposals (iv)
 
(185
)
 
(7
)
 
(4
)
 
(1
)
 
(10
)
 

 
(207
)
2018 adjusted
 
4,686

 
4,934

 
2,091

 
1,316

 
4,912

 
52

 
17,991

Acquisitions and disposals (iv)
 
139

 
3

 
2

 
1

 
1

 

 
146

Organic movement
 
249

 
195

 
142

 
127

 
443

 
1

 
1,157

2019 reported
 
5,074

 
5,132

 
2,235

 
1,444

 
5,356

 
53

 
19,294

Organic movement %
 
5

 
4

 
7

 
10

 
9

 
2

 
6


111

Business review (continued)

 
 
North America
£ million


Europe and Turkey
£ million


Africa
£ million


Latin America
and Caribbean
£ million


Asia Pacific
£ million


Corporate
£ million


Total
£ million

Net sales
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
2018 reported
 
4,116

 
2,932

 
1,491

 
1,069

 
2,503

 
52

 
12,163

Exchange (ii)
 
176

 
(95
)
 
8

 
(29
)
 
(36
)
 

 
24

Disposals (iv)
 
(143
)
 
(3
)
 
(3
)
 
(1
)
 
(6
)
 

 
(156
)
2018 adjusted
 
4,149

 
2,834

 
1,496

 
1,039

 
2,461

 
52

 
12,031

Acquisitions and disposals (iv)
 
95

 
1

 
1

 
1

 
1

 

 
99

Organic movement
 
216

 
104

 
100

 
90

 
226

 
1

 
737

2019 reported
 
4,460

 
2,939

 
1,597

 
1,130

 
2,688

 
53

 
12,867

Organic movement %
 
5

 
4

 
7

 
9

 
9

 
2

 
6

Marketing
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
2018 reported
 
662

 
474

 
158

 
196

 
388

 
4

 
1,882

Exchange
 
24

 
(10
)
 
1

 
(7
)
 
(3
)
 

 
5

Reclassification (iii)
 

 

 
10

 

 

 

 
10

Disposals (iv)
 
(1
)
 

 

 

 

 

 
(1
)
2018 adjusted
 
685

 
464

 
169

 
189

 
385

 
4

 
1,896

Acquisitions and disposals (iv)
 
2

 

 

 

 

 

 
2

Organic movement
 
75

 
26

 
5

 
12

 
27

 
(1
)
 
144

2019 reported
 
762

 
490

 
174

 
201

 
412

 
3

 
2,042

Organic movement %
 
11

 
6

 
3

 
6

 
7

 
(25
)
 
8

Operating profit before exceptional items
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
2018 reported
 
1,882

 
1,028

 
191

 
308

 
568

 
(158
)
 
3,819

Exchange (ii)
 
74

 
(35
)
 
(6
)
 
(2
)
 
(6
)
 

 
25

Acquisitions and disposals (iv)
 
(90
)
 
(2
)
 
(2
)
 

 
(2
)
 

 
(96
)
2018 adjusted
 
1,866

 
991

 
183

 
306

 
560

 
(158
)
 
3,748

Acquisitions and disposals (iv)
 
30

 
1

 
1

 

 

 

 
32

Organic movement
 
52

 
22

 
91

 
59

 
143

 
(31
)
 
336

2019 reported
 
1,948

 
1,014

 
275

 
365

 
703

 
(189
)
 
4,116

Organic movement %
 
3

 
2

 
50

 
19

 
26

 
(20
)
 
9

Organic operating margin %
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
2019
 
43.9
%
 
34.5
%
 
17.2
%
 
32.3
%
 
26.2
%
 
n/a

 
32.0
%
2018
 
45.0
%
 
35.0
%
 
12.2
%
 
29.5
%
 
22.8
%
 
n/a

 
31.2
%
Margin improvement / (decline) (bps)
 
(103
)
 
(49
)
 
494

 
288

 
341

 
n/a

 
83

(1)
For the reconciliation of sales to net sales see page 55.
(2)
Percentages and margin improvement are calculated on rounded figures.

Notes: Information in respect of the organic movement calculations
(i)
The exchange adjustments for sales are principally in respect of the strengthening of sterling against the Turkish lira, Indian rupee and the Australian dollar, partially offset by the weakening of sterling against the US dollar, the euro and the Kenyan shilling.
(ii)
The exchange adjustments for net sales and operating profit are principally in respect of the weakening of sterling against the US dollar, the euro and the Kenyan shilling, partially offset by strengthening of sterling against the Turkish lira, Indian rupee and the Australian dollar.
(iii)
For the year ended 30 June 2018 marketing costs of £10 million in South Africa have been reclassified from overheads to marketing.
(iv)
In the year ended 30 June 2019 the acquisitions and disposals that affected volume, sales, net sales, marketing and operating profit were as follows:


112

Business review (continued)

Acquisitions
 
 
 
Volume
equ. units million

 
Sales
£ million

 
Net sales
£ million

 
Marketing
£ million

 
Operating
profit
£ million

Year ended 30 June 2018
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Acquisitions
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Transaction costs
 

 

 

 

 
4


 

 

 

 

 
4

Disposals
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Portfolio of 19 brands
 
(2.8
)
 
(199
)
 
(153
)
 
(1
)
 
(99
)
Nepal
 
(0.1
)
 
(8
)
 
(3
)
 

 
(1
)

 
(2.9
)
 
(207
)
 
(156
)
 
(1
)
 
(100
)

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Acquisitions and disposals
 
(2.9
)
 
(207
)
 
(156
)
 
(1
)
 
(96
)
Year ended 30 June 2019
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Acquisitions
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Casamigos
 

 
11

 
10

 
1

 
3

Change in contingent consideration
 

 

 

 

 
(15
)

 

 
11

 
10

 
1

 
(12
)
Disposals
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Portfolio of 19 brands
 
2.9

 
135

 
89

 
1

 
44


 
2.9

 
135

 
89

 
1

 
44


 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Acquisitions and disposals
 
2.9

 
146

 
99

 
2

 
32


The group will change its method of calculating the exchange impact used to calculate organic growth in its results for the year ending 30 June 2020. The exchange row will represent the impact of restating the current year at prior year exchange rates rather than the method used presently of restating the prior year results to current year exchange rates. The change will simplify our processes aligning management and organic reporting and will be more consistent with how Diageo’s peer group report. The change is not expected to materially impact reported organic percentage movements. A restatement of prior year results under the new methodology will be published later in the calendar year.



113

Business review (continued)

Earnings per share before exceptional items

Earnings per share before exceptional items is calculated by dividing profit attributable to equity shareholders of the parent company before exceptional items by the weighted average number of shares in issue.

Earnings per share before exceptional items for the year ended 30 June 2019 and 30 June 2018 are set out in the table below.

 
 
2019
£ million

 
2018
£ million

Profit attributable to equity shareholders of the parent company
 
3,160

 
3,022

Exceptional operating and non-operating items attributable to equity shareholders of the parent company
 
(61
)
 
128

Exceptional taxation charges / (benefits) attributable to equity shareholders of the parent company
 
36

 
(190
)
Tax in respect of exceptional operating and non-operating items attributable to equity shareholders of the parent company
 
29

 
(13
)
 
 
3,164

 
2,947

Weighted average number of shares
 
million

 
million

Shares in issue excluding own shares
 
2,418

 
2,484

Dilutive potential ordinary shares
 
10

 
11

 
 
2,428

 
2,495

 
 
pence

 
pence

Basic earnings per share before exceptional items
 
130.8

 
118.6

Diluted earnings per share before exceptional items
 
130.3

 
118.1


Free cash flow

Free cash flow comprises the net cash flow from operating activities aggregated with the net cash received/paid for working capital loans receivable, cash paid or received for investments and the net cash cost paid for property, plant and equipment and computer software that are included in net cash flow from investing activities.

The remaining components of net cash flow from investing activities that do not form part of free cash flow, as defined by the group’s management, are in respect of the acquisition and sale of businesses and non-working capital loans to and from associates.

The group’s management regards the purchase and disposal of property, plant and equipment and computer software as ultimately non-discretionary since ongoing investment in plant, machinery and technology is required to support the day-to-day operations, whereas acquisitions and sales of businesses are discretionary.

Where appropriate, separate explanations are given for the impacts of acquisitions and sale of businesses, dividends paid and the purchase of own shares, each of which arises from decisions that are independent from the running of the ongoing underlying business.

Free cash flow reconciliations for the years ended 30 June 2019 and 30 June 2018 are set out in the table below:

 
 
2019
£ million

 
2018
£ million

Net cash inflow from operating activities
 
3,248

 
3,084

Disposal of property, plant and equipment and computer software
 
32

 
40

Purchase of property, plant and equipment and computer software
 
(671
)
 
(584
)
Movements in loans and other investments
 
(1
)
 
(17
)
Free cash flow
 
2,608

 
2,523




114

Business review (continued)

Return on average total invested capital

Return on average total invested capital is used by management to assess the return obtained from the group’s asset base and is calculated to aid evaluation of the performance of the business.

The profit used in assessing the return on average total invested capital reflects operating profit before exceptional items attributable to the equity shareholders of the parent company plus share of after tax results of associates and joint ventures after applying the tax rate before exceptional items for the year. Average total invested capital is calculated using the average derived from the consolidated balance sheets at the beginning, middle and end of the year. Average capital employed comprises average net assets attributable to equity shareholders of the parent company for the year, excluding post employment benefit net assets/liabilities (net of deferred tax) and average net borrowings. This average capital employed is then aggregated with the average restructuring and integration costs net of tax, and goodwill written off to reserves at 1 July 2004, the date of transition to IFRS, to obtain the average total invested capital.

Calculations for the return on average total invested capital for the year ended 30 June 2019 and 30 June 2018 are set out in the table below.

 
 
2019
£ million

 
2018
£ million

Operating profit
 
4,042

 
3,691

Exceptional operating items
 
74

 
128

Profit before exceptional operating items attributable to non-controlling interests
 
(151
)
 
(122
)
Share of after tax results of associates and joint ventures
 
312

 
309

Tax at the tax rate before exceptional items of 20.6% (2018 – 20.7%)
 
(881
)
 
(829
)
 
 
3,396

 
3,177

Average net assets (excluding net post employment assets/liabilities)
 
10,847

 
12,067

Average non-controlling interests
 
(1,776
)
 
(1,749
)
Average net borrowings
 
10,240

 
8,727

Average integration and restructuring costs (net of tax)
 
1,639

 
1,639

Goodwill at 1 July 2004
 
1,562

 
1,562

Average total invested capital
 
22,512

 
22,246

Return on average total invested capital
 
15.1
%
 
14.3
%


115

Business review (continued)

Net borrowings to earnings before exceptional operating items, interest, tax, depreciation, amortisation and impairment (adjusted EBITDA)

Diageo manages its capital structure to achieve capital efficiency, provide flexibility to invest through the economic cycle and give efficient access to debt markets at attractive cost levels. The group regularly assesses its debt and equity capital levels to enhance its capital structure by reviewing the ratio of adjusted net borrowings to adjusted EBITDA.

Calculations for the ratio of adjusted net borrowings to adjusted EBITDA for the year ended 30 June 2019 and 30 June 2018 are set out in the table below.
 
2019
£ million

 
2018
£ million

Borrowings due within one year
1,959

 
1,828

Borrowings due after one year
10,596

 
8,074

Fair value of foreign currency derivatives and interest rate hedging instruments
(474
)
 
(92
)
Finance lease liabilities
128

 
155

Less: Cash and cash equivalents
(932
)
 
(874
)
Net borrowings
11,277

 
9,091

Post employment benefit liabilities before tax
846

 
872

Adjusted net borrowings
12,123

 
9,963

Profit for the year
3,337

 
3,144

Taxation
898

 
596

Net finance charges
263

 
260

Non-operating items
(144
)
 

Exceptional operating items
74

 
128

Depreciation, amortisation and impairment (excluding exceptional items)
374

 
368

Adjusted EBITDA
4,802

 
4,496

Adjusted net borrowings to adjusted EBITDA (x)
2.5

 
2.2


Tax rate before exceptional items

Tax rate before exceptional items is calculated by dividing the total tax charge on continuing operations before tax charges and credits in respect of exceptional items, by profit before taxation adjusted to exclude the impact of exceptional operating and non-operating items, expressed as a percentage. The measure is used by management to assess the rate of tax applied to the group’s continuing operations before tax on exceptional items.

The tax rates from operations before exceptional and after exceptional items for the year ended 30 June 2019 and year ended 30 June 2018 are set out in the table below:

 
 
2019
£ million

 
2018
£ million

Tax before exceptional items (a)
 
859

 
799

Tax in respect of exceptional items
 
29

 
(13
)
Exceptional tax charge/(credit)
 
10

 
(190
)
Taxation on profit (b)
 
898

 
596

Profit from operations before taxation and exceptional items (c)
 
4,174

 
3,868

Non-operating items
 
144

 

Exceptional finance charges
 
(9
)
 

Exceptional operating items
 
(74
)
 
(128
)
Profit before taxation (d)
 
4,235

 
3,740

Tax rate before exceptional items (a/c)
 
20.6
%
 
20.7
%
Tax rate from operations after exceptional items (b/d)
 
21.2
%
 
15.9
%


116

Business review (continued)

Other definitions

Volume share is a brand’s retail volume expressed as a percentage of the retail volume of all brands in its segment. Value share is a brand’s retail sales value expressed as a percentage of the retail sales value of all brands in its segment. Unless otherwise stated, share refers to value share.

Price/mix is the number of percentage points by which the organic movement in net sales differs to the organic movement in volume. The difference arises because of changes in the composition of sales between higher and lower priced variants/markets or as price changes are implemented.

Shipments comprise the volume of products made to Diageo’s immediate (first tier) customers. Depletions are the estimated volume of the onward sales made by our immediate customers. Both shipments and depletions are measured on an equivalent units basis.

References to emerging markets include Russia, Eastern Europe, Turkey, Africa, Latin America and Caribbean, and Asia Pacific (excluding Australia, Korea and Japan).

References to reserve brands include, but are not limited to, Johnnie Walker Blue Label, Johnnie Walker Green Label, Johnnie Walker Gold Label Reserve, Johnnie Walker Aged 18 Years, John Walker & Sons Collection, Johnnie Walker The Gold Route, Johnnie Walker The Royal Route and other Johnnie Walker super premium brands; Roe & Co; The Singleton, Cardhu, Talisker, Lagavulin and other malt brands; Buchanan’s Special Reserve, Buchanan’s Red Seal; Bulleit Bourbon, Bulleit Rye; Tanqueray No. TEN, Tanqueray Malacca Gin; Cîroc, Ketel One vodka; Don Julio, Casamigos, Zacapa, Bundaberg SDlx, Shui Jing Fang, Jinzu gin, Haig Club whisky, Orphan Barrel whiskey and DeLeón Tequila.

References to global giants include the following brand families: Johnnie Walker, Smirnoff, Captain Morgan, Baileys, Tanqueray and Guinness. Local stars spirits include Buchanan’s, Bundaberg, Crown Royal, JƐB, McDowell’s, Old Parr, Yenì Raki, Black & White, Shui Jing Fang, Windsor and Ypióca. Global giants and local stars exclude ready to drink and beer except Guinness. References to Shui Jing Fang represent total Chinese white spirits of which Shui Jing Fang is the predominant brand.

References to ready to drink also include ready to serve products, such as pre-mix cans in some markets, and progressive adult beverages in the United States and certain markets supplied by the United States.

References to beer include cider and some non-alcoholic products such as Malta Guinness.

The results of Hop House 13 Lager are included in the Guinness figures.

References to the disposal of a portfolio of 19 brands comprise the following brands that were primarily sold in the United States: Seagram’s VO, Seagram’s 83, Seagram’s Five Star, Popov, Myers’s, Parrot Bay, Yukon Jack, Romana Sambuca, Scoresby, Goldschlager, Relska, Stirrings, The Club, Booth’s, Black Haus, Peligroso, Grind, Piehole and John Begg.

References to the group include Diageo plc and its consolidated subsidiaries.



117

Governance


Board of Directors and Company Secretary

Javier Ferrán
Chairman 3*  
Nationality: Spanish
Appointed Chairman and Chairman of the Nomination Committee: January 2017 (Appointed Chairman Designate and Non-Executive Director: July 2016)
Key strengths: Brings extensive board-level experience from the drinks and consumer products industry, including at chief executive level, and has a wealth of experience in consumer goods through his venture capital activities to draw from in his role as Chairman and leader of the Board
Current external appointments: Non-Executive Director, International Consolidated Airlines Group, S.A., Coca-Cola European Partners plc; Member, Advisory Board of ESADE Business School; Advisor, BlackRock Long Term Private Capital
Previous relevant experience: Non-Executive Director and Senior Independent Director, Associated British Foods plc; President and CEO, Bacardi Limited; Non-Executive Director, SABMiller plc

Ivan Menezes
Chief Executive 2*  
Nationality: American/British
Appointed Chief Executive: July 2013 (Appointed Executive Director: July 2012)
Key strengths: Has extensive experience of over 20 years with the Diageo group at operational and leadership levels and the consumer products industry, which brings valuable insight to lead the Group and implement the strategy
Current external appointments: Vice Chairman of the Council, Scotch Whisky Association; Non-Executive Director, Tapestry Inc.; Member of the Global Advisory Board, Kellogg School of Management, Northwestern University; Chairman, Movement to Work; Chair, International Alliance for Responsible Drinking, CEO Group
Previous Diageo roles: Chief Operating Officer; President, North America; Chairman, Diageo Asia Pacific; Chairman, Diageo Latin America and Caribbean; senior management positions, Guinness and then Diageo
Previous relevant experience: marketing and strategy roles, Nestlé, Booz Allen Hamilton Inc. and Whirlpool

Kathryn Mikells
Chief Financial Officer 2  
Nationality: American
Appointed Chief Financial Officer and Executive Director: November 2015
Key strengths: Brings skills and experience from finance-based roles to effectively manage the group’s affairs relating to accounting, tax, treasury and investor relations, as well as commercial experience to the Board’s discussions
Current external appointments: Non- Executive Director and Audit Committee Chair, The Hartford Financial Services Group, Inc.; Member of the Main Committee, 100 Group of Finance Directors
Previous relevant experience: Corporate Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer, Xerox Corporation; Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer, ADT Corporation; Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer, Nalco Holding Company; Executive Vice President and CFO, UAL Corporation

Lord Davies of Abersoch
Senior Independent Director 1,3,4  
Nationality: British
Appointed Senior Independent Director: October 2011 (Appointed Non-Executive Director: September 2010)
Key strengths: Has extensive commercial board-level experience, including at chief executive and chairman levels, as well as in emerging markets in Africa and Asia-Pacific and governmental matters as a former UK government minister
Current external appointments: Partner and Chairman, Corsair Capital LLC; Chairman, LetterOne Holdings S.A, Lawn Tennis Association Limited; Adviser, Teneo Holdings; Chairman, UK India Business Council, Member of Executive Committee, World Rugby
Previous relevant experience: Minister for Trade, Investment and Small Business for the UK Government; Chairman and Group Chief Executive, Standard Chartered PLC


118

Governance (continued)

Debra Crew
Non-Executive Director 1,3,4  
Nationality: American
Appointed Non-Executive Director: April 2019
Key strengths: Brings wide commercial experience across different consumer products businesses, including at chief executive level and in highly regulated markets
Current external appointments: Non- Executive Director, Stanley Black & Decker, Inc., Newell Brands, Mondelēz International
Previous relevant experience: President and CEO of Reynolds American, Inc; President, PepsiCo North America Nutrition, PepsiCo Americas Beverages, Western Europe Region; various positions with Kraft Foods, Nestlé S.A., and Mars

Susan Kilsby
Non-Executive Director 1,3,4*  
Nationality: American/British
Appointed Non-Executive Director: April 2018 (Appointed Chairman of the Remuneration Committee: January 2019)
Key strengths: Brings wide-ranging corporate governance and board-level experience across a number of industries, including a consumer goods sector focus, with particular expertise in mergers and acquisitions, corporate finance and transaction advisory work
Current external appointments: Non-Executive Director, Unilever PLC, Unilever N.V., Fortune Brands Home & Security, Inc., BHP Group Plc, BHP Group Limited; Member, the Takeover Panel
Previous relevant experience: Senior Independent Director, BBA Aviation plc; Chairman, Shire plc, Mergers and Acquisitions EMEA, Credit Suisse; Senior Advisor, Credit Suisse; Non-Executive Director, Goldman Sachs International, Keurig Green Mountain, L’Occitane International, Coca-Cola HBC

Ho KwonPing
Non-Executive Director 1,3,4  
Nationality: Singaporean
Appointed Non-Executive Director: October 2012
Key strengths: Brings extensive commercial and entrepreneurial experience of operating in emerging markets, in particular in Asia-Pacific, as well as in various consumer-facing industries such as retail banking, airlines and hospitality
Current external appointments: Executive Chairman and Founder, Banyan Tree Holdings Limited; Chairman, Laguna Resorts & Hotels Public Company Limited (a subsidiary of Banyan Tree Holdings Limited) and Thai Wah Public Company Limited (each such company being owned or ultimately controlled by Ho KwonPing’s family); Chairman of Board of Trustees, Singapore Management University
Previous relevant experience: Member, Global Advisory Board of Moelis & Company; Chairman, MediaCorp Pte. Ltd; Non-Executive Director, Singapore Airlines Limited, Singapore Power Limited and Standard Chartered PLC

Nicola S Mendelsohn
Non-Executive Director 1,3,4  
Nationality: British
Appointed Non-Executive Director: September 2014
Key strengths: Has specialist knowledge and understanding of consumer-facing emerging technologies, cyber security and data issues, as well as having wide experience of board and committee level appointments across diverse commercial, governmental and charitable institutions, as well as advisory roles in advertising and production of consumer goods
Current external appointments: Vice President, Facebook EMEA; Co-President, Norwood; Member, Mayor’s Business Advisory Board; Member, HMG Industrial Strategy Council
Previous relevant experience: Executive Chairman, Karmarama; Deputy Chairman, Grey London; Board Director, BBH and Fragrance Foundation; President, Institute of Practitioners in Advertising; Director, Women’s Prize for Fiction; Co-Chair, Creative Industries Council; Board Member, CEW; Trustee, White Ribbon Alliance; Chair of the Corporate Board, Women’s Aid

Alan Stewart
Non-Executive Director 1*,3,4  
Nationality: British
Appointed Non-Executive Director: September 2014 (Appointed Chairman of the Audit Committee: January 2017)
Key strengths: Has a strong background in financial, investment banking and commercial matters, with particular expertise in consumer retail industries, as well as board and committee level experience at industry institutions
Current external appointments: Chief Financial Officer, Tesco PLC; Non-Executive Director, Tesco Bank; Member of the Advisory Board, Chartered Institute of Management Accountants; Member of the Main Committee & Chairman of Pension Committee, 100 Group of Finance Directors
Previous relevant experience: Chief Financial Officer, Marks & Spencer, AWAS; Non- Executive Director, Games Workshop plc; Group Finance Director, WH Smith plc; Chief Executive, Thomas Cook UK


119

Governance (continued)

Siobhán Moriarty
General Counsel & Company Secretary  
See page 122 for further details

Departures since 1 July 2018
Peggy Bruzelius and Betsy Holden ceased to be Non-Executive Directors on 20 September 2018.

Key to committees
1. Audit
2. Executive (comprising senior management)
3. Nomination
4. Remuneration
*Chairman of the committee

Board Diversity
As at 30 June 2019

CHART-E4D7D2AA235194265F0.JPG CHART-9C7F48ACD8875517003.JPG      CHART-1647569ADD744F2052E.JPG

l
Non-Executive Directors
l
0-3 years
l
Female
l
Executive Directors
l
3-6 years
l
Male
l
Non-Executive Chairman
l
6-9 years
 
 


120

Governance (continued)

Executive Committee

David Cutter
President, Global Supply and Procurement
Appointed: July 2014
Nationality : Australian
Previous Diageo roles: Supply Director, International Supply Centre; President, Supply Americas; Supply Director, Asia Pacific
Previous relevant experience: leadership roles, Frito-Lay and SC Johnson
Current external appointments: Member of the Council, Scotch Whisky Association

Sam Fischer
President, Diageo Greater China and Asia
Appointed: September 2014
Nationality: Australian
Previous Diageo roles: Managing Director, Diageo Greater China; Managing Director of South East Asia, Diageo Asia Pacific; General Manager, Diageo IndoChina and Vietnam
Previous relevant experience: Senior management roles across Central Europe and Indochina, Colgate Palmolive

Victoria Frame
Group Strategy Director
Appointed: May 2017
Nationality: British
Previous relevant experience: MD International and Chief Marketing Officer, Barry’s Bootcamp; Partner, Bain & Company; Roles at Marakon Associates and CITI

Brian Franz
Chief Productivity Officer
Appointed: August 2015
Nationality: American/British
Previous Diageo roles: CIO and Head of GDBS, IS Services
Previous relevant experience: Senior Vice President and CIO, PepsiCo International; Commercial CIO, various CIO and management roles, General Electric

Alberto Gavazzi
President, Diageo Latin America and Caribbean, Global Travel & Sales Opex
Appointed: July 2013
Nationality: Brazilian/Italian
Previous Diageo roles: Managing Director, West Latin America and Caribbean; Global Category Director Whiskey, Gins and Reserve Brands; General Manager Brazil, Paraguay and Uruguay; Vice President Consumer Marketing, Chicago; Marketing Director, Brazil
Previous relevant experience: Colgate-Palmolive; Unilever PLC

John Kennedy
President, Diageo Europe, Turkey and India
Appointed: July 2016
Nationality: American
Previous Diageo roles: President, Europe and Western Europe; Chief Operating Officer, Western Europe; Marketing Director, Australia; General Manager for Innovation, North America; President and Chief Executive Officer, Diageo Canada; Managing Director, Diageo Ireland
Previous relevant experience: brand management roles, GlaxoSmithKline and Quaker Oats

Anand Kripalu
CEO, United Spirits Limited
Appointed: September 2014
Nationality: Indian
Previous Diageo roles: CEO-designate, United Spirits Limited
Previous relevant experience: Various management roles at Mondelez International, Cadbury and Unilever
Current external appointments: Member of the Board of Governors, Indian Institute of Management, Jammu


121

Governance (continued)

Deirdre Mahlan
President, Diageo North America
Appointed: December 2015
Nationality: American
Previous Diageo roles: Chief Financial Officer and Executive Director; Deputy Chief Financial Officer; Head of Tax and Treasury
Previous relevant experience: Member, Main Committee, 100 Group of Finance Directors; senior finance positions, Joseph E. Seagram & Sons, Inc.; Senior manager, PricewaterhouseCoopers
Current external appointments: Non-Executive Director, Experian plc

Daniel Mobley
Corporate Relations Director
Appointed: June 2017
Nationality: British
Previous Diageo roles: Corporate Relations Director, Europe
Previous relevant experience: Regional Head of Corporate Affairs India & South Asia, Regional Head of Corporate Affairs Africa, Group Head of Government Relations, Standard Chartered; Extensive government experience including in HM Treasury and Foreign & Commonwealth Office

Siobhán Moriarty
General Counsel & Company Secretary
Appointed General Counsel: July 2013
Appointed Company Secretary: August 2018
Nationality: Irish
Previous Diageo roles: General Counsel Designate; Corporate M&A Counsel; Regional Counsel Ireland; General Counsel Europe
Previous relevant experience: various positions in law firm private practice, Dublin and London
Current external appointments: Non-Executive Director, Friends Board of the Royal Academy of Arts ; Board Member, European General Counsel Association

Mairéad Nayager
Human Resources Director
Appointed: October 2015
Nationality: Irish
Previous Diageo roles: HR Director, Diageo Europe; HR Director, Brandhouse, South Africa; HR Director, Diageo Africa Regional Markets; Talent & Organisational Effectiveness Director, Diageo Africa; Employee Relations Manager, Diageo Ireland
Previous relevant experience: Irish Business and Employers’ Confederation

John O’Keeffe
President, Diageo Africa
Appointed: July 2015
Nationality: Irish
Previous Diageo roles: CEO and Managing Director, Guinness Nigeria; Global Head, Innovation; Global Head, Beer and Baileys; Managing Director Russia and Eastern Europe; various general management and marketing positions

Syl Saller
Chief Marketing Officer
Appointed : July 2013
Nationality: American/British
Previous Diageo roles: Global Innovation Director; Marketing Director, Diageo Great Britain
Previous relevant experience: brand management and marketing roles, Allied Domecq PLC, Gillette Company and Holson Burnes Group, Inc; Non-Executive Director, Domino’s Pizza Group plc


122

Governance (continued)

Executive Committee diversity
As at 30 June 2019

CHART-615E2F459F29DEA88E0.JPG CHART-5C91BF6FF94BB373181.JPG


123

Governance (continued)

Corporate governance report

Letter from the Chairman of the Board of Directors

Dear Shareholder

On behalf of the Board I am delighted to present the corporate governance report for the year ended 30 June 2019. The Board’s role is to promote the long-term sustainable success of Diageo and the delivery of long-term, sustainable value for shareholders in a manner which contributes positively to wider society. It is the responsibility of the Board to ensure that high standards of ethical behaviour and corporate governance are maintained throughout Diageo.

It is very clear from both public and private discussions that board governance, corporate behaviour and responsibility, environmental sustainability and stakeholder engagement are of critical importance to a board and its decision-making processes. Details of our governance structure and processes are set out on page 126 , but to summarise, your Board is well balanced, comprising individuals from a diverse range of experience, skills and backgrounds, and which provides independent, effective and entrepreneurial leadership within the framework of a strong company purpose and values-led culture. This was confirmed by the results of our annual Board evaluation exercise, which was conducted in November 2018 through an internal process which is further described on page 129 .

The regulatory framework has continued to evolve over the year, especially with the introduction of the new UK Corporate Governance Code in July 2018 (the new Code) which places increased emphasis on corporate culture, purpose and values which are critical to ensure long-term sustainable success. In light of these developments, the Board has taken the opportunity to review and refresh its existing processes against provisions introduced by the new Code. In many respects, these additional provisions require no change to our existing practices. For example, the role of corporate purpose in ensuring effective culture and employee engagement has been a deeply engrained part of Diageo’s culture for a number of years. In other areas, we are looking to develop and formalise existing practices. For example, we have considered how we interact with different stakeholder groups and it is our aim to maintain an open and positive dialogue with all of our stakeholders. To this end, I have been nominated to serve as designated non-executive director for workforce engagement, in which role I engage closely with the Diageo workforce to understand their views and present them to the Board, as principal point of contact between the Board and the workforce. I look forward immensely to developing this aspect of my role. Further details of how the Board engages with different stakeholder groups are set out on page 131 .

Over the course of the year, there have been a number of changes in the Board’s membership. In September 2018, Peggy Bruzelius and Betsy Holden stepped down as Non-Executive Directors after nine years of service on the Board. We are very grateful for their wise guidance and contribution to Diageo over that period. In December 2018, we announced that Ursula Burns, who had been expected to join the Board, would not take up her appointment as Non-Executive Director in light of her continuing other commitments. In April 2019, we welcomed Debra Crew as an additional Non-Executive Director, bringing her strong experience in the consumer goods business and as a former chief executive to the Board’s range of skills and experience. Debra is undergoing an induction process and we look forward to her contributions to Board discussions as she settles into her role.

The Board believes that Diageo’s governance structure and processes underpin our ability to deliver our strategy and create sustainable long-term value and benefit for shareholders and other stakeholders. We are firmly of the view that the benefits of good corporate governance ensure that our business practices are sustainable and of benefit to wider society.


Javier Ferrán
Chairman of the Board of Directors


124

Governance (continued)

The principal corporate governance rules applying to Diageo (as a UK company listed on the London Stock Exchange (LSE)) for the year ended 30 June 2019 are contained in the UK Corporate Governance Code 2016 (the Code) and the UK Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) Listing Rules, which require us to describe, in our Annual Report, our corporate governance from two points of view: the first dealing generally with our application of the Code’s main principles and the second dealing specifically with non-compliance with any of the Code’s provisions. The two descriptions together are designed to give shareholders a picture of governance arrangements in relation to the Code as a criterion of good practice.

A copy of the Code is publicly available on the website of the Financial Reporting Council (FRC), www.frc.org.uk.

Diageo can confirm that it has complied with all relevant provisions set out in the Code throughout the year, except that Ho KwonPing was unable to attend the company's 2018 AGM. This resulted in partial non-compliance with Code provision E.2.3.

Diageo must also comply with corporate governance rules contained in the FCA Disclosure Guidance and Transparency Rules as well as certain related provisions in the Companies Act 2006 (the Act).

As well as being subject to UK legislation and practice, as a company listed on the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE), Diageo is subject to the listing requirements of the NYSE and the rules of the US Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), as they apply to foreign private issuers. Compliance with the provisions of the US Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 (SOX), as it applies to foreign private issuers, is continually monitored.

As Diageo follows UK corporate governance practice, differences from the NYSE corporate governance standards are summarised in Diageo’s 20-F filing and on our website at www.diageo.com/en-row/ourbusiness/aboutus/corporategovernance.


Board of Directors

Composition of the Board

The Board is comprised of the Non-Executive Chairman, two Executive Directors, the Senior Independent Director, and five independent Non-Executive Directors. The biographies of all Directors and the members of the Executive Committee are set out in this Annual Report on pages 118 to 120 .

Inclusion and diversity

Valuing inclusion and diversity is one of the core principles of Diageo's global Human Rights Policy which applies to all employees, subsidiaries and third party contractors and which has been implemented as part of our Code of Business Conduct programme. Our objective is to maintain and sustain an inclusive and diverse business in order to create a better working environment and a better performing business.

Diageo strongly supports diversity within its Board of Directors, including gender, age and professional diversity, as well as diversity of thought. The Board is comprised of individuals from a diverse range of skills, industries, backgrounds and nationalities, which enables a broad evaluation of all matters considered by the Board and contributes to a culture of collaborative and constructive discussion. In particular, women currently make up 44% of the Board and 40% of the Executive Committee. Further information is given in the sections of this Annual Report on sustainability & responsibility, our people, and on the communities section of the Chairman's statement and the trusted and respected section of the Chief Executive's statement.

Duties of the Board

The Board manages overall control of the company’s affairs with reference to the formal schedule of matters reserved for the Board for decision. The schedule was last reviewed in July 2019 and is available at www.diageo.com/en-row/ourbusiness/aboutus/corporate governance.

The Board has agreed an approach and adopted guidelines for dealing with conflicts of interest and responsibility for authorising conflicts of interest is included in the schedule of matters reserved for the Board. The Board confirmed that it was not aware of any situations that may or did give rise to conflicts with the interests of the company other than those that may arise from Directors’ other appointments as disclosed in their biographies.
 

125

Governance (continued)

In order to fulfil their duties, procedures are in place for Directors to seek both independent advice and the advice and services of the Company Secretary who is responsible for advising the Board, through the Chairman, on all governance matters. The Non-Executive Directors meet without management present, and also meet with the Chairman without management present, on a regular basis. The terms of reference of Board Committees are reviewed regularly, most recently in May 2019, and are available at www.diageo.com/en/our-business/corporate-governance.

Corporate governance structure

The Board has established a corporate governance framework as shown below. This includes the three Board Committees (Audit Committee, Nomination Committee and Remuneration Committee), as well as management committees which report to the Chief Executive Officer or Chief Financial Officer (Executive Committee, Filings Assurance Committee, Finance Committee and Audit & Risk Committee).

Further details on the Board Committees can be found in the separate reports from each Committee on pages 137 to 141 , and details of the Executive Committee can be found on page s 132 to 134 .

BOD.JPG

126

Governance (continued)

Division of responsibilities

There is a clear separation of the roles of the Chairman and the Chief Executive which has been clearly established, set out in writing and agreed by the Board. No individual or group dominates the Board’s decision-making processes. The following sets out the division of responsibilities of the Board:

Leadership
 
Independent oversight and rigorous challenge
Chairman
Javier Ferrán
Responsible for the operation, leadership and governance of the Board
Ensures all Directors are fully informed of matters and receives precise, timely and clear information sufficient to make informed judgements
Sets Board agendas and ensures sufficient time is allocated to ensure effective debate to support sound decision making
Ensures the effectiveness of the Board
Engages in discussions with shareholders
Meets with the Non-Executive Directors independently of the Executive Directors
 
Non-Executive Directors
Debra Crew, Ho KwonPing, Susan Kilsby, Nicola Mendelsohn and Alan Stewart
The Non-Executive Directors, all of whom the Board has determined are independent, experienced and influential individuals from a diverse range of industries, backgrounds and countries. The independence of Ho KwonPing, who has served on the Board for over six years, has been the subject of a rigorous review.
Constructively challenge the Executive Directors
Develop proposals on strategy
Scrutinise the performance of management
Satisfy themselves on the integrity of the financial information, controls and systems of risk management
Set the levels of remuneration for Executive Directors and senior management
Make recommendations to the Board concerning appointments to the Board
Devote such time as is necessary to the proper performance of their duties

A summary of the terms and conditions of appointment of the Non-Executive Directors is available at
www.diageo.com/ en-row/ourbusiness/aboutus/corporategovernance .
Chief Executive
Ivan Menezes
Develops the group’s strategic direction for consideration and approval by the Board
Implements the strategy agreed by the Board
Manages the company and the group
Along with the CFO, leads discussions with investors
Is supported in his role by the Executive Committee
Is supported by the Filings Assurance Committee in the management of financial reporting of the company
 
 
 
Chief Financial Officer
Kathryn Mikells
Manages all aspects of the group’s financial affairs
Responsible for the management of the capital structure of the company
Contributes to the management of the group’s operations
Along with the CEO, leads discussions with investors
Is supported by the Finance Committee and Filings Assurance Committee in the management of the financial affairs and reporting of the company
 
Senior Independent Director
Lord Davies of Abersoch
Acts as a sounding board for the Chairman and serves as an intermediary for the other Directors where necessary
Together with the other Non-Executive Directors, leads the review of the performance of the Chairman, taking into
account the views of the Executive Directors
Available to shareholders if they have concerns where the contact through the normal channels has failed
The independence of Lord Davies, who has served on the Board for over six years, has been the subject of a rigorous review
 
 
 
Company Secretary
Siobhán Moriarty
Supports the Chairman in setting the agenda for Board meetings
Ensures information is made available to Board members in a timely fashion
Supports the Chairman in designing and delivering Board inductions
Co-ordinates training requirements for the Board and individual Board members
Advises on corporate governance matters


127

Governance (continued)

Board activities

Details of the Board’s main areas of focus during the year are summarised below.
Area of focus

Strategic matters
Held the Annual Strategy Conference in Scotland at which the group’s strategy was considered in-depth, including visiting distilling sites
Regularly reviewed the group’s performance against the strategy
Received reports on the financial performance of the group
Visited the group’s operations in China, which included receiving reports from management and visiting various office and production facility sites
Reviewed the group’s tax strategic planning
Reviewed the impact of e-commerce, US route to consumer and the future of marketing
Operational matters
Reviewed and approved the annual funding plan, insurance, banking and capital expenditure requirements
Reviewed the impact of global trade developments and disputes
Reviewed the impact of Brexit and mitigation planning for Brexit and other related risks
Regularly reviewed the group’s business development activities and projects
Approved various significant procurement and other contracts
Reviewed the company’s innovation pipeline
Approved significant property developments and office relocations
Visited the company Customer Collaboration Centre in London
Stakeholders
Reviewed the company’s Positive Drinking strategy
Considered the company’s culture
Reviewed and approved the company’s return of capital policy, including its share buyback programmes
Approved and implemented a new framework for workforce engagement
Reviewed the company’s talent strategy, diversity policy and development programmes
Reviewed the company’s sustainability and environmental strategy
Reviewed the company’s key pensions governance and funding positions
Received regular investor reports
Invited Sir Jonathon Porritt to give a presentation on environmental sustainability
Governance, assurance and risk management
Received reports on the work of the various Board Committees
Received regular reports in relation to material legal matters
Agreed actions from the evaluation of the Board’s performance
Approved the appointment of a new Non-Executive Director
Reviewed the requirements under the FRC 2018 Corporate Governance Code
Reviewed and approved new terms of reference for the Audit Committee, Remuneration Committee, Nomination Committee and Routine Business Committee
Reviewed and approved the schedule of matters reserved for the Board
Reviewed and approved the company’s financial reporting


128

Governance (continued)

Board attendance

Directors’ attendance record at the AGM, scheduled Board meetings and Board Committee meetings, for the year ended 30 June 2019 is set out in the table below. For Board and Board Committee meetings, attendance is expressed as the number of meetings attended out of the number that each Director was eligible to attend. Where Directors were unable to attend a meeting, they gave their views to the Chairmen of the respective meeting ahead of that meeting being held.

 
  
Annual General Meeting 2018
  
Board
(maximum 6)
  
Audit Committee (maximum 4)
 
Nomination Committee (maximum 3)
 
Remuneration Committee (maximum 5)
 
Javier Ferrán
  
ü
  
6/6
  
4/4
(i)     
3/3
 
4/5
(i)     
Ivan Menezes
  
ü
  
6/6
  
2/4
(i)     
3/3
(i)     
5/5
(i)     
Kathryn Mikells
  
ü
  
6/6
  
4/4
(i)     
1/3
(i)     
2/5
(i)     
Lord Davies (ii)
  
ü
  
5/6
  
3/4
 
3/3
 
4/5
 
Debra Crew
  
n/a
  
1/1
  
1/1
 
1/1
 
2/2
 
Susan Kilsby
  
ü
  
6/6
  
4/4
 
3/3
 
5/5
 
Ho KwonPing (ii)
  
û
  
5/6
  
4/4
 
2/3
 
4/5
 
Nicola Mendelsohn (ii)
  
ü
  
5/6
  
4/4
 
2/3
 
5/5
 
Alan Stewart
  
ü
  
6/6
  
4/4
 
3/3
 
5/5
 
Former Directors
Peggy B Bruzelius (iii)
  
ü
  
2/2
  
1/1
 
1/1
 
1/1
 
Betsy D Holden (iii)
 
ü
 
2/2
 
1/1
 
1/1
 
1/1
 

(i)
Attended by invitation.
(ii)
Where Non-Executive Directors were unable to attend a meeting, they gave their views to the Chairman of the respective meeting ahead of the meeting being held.
(iii)
Retired from the Board on 20 September 2018.

Performance evaluation

In November 2018, an evaluation of the Board’s effectiveness, including the effectiveness of the Chairman and the Board’s Committees, was undertaken with the assistance of the Company Secretary. The primary focus of the 2018 evaluation was to review and evaluate how the Board and its Committees operate as measured against current best practice corporate governance principles, framed by reference to the Code and Principle L and Provisions 21, 22 and 23 of the new Code. The evaluation was also conducted with reference to the detailed guidance as to the optimal Board evaluation process set out in Section 3 of the FRC’s ‘Guidance on Board Effectiveness’ issued in July 2018. The evaluation was also designed to build on the outcome of the externally facilitated evaluation carried out in November 2017, whose findings were summarised in last year’s Corporate Governance report.

The evaluation process comprised an initial questionnaire for all Directors to complete and return, followed by individual meetings between the Chairman and each Director where required (or, in the case of the Chairman himself, a meeting between the Chairman and the Senior Independent Director). The questionnaire was sub-divided into four sections focussing respectively on Board composition and processes, Board effectiveness, behaviours and performance, individual Directors’ performance and Committees’ performance. Responses to all questions were sent to the Chairman and responses to the specific questions in respect of the Chairman was sent to the Senior Independent Director. In addition, responses on the effectiveness of the Committees were submitted to the respective Committee chairmen. The results of the evaluation process were reviewed by the Board at its meeting in December 2018 at which various actions were agreed to be taken.

It is the Board’s intention to continue to review annually its performance and that of its Committees and individual directors, with such evaluation being carried out by an external facilitator every three years. The evaluation to be undertaken in 2019 will be undertaken internally.

The Chairman has confirmed that the Non-Executive Directors standing for re-election at this year’s AGM continue to perform effectively, both individually and collectively as a Board, and that each demonstrate commitment to their roles. With regards to the re-election of Lord Davies, further details are provided in the Nomination Committee report on page 140.

129

Governance (continued)

The main conclusions and key areas for focus as highlighted by the 2018 evaluation are as follows:

Board composition and processes
Main conclusions
 
Key areas for focus
With recent retirement of two Non-Executive Directors, there was a current imbalance between the number of Executive and Non-Executive Directors
Need to ensure prospective new members of Board to have adequate industry experience and come from a variety of geographical backgrounds
Clear desire to maintain and enhance Board’s positive gender diversity
Positive induction processes noted with more focus needed on addressing Board’s ongoing development requirements
Strong effective support is provided by Company Secretary and team, with good balance between scheduled and ad hoc meetings
Improvements in annual strategy conference agenda and topics were noted
 
Recruitment of at least one additional Non-Executive Director of appropriate quality, experience and background, with a view to ensuring appropriate diversity on the Board
Review succession planning and pipeline of both executive and non-executive roles
Identify ongoing training and development opportunities for Board members
Review pre-read and presentation format to strike balance between adequate detail and brevity
Provide for review and refresh of future Board agenda items through the year to enable flexibility

Board effectiveness, behaviours and performance
Main conclusions
 
Key areas for focus
Strong support for collective performance of the Board, its effectiveness and behaviours
Board has been effective in anticipating emerging or external factors and trends, and needs to continue this focus over time
Steps have been taken to adequately address conclusions of the prior year’s Board evaluation report
Improvements noted in addressing strategic, long-term issues while maintaining oversight of performance, controls and risk
Open and challenging discussions have had direct positive impact on decision making
 
Continuing shaping of agenda and Board focus on highest value at stake opportunities and risks
Continued vigilance in identifying and adapting to long-term trends and challenges
Identifying additional opportunities for outside-in engagement, to drive more external perspectives on areas of opportunity and threat for long-term, and to provide strengthened development opportunities for Board members
Reviewing Board papers and processes to ensure maintenance of highest standards of governance in line with latest developments in this area
Taking steps to ensure continued culture of transparency and constructive debate within the Board following appointment of new members

Directors’ performance and effectiveness
Main conclusions
 
Key areas for focus
Strong support for performance, leadership tone and effectiveness of Chairman and Senior Independent Director
There is a clear division of responsibilities between Chairman and Chief Executive with complementary experience and skill sets
 
Ensure prospective new members of the Board fit well within the current culture of transparency and openness

Committees’ performance and effectiveness
Main conclusions
 
Key areas for focus
Performance of Audit and Remuneration Committees in particular is consistently strong, with clear and well defined remits and agendas
Performance of Nomination Committee has improved with clearer understanding of talent pipeline, requisite skill set and recruitment processes, although this requires embedding over time
 
For the Audit Committee, improved focus on risk management
For the Remuneration Committee, maintaining close oversight of executive remuneration and reward trends internationally and in the UK
For the Nomination Committee, ensuring and strengthening pipeline of talent and succession planning
For Committees generally, ensuring that their remit is reviewed and refreshed periodically, as governance and best practice evolves



130

Governance (continued)

Workforce engagement

At its meeting in December 2018, the Board agreed that the Chairman would be responsible for workforce engagement, given that he is best positioned to engage with the workforce frequently, through visits to the markets in which Diageo operates and at its UK work locations. In line with the new Code, it is intended that the Chairman will utilise existing engagement structures and processes to regularly engage with a broad representation of the workforce, to include, but not limited to, town hall meetings on regional and market visits, visits to manufacturing sites, attendance at employee engagement forums and employee resource group meetings from time to time in various markets, review of engagement survey results, in addition to holding ‘skip level’ meetings with key talent.

Accordingly, during the year, the Chairman has accompanied various members of the Diageo Executive Committee when engaging with employee representatives through the above structures. The Chairman has visited office and production facility sites in the UK, China, Brazil, South Africa, Kenya and North America. He has also conducted skip level meetings with key talent. In addition, the company has put in place appropriate reporting frameworks so that relevant feedback from existing forums such as the bi-annual engagement survey, digital sharing platforms and employee representative groups is conveyed to the Chairman via the Chief HR Officer. The Board has also agreed that workforce engagement would be discussed in detail at its meeting in July each year to commence in July 2020, which would enable engagement with the workforce in advance of executive remuneration decisions. It was also agreed that the Board will issue an annual ‘workforce engagement statement’ commencing in 2020, explaining how the Board has gathered and considered worker views from around the world, and how these views have been taken into account in the Board’s decision making.

Stakeholder engagement

Diageo’s culture and the nature of its business encourages the development of strong and positive relationships with external stakeholders, including business partners such as suppliers and customers, but also with government, consumers and the communities in which we operate. The Chief Executive and the Presidents are in regular contact with our principal customers, with performance updates being provided at all scheduled Board meetings. At least once a year, the Board meets in a location outside the UK during which it meets and receives feedback in person from key customers. For example, in October 2018 the Board met with representatives of its key customers in China and in the previous financial year the Board met key customers in India. See page 17 for further examples of how Diageo has engaged with suppliers.

Diageo’s purpose and values require that we make a positive contribution to society and the communities in which we operate. During the year, the Board has focused in particular on the company’s strategy to reduce the impact of its business on the environment and communities, including the progress made towards our 2020 environmental targets, the progress made in water reuse and renewable energy in our African breweries, use of by-products from our distilleries in Scotland in energy generation, and improvements in packaging especially in relation to use of plastics. At its meeting in January 2019, the Board reviewed ambitious environmental targets beyond 2020 and hosted Sir Jonathon Porritt, who spoke to the Board on the subject. Further details of the company’s initiatives to reduce environmental impact can be found on pages 17 to 21 .

Relations with shareholders

The Board’s primary contact with institutional shareholders is through the Chief Executive and Chief Financial Officer. The Chief Executive and Chief Financial Officer are supported by the investor relations department, who are in regular contact with institutional shareholders and sell-side analysts. In May 2019, the Chairman, Chief Executive and Chief Financial Officer attended the company’s Capital Markets Day at which they and other of the company’s executives presented to approximately 130 investors and analysts. A monthly investor relations report, including coverage of the company by sell-side analysts, is circulated to the Board.

The Board also ensures that all Directors develop an understanding of the views of major institutional shareholders through an independent survey of shareholder opinion. In addition, major shareholders are invited to raise any company matters of interest to them at meetings with the Chairman of the Board and the Chairman of the Remuneration Committee. Reports on any meetings are made to the Board.

Shareholders are invited to write to the Chairman or any other Director and express their views on any issues of concern at any time and the AGM provides an opportunity for shareholders to put their questions in person.


131

Governance (continued)

Executive direction and control

Executive Committee

The Executive Committee, appointed and chaired by the Chief Executive, supports him in discharging his responsibility for implementing the strategy agreed by the Board and for managing the company and the group.

It consists of the individuals responsible for the key operational and functional components of the business: North America, Europe and Turkey, Africa, Latin America and Caribbean, Asia Pacific, International Supply Centre and Corporate.

The Executive Committee focuses its time and agenda to align with the Performance Ambition and how to achieve Diageo’s financial and non-financial performance objectives. Performance metrics have been developed to measure progress. There is also focus on the company’s reputation. In support, monthly performance delivery calls, involving the senior leadership group, focus on current performance.

Committees appointed by the Chief Executive and intended to have an ongoing remit, including the Audit & Risk Committee, Finance Committee and Filings Assurance Committee are shown (with their remits) at www.diageo.com/en-row/ourbusiness/aboutus/corporategovernance.

Filings Assurance Committee

The Filings Assurance Committee of the company, which is chaired by the Chief Financial Officer and includes the Chief Executive, is responsible for implementing and monitoring the processes which are designed to ensure that the company complies with relevant UK, US and other regulatory reporting and filing provisions, including those imposed by the U.S. Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 or derived from it. As at the end of the period covered by the Form 20-F for the year ended 30 June 2019 , the Filings Assurance Committee of the company, with the participation of the Chief Executive and the Chief Financial Officer, carried out an evaluation of the effectiveness of the design and operation of disclosure controls and procedures. These are defined as those controls and procedures that are designed to ensure that information required to be disclosed in reports filed under the U.S. Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (the “Exchange Act”) is recorded, processed, summarised and reported within the time periods specified in the Commission’s rules and forms and include, without limitation, controls and procedures designed to ensure that information required to be disclosed in the reports of the company is accumulated and communicated to management, including the Chief Executive and the Chief Financial Officer, as appropriate to allow timely decisions regarding required disclosure. As of the date of the evaluation, the Chief Executive and the Chief Financial Officer concluded that the design and operation of these disclosure controls and procedures were effective to ensure that information required to be disclosed in the reports that the company files or submits under the Exchange Act is recorded, processed, summarised and reported within the time periods specified in the Commission’s rules and forms and is accumulated and communicated to the management of the company, including the company’s Chief Executive and the Chief Financial Officer, as appropriate to allow timely decisions regarding disclosure.

Additional information

Internal control and risk management

An ongoing process has been established for identifying, evaluating and managing risks faced by the group. This process, which complies with the requirements of the Code, has been in place for the full financial year and up to the date the financial statements were approved and accords with the guidance issued by the FRC in September 2014, Guidance on Risk management, Internal Control and related Financial and Business Reporting. The Board confirms that, through the activities of the Audit Committee described below, a robust assessment of the principal risks facing the company, including those that would threaten its business model, future performance, solvency or liquidity has been carried out. These risks and mitigations are set out above in the section of this Annual Report dealing with principal risks.

The Board acknowledges that it is responsible for the company’s systems of internal control and risk management and for reviewing their effectiveness. The Board confirms that, through the activities of the Audit Committee described below, it has reviewed the effectiveness of the company’s systems of internal control and risk management.

During the year, in line with the Code, the Board considered the nature and extent of the risks it was willing to take to achieve its strategic goals and reviewed the existing internal statement of risk appetite (which was considered and recommended to the Board by both the Audit & Risk Committee and the Audit Committee). In accordance with the Code, the Board has also considered the company’s longer term viability, based on a robust assessment of its principal risks. This was done through the work of the Audit Committee which recommended the Viability Statement (as set out below) to the Board.


132

Governance (continued)

The company has in place internal control and risk management systems in relation to the company’s financial reporting process and the group’s process for preparation of consolidated accounts. Further, a review of the consolidated financial statements is completed by management through the Filings Assurance Committee to ensure that the financial position and results of the group are appropriately reflected. Further details of this are set out in the Audit Committee report on page 136.

Compliance and ethics programme

Diageo is committed to conducting its business responsibly and in accordance with all laws and regulations to which its business activities are subject. We hold ourselves to the principles in our Code of Business Conduct, which is embedded through a comprehensive training and education programme for all employees. Our Code of Business Conduct and other Diageo global policies are available at www.diageo.com/PR1346/aws/media/1202/a4_code_of_conduct_hr.pdf.

In accordance with the requirements of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act (and related SEC rules), Diageo has adopted a code of ethics covering its Chief Executive, Chief Financial Officer, Presidents and other identifiable persons in the group, including those performing senior accounting and controller functions. No amendments to, or waivers in respect of, the code of ethics were made during the year.

The full text of the code of ethics is available at www.diageo.com/PR1346/aws/media/4051/code-of-ethics.pdf.

Both the Audit & Risk Committee and the Audit Committee regularly review the strategy and operation of the compliance and ethics programme through the year.

Further information is given in the section of this Annual Report on sustainability and responsibility, governance and ethics.

Political donations

The group has not given any money for political purposes in the United Kingdom and made no donations to EU political organisations and incurred no EU political expenditure during the year.

The group made contributions to non-EU political parties totalling £0.38 million during the year ( 2018 - £0.3 million). These contributions were made almost exclusively to federal and state candidate committees, state political parties and federal leadership committees in North America (consistent with applicable laws), where it is common practice to make political contributions. No particular political persuasion was supported and contributions were made with the aim of promoting a better understanding of the group and its views on commercial matters, as well as a generally improved business environment.

Going concern

The Directors confirm that, after making appropriate enquiries, they have reasonable expectation that the group has adequate resources to continue in operational existence. Accordingly, they continue to adopt the going concern basis in preparing the financial statements. Although not assessed over the same period as the going concern, the viability of the group has been assessed below.


133

Governance (continued)

Management’s report on internal control over financial reporting

Management, under the supervision of the Chief Executive and Chief Financial Officer, is responsible for establishing and maintaining adequate internal control over the group’s financial reporting.

Diageo’s internal control over financial reporting includes policies and procedures that: pertain to the maintenance of records that, in reasonable detail, accurately and fairly reflect transactions and dispositions of assets; provide reasonable assurance that transactions are recorded as necessary to permit the preparation of financial statements in accordance with International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS) as adopted for use in the EU and IFRS as issued by the International Accounting Standards Board (IASB); provide reasonable assurance that receipts and expenditures are made only in accordance with authorisation of management and the directors of the company; and provide reasonable assurance regarding prevention or timely detection of any unauthorised acquisition, use or disposition of assets that could have a material effect on the consolidated financial statements.

Management has assessed the effectiveness of Diageo’s internal control over financial reporting (as defined in Rules 13(a)-13(f) and 15(d)-15(f) under the US Securities Exchange Act of 1934) based on the framework in ‘Internal Control – Integrated Framework’, issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organisations of the Treadway Commission (COSO) in 2013. Based on this assessment, management concluded that, as at 30 June 2019 , internal control over financial reporting was effective.

Any internal control framework, no matter how well designed, has inherent limitations, including the possibility of human error and the circumvention or overriding of controls and procedures and may not prevent or detect misstatements. Also, projections of any evaluation of effectiveness to future periods are subject to the risk that controls may become inadequate because of changes in conditions or because the degree of compliance with the policies or procedures may deteriorate.

PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP, an independent registered public accounting firm, who also audit the group’s consolidated financial statements, has audited the effectiveness of the group’s internal control over financial reporting, and has issued an unqualified report thereon, which is included on pages 178 and 180 of this document.

Changes in internal control over financial reporting

During the period covered by this report, there were no changes in internal control over financial reporting that have materially affected or are reasonably likely to materially affect the effectiveness of internal control over financial reporting.

Directors’ responsibilities in respect of the Annual Report and financial statements

The Directors are responsible for preparing the Annual Report, the information filed with the SEC on Form 20-F and the group and parent company financial statements in accordance with applicable law and regulations.

Responsibility statement

Each of the Directors, whose names are set out in the Board of Directors and Executive Committee section of this Annual Report, confirms that to the best of his or her knowledge:
 
the Annual Report and Accounts for the year ended 30 June 2019 , taken as a whole, is fair, balanced and understandable, and provides the information necessary for shareholders to assess the group’s position and performance, business model and strategy;

the consolidated financial statements contained in the Annual Report and Accounts for the year ended 30 June 2019 , which have been prepared in accordance with IFRS as issued by the IASB and as adopted for use in the EU and IFRS as issued by the IASB, give a true and fair view of the assets, liabilities, financial position and profit of the group; and

the management report represented by the Directors’ Report contained in the Annual Report and Accounts for the year ended 30 June 2019 includes a fair review of the development and performance of the business and the position of the group, together with a description of the principal risks and uncertainties that the group faces.

The responsibility statement was approved by the Board of Directors on 25 July 2019 .

New York Stock Exchange corporate governance rules
Under applicable SEC rules and the NYSE’s corporate governance rules for listed companies, Diageo must disclose any significant ways in which its corporate governance practices differ from those followed by US companies under NYSE listing standards.

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Diageo believes the following to be the significant areas in which there are differences between its corporate governance practices and NYSE corporate governance rules applicable to US companies. This information is also provided on the company’s website at www.diageo.com.
 
Basis of regulation: UK listed companies are required to include in their annual report a narrative statement of (i) how they have applied the principles of the Code and (ii) whether or not they have complied with the best practice provisions of the Code. NYSE listed companies must adopt and disclose their corporate governance guidelines. Diageo complied throughout the year with the best practice provisions of the Code, except that Ho KwonPing was unable to attend the company's 2018 AGM. This resulted in partial non-compliance with Code provision E.2.3.

Director independence: the Code requires at least half the Board (excluding the Chairman) to be independent Non-Executive Directors, as determined by affirmatively concluding that a Director is independent in character and judgement and determining whether there are relationship and circumstances which are likely to affect, or could appear to affect, the Director’s judgement. The Code requires the Board to state its reasons if it determines that a director is independent notwithstanding the existence of relationships or circumstances which may appear relevant to its determination. NYSE rules require a majority of independent directors, according to the NYSE’s own ‘brightline’ tests and an affirmative determination by the Board that the Director has no material relationship with the listed company. Diageo’s Board has determined that, in its judgement and without taking into account the NYSE brightline tests, all of the Non-Executive Directors (excluding the Chairman) are independent. As such, currently six of Diageo’s nine directors are independent.

Chairman and Chief Executive: the Code requires these roles to be separate. There is no corresponding requirement for US companies. Diageo has a separate chairman and chief executive.

Non-Executive Director meetings: NYSE rules require Non-Management Directors to meet regularly without management and independent directors to meet separately at least once a year. The Code requires Non-Executive Directors to meet without the Chairman present at least annually to appraise the Chairman’s performance. During the year, an internally facilitated evaluation of the Board’s effectiveness, including the effectiveness of the Chairman, was undertaken. During the year, Diageo’s Chairman and Non-Executive Directors met six times as a group without Executive Directors being present.

Board committees: Diageo has a number of Board committees that are similar in purpose and constitution to those required by NYSE rules. Diageo’s Audit, Remuneration and Nomination Committees consist entirely of independent Non-Executive Directors (save that the Chairman of the Nomination Committee, Javier Ferrán, is not independent). Under NYSE standards, companies are required to have a nominating/corporate governance committee, which develops and recommends a set of corporate governance principles and is composed entirely of independent directors. The terms of reference for Diageo’s Nomination Committee, which comply with the Code, do not contain such a requirement. In accordance with the requirements of the Code, Diageo discloses in its Annual Report the results and means of evaluation of the Board, its Committees and the Directors, and it provides extensive information regarding the Directors’ compensation in the Directors’ remuneration report.

Code of ethics: NYSE rules require a Code of Business Conduct and ethics to be adopted for directors, officers and employees and disclosure of any waivers for executive directors or officers. Diageo has adopted a code of business conduct for all directors, officers and employees, as well as a code of ethics for Senior Officers in accordance with the requirements of SOX. Currently, no waivers have been granted to directors or executive officers.

Compliance certification: NYSE rules require chief executives to certify to the NYSE their awareness of any NYSE corporate governance violations. Diageo is exempt from this as a foreign private issuer but is required to notify the NYSE if any executive officer becomes aware of any non-compliance with NYSE corporate governance standards. No such notification was necessary during the period covered by this report.




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Governance (continued)

Audit Committee report


Dear Shareholder

On behalf of the Audit Committee I am pleased to present its report for the year ended 30 June 2019.

The purpose of this report is to describe how the Committee has carried out its responsibilities during the year. In overview, the role of the Audit Committee is to monitor and review: the integrity of the company’s financial statements; internal control and risk management; audit and risk programmes; business conduct and ethics; ‘whistleblowing’; and the appointment of the external auditor.

The work of the Committee during the year gave attention to all elements of its remit. Over the year, the Committee continued to focus on particular topics within the company’s risk management programme and emerging trends, including cyber security risks, global security trends, data management and migration risks, GDPR implementation, non-GAAP metrics and pensions governance.

As part of the annual Board evaluation, all members of the Audit Committee completed an evaluation of the Committee. This concluded that the performance of the Committee was consistently strong, with a clear and well defined remit and agenda. Further details of the evaluation can be found on page 129-130 .

In discharging its duties, the Audit Committee seeks to balance independent oversight of the matters within its remit with providing support and guidance to management. I am confident that the Committee, supported by members of senior management and the external auditors, has carried out its duties in the year under review effectively and to a high standard.


Alan Stewart
Chairman of the Audit Committee


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Governance (continued)

Role of the Audit Committee

The Audit Committee is responsible for:
 
monitoring the integrity of the financial statements, including a review of the significant financial reporting judgements contained in them;

reviewing the effectiveness of the group’s internal control and risk management and of control over financial reporting;

monitoring and reviewing the effectiveness of the global audit and risk function, including reviewing the programme of work undertaken by that function;

reviewing the group’s policies and practices concerning business conduct and ethics, including whistleblowing;

overseeing the group’s overall approach to securing compliance with laws, regulations and company policies in areas of risk; and

monitoring and reviewing the company’s relationship with the external auditor, including its independence and management’s response to any major external audit recommendations.

The formal role of the Audit Committee is set out in its terms of reference, which are available at www.diageo.com/en-row/ourbusiness/aboutus/corporategovernance . Key elements of the role of the Committee and work carried out during the year are set out as follows.

Composition of the Audit Committee

The Audit Committee comprises Alan Stewart (Committee Chairman), Lord Davies, Debra Crew, Susan Kilsby, Ho KwonPing and Nicola Mendelsohn.

Financial statements

During the year, the Audit Committee met four times (and a sub-committee met twice) and reviewed both the interim results announcement, which included the interim financial statements, and the annual reports and associated preliminary year end results announcement, focusing on key areas of judgement and complexity, critical accounting policies, provisioning and any changes required in these areas or policies.

The company has in place internal control and risk management systems in relation to the company’s financial reporting process and the group’s process for preparation of consolidated accounts. A review of the consolidated financial statements is completed by the Filings Assurance Committee (FAC) to ensure that the financial position and results of the group are appropriately reflected therein. In addition to reviewing draft financial statements for publication at the half and full year, the FAC is responsible for examining the company’s financial information and processes, the effectiveness of internal controls relating to financial reporting and disclosures, legal and compliance issues and determining whether the company’s disclosures are accurate and adequate. The FAC comprises the Chief Executive, the Chief Financial Officer, the group general counsel & company secretary, the group general counsel corporate, the group financial controller, the group chief accountant, the group technical accounting director, the head of investor relations, the head of Global Audit & Risk and the company’s external auditors. The Audit Committee reviewed the work of the FAC and a report on the conclusions of the FAC process was provided to the Audit Committee by the Chief Financial Officer.

Significant issues and judgements that were considered in respect of the 2019 financial statements were as follows. These include the matters relating to risks disclosed in the UK external auditor’s report.

Disclosure on the quality of the earnings and one-off items included in cash flow. The Audit Committee agreed that sufficient disclosure was made in the financial statements.

The Audit Committee determined that exceptional items are appropriately classified considering their size and nature, and sufficient disclosure is provided in the financial statements (see note 4).

Review of carrying value of assets, in particular intangible assets. The Audit Committee agreed that the fair value of the company’s assets was in excess of their carrying value (see notes 6 and 10).


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Governance (continued)

Exchange rate used to translate operations in Venezuela. The Audit Committee agreed that the rate is reasonable for the year ended 30 June 2019 for consolidation purposes, that represents the best estimation of the rate at which capital and dividend repatriations are expected to be realised (see note 1).

Disclosure on taxation. The Audit Committee agreed that the separate presentation of the tax risk appropriately addresses the significant change in the international tax environment and sufficient and transparent disclosures are provided for the ongoing tax discussions (see page 20 and note 7).

Review of legal cases. The Audit Committee agreed that adequate provision and/or disclosure has been made for all material litigation and disputes, based on the currently most likely outcomes, including the litigation summarised in note 18.

Assumptions used in respect of post employment plans. Having considered advice from external actuaries and assumptions used by companies with comparator plans, the Audit Committee agreed that the assumptions used to calculate the income statement and balance sheet assets and liabilities for post employment plans were appropriate (see note 13).

Viability statement. The Audit Committee noted that severe but plausible risk scenarios had been identified; a robust risk assessment had been carried out; and the group’s viability and going concern consideration proved with stress testing. Taking into account the company’s balance sheet position, the Audit Committee expected the group to be able to meet its liabilities as they fell due over the three-year period ending 30 June 2022. The risk that the group would become insolvent during this timeframe was considered remote. The Audit Committee recommended to the Board that the Viability statement above be approved.

As part of its review of the Annual Report, the Audit Committee considered whether the report is ‘fair, balanced and understandable’ (noting the Code’s reference to ‘position’ as well as ‘performance, business model and strategy’). On the basis of this work, the Audit Committee recommended to the Board that it could make the required statement that the Annual Report is ‘fair, balanced and understandable’.

Internal control and risk management; audit and risk programme; business conduct and ethics (including ‘whistleblowing’)

At each of its meetings, the Audit Committee reviewed detailed reports from the heads of the Global Risk & Compliance (GRC) and Global Audit & Risk (GAR) teams (including coverage of the areas mentioned in the title of this section) and had sight of the minutes of meetings of the Executive Audit & Risk Committee. The work and reporting to the Committee of both GRC and GAR during the year included focus on cyber risk, data management and migration risks, data privacy risks and risks associated with discrimination and harassment, given the external profile of this topic. The Committee in turn was thus able to keep under review the operation of the controls and compliance framework in these and other areas. The Committee also received regular updates from the group general counsel on significant litigation and from the head of tax on the group’s tax profile and key issues.

The GRC reporting included a consideration of key risks and related mitigations, including those set out in the section of this Annual Report dealing with principal risks. Based on this activity during the year, the Audit Committee made a recommendation to the Board covering the nature and extent of the risks it was willing to take to achieve its strategic goals and its internal statement of risk appetite (which was considered also by the Executive Audit & Risk Committee). The Board agreed this recommendation.

Through the activities of the Audit Committee described in this report and its related recommendations to the Board, the Board confirms that it has reviewed the effectiveness of the company’s systems of internal control and risk management and that there were no material failings identified and no significant failings identified which require disclosure in this Annual Report.

External auditor

During the year, the Audit Committee reviewed the external audit strategy and the findings of the external auditor from its review of the interim results and its audit of the consolidated financial statements.

The Audit Committee reviews annually the appointment of the auditor (taking into account the auditor’s effectiveness and independence and all appropriate guidelines) and makes a recommendation to the Board accordingly. Any decision to open the external audit to tender is taken on the recommendation of the Audit Committee. There are no contractual obligations that restrict the company’s current choice of external auditor. Following the last tender process, PwC was appointed as auditor of the company in 2015 and the current audit partner is Ian Chambers.

The company has complied with the provisions of The Statutory Audit Services for Large Companies Market Investigation (Mandatory Use of Competitive Tender Processes and Audit Committee Responsibilities) Order 2014 (‘CMA Order’) for the year ended 30 June 2019.

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Governance (continued)


The Audit Committee assesses the ongoing effectiveness and quality of the external auditor and audit process on the basis of meetings and a questionnaire-based internal review with the finance team and other senior executives.

The group has a policy on auditor independence and on the use of the external auditor for non-audit services, which is reviewed annually, most recently in July 2019. The review took into consideration effectiveness and upcoming expected changes to regulation on non-audit services. Under the group's auditor independence policy, the provision of any non-audit service must be approved by the Audit Committee, unless the proposed service is both expected to cost less than £250,000 and also falls within one of a number of service categories which the Audit Committee has pre-approved. Fees paid to the auditor for audit, audit related and other services are analysed in note [3(b)] to the consolidated financial statements. The nature and level of all services provided by the external auditor are factors taken into account by the Audit Committee when it reviews annually the independence of the external auditor.

‘Financial expert’, composition and other attendees

For the purposes of the Code and the relevant rule under SOX, section 407, the Board has determined that Alan Stewart is independent and may be regarded as an Audit Committee financial expert, having recent and relevant financial experience, and that all members of the Audit Committee are independent Non-Executive Directors with relevant financial and sectoral competence.

The Chairman, the Chief Financial Officer, the group general counsel & company secretary, the group financial controller, the head of GAR, the GRC director, the group chief accountant and the external auditor regularly attend meetings of the Committee.

The Audit Committee met privately with the external auditor and with the head of GAR during the year.

Training and deep dives
During the year, the Audit Committee had risk reviews and training sessions, presented by senior executives, on cyber security risk management processes, the company’s data protection risk mitigation approach following the implementation of the EU GDPR, global security trends and risks, and pension governance and risk associated with discrimination and harassment.


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Governance (continued)

Nomination Committee report

Dear Shareholder

On behalf of the Nomination Committee I would like to present its report for the year ended 30 June 2019.

Following the announcement in December 2018 that Ursula Burns would no longer be joining the Board as a Non-Executive Director, the Committee began the search for a new Non-Executive Director. The Committee engaged Egon Zehnder (which has no other connection with the company) to identify potential candidates and following a detailed selection process, the Committee recommended the appointment of Debra Crew as a Non-Executive Director to the Board, which subsequently approved the appointment with effect from 18 April 2019. Debra's significant experience in FMCG and in executive management as a former CEO should serve Diageo well and complement the current Board.

The Committee also considered the independence of Lord Davies of Abersoch whose tenure will exceed nine years in September 2019. Lord Davies has agreed to extend his term for an additional year and to stand for re-election at the 2019 AGM in order to ensure continuity of Board membership, pending recruitment of additional Directors to the Board, and to enable the company to benefit from his experience in British politics and international trade relations at a time of particular uncertainty in these two areas. The Committee was satisfied that Lord Davies demonstrated sufficient independence of thought and challenge in his contributions to the discussions of the Board and that therefore his independence is not likely to be impaired. Accordingly the Committee recommended to the Board that it approve the continuation by Lord Davies as Senior Independent Director for the period until the conclusion of the 2020 AGM and to recommend his re-election to the Board on this basis at the 2019 AGM. The company does not intend that Lord Davies will seek re-election at the 2020 AGM.

As part of the annual Board evaluation, all members of the Nomination Committee completed an evaluation of the Committee. This concluded that the performance of the Committee had improved, with clearer understanding of the talent pipeline, requisite skill sets and recruitment processes, although this understanding requires embedding over time. Further details of the evaluation can be found on page s 129 and 130.


Javier Ferrán
Chairman of the Nomination Committee


Role of the Nomination Committee

The Nomination Committee is responsible for keeping under review the composition of the Board and succession to it, and succession planning for senior leadership positions. It makes recommendations to the Board concerning appointments to the Board.

The recruitment process for Non-Executive Directors typically includes the development of a candidate profile and the engagement of a professional search agency (which has no other connection with the company) specialising in the recruitment of high calibre Non-Executive Directors. Reports on potential appointees are provided to the Committee, which, after careful consideration, makes a recommendation to the Board.

Any new Directors are appointed by the Board and, in accordance with the company’s articles of association, they must be elected at the next AGM to continue in office. All existing Directors retire by rotation every year.

The formal role of the Nomination Committee is set out in its terms of reference. These were updated in April 2019 and are available at www.diageo.com/en-row/ourbusiness/aboutus/corporategovernance.

Composition of the Nomination Committee

The Nomination Committee comprises Javier Ferrán (Committee Chairman), Lord Davies, Debra Crew, Susan Kilsby, Ho KwonPing, Nicola Mendelsohn and Alan Stewart.


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Governance (continued)

Induction, training and business engagement

There is a formal induction programme for new Directors, which includes meeting with Executive Committee members and other senior executives individually and visiting a number of operations and sites around the group. Following her appointment, the induction process for Debra Crew is ongoing and, so far, has included attending the Annual Strategy Conference where she met all members of the Board and Executive Committee and attending a presentation on the strategic plan for scotch whisky distillation held at one of the company's distilleries in Scotland. Ms Crew is also having induction meetings with senior members of management and is participating in the arranged programme to get to know the business and its operations.

Following the initial induction for Non-Executive Directors, a continuing understanding of the business is developed through appropriate business engagements. Visits to customers, engagements with employees, and brand events were arranged during the year.

In addition, Executive Committee members and other senior executives are invited, as appropriate, to Board and strategy meetings to make presentations on their areas of responsibility. The company’s policy is for all Directors to attend the AGM.

All Directors are also provided with the opportunity, and encouraged, to attend regular training to ensure they are kept up to date on relevant legal and governance developments or changes and best practice and changing commercial and other risks.

Activities of the Nomination Committee

The principal activities of the Nomination Committee during the year were: the consideration of potential new Non-Executive Directors; the review of individual Director performance; a review of the Executive Committee membership and succession planning for it and for senior leadership positions, in addition to a review of diversity within the group; and the continuing independence of Lord Davies.

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Governance (continued)

Directors’ remuneration report
Annual statement by the Chairman of the Remuneration Committee

Dear Shareholder

I am pleased to present to you the Directors' remuneration report for the year ended 30 June 2019 , which contains:

The current directors’ remuneration policy, approved at the 2017 AGM; and

The annual remuneration report, describing how the policy has been put into practice during 2019, and how it will be implemented in 2020.

At Diageo, long-term value creation for shareholders and pay for performance are at the heart of our remuneration policy and practices. The approach to setting executive remuneration is guided by the following remuneration principles:

Delivery of business strategy;
Creating sustainable, long-term performance;
Winning best talent; and
Consideration of stakeholder interests.

The Committee considers these principles carefully when making decisions on executive remuneration in order to strike the right balance between risk and reward, cost and sustainability, and competitiveness and fairness.

Delivery of business strategy

Short- and long-term incentive plans are closely linked to the core growth and efficiency drivers that underpin our business strategy. These performance measures are reviewed every year to ensure we are incentivising the right behaviours and creating the most value. More detail on KPIs can be found in the strategic report on page 24 .

Creating sustainable, long-term performance

Performance against the key financial metrics that has driven the remuneration outcomes under the annual and long-term incentive plans is summarised in the 'pay for performance at a glance' section on page 146 .

Diageo has delivered a strong set of results against stretching targets over the last three years, which has led to an above-target annual incentive payout in 2019 as well as long-term incentive awards vesting at 89.3% of maximum for 2016 performance shares and 73.1% of maximum for 2016 share options. This is the second consecutive year in which long-term incentives have vested above the midpoint of the target range, compared with nil to low vesting outcomes in the three prior years.

Total remuneration to the Chief Executive increased by 29% in 2019 compared to the year before. 2019 was a year where Diageo delivered total returns to shareholders of £18b through a combination of share price growth, dividends and our share buy back programme, demonstrating our principle of pay for performance.

Winning best talent

People at Diageo feel a deep connection to the company's purpose of 'celebrating life every day everywhere'.

There is a high level of passion, pride and accountability for our heritage-rich brands and there is a shared commitment to be the best and do the right thing at work, in life and in the wider community that underpins everything we do. Continuing to attract and nurture a vibrant mix of talent with a range of backgrounds, skills and capabilities enables our business to grow and thrive. It is this ongoing investment in people that ultimately drives the delivery of our performance ambition.


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Governance (continued)

We source talent globally and remuneration is a key part of securing the best people to lead our business in an increasingly competitive marketplace. The significant market pay differential between executives in the United States, the United Kingdom and the rest of Europe continues to be challenging, particularly given the increasing international mobility of the senior talent pool. Regional pay differentials present particular issues for us since a large proportion of our business is based in the United States. We continue to monitor external practices across our strategic markets and set remuneration to deliver market competitive packages in return for high performance against the company's strategic objectives and stretching targets.

Consideration of stakeholder interests

The Committee recognises the complexity of the world in which we operate, with multiple stakeholders representing, at times, conflicting viewpoints. Treating people fairly, with respect and dignity, continues to be very important to us - it is embedded in our culture at Diageo, and is a fundamental part of the work we do to promote inclusion and diversity in the workplace, in our customer base and in the local communities around us. In keeping with our focus on fairness, we have made some changes to remuneration practices this year, including the launch of a market-leading policy on family leave for a majority of Diageo employees around the world, the alignment of executive and employee pension arrangements in the United Kingdom and renewed efforts to engage the workforce and hear their views on the company's strategy, performance ambition, culture and working environment, as described in the governance report on page 132 . Furthermore, we are delighted that the sustained growth in Diageo's share price has benefited many of our employees who are also Diageo shareholders - we enjoy high participation rates in the tax-efficient all-employee share plans that we offer in certain locations and the average growth in value under these plans ranges from 31% - 70% over a five-year period.

Diageo's remuneration principles
Delivery of business strategy
 
Creating sustainable, long-term performance
 
Winning best talent
 
Consideration of stakeholder interests
Short- and long-term incentive plans reward the delivery of our business strategy and performance ambition. Performance measures are reviewed regularly and stretching targets are set relative to the company’s growth plans and peer group performance. The Committee seeks to embed simplicity and transparency in the design and delivery of executive reward.
 
A significant proportion of remuneration is delivered in variable pay linked to business and individual performance, focused on consistent and responsible drivers of long-term growth. Performance against targets is assessed in the context
of underlying business performance and the ‘quality of earnings’.
 
Market competitive total remuneration with an appropriate balance of reward and upside opportunity allows us to attract and retain the best talent from all over the world, which is critical to our continued business success.
 
Executives are focused on creating sustainable share price growth. The requirement to build significant personal shareholdings in Diageo and hold long-term incentive awards for two years post vesting encourages executives to think and act like owners. Decisions on executive remuneration are made in consideration of the interests of the wider workforce and other stakeholders, as well as taking account of the external climate.

Remuneration policy
The remuneration policy was approved by 96% of shareholders at the AGM held on 20 September 2017. We will continue to operate executive remuneration arrangements in the forthcoming financial year in line with the approved remuneration policy. We are reviewing our remuneration policy ahead of the 2020 AGM and will consider a broad range of stakeholder views as well as the new corporate governance code in assessing the effectiveness of the policy against our remuneration principles.

Decisions made during 2019
In addition to reviewing salaries, incentive awards and payments for the Executive Committee, setting targets for the annual and long-term incentive plans, reviewing all-employee reward outcomes and considering shareholder consultation, the Committee made other decisions as outlined below.

Annual incentive

The Committee reviewed the design of the annual incentive plan and remains satisfied that the company’s current annual incentive structure - payable entirely in cash - remains appropriate. The high shareholding requirement, the level of stretch in the performance targets under the long-term incentive plan and the post-vesting holding period provide appropriate alignment of the interests of executives and shareholders in fostering sustainable share price growth over the long term. There are also robust clawback and malus provisions under both the annual and long-term incentive plans which apply to all members of the Executive Committee.

There are no changes to the performance measures or weightings under the annual incentive plan for Executive Directors for the year ending 30 June 2020.


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Governance (continued)

Long-term incentives

The Committee remains confident that the mix of performance shares and share options is an appropriate long-term incentive for the leaders of the business, and the share options element provides an additional stretch in that the share price has to grow materially in addition to the performance condition being achieved in order for the award to deliver any value to executives. This further strengthens the alignment between the interests of executives and shareholders. Share option plans remain majority practice within Diageo’s international peer group, against which the company needs to remain competitive in order to attract and retain the highest calibre of talent.

There are no changes to the performance measures or weightings for awards made under the long-term incentive plan in 2019.

Pension

The Committee has considered the implications of the new corporate governance code for Diageo's policy on pension for its Executive Directors. As a result, the Committee has decided, ahead of the 2020 remuneration policy review, to reduce the maximum company pension contribution for new Executive Director hires from 20% of salary to 14% of salary, effective 1 July 2019. This is aligned to the offering for new hire employees in the United Kingdom, who are eligible to participate in a defined contribution pension scheme, with a potential company contribution of 14% of salary for all employees regardless of seniority or tenure.

The Chief Executive has also agreed to a reduction in the company's contribution to his pension scheme from 30% of salary to 20% of salary, effective 1 July 2019. This follows the earlier reduction to the company's contribution for the Chief Executive from 40% of salary to 30% of salary, implemented on 1 July 2016. The pension contributions for the Chief Executive and Chief Financial Officer are now aligned at 20% of salary and this is broadly at the same level (or lower) than the company pension contributions for many longer-serving employees participating in the legacy defined benefit or cash balance schemes in the United Kingdom.

Shareholding requirement

A post-employment shareholding requirement policy is expected to be implemented effective 1 July 2020, in accordance with the requirements under the new corporate governance code. This will be reviewed and discussed in consultation with shareholders as part of the 2020 remuneration policy review.

CEO pay ratio

We are committed to good corporate governance and transparency. Ahead of the new disclosure requirements which come into effect for Diageo in 2020, the Committee has chosen to disclose the CEO pay ratio for the year ended 30 June 2019 and you can find more information on this on page 163 .



We were very pleased to receive a strong vote in favour of our remuneration report last year and our remuneration policy the year before last. This year's annual remuneration report will be put forward for your consideration and approval by advisory vote at the AGM on 19 September 2019. I highly value the direct engagement and feedback from our shareholders and their representative bodies on Diageo’s remuneration policy and practices and look forward to welcoming you at the AGM this year.


Susan Kilsby
Non-Executive Director and
Chairman of the Remuneration Committee

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Governance (continued)

Remuneration at a glance

Purpose and link to strategy
Key features
Planned for 2020
Implementation in 2019
Implementation in 2018
Salary
•Supports the attraction and retention of the best global talent with the capability to deliver Diageo’s strategy

•Reviewed annually on 1 October
•Salaries take account of external market and internal employee context
•Effective 1 October 2019:
-CEO 3% increase to $1,661,427
-CFO 3% increase to $1,093,044
•Salary increases in line with the pay budget for the wider workforce (3% for the UK and the US in 2019)
Page 164
•Effective 1 October 2018:
-CEO 2% increase to $1,613,036
-CFO 2% increase to $1,061,208
•Supported by a comprehensive review of total target remuneration versus the external market
•Salary increases below the pay budget for the wider workforce
•Effective 1 October 2017:
-CEO 2% increase to
$1,581,408
-CFO 2% increase to
$1,040,000

Allowances and benefits
•Provision of market competitive and cost-effective benefits supports attraction and retention of talent
•Provision of competitive benefits linked to local market practice
•Maximum company pension contribution is 20% of salary for new Executive Director hires (reduced to 14% of salary effective 1 July 2019)
•Company pension contribution:
-CEO 20% of salary (reduced from 30% of salary effective 1 July 2019)
-CFO 20% of salary
•Allowances and benefits unchanged from prior year
•Company pension contribution:
-CEO 30% of salary
-CFO 20% of salary
•Unchanged from prior year
•Company pension contribution to the CEO was reduced from 40% to 30% of salary effective 1 July 2016
Annual incentive
•Incentivises delivery of Diageo’s financial and strategic targets
•Provides focus on key financial metrics and the individual’s contribution to the company’s performance
•Target opportunity is 100% of salary and maximum is 200% of salary
•Performance measures, weightings and stretching targets are set annually
•Paid out in cash after the end of the financial year
•Subject to clawback provisions
•For the year ending 30 June 2020, measures on net sales growth, operating profit growth and average working capital weighted equally, with remaining 20% on individual objectives.
Pages 164-165
•Pay-out above target:
-CEO 61.0% of maximum
-CFO 57.6% of maximum Pages 157-158

•Pay-out above target:
-CEO 70% of maximum
-CFO 72% of maximum

Long-term incentives
•Rewards long-term consistent performance in line with Diageo’s business strategy
•Provides focus on delivering superior long-term returns to shareholders
•Annual grant of performance shares and share options
-CEO award 500% of salary
-CFO award 480% of salary
(in performance share equivalents)
•Performance measures, weightings and stretching targets are set annually
•3-year performance period
+ 2-year retention period
•Subject to malus and clawback provisions


•No change to performance measures and weightings as these are appropriate in line with the business strategy
•Size of long-term incentive award opportunity is unchanged from prior year

•Vesting of 2016 performance shares at 89.3% of maximum
•Vesting of 2016 share options at 73.1% of maximum

•Vesting of 2015 performance shares at 70% of maximum
•Vesting of 2015 share options at 60% of maximum

Shareholding requirement
•Ensures alignment between the interests of Executive Directors and shareholders

•Minimum shareholding requirement within 5 years of appointment:
- CEO 500% of salary
- CFO 400% of salary

•CEO shareholding 2,620% of salary
•CFO shareholding 563% of salary Page 167

•CEO shareholding 2,115% of salary
•CFO shareholding 123% of salary


PERFORMANCERETENTION.JPG

The structure of Diageo's executive remuneration package ensures that executives have a vested interest in delivering performance over the short and long term, including a one-year clawback provision following any payout under the annual incentive plan and a two-year retention period on any vested awards under the long-term incentive plan.

145

Governance (continued)

Pay for performance at a glance

We are pleased to report strong performance against our targets under both the annual and long-term incentive plans this year. Targets under both incentive plans are set with reference to Diageo’s strategic plan and the historical and forecasted performance of Diageo and its peers.

Long-term incentives (for the period 1 July 2016 to 30 June 2019)

LONGTERMINCENTIVESA01.JPG

Annual incentive (for the period 1 July 2018 to 30 June 2019)

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Total dividends of 190.2 pence per share paid.
Historical reward outcomes under the annual and long-term incentive plans over the past five years are shown below. Vesting outcomes under the long-term incentive plan are shown against annualised total shareholder return for the three-year period ended in the year of vesting (i.e. annualised TSR for the three years ended 30 June 2019 is shown against the vesting outcome for the 2016 long-term incentive awards vesting in 2019). Annual incentive payouts are shown against organic operating profit growth for each respective financial year, as disclosed in prior-year annual reports.


146

Governance (continued)

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147

Governance (continued)

Directors’ remuneration policy

This section of the report summarises the policy for the remuneration of the company's Directors. The policy formally came into effect at the AGM on 20 September 2017, in accordance with section 439A of the Companies Act 2006, after being approved in a binding vote by shareholders.

Policy table

The policy has been updated to reflect the change to the company's pension contribution for new Executive Director appointments and the change to the Chief Executive's pension effective 1 July 2019, as well as the inclusion of share price appreciation in the pay for performance scenario charts for the year ending 30 June 2020 , in line with the new corporate governance requirements.

The policy approved in September 2017 can be found on the company’s website at www.diageo.com/en/investors/financial-results-and-presentations/directors-remuneration-report-2017/.

l
Base salary
l
Benefits
 
Purpose and link to strategy
Supports the attraction and retention of the best global talent with the capability to deliver Diageo’s strategy and performance goals.
 
Purpose and link to strategy
Provides market-competitive and cost effective benefits.
 
Operation
Normally reviewed annually or following a change in responsibilities with any increases usually taking effect from 1 October.
The Remuneration Committee considers the following parameters when reviewing base salary levels:
 - Pay increases for other employees across the group.
 - Economic conditions and governance trends.
 - The individual’s performance, skills and responsibilities.
 - Base salaries (and total remuneration) at companies of similar size and international scope to Diageo, with roles typically benchmarked against the FTSE 30 excluding financial services companies, or against similar comparator groups in other locations dependent on the Executive Director’s home market.
 
Operation
The provision of benefits depends on the country of residence of the Executive Director and may include but is not limited to a company car or car allowance, the provision of a car and contracted car service or equivalent, product allowance, life insurance, accidental death and disability insurance, medical cover, financial counselling and tax advice.
The Remuneration Committee has discretion to offer additional allowances, or benefits, to Executive Directors, if considered appropriate and reasonable. These may include relocation expenses, housing allowance and school fees where a Director is asked to relocate from his/her home location as part of their appointment.
 
Opportunity
Salary increases will be made in the context of the broader employee pay environment, and will normally be in line with those made to other employees in relevant markets in which Diageo operates, typically the United Kingdom and the United States, unless there is a change in role or responsibility or other exceptional circumstances.
 
Opportunity
The benefits package is set at a level which the Remuneration Committee considers:
Provides an appropriate level of benefits depending on the role and individual circumstances;
Is appropriate in the context of the benefits offered to the wider workforce in the relevant market, and
Is in line with comparable roles in companies of a similar size and complexity in the relevant market.
 
More detail on page 164
 
More detail on page 156

148

Governance (continued)

l
Post-Retirement Provision
l
Diageo Long-Term Incentive Plan (DLTIP)
 
Purpose and link to strategy
Provides cost-effective, competitive post-retirement benefits.
 
Purpose and link to strategy
Provides focus on delivering superior long-term returns to shareholders.
 
Operation
Provision of market competitive pension arrangements or a cash alternative based on a percentage of base salary.
 
Operation
An annual grant of performance shares and/or market price share options which vest subject to a performance test and continued employment normally over a period of three years.
Measures and stretching targets are reviewed annually by the Remuneration Committee for each new award.
Following vesting there is a further retention period of two years. Executive Directors are able to exercise an option or sell sufficient shares to cover any tax liability when an award vests, provided they retain the net shares arising for the two-year retention period.
Notional dividends accrue on performance share awards to the extent that the performance conditions have been met, delivered as shares or cash at the discretion of the Remuneration Committee at the end of the vesting period.
The Committee has discretion to reduce the number of shares which vest (subject to HMRC rules regarding approved share options), for example in the event of a material performance failure, or a material restatement of the financial statements. There is an extensive malus clause for awards made from September 2014. The Committee has discretion to decide that:
- the number of shares subject to the award will be reduced;
- the award will lapse;
- retention shares (i.e. vested shares subject to the additional two-year retention period) will be forfeited;
  - vesting of the award or the end of any retention period will be delayed (e.g. until an investigation is completed);
  - additional conditions will be imposed on the vesting of the award or the end of the retention period; and/or
  - any award, bonus or other benefit which might have been granted or paid to the participant in any later year will be reduced or not awarded.
Malus and clawback provisions will apply up to delivery of shares at the end of the retention period (as opposed to the vesting date). The company also has the standard discretion to take account of unforeseen events such as a variation to share capital.
 
Opportunity
The maximum company pension contribution under the approved 2017 remuneration policy is 20% of base salary for any new external appointments to an Executive Director position. This has been reduced to 14% of salary effective 1 July 2019.
Current legacy company contributions for Ivan Menezes and Kathryn Mikells in the year ended 30 June 2019 were 30% and 20% of base salary respectively. The company contribution for Ivan Menezes was reduced from 40% to 30% effective 1 July 2016, and from 30% to 20% effective 1 July 2019.
 
 
More detail on pages 160-161
 
l
Annual Incentive Plan (AIP)
 
 
Purpose and link to strategy
Incentivises year-on-year delivery of Diageo’s annual financial and strategic targets. Provides focus on key financial metrics and the individual’s contribution to the company’s performance.
 
 
Operation
Performance measures, weightings and targets are set annually by the Remuneration Committee. Appropriately stretching targets are set by reference to the annual operating plan and historical and projected performance for the company and its peer group.
The level of award is determined with reference to Diageo’s overall financial and strategic performance and individual performance and is paid out in cash after the end of the financial year.
The Committee has discretion to adjust the level of payment if it is not deemed to reflect appropriately the individual’s contribution or the overall business performance. Any discretionary adjustments will be detailed in the following year’s annual report on remuneration.
The Committee has discretion to apply clawback to bonus, i.e. the company may seek to recover bonus paid, in exceptional circumstances such as gross misconduct or gross negligence during the performance period.
 
 
Opportunity
For threshold performance, up to 50% of salary may be earned, with up to 100% of salary earned for on-target performance and a maximum of 200% of salary payable for outstanding performance.
 
Opportunity
The maximum annual grants for the CEO and CFO are 500% and 480% of salary in performance share equivalents respectively (where a market price option is valued at one-third of a performance share). Included within that maximum no more than 375% of salary will be awarded in face value terms in options to any Executive Director in any year.
Threshold vesting level of 20% of maximum with straight-line vesting up to 100% at maximum for attaining financial metrics and a ranking profile for relative total shareholder return.
 
Performance conditions
Annual incentive plan awards are based 70%-100% on financial measures which may include, but are not limited to, measures of sales, profit and cash and 0%-30% on broader objectives based on strategic goals and/or individual contribution. Details of the targets will be disclosed retrospectively in next year’s annual report on remuneration, when they are no longer deemed commercially sensitive by the Board.
 
 
 
 
Performance conditions
•The vesting of awards is linked to a range of measures which may include, but are not limited to:
-a growth measure (e.g. net sales growth, operating profit growth);
-a measure of efficiency (e.g. operating margin, cumulative
free cash flow, return on invested capital); and
-a measure of Diageo’s relative performance in relation to its peers (e.g. relative total shareholder return).
•Measures that apply to performance shares and market price options may differ, as is the case for current awards. Weightings of these measures may also vary year-on-year.
•The Remuneration Committee has discretion to amend the performance conditions in exceptional circumstances if it considers it appropriate to do so, e.g. in cases of accounting policy changes, merger and acquisition activities and disposals. Any such amendments would be fully disclosed and explained in the following year’s annual report on remuneration.
 
More detail on pages 157-158
 
More detail on page 159-160

149

Governance (continued)

l
All-employee share plans
l
Chairman of the Board and Non-Executive Directors
 
Purpose and link to strategy
To encourage broader employee share ownership through locally approved plans.
 
Purpose and link to strategy
Supports the attraction, motivation and retention of world-class talent and reflects the value of the individual, their skills and experience, and performance.
 
Operation
The company operates tax-efficient all-employee share savings plans in various jurisdictions.
Executive Directors’ eligibility may depend on their country of residence, tax status and employment company.
 
Operation
Fees for the Chairman and Non-Executive Directors are normally reviewed every two years.
A proportion of the Chairman’s annual fee is used for the monthly purchase of Diageo ordinary shares, which have to be retained until the Chairman retires from the company or ceases to be a Director.
Fees are reviewed in the light of market practice in the FTSE 30, excluding financial services companies, and anticipated workload, tasks and potential liabilities.
The Chairman and Non-Executive Directors do not participate in any of the company’s incentive plans nor do they receive pension contributions or benefits. Their travel and accommodation expenses in connection with the attendance of Board meetings (and any tax thereon) are paid by the company.
The Chairman and the Non-Executive Directors are eligible to receive a product allowance or cash equivalent at the same level as the Executive Directors. All Non-Executive Directors have letters of appointment. A summary of their terms and conditions of appointment is available at www.diageo.com. The Chairman of the Board, Javier Ferrán, was appointed on 1 January 2017, under a letter
of appointment for an initial three-year term, terminable on six months’ notice by either party or, if terminated by the company, by payment of six months’ fees in lieu of notice.
 
Opportunity
Limits for all-employee share plans are set by the tax authorities. The company may choose to set its own lower limits.
 
 
Performance conditions
UK Freeshares: based on Diageo plc financial measures which may include, but are not limited to, measures of sales, profit and cash.
 
 
 
 
l
Shareholding requirement
 
 
Purpose and link to strategy
Ensures alignment between the interests of Executive Directors and shareholders.
 
 
Operation
The minimum shareholding requirement is 500% of base salary for the Chief Executive and 400% of base salary for any other Executive Directors.
Executive Directors are expected to build up their shareholding within five years of their appointment to the Board.
Executive Directors will be restricted from selling more than 50% of shares which vest under the long-term incentive plan (excluding the sale of shares to cover tax on vesting and other exceptional circumstances to be specifically approved by the Chief Executive and/or Chairman), until the shareholding requirement is met.
Subject to the remuneration policy review, which will be tabled at the 2020 AGM for shareholder approval, it is anticipated that a post-employment shareholding requirement will be introduced effective 1 July 2020.
 
 
 
Opportunity
Fees for Non-Executive Directors are within the limits set by the
shareholders from time to time, with an aggregate limit of
£1,200,000, excluding the Chairman’s fees.
 
More detail on page 167
 
More detail on pages 168-169


150

Governance (continued)

Notes to the Policy Table

Illustrations of application of the remuneration policy

The graphs below illustrate scenarios for the projected total remuneration of Executive Directors at four different levels of performance: minimum, target, maximum and maximum including assumed share price appreciation of 50% (in accordance with the new corporate governance requirements). The impact of potential share price movements is excluded from the other three scenarios. These charts reflect projected remuneration for the financial year ending 30 June 2020 .

IVANREMCOA02.JPG
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IVANKATHYREMCO.JPG
Basis of calculation and assumptions:

The ‘Minimum’ scenario shows fixed remuneration only, i.e. base salary for the year ending 30 June 2020 , total value of contractually agreed benefits for 2020 , and the pension benefits to be accrued over the year ending 30 June 2020 . These are the only elements of the Executive Directors’ remuneration packages that are not subject to performance conditions.
The ‘Target’ scenario shows fixed remuneration as above, plus a target payout of 50% of the maximum annual bonus and threshold performance vesting for long-term incentive awards at 20% of the maximum award.
The ‘Maximum’ scenario reflects fixed remuneration, plus full payout of annual and long-term incentives.
The ‘Maximum plus share price growth’ scenario reflects fixed remuneration, plus full payout of annual and long-term incentives, including for the latter assumed 50% share price appreciation over the performance period.
The amounts shown in sterling are converted using the cumulative weighted average exchange rate for the year ended 30 June 2019 of £1 = $1.29


151

Governance (continued)

Performance measures and targets

Further details of AIP performance measures for the year ending 30 June 2020 and DLTIP performance measures and targets that will apply for awards made in September 2019, and how they are aligned with company strategy and the creation of shareholder value, are set out in the annual report on remuneration, on pages 164-165 .

Performance targets are set to be stretching yet achievable, and take into account the company’s strategic priorities and business environment. The Committee sets targets based on a range of reference points including the corporate strategy and broker forecasts for both Diageo and its peers.

Approach to recruitment remuneration

Diageo is a global organisation selling its products in more than 180 countries around the world. The ability to recruit and retain the best talent from all over the world is critical to the future success of the business. People diversity in all its forms is a core element of Diageo’s global talent strategy and, managed effectively, is a key driver in delivering Diageo’s performance ambition.

The Remuneration Committee’s overarching principle for recruitment remuneration is to pay no more than is necessary to attract an Executive Director of the calibre required to shape and deliver Diageo’s business strategy in recognition that Diageo competes for talent in a global marketplace. The Committee will seek to align the remuneration package with Diageo’s remuneration policy as laid out above, but retains the discretion to offer a remuneration package which is necessary to meet the individual circumstances of the recruited Executive Director and to enable the hiring of an individual with the necessary skills and expertise. However, except as described below, variable pay will follow the policy.

On appointment of an external Executive Director, the Committee may decide to compensate for variable remuneration elements the Director forfeits when leaving their current employer. In doing so, the Committee will ensure that any such compensation would have a fair value no higher than that of the awards forfeited, and would generally be determined on a comparable basis taking into account factors including the form in which the awards were granted, performance conditions attached, the probability of the awards vesting (e.g. past, current and likely future performance) as well as the vesting schedules. Depending on individual circumstances at the time, the Committee has the discretion to determine the type of award (i.e. cash, shares or options, holding period and whether or not performance conditions would apply).

Any such award would be fully disclosed and explained in the following year’s annual report on remuneration. When exercising its discretion in establishing the reward package for a new Executive Director, the Committee will carefully consider the balance between the need to secure an individual in the best interests of the company against the concerns of investors about the quantum of remuneration and, if considered appropriate at the time, will consult with the company’s biggest shareholders. The Remuneration Committee will provide timely disclosure of the reward package of any new Executive Director.

In the event that an internal candidate is promoted to Executive Director, legacy terms and conditions would normally be honoured.

152

Governance (continued)


Service contracts and policy on payment for loss of office (including takeover provisions)

Executive Directors have rolling service contracts, details of which are set out below. These are available for inspection at the company’s registered office.
Executive Director
 
Date of service contract
Ivan Menezes
 
7 May 2013
Kathryn Mikells
 
1 October 2015

Notice period
The contracts provide for a period of six months’ notice by the Executive Director or 12 months’ notice by the company. A payment may be made in lieu of notice equivalent to 12 months’ base salary and the cost to the company of providing contractual benefits (excluding incentive plans). The service contracts also provide for the payment of outstanding pay and bonus, if Executive Directors are terminated following a takeover, or other change of control of Diageo plc.
If, on the termination date, the Executive Director has exceeded his/her accrued holiday entitlement, the value of such excess may be deducted by the company from any sums due to him/her, except to the extent that such deduction would subject the Executive Director to additional tax under Section 409A of the Code (in the case of Ivan Menezes). If the Executive Director on the termination date has accrued but untaken holiday entitlement, the company will, at its discretion, either require the Executive Director to take such unused holiday during any notice period or make a payment to him/her in lieu of it, provided always that if the employment is terminated for cause then the Executive Director will not be entitled to any such payment. For these purposes, salary in respect of one day of holiday entitlement will be calculated as 1/261 of salary.
Mitigation
The Remuneration Committee may exercise its discretion to require a proportion of the termination payment to be paid in instalments and, upon the Executive Director commencing new employment, to be subject to mitigation except where termination is within 12 months of a takeover, or within such 12 months the Executive Director leaves due to a material diminution in status.
Annual incentive plan (AIP)
Where the Executive Director leaves for reasons including retirement, death in service, disability, ill-health, injury, redundancy, transfer out of the group and other circumstances at the Remuneration Committee’s discretion during the financial year, they are usually entitled to an incentive payment pro-rated for the period of service during the performance period, which is typically payable at the usual payment date. Where the Executive Director leaves for any other reason, no payment will be made.
The amount is subject to performance conditions being met and at the discretion of the Committee. The Committee has discretion to determine an earlier payment date, for example on death in service.
Diageo 2014 Long-Term Incentive plan (DLTIP)
Where the Executive Director leaves for reasons including retirement, death in service, disability, ill-health, injury, redundancy, transfer out of the group and other circumstances at the Remuneration Committee's discretion during the financial year, awards vest on the original vesting date unless the Remuneration Committee decides otherwise (for example in the case of death in service). When an Executive Director leaves for any other reason, all unvested awards generally lapse immediately. The retention period for vested awards continues for all leavers other than in cases of disability, ill health or death in service, unless the Remuneration Committee decides otherwise.
The proportion of the award released depends on the extent to which the performance condition is met. The number of shares is reduced on a pro-rata basis reflecting the length of time the Executive Director was employed by the company during the performance period, unless the Committee decides otherwise (for example in the case of death in service).
On a takeover or other corporate event, awards vest subject to the extent to which the performance conditions are met and, unless the Committee decides otherwise, the awards are time pro-rated. Otherwise the Committee, in agreement with the new company, may decide that awards should be swapped for awards over shares in the new company; where awards are granted in the form of options then on vesting they are generally exercisable for 12 months (or six months for approved options).
Awards may be adjusted on a variation of share capital, demerger or other similar event.
The Remuneration Committee may amend the plans, except that any changes to the advantage of participants require shareholder approval, unless the change relates to the administration, or taxation of the plan or participants, or is needed to ensure that the plans operate effectively in another jurisdiction.
Repatriation
In cases where an Executive Director was recruited from outside the United Kingdom and has been relocated to the United Kingdom as part of their appointment, the company will pay reasonable repatriation costs for leavers at the Committee's discretion.

153

Governance (continued)


Non-Executive Directors’ unexpired terms of appointment

All Non-Executive Directors are on three-year terms which are expected to be extended up to a total of nine years. The date of initial appointment to the Board and the point at which the current letter of appointment expires for Non-Executive Directors are shown in the table below. Betsy Holden and Peggy Bruzelius stepped down from the Board on 20 September 2018.

Non-Executive Directors
 
Date of appointment to the Board
 
Current letter of appointment expires
Javier Ferrán
 
22 July 2016
 
AGM September 2019
Lord Davies of Abersoch
 
1 September 2010
 
AGM September 2019
Ho KwonPing
 
1 October 2012
 
AGM September 2021
Alan Stewart
 
1 September 2014
 
AGM September 2020
Nicola Mendelsohn
 
1 September 2014
 
AGM September 2020
Susan Kilsby
 
4 April 2018
 
AGM September 2021
Debra Crew
 
18 April 2019
 
AGM September 2022

Payments under previous policies

The Committee reserves the right to make any remuneration payments and payments for loss of office, notwithstanding that they are not in line with the policy set out above, where the terms of the payment were agreed (i) under a previous policy, in which case the provision of that policy shall continue to apply until such payments have been made; (ii) before the policy or the relevant legislation came into effect; or (iii) at a time when the relevant individual was not a director of the company and, in the opinion of the Committee, the payment was not in consideration for the individual becoming a director of the company. For these purposes, ‘payments’ include the satisfaction of awards of variable remuneration and, in relation to awards of shares, the terms of the payment which are agreed at the time the award is granted.

Consideration of remuneration for other employees

The structure of the reward package for the wider employee population is based on the principle that it should be sufficient to attract and retain the best talent and be competitive within our broader industry, remunerating employees for their contribution linked to our holisitic performance whilst mindful not to over-pay. It is driven by local market practice as well as level of seniority and accountability, reflecting the global nature of Diageo's business.

There is clear alignment in the pay structures for executives and the wider workforce, in the way that remuneration principles are followed as well as the mechanics of the salary review process and incentive plan design, which are broadly consistent throughout the organisation. The performance measures under the annual incentive plan and long-term incentive plan are the same for executives and other eligible employees. There is a strong focus on performance-related pay, with appropriate levels of differentiation to ensure that reward is invested in the talent that will make the biggest contribution to the execution of Diageo's strategy. Where possible, the company also encourages employee share ownership through a number of share plans that allow employees to benefit from the company's success.

The remuneration approach for Executive Directors is consistent with the reward package for members of the Executive Committee and the senior management population. Generally speaking, a much higher proportion of total remuneration for the Executive Directors is linked to business performance, compared to the rest of the employee population, so that remuneration will increase or decrease in line with business performance and to align the interests of Executive Directors and shareholders.

Each year the Remuneration Committee is briefed on reward outcomes across the company globally as well as the provision of all-employee share plans. The Remuneration Committee has an understanding of the remuneration structures and policies in place for the broader employee population and takes this context, together with the external climate, into account when making decisions on executive pay. More specifically, the Committee also reviews annual salary increase budgets for the general employee population in the United Kingdom and United States as well as the remuneration structure and policy for the global senior management population.

Diageo runs annual employee engagement surveys, which give employees the opportunity to give feedback and express their views on a variety of topics including remuneration. Any comments relating to Executive Directors' remuneration are fed back to the Remuneration Committee.


154

Governance (continued)

Consideration of shareholder views

The Committee values the continued dialogue with Diageo’s shareholders and engages directly with them and their representative bodies at the earliest opportunity to take their views into account when setting and implementing the company’s remuneration policies. This year, the company has engaged with shareholders and their proxy advisers on the base salary proposals for 2019, short and long-term incentive plan design, target setting for long-term incentive awards to be made in 2019 and viewpoints on the corporate governance code and its implications for Diageo's remuneration policy and practices.

The Committee will be reviewing the remuneration policy over the course of 2020 and will engage extensively with shareholders as part of that review.


155

Governance (continued)

Annual report on remuneration

The following section provides details of how the company’s 2017 remuneration policy was implemented during the year ended 30 June 2019 , and how the Remuneration Committee intends to implement the proposed remuneration policy in the year ending 30 June 2020 .

Single total figure of remuneration for Executive Directors

The table below details the Executive Directors’ remuneration for the year ended 30 June 2019 .


 

 
 
Ivan Menezes (i)
 
 

 

 
Kathryn Mikells (i)
 
 
 
2019

 
2019

 
2018

 
2018

 
2019

 
2019

 
2018

 
2018

Fixed pay
 
'000

 
'000

 
'000

 
'000

 
'000

 
'000

 
'000

 
'000

Salary
 
£
1,244

 
$
1,605

 
£
1,166

 
$
1,574

 
£
819

 
$
1,056

 
£
767

 
$
1,035

Benefits (ii)
 
£
95

 
$
123

 
£
69

 
$
94

 
£
27

 
$
34

 
£
30

 
$
40

Pension (iii)
 
£
407

 
$
525

 
£
351

 
$
474

 
£
168

 
$
217

 
£
157

 
$
212

Total fixed pay
 
£
1,746

 
$
2,253

 
£
1,586

 
$
2,142

 
£
1,014

 
$
1,307

 
£
954

 
$
1,287


 


 


 


 


 


 


 


 


Performance related pay
 


 


 


 


 


 


 


 


Annual incentive
 
£
1,521

 
$
1,961

 
£
1,640

 
$
2,214

 
£
946

 
$
1,220

 
£
1,105

 
$
1,492

Long-term incentives (iv)
 


 


 


 


 


 


 


 


Value delivered through performance
 
£
3,725

 
$
4,805

 
£
2,964

 
$
4,001

 
£
2,421

 
$
3,123

 
£
3,589

 
$
4,845

Value delivered through share price growth
 
£
4,662

 
$
6,013

 
£
1,658

 
$
2,239

 
£
2,645

 
$
3,411

 
£
1,473

 
$
1,989

Other incentives (v)
 

 

 

 

 
£
4

 
$
5

 
£
4

 
$
5

Total remuneration for Executive Director appointment
 
£
11,654

 
$
15,032

 
£
7,848

 
$
10,596

 
£
7,030

 
$
9,066

 
£
7,125

 
$
9,618


 


 


 


 


 


 


 


 


Other performance related pay (Granted prior to appointment as Executive Director)
 
 
 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Long-term incentives (vi)
 

 

 
£
1,147

 
$
1,549

 

 

 

 

TOTAL SINGLE FIGURE
 
£
11,654

 
$
15,032

 
£
8,995

 
$
12,145

 
£
7,030

 
$
9,066

 
£
7,125

 
$
9,618


Notes:
(i)
Exchange rate
The amounts shown in sterling are converted using the cumulative weighted average exchange rate for the respective financial year. For the year ended 30 June 2019 the exchange rate was £1 = $1.29 and for the year ended 30 June 2018 the exchange rate was £1 = $1.35. Ivan Menezes and Kathryn Mikells are both paid in US dollars.
 
(ii)
Benefits
Benefits is the gross value of all taxable benefits. For Ivan Menezes, these include medical insurance (£18k), company car allowance (£18k), contracted car service (£8k), financial counselling (£48k), product allowance, life and long-term disability cover. Kathryn Mikells’ benefits include flexible benefits allowance (£18k), contracted car service (£3k), life cover (£5k) and product allowance.
Page
148

(iii)
Pension
Pension benefits earned during the year represent the increase in the pension fund balances over the year in the Diageo North America Inc. pension plans over and above the increase due to inflation. As Ivan Menezes has been a deferred member of the Diageo Pension Scheme (DPS) in the United Kingdom since 31 January 2012, and receives standard statutory increases in deferment the United Kingdom pension amount that accrued over the two years in excess of inflation is nil. Kathryn Mikells became a director and started accruing benefits in the Supplemental Executive Retirement Plan (SERP) with effect from 9 November 2015.
Page
160

156

Governance (continued)

(iv)
Long-term incentives
Long-term incentives represent the estimated gain delivered through share options and performance shares where performance conditions have been met in the respective financial year. It also includes the value of additional shares granted in lieu of dividends on these vested performance shares.
‘Value delivered through performance’ is calculated as the number of performance shares and dividend shares vesting in September 2019 multiplied by the share price on the date of grant.
‘Value delivered through share price growth’ is calculated as the difference between the average share price in the last three months of the financial year and the share price on the date of grant multiplied by the number of performance shares and share options vesting in September 2019.
For 2019, long-term incentives comprise performance shares and share options awarded in 2016 and due to vest in September 2019 at 89.3% and 73.1% of maximum respectively, and dividend shares awarded in September 2019 in relation to performance shares vesting in September 2019.
For 2018, long-term incentives comprise performance shares and share options awarded in 2015 that vested in September 2018 at 70% and 60% of maximum respectively, and dividend shares arising on performance shares that vested in September 2018. Long-term incentives have been re-stated to reflect the share price on the vesting date (whereas in the 2018 remuneration report long-term incentives were calculated using the average share price over the last three months of the financial year). For Kathryn Mikells in 2018, long-term incentives included performance shares that vested under the final tranche of the replacement share award made on 9 November 2015 in recognition of share awards forfeited from her former employer, and granted in accordance with the remuneration policy on recruitment remuneration. The performance measures, targets and weightings that applied to this award were the same as the 2015 PSP performance share award, as disclosed in the 2018 remuneration report.
Page
159
(v)
Other incentives
Other incentives include the face value of awards made under the all-employee share plans (number of shares multiplied by the share price on the date of grant). Awards do not have performance conditions attached.

(vi)
Discretionary incentive plan
Ivan Menezes retained interests in long-term incentive awards that were granted to him in 2012, prior to joining the Board under ‘below-Board’ plans (Discretionary Incentive Plan). For 2018, the amount disclosed in the table above was the part of the fourth and final tranche of the award based on performance for the year ended 30 June 2018, which vested at 67% of maximum. The part of the award based on continuing employment for the year ended 30 June 2018 is not required to be reported in the table above and amounts to 14,643 ADRs, which vested on 8 March 2019.



Payments to former directors

There were no payments to former directors in the year ended 30 June 2019 , other than payments that have been disclosed in previous remuneration reports.

Payments for loss of office

There were no payments for loss of office to Executive Directors in the year ended 30 June 2019 .

Annual incentive plan (AIP)

AIP payout for the year ended 30 June 2019

AIP payouts for the Executive Directors are based 80% on performance against the group financial measures and 20% on performance against the Individual Business Objectives (IBOs), as assessed by the Remuneration Committee and summarised in the table below. The Committee assessed the Executive Directors’ performance against each of the IBOs separately and awarded a rating based on whether they had partially met, achieved or exceeded each goal. The average of all IBO ratings (weighted equally) is shown as the IBO outcome in the table below.

The overall level of performance achieved resulted in an AIP award equating to 122% of base salary for Ivan Menezes and 115% of base salary for Kathryn Mikells. The actual awards received by the Executive Directors are shown in the ‘single total figure of remuneration’ table on page 156 .
 
Group financial measures (i)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Measure
 
Weighting
 
Threshold
 
Target
 
Maximum
 
Actual
 
Payout
(% of total AIP opportunity)
Net sales
(% growth)
(ii)
 
26.7
%
 
3.50
%
 
5.0
%
 
6.50
%
 
5.9
%
 
21.5
%
Operating profit
(% growth)
(ii)
 
26.7
%
 
4.5
%
 
8.0
%
 
11.5
%
 
8.6
%
 
15.6
%
Average working capital
(% net sales)
(iii)
 
26.7
%
 
30bps

 
120bps

 
210bps

 
81bps

 
10.5
%
Group financial payout
 
80.0
%
 


 


 


 


 
47.6
%

157

Governance (continued)

Individual business objectives (v)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Measure
 
Weighting
 
Target
 
Outcome
 
Payout
(% of total AIP opportunity)
Ivan Menezes
Chief Executive
 
20
%
 

 

 
13.4
%
Deliver global Scotch
performance
 

 
Growth in Scotch net sales
Growth in Scotch CAAP (Contribution After Advertising & Promotions)
Growth in Johnnie Walker net sales
Growth in Johnnie Walker CAAP
 
Achieved (6% organic growth)
Achieved
Over-achieved (7% organic growth)
Over-achieved
 
4.2
%
Deliver global Reserve performance
 

 
Growth in Reserve net sales
Growth in Reserve CAAP
 
Achieved (11% organic growth)
Over-achieved
 
4.2
%
Deliver performance in North America
 

 
Growth in net sales for North America
Growth in operating profit for North America
 
Over-achieved (5% organic growth)
Over-achieved (3% organic growth)
 
5.0
%
Kathryn Mikells
Chief Financial Officer
 
20
%
 

 

 
10.0
%
Implement inorganic portfolio strategy
 

 
Deliver merger & acquisition outcomes
Achieve improvement in US spirits growth rate
 
Achieved
Over-achieved
 
4.2
%
Deliver efficiencies across the global finance function
 

 
Deliver end-to-end efficiencies in the cost of the global finance function
Achieve organisation effectiveness targets for global finance function
 
Achieved

Achieved
 
3.3
%
Deliver a key business driver
 

 
Deliver 103% OCC (Operating Cash Conversion)
 
Partly achieved
 
2.5
%
Payout
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

 


 
Group
(weighted 80%)

 
IBO
(weighted 20%)

 
Total
(% max)

 
Total
(% salary)

 
Total (’000) (iv)

 
Total (’000) (iv)

Ivan Menezes
 
47.6
%
 
13.4
%
 
61.0
%
 
122
%
 
£
1,521

 
$
1,961

Kathryn Mikells
 
47.6
%
 
10.0
%
 
57.6
%
 
115
%
 
£
946

 
$
1,220


(i)
Performance against the AIP measures is calculated using 2019 budgeted exchange rates in line with management reporting and excludes the impact of exchange and any exceptional items.
(ii)
For AIP purposes, the net sales and operating profit measures are calculated after adjustments for acquisitions and disposals at budgeted FX rates. For F19, net sales have been adjusted by (0.2)ppts and operating profit by (0.4)ppts to include the impact of the disposal of 19 brands in an arrangement with Sazerac on 20 December 2018.
(iii)
For AIP purposes, average working capital as a percentage of net sales is calculated as the average of the last 12 months of operating working capital (excluding maturing inventories and provisions) divided by annual net sales.
(iv)
AIP payments are calculated using base salary as at 30 June 2019, in line with the global policy that applies to other employees across the company.
(v) The targets and actuals for some of the market or category objectives have not been disclosed as they are considered commercially sensitive.


158

Governance (continued)

Long-term incentive plans (LTIPs)

As approved by shareholders at the AGM in September 2014, long-term incentive awards are made under the Diageo Long-Term Incentive Plan (DLTIP). Awards are designed to incentivise Executive Directors and senior managers to deliver long-term sustainable performance and are subject to performance conditions normally measured over a three-year period. Awards are delivered on an annual basis in both performance shares and share options.

Share options – granted in September 2016, vesting in September 2019

On 5 September 2016, Ivan Menezes and Kathryn Mikells received share option awards of 54,356 (ADRs) and 128,253 (ORDs) respectively under the DLTIP, with an exercise price of $113.66 and 2113p respectively. The award was subject to a performance condition assessed over a three-year period based on compound annual adjusted eps growth with a straight-line payout between threshold and maximum. Vesting is on a pro rata basis ranging from a threshold level of 20% to a maximum level of 100%.

Performance shares – awarded in September 2016, vesting in September 2019

On 5 September 2016, Ivan Menezes and Kathryn Mikells received performance share awards of 54,356 (ADRs) and 128,253 (ORDs) respectively under the DLTIP. Awards vest after a three-year period subject to the achievement of specified performance conditions. Notional dividends accrue on awards and are paid out either in cash or shares in accordance with the vesting schedule.

The vesting of 2016 performance share awards was subject to the achievement of three equally weighted performance measures:

1.
Diageo’s three-year total shareholder return (TSR) ranked against the TSR of a peer group of international drinks and consumer goods companies;
2.
Growth in organic net sales on a compound annual basis; and
3.
Cumulative adjusted free cash flow.

For cumulative free cash flow and net sales, there is straight-line vesting between threshold and the midpoint, and between the midpoint and the maximum.

The vesting profile for relative TSR is shown below:
TSR ranking (out of 17)
 
Vesting (% max)

 
TSR peer group (16 companies)
1st, 2nd or 3rd
 
100
%
 
AB Inbev
Mondelēz International
4th
 
95
%
 
Brown Forman
Nestlé
5th
 
75
%
 
Carlsberg
PepsiCo
6th
 
65
%
 
Coca-Cola
Pernod Ricard
7th
 
55
%
 
Colgate-Palmolive
Procter & Gamble
8th
 
45
%
 
Groupe Danone
Reckitt Benckiser
9th
 
20
%
 
Heineken
L'Oreal
10th or below
 
0
%
 
Kimberly-Clark
Unilever


159

Governance (continued)

The targets and vesting outcome for performance share and share option awards granted in September 2016 are shown in the following tables:
Vesting of 2016 DLTIP
 
Threshold

 
Midpoint

 
Maximum

 
Actual

 
Vesting
(% maximum)

Organic net sales growth (CAGR) (i)
 
3.5
%
 
4.75
%
 
6.0
%
 
5.1
%
 
71.5
%
Relative total shareholder return (ii)
 
9th

 
-

 
3rd

 
2nd

 
100.0
%
Cumulative free cash flow (CAGR) (iii)
 
£5,700m

 
£6,400m

 
£7,100m

 
£7,036m

 
96.3
%
Vesting of performance shares (% maximum)
 


 


 


 


 
89.3
%
Adjusted eps growth (iv)
 
4.0
%
 
6.75
%
 
9.5
%
 
7.7
%
 


Vesting of share options (% maximum)
 


 


 


 

 
73.1
%

(i) The compound annual growth rate (CAGR) for organic net sales growth is based on the application of annual organic net sales growth rates in each of the individual years ended June 2017, June 2018 and June 2019 (using the year ended 30 June 2016 as a base).
(ii) Relative total shareholder return is measured as the percentage growth in Diageo’s ordinary share price (assuming all dividends and capital distributions are re-invested) compared to the total shareholder return of the peer group of 16 international drinks and consumer goods companies, based on an average period of 6 months, and converted to a common currency (US dollars). SABMiller was acquired by AB Inbev on 10 October 2016. SABMiller is replaced by L'Oreal for the full performance period for the 2016 vesting outcome.
(iii) Cumulative free cash flow is the aggregate of free cash flow for the three-year period excluding the impact of exchange, cash flows from exceptional items and the interest cost on share buy back programmes.
(iv) The compound annual growth rate (CAGR) for earnings per share growth is based on the application of annual adjusted eps growth rates in each of the individual years ended June 2017, June 2018 and June 2019 (using the year ended June 2016 as a base) excluding the impact of exchange, exceptional items, share buy back programmes and the post employment net income/charges included in other financial charges.

Accordingly, the 2016 performance share award vested at 89.3% and the 2016 share option award vested at 73.1% of the maximum.

Pension and benefits in the year ended 30 June 2019

Benefits

Benefits provisions for the Executive Directors are in accordance with the information set out in the future policy table.

Pension arrangements

Ivan Menezes and Kathryn Mikells are members of the Diageo North America Inc. Supplemental Executive Retirement Plan (SERP) with an accrual rate of 30% and 20% of base salary respectively during the year ended 30 June 2019 .

The SERP is an unfunded, non-qualified supplemental retirement programme. Under the plan, accrued company contributions are subject to quarterly interest credits. Under the rules of the SERP, employees can withdraw the balance of the plan 6 months after leaving service (in the case of Ivan Menezes) or 6 months after leaving service or age 55, if later (in the case of Kathryn Mikells). The balance may be withdrawn in either a lump sum or five equal annual instalments, depending on the size of the balance.

Ivan Menezes participated in the US Cash Balance Plan and the Benefit Supplemental Plan (BSP) until August 2012 and has accrued benefits under both plans. The Cash Balance Plan is a qualified funded pension arrangement. Employer contributions are 10% of pay capped at the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) limit. The BSP is a non-qualified unfunded arrangement; notional employer contributions are 10% of pay above the IRS limit. Interest (notional for the BSP) is credited quarterly on both plans.

Ivan Menezes was also a member of the Diageo Pension Scheme (DPS) in the United Kingdom between 1 February 1997 and 30 November 1999. The accrual of pensionable service ceased in 1999 but the linkage to salary remained until January 2012. Under the Rules of the Scheme, this benefit is payable unreduced from age 60. Ivan Menezes is able to take his UK pension benefits from age 58 without consent, and his benefit would not be subject to any actuarial reduction in respect of early payment. This is a discretionary policy Diageo offers that is not set out in the DPS Scheme Rules.

Upon death in service, a life insurance benefit of $3 million is payable for Ivan Menezes and a lump sum of four times base salary is payable for Kathryn Mikells.

The table below shows the pension benefits accrued by each Director to date. The accrued United Kingdom benefits for Ivan Menezes are annual pension amounts, whereas the accrued US benefits for Ivan Menezes and Kathryn Mikells are one-off cash balance amounts.

160

Governance (continued)


 
30 June 2019
 
 
30 June 2018
 
Executive Director
 
UK pension
£'000 p.a.

 
US benefit
£'000

 
UK pension
£'000 p.a.

 
US benefit
£'000

Ivan Menezes (i)
 
73

 
7,543

 
71

 
6,680

Kathryn Mikells (ii)
 
Nil

 
587

 
Nil

 
391


(i)    Ivan Menezes' US benefits are higher at 30 June 2019 than at 30 June 2018 by £863k
(a) £510k of which is due to pension benefits earned over the year (£407k of which is over and above the increase due to inflation – as reported in the single figure of remuneration, see page 156 );
(b) £80k of which is due to interest earned on his deferred US benefits over the year; and
(c) £273k of which is due to exchange rate movements over the year.

(ii)    Kathryn Mikells’ US benefits are higher at 30 June 2019 than at 30 June 2018 by £196k
(a) £178k of which is due to pension benefits earned over the year (£168k of which is over and above the increase due to inflation – as reported in the single figure of remuneration, see page 156 ); and
(b) £18k of which is due to exchange rate movements over the year.

The Normal Retirement Age applicable to each Director’s benefits depends on the pension scheme, as outlined below.
Executive Director
 
UK benefits
(DPS)
 
US benefits
(Cash balance)
 
US benefits
(BSP)
 
US benefits
(SERP)
Ivan Menezes
 
60
 
65
 
6 months after leaving service
 
6 months after leaving service
Kathryn Mikells
 
n/a
 
n/a
 
n/a
 
6 months after leaving service, or age 55 if later

DLTIP awards made during the year ended 30 June 2019

On 3 September 2018, Ivan Menezes and Kathryn Mikells received awards of performance shares and market price share options under the DLTIP; details are provided in the table below. The three-year period over which performance will be measured is 1 July 2018 to 30 June 2021.

The performance measures for performance share awards are organic net sales growth, cumulative free cash flow and organic profit before exceptional items and tax growth, equally weighted. The performance measures for share option awards are organic profit before exceptional items and tax growth and relative total shareholder return, equally weighted. The targets were disclosed in full in the 2018 remuneration report.

20% of DLTIP awards will vest at threshold, with straight-line vesting up to 100% if the maximum level of performance is achieved.
Executive Director
 
Date of grant
 
Plan
 
Share type
 
Awards made
during the year
 
Exercise
price

 
Face value
'000

 
Face value
(% of salary)

Ivan Menezes
 
03/09/2018
 
DLTIP - share options
 
ADR
 
42,848
 
$
140.89

 
$
6,049

 
375
%
Ivan Menezes
 
03/09/2018
 
DLTIP - performance shares
 
ADR
 
42,848
 
-

 
$
6,049

 
375
%
Kathryn Mikells
 
03/09/2018
 
DLTIP - share options
 
ADR
 
27,062
 
$
140.89

 
$
3,820

 
360
%
Kathryn Mikells
 
03/09/2018
 
DLTIP - performance shares
 
ADR
 
27,062
 
-

 
$
3,820

 
360
%

The proportion of the awards outlined above that will vest is dependent upon the achievement of performance conditions and continued employment, and the actual value may be nil. The vesting outcomes will be disclosed in the 2021 Annual Report.

The face value of each award has been calculated using the award price at the time of grant. In accordance with the rules, the number of performance shares and share options granted under the DLTIP was calculated by using the average closing share price for the last six months of the preceding financial year ($141.17 ADRs). In accordance with the plan rules, the exercise price was calculated using the average closing share price of the three days preceding the grant date ($140.89 ADRs). The share price on the date of grant was $139.41 ADRs.


161

Governance (continued)

Outstanding share plan interests

Plan name
 
Date of award
 
Performance period
 
Date of vesting
 
Share type
 
Share price on date of grant
 
Exercise price
 
Number of shares/options at 30 June 2018 (i)

 
Granted

 
Vested/exercised

 
Dividends awarded and released

 
Lapsed

 
Number of shares/options at 30 June 2019

Ivan Menezes
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
SESOP (iii)
 
Sep 2011
2011-2014
 
2014
 
ADR
 

 
$
76.70
 
36,587

 


 
36,587

 


 


 

DLTIP - share options
 
Sep 2015
2015-2018
 
2018
 
ADR
 

 
$
104.93
 
49,825

 


 


 


 
19,930

 
29,895

Total vested but unexercised share options in Ords (ii)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
119,580

DLTIP - share options (v)
 
Sep 2016
2016-2019
 
2019
 
ADR
 

 
$
113.66
 
54,356

 

 


 


 


 
54,356

DLTIP - share options (vi)
 
Sep 2017
2017-2020
 
2020
 
ADR
 

 
$
134.06
 
51,268

 


 


 


 


 
51,268

DLTIP - share options
 
Sep 2018
2018-2021
 
2021
 
ADR
 

 
$
140.89
 


 
42,848

 


 


 


 
42,848

Total unvested share options subject to performance in Ords (ii)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
593,888

DIP (iv)
 
Mar 2012
2012-2019
 
2016-2019
 
ADR
 
$
96.44
 

 
14,643

 


 
9,761

 


 
4,882

 

DLTIP - performance shares (x)
 
Sep 2015
2015-2018
 
2018
 
ADR
 
$
104.30
 

 
49,825

 


 
34,877

 
2,451

 
14,948

 

DLTIP - performance shares (v)
 
Sep 2016
2016-2019
 
2019
 
ADR
 
$
115.77
 

 
54,356

 

 


 


 


 
54,356

DLTIP - performance shares (vi)
 
Sep 2017
2017-2020
 
2020
 
ADR
 
$
134.83
 

 
51,268

 

 


 


 


 
51,268

DLTIP - performance shares
 
Sep 2018
2018-2021
 
2021
 
ADR
 
$
139.41
 

 


 
42,848

 


 


 


 
42,848

Total unvested shares subject to performance in Ords (ii)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
593,888

DIP (iv)
 
Mar 2012
2012-2019
 
2016-2019
 
ADR
 
$
96.44
 

 
14,643

 


 
14,643

 


 


 

Total unvested shares not subject to performance in Ords (ii)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

Kathryn Mikells
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
DLTIP - share options (v)(viii)  
 
Sep 2016
2016-2019
 
2019
 
Ord
 

 
2113p
 
128,253

 

 

 

 

 
128,253

DLTIP - share options (vi)
 
Sep 2017
2017-2020
 
2020
 
ADR
 

 
$
134.06
 
32,380

 

 

 

 

 
32,380

DLTIP - share options
 
Sep 2018
2018-2021
 
2021
 
ADR
 

 
$
140.89
 


 
27,062

 

 

 

 
27,062

Total unvested share options subject to performance in Ords (ii)(xi)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
366,021

DBOP - performance shares (vii)(ix)
Nov 2015
2015-2018
 
2018
 
Ord
 
1866p
 

 
246,300

 

 
172,410

 
11,913

 
73,890

 

DLTIP - performance shares (v)(viii)
Sep 2016
2016-2019
 
2019
 
Ord
 
2127p
 

 
128,253

 

 

 

 

 
128,253

DLTIP - performance shares (vi)
 
Sep 2017
2017-2020
 
2020
 
ADR
 
$
134.83
 

 
32,380

 

 

 

 

 
32,380

DLTIP - performance shares
 
Sep 2018
2018-2021
 
2021
 
ADR
 
$
139.41
 

 


 
27,062

 

 

 

 
27,062

Total unvested shares subject to performance in Ords (ii)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
366,021

DBOP - restricted shares (vii)(ix)
 
Nov 2015
2015-2018
 
2018
 
Ord
 
1866p
 

 
43,868

 

 
43,868

 

 

 

Total unvested shares not subject to performance in Ords (ii)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 


(i)
For unvested awards this is the number of shares/options initially awarded. For exercisable share options, this is the number of outstanding options. All share options have an expiry date of ten years after the date of grant.
(ii)
ADRs have been converted to Ords (one ADR is equivalent to four ordinary shares) for the purpose of calculating the total number of vested and unvested shares and options.
(iii)
Options granted prior to the Executive's appointment to the Board. Ivan Menezes exercised these options on 27 July 2018, with a market value of $148.25.
(iv)
Ivan Menezes retained interests in an award that was granted to him prior to joining the Board under ‘below-board’ plans (Discretionary Incentive Plan), amounting to a total of 117,142 ADRs, granted in 2012. The award was subject to performance conditions and continuing employment. 66.67% of the first tranche vested in March 2016, 66.67% of the second tranche vested in March 2017, 50% of the third tranche vested in March 2018 and 66.67% of the fourth and final tranche vested in March 2019.
(v)
Awards made of performance shares and share options under the DLTIP in September 2016 and due to vest in September 2019 are included here as unvested share awards subject to performance conditions, although the awards have also been included in the single figure of remuneration table on page 156, since the performance period ended during the year ended 30 June 2019.
(vi)
Details of the performance conditions attached to DLTIP awards of performance shares and share options granted in 2017 were disclosed in Diageo's 2017 Annual Report.
(vii)
Replacement shares awarded to Kathryn Mikells on her appointment as Chief Financial Officer on 9 November 2015, in recognition of share awards she forfeited from her previous employer. These awards were made under the Diageo Buy Out Plan (DBOP).
(viii)
1,419 Ords of this award were delivered as tax-qualified share options.
(ix)
Kathryn Mikells must retain 97,474 Ords of the DBOP shares that vested on 9 November 2018 until 9 November 2020
(x)
Ivan Menezes must retain 19,317 ADR of the 37,328 shares that vested on 4 September 2018 until 4 September 2020
(xi)
Kathryn Mikells also holds 1,031 outstanding options over ordinary shares under an all-employee share plan, which are not subject to performance and not included in this table.


162

Governance (continued)

CEO pay ratio

Diageo is committed to good corporate governance and transparency in the reporting of remuneration. Ahead of the new disclosure requirement coming into effect for Diageo in 2020, the CEO pay ratio for the year ended 30 June 2019 is outlined below.

Year
 
Method
 
25 th  percentile
pay ratio

 
Median
pay ratio

 
75 th  percentile
pay ratio

2019
 
Option A
 
255:1

 
199:1

 
159:1


 
Option A excluding long-term incentives
 
71:1

 
56:1

 
45:1


 
Total pay and benefits
 
£
45,782

 
£
58,448

 
£
73,179


 
Salary
 
£
31,586

 
£
40,325

 
£
52,459


Methodology

The CEO pay ratio provides a comparison of the total remuneration paid to the Chief Executive in the year ended 30 June 2019 with the total remuneration paid to three employees at the 25 th , 50 th and 75 th percentile of Diageo’s workforce in the United Kingdom.

The three employees at these percentiles have been identified using ‘Option A’ of the three methodologies provided under the new regulations, which we believe is the most statistically accurate approach. Total full-time equivalent remuneration for people employed for the full twelve-month period in the United Kingdom has been calculated in line with the methodology for the ‘single figure of remuneration’ for the Chief Executive (shown on page 156 of this report) and then ranked to identify the employees sitting at the percentiles. Total remuneration for employees is based on actual earnings for the 11 months to 31 May 2019, with estimates used for June 2019 pay. Annual incentive payments for employees have been calculated using the Diageo Group financial performance outcome, rather than any regional or market business multiples, to ensure a like-for-like comparison across remuneration structures. Pension is calculated as the total cost of contributions made by the company during the financial year. Employees on inbound and outbound international assignments to and from the United Kingdom have been excluded from the analysis as their remuneration structures are not representative of the norm in the United Kingdom.


Points to note for the year 2019

The median pay ratio for 2019 of 199:1 reflects the impact of annual and long-term incentives, since a much greater proportion of the Chief Executive’s total remuneration is made up of performance-based pay, and in 2019 performance has been very strong.

Ratios will differ significantly between companies as a result of the business model and composition of the workforce. The structure of our business means that we employ a large number of manufacturing workers (almost half of our workforce in the United Kingdom), who are involved in the distillation, warehousing, maturation, bottling and packaging of Scotch whisky and other spirits and beer.

Attracting world-class talent across our United Kingdom business

Under our reward philosophy, we seek to attract world-class talent in an increasingly competitive market by offering total reward packages that people value and that support them to be their best.

We have a robust approach to salary management which is underpinned by regular market benchmarking to ensure that we offer competitive rates of pay across the business. We undertake regular reviews to maintain appropriate positioning against the market-linked salary ranges, with a particular focus on those individuals who are expected to progress into more stretching roles over time.

Diageo has been a Living Wage employer in the United Kingdom since 2017.

We offer a competitive pension scheme which provides a top-rate employer contribution of 14% of salary for all employees in the United Kingdom. Currently, many employees in the United Kingdom are members of legacy pension schemes and enjoy more generous employer contribution levels.


163

Governance (continued)

We are proud of the progress we have already made towards gender equality in our business and have a clear ambition to deliver more. Diageo Great Britain and Diageo Scotland reported a median pay gap of +5.4% for the year to April 2018, with women holding 34% of senior leadership roles, and our goal is to increase women senior leaders to 40% by 2025. We are proud of the work we have done towards closing the gender pay gap and are actively engaged in a range of initiatives to further improve how we attract, engage and develop women, as well as other under-represented groups. Attracting the broadest talent is crucial to our future growth and the sustainability of our business.

We recently launched a new market-leading global family leave policy , which provides a minimum of 26 weeks’ of fully paid maternity leave to all women and a minimum of 4 weeks (with many of our markets moving to 26 weeks) of fully paid paternity leave to all men.

We firmly believe in the value of employee share ownership and encourage people to participate in our Sharesave and Share Incentive Plan (SIP) offering, which are tax-efficient plans in the United Kingdom that allow employees to share in the success of Diageo. Each year all employees receive up to 10% of salary in Freeshares under the SIP as well as being able to purchase additional shares and being eligible to receive matching shares from Diageo. Around 75% of employees in the United Kingdom participate in Sharesave and around 70% participate in the share purchase/share match feature of the SIP.

All employees in the United Kingdom also benefit from a product allowance , which allows them to enjoy (and be ambassadors for) Diageo products.

Salary

Salary increases to be applied in the year ending 30 June 2020

As outlined in the 2018 annual report on remuneration, base salaries for the Chief Executive and Chief Financial Officer were increased by 2%, effective from 1 October 2018.

In June 2019, the Remuneration Committee reviewed base salaries for senior management and agreed new salaries which will apply from 1 October 2019. In determining these salaries, the Remuneration Committee took into consideration a number of factors including general employee salary budgets and employment conditions, individual performance and experience, and salary positioning relative to internal and external peers. The overall budgeted salary increase for the salary review in October 2019 is 3% of base salary for employees in the United Kingdom and 3% in North America.

The Committee considered very carefully the total remuneration positioning of the Chief Executive and Chief Financial Officer, the salary budget for all employees in the United Kingdom and the expectations of shareholders with respect to continuing pay restraint. As a result, it was agreed that there would be a 3% salary increase for both the Chief Executive and the Chief Financial Officer, effective from 1 October 2019.


 
Ivan Menezes
 
 
Kathryn Mikells
 
Salary at 1 October ('000)
 
2019

 
2018

 
2019

 
2018

Base salary
 
$
1,661

 
$
1,613

 
$
1,093

 
$
1,061

% increase (over previous year)
 
3
%
 
2
%
 
3
%
 
2
%

AIP design for the year ending 30 June 2020

The measures and targets used in the AIP are reviewed annually by the Remuneration Committee and are chosen to drive financial and individual business performance goals related to the company’s short-term strategic operational objectives. The AIP design for Executive Directors in the year ending 30 June 2020 will comprise of the following performance measures and weightings:

Operating profit (% growth) (26.67% weighting): stretching profit targets drive operational efficiency and influence the level of returns that can be delivered to shareholders through increases in share price and dividend income not including exceptional items or exchange;

Net sales (% growth) (26.67% weighting): a key performance measure of year-on-year top line growth;

Average working capital as a proportion of net sales (26.67% weighting): ensures focus on working capital management throughout the year and incentivises sustainable actions that are beneficial for the business in the long term;

164

Governance (continued)


Individual business objectives (20% weighting): measurable deliverables that are specific to the individual and are focused on supporting the delivery of key strategic objectives.

This is the same structure and weightings as applied in the year ended 30 June 2019, to ensure continued focus on both profit and loss and balance sheet measures.

Details of the targets for the year ending 30 June 2020 will be disclosed retrospectively in next year’s annual report on remuneration, by which time they will no longer be deemed commercially sensitive by the Board.

DLTIP awards to be made in the year ending 30 June 2020

The long-term incentive plan measures are reviewed annually by the Remuneration Committee and are selected to reward long-term consistent performance in line with Diageo’s business strategy and to create alignment with the delivery of value for shareholders. The Committee has ensured that the incentive structure for senior management does not raise environmental, social and governance risks by inadvertently motivating irresponsible behaviour.

As last year, DLTIP awards made in September 2019 will comprise awards of both performance shares and share options, based on stretching targets against key performance measures as outlined in the table below. The performance share element of the DLTIP applies to the Executive Committee and the top cadre of Senior Leaders across the organisation worldwide, whilst the share option element is applicable to a much smaller population comprising only members of the Executive Committee. One market price option is valued at one-third of a performance share.

The table below outlines the targets and the vesting profile for these awards to the Executive Directors and the relative weightings of each performance measure as a percentage of the total award in performance share equivalents. Performance will be tested over three financial years, beginning with the year ending 30 June 2020.


 
Performance shares
 
 
Share options
 
 
 

 
Profit before exceptional items and tax (CAGR)

 
Organic net sales
(CAGR)

 
Cumulative free cash flow (£m)

 
Relative total shareholder return

 
Profit before exceptional items and tax (CAGR)

 
Vesting profile

Weighting (% total)
 
25
%
 
25
%
 
25
%
 
12.5
%
 
12.5
%
 
100
%
Threshold
 
4.5% p.a.

 
3.75% p.a.

 
£8,600m

 
Median ranking (ninth)

 
4.5% p.a.

 
20
%
Mid-point
 
7.5% p.a.

 
4.875% p.a.

 
£9,100m

 

 
7.5% p.a.

 
60
%
Maximum
 
10.5% p.a.

 
6.00% p.a.

 
£9,600m

 
Upper quintile (third or above)

 
10.5% p.a.

 
100
%

It is intended that a DLTIP award of 500% of base salary will be made to Ivan Menezes in September 2019 , comprising 375% of salary in performance shares and 125% of salary in market price share options (in performance share equivalents; one market price option is valued at one-third of a performance share).

It is intended that a DLTIP award of 480% of salary will be made to Kathryn Mikells in September 2019 , comprising 360% of salary in performance shares and 120% of salary in market price share options (in performance share equivalents).

The table below summarises the annual DLTIP awards to Ivan Menezes and Kathryn Mikells in September 2019 .
Grant value (% salary)

Chief Executive Officer

 
Chief Financial Officer

 
 
Performance share equivalents (1 share: 3 options)
 
Performance shares
 
375
%
 
360
%
Share options
 
125
%
 
120
%
Total
 
500
%
 
480
%


165

Governance (continued)

Performance graph and table

The graph below shows the total shareholder return for Diageo and the FTSE100 Index since 30 June 2009 and demonstrates the relationship between pay and performance for the Chief Executive, using current and previously published single total remuneration figures. The FTSE100 Index has been chosen because it is a widely recognised performance benchmark for large companies in the United Kingdom.

CHART-589C99BCF78471B9AD7.JPG

 
Paul S Walsh £'000

 
Paul S Walsh £'000

 
Paul S Walsh £'000

 
Paul S Walsh £'000

 
Ivan Menezes (i) £'000

 
Ivan Menezes (i) £'000

 
Ivan Menezes (i)£'000

 
Ivan Menezes (i) £'000

 
Ivan Menezes (i) £'000

 
Ivan Menezes (i) £'000

Chief Executive total remuneration (includes legacy LTIP awards)
 
3,231

 
4,449

 
11,746

 
15,557

 
7,312

 
3,888

 
4,156

 
3,399

 
8,995

 
11,654

Annual incentive
(% maximum opportunity)
 
86
%
 
77
%
 
74
%
 
51
%
 
9
%
 
44
%
 
65
%
 
68
%
 
70
%
 
61.0
%
Share option
(% maximum opportunity)
 
100
%
 
100
%
 
100
%
 
100
%
 
71
%
 
0
%
 
0
%
 
0
%
 
60
%
 
73.1
%
Performance share
(% maximum opportunity)
 
0
%
 
0
%
 
65
%
 
95
%
 
55
%
 
33
%
 
31
%
 
0
%
 
70
%
 
89.3
%

(i)
To enable comparison Ivan Menezes’ single total figure of remuneration has been converted into sterling using the average weighted exchange rate for the relevant financial year.


166

Governance (continued)

Directors’ shareholding requirements and share and other interests

The beneficial interests of the Directors in office at 30 June 2019 (and their connected persons) in the ordinary shares (or ordinary share equivalents) of the company are shown in the table below.

 
Ordinary shares or equivalent (i)
 
 


 


 


 
11 July 2019 (ii)

 
30 June 2019
(or date of departure, if earlier)

 
30 June 2018
(or date of departure, if earlier)

 
Shareholding requirement (% salary) (iii)
(or date of departure, if earlier)

 
Shareholding at 11 July 2019
(% salary) (iii)
(or date of departure, if earlier)

 
Shareholding requirement met
Chairman
 


 


 


 


 


 

Javier Ferrán (iv)
 
217,243

 
217,000

 
148,415

 

 

 
Executive Directors
 


 


 


 


 


 

Ivan Menezes (iv)
 
1,122,042

 
1,122,042

 
973,586

 
500
%
 
2,620
%
 
Yes
Kathryn Mikells (iv),(vii)
 
158,513

 
158,506

 
37,245

 
400
%
 
563
%
 
Yes
Non-Executive Directors
 


 


 


 


 


 

Peggy B Bruzelius (vi)
 

 
5,000

 
5,000

 

 

 
Lord Davies of Abersoch
 
5,052

 
5,052

 
5,052

 

 

 
Betsy D Holden (iv),(vi)
 

 
17,400

 
17,400

 

 

 
Ho KwonPing
 
4,543

 
4,543

 
4,463

 

 

 
Alan JH Stewart
 
6,751

 
6,751

 
6,660

 

 

 
Nicola S Mendelsohn
 
5,000

 
5,000

 
5,000

 

 

 
Susan Kilsby (iv)
 
2,600

 
2,600

 

 

 

 
Debra Crew (iv)(v)
 
260

 
260

 

 

 

 

Notes
(i)
Each person listed beneficially owns less than one percent of Diageo’s ordinary shares. Ordinary shares held by Directors have the same voting rights as all other ordinary shares.
(ii)
Any change in shareholding between the end of the financial year on 30 June 2019 and the last practicable date before publication of this report, being 11 July 2019, is outlined in the table above. The last practicable date is within one month of the AGM notice.
(iii)
Both the shareholding requirement and shareholding at 11 July 2019 are expressed as a percentage of base salary on 30 June 2019 and calculated using an average share price for the year ended 30 June 2019 of 2,919.66 pence.
(iv)
Javier Ferrán, Ivan Menezes, Kathryn Mikells, Susan Kilsby, Debra Crew and Betsy D Holden have share interests in ADRs (one ADR is equivalent to four ordinary shares); the share interests in the table are stated as ordinary share equivalents.
(v)
Debra Crew was appointed to the Board on 18 April 2019.
(vi)
Peggy B Bruzelius and Betsy D Holden stepped down from the Board on 20 September 2018.
(vii)
Kathryn Mikells has five years from the date of her appointment, that is, until 9 November 2020, to meet the shareholding requirement.
 
Percentage change in remuneration of the director undertaking the role of Chief Executive

The table below shows a comparison of the percentage change in the Chief Executive’s remuneration to the average percentage change in remuneration for the UK and US population from 2018 to 2019 . The chosen population represents the most appropriate comparator group for the Chief Executive, as the Committee considers salary increase budgets in these countries when reviewing Executive Directors’ base salaries. Furthermore, the majority of Executive Committee members as well as the Executive Directors are on UK or US reward packages.


 
Salary

 
Taxable benefits

 
Bonus


 
% change

 
% change

 
% change

Chief Executive percentage change from 2018 to 2019
 
2
%
 
31
%
 
(7
)%
Average % change for the UK and US workforce from 2018 to 2019
 
5
%
 
0
%
 
22.6
 %

The percentage change for the Chief Executive is based on the remuneration of Ivan Menezes from 2018 to 2019 .

UK salary, benefits and bonus data for both 2018 and 2019 have been converted into US dollars using the cumulative weighted average exchange rate for the year ended 30 June 2019 of £1 = $1.29.

167

Governance (continued)


External appointments held by the Executive Directors

Executive Directors may accept external appointments as Non-Executive Directors of other companies and retain any related fees paid to them, subject to the specific approval of the Board in each case.

Ivan Menezes – During the year ended 30 June 2019 , Ivan Menezes served as a Non-Executive Director of Tapestry Inc and earned fees of $90,000. In line with the Tapestry Inc policy for outside directors, Ivan Menezes is eligible to be granted share options and restricted share units (RSUs). During the year ended 30 June 2019 , he was granted 7,712 options at an option price of $43.03, 1,743 RSUs at a fair market value of $43.03 per share, 18 RSUs in lieu of dividends at a fair market value of $33.09 and 17 RSUs in lieu of dividends at a fair market value of $33.70.

Kathryn Mikells – During the year ended 30 June 2019 , Kathryn Mikells served as a Non-Executive Director of Hartford Financial Services Group Inc. and earned fees of $100,000 for the full year, which were deferred into equity.

Non-Executive Directors

Non-Executive Directors’ fees

Javier Ferrán’s fee as non-executive Chairman effective 1 January 2018 is £600,000 per annum. The Chairman’s fee is appropriately positioned against our comparator group of FTSE 30 companies excluding financial services.

There was no change to the basic fee for Non-Executive Directors or to the additional fees for the Senior Non-Executive Director, Chair of the Audit Committee and Chair of the Remuneration Committee in the year ended 30 June 2019 . The next review is scheduled for January 2020.


 
January
2019

 
January
2018

Per annum fees
 
£'000

 
£'000

Chairman of the Board
 
600

 
600

Non-Executive Directors
 


 


Base fee
 
92

 
92

Senior Non-Executive Director
 
25

 
25

Chairman of the Audit Committee
 
30

 
30

Chairman of the Remuneration Committee
 
30

 
30



168

Governance (continued)

Non-Executive Directors’ remuneration for the year ended 30 June 2019


 
Fees
£'000
 
 
Taxable benefits (i)
£'000
 
 
Total
£'000
 

 
2019

 
2018

 
2019

 
2018

 
2019

 
2018

Chairman
 


 


 


 


 


 


Javier Ferrán (ii)
 
600

 
600

 
1

 
2

 
601

 
602

Non-Executive Directors
 


 


 


 


 


 


Lord Davies of Abersoch
 
134

 
142

 
1

 
3

 
135

 
145

Peggy B Bruzelius (iii)
 
20

 
90

 
4

 
5

 
24

 
95

Betsy D Holden (iii)
 
20

 
90

 
7

 
11

 
27

 
101

Susan Kilsby (iv)
 
105

 
22

 
6

 
1

 
111

 
23

Debra Crew (v)
 
19

 

 

 

 
19

 

Ho KwonPing
 
92

 
90

 
2

 
1

 
94

 
91

Nicola S Mendelsohn
 
92

 
90

 
1

 
1

 
93

 
91

Alan JH Stewart
 
122

 
120

 
1

 
2

 
123

 
122


(i)
Taxable benefits include a contracted car service, product allowance and expense reimbursements relating to travel, accommodation and subsistence in connection with the attendance of Board meetings during the year, which are deemed by HMRC to be taxable in the United Kingdom. The amounts in the single figure of total remuneration table above include the grossed-up cost of UK tax paid by the company on behalf of the directors. Non-taxable expense reimbursements have not been included in the single figure of remuneration table above.
(ii)
£100,000 of Javier Ferrán’s net remuneration in the year ended 30 June 2019 was used for the monthly purchase of Diageo ordinary shares, which must be retained until he retires from the company or ceases to be a Director for any other reason.
(iii)
Betsy D Holden and Peggy B Bruzelius stepped down from the Board on 20 September 2018.
(iv) Susan Kilsby was appointed as Chair of the the Remuneration Committee on 29 January 2019.
(v) Debra Crew was appointed to the Board on 18 April 2019.

Relative importance of spend on pay

The graph below illustrates the relative importance of spend on pay (total remuneration of all group employees) compared with distributions to shareholders (total dividends plus the share buyback programme but excluding transaction costs), and the percentage change from the year ended 30 June 2018 to the year ended 30 June 2019 . The Committee considers that there are no other significant distributions or payments of profit or cash flow.

SPENDONPAYA01.JPG


169

Governance (continued)

Remuneration committee

The Remuneration Committee consists of the following independent Non-Executive Directors: Susan Kilsby, Lord Davies of Abersoch, Ho KwonPing, Nicola S Mendelsohn, Alan JH Stewart and Debra Crew. Peggy B Bruzelius and Betsy D Holden were members of the Remuneration Committee until they stepped down from the Board on 20 September 2018. Susan Kilsby is the Chair of the Remuneration Committee. The Chairman of the Board and the Chief Executive may, by invitation, attend Remuneration Committee meetings except when their own remuneration is discussed. Diageo’s Chief Human Resources Officer and Global Performance and Reward Director are also invited from time to time by the Remuneration Committee to provide their views and advice. The Chief Executive and Chief Human Resources Officer are not present when their own remuneration is discussed. The Chief Financial Officer may also attend to provide performance context to the Committee during its discussions about target setting. Information on meetings held and director attendance is disclosed in the corporate governance report.

The Remuneration Committee’s principal responsibilities are:

Making recommendations to the Board on remuneration policy as applied to the Executive Directors and the Executive Committee;

Setting, reviewing and approving individual remuneration arrangements for the Chairman of the Board, Executive Directors and Executive Committee members including terms and conditions of employment;

Determining arrangements in relation to termination of employment of the Executive Directors and other designated senior executives;

Making recommendations to the Board concerning the introduction of any new share incentive plans which require approval by shareholders; and

Ensuring that remuneration outcomes are appropriate in the context of underlying business performance, that remuneration practices are implemented in accordance with the approved remuneration policy, and that remuneration does not raise environmental, social and governance issues by inadvertently motivating irresponsible behaviour.

Full terms of reference for the Committee are available at www.diageo.com and on request from the Company Secretary.

External advisors

During the year ended 30 June 2019 , the Remuneration Committee received independent advice on executive remuneration from Mercer who was appointed by the Committee in December 2013. Following a tendering process, Deloitte was appointed by the Committee in May 2019 and provided advice for the remainder of the financial year.

Mercer is a signatory to, and abides by, the Remuneration Consultants Group Code of Conduct. Further details can be found at www.remunerationconsultantsgroup.com. Mercer provides unrelated services to the company in the areas of all-employee reward and retirement benefits. The Remuneration Committee is satisfied that the advice it receives from Mercer is independent. During the year, Mercer supported the Committee in providing remuneration benchmarking survey data to support the salary review for the Executive Committee, providing advice on the design of long-term incentives and the level of stretch in the long-term incentive targets and providing periodic updates on the TSR of Diageo and its peer companies for outstanding performance cycles. The fees paid to Mercer in relation to advice provided to the Committee were £58,458 and were determined on a time and expenses basis.

Deloitte is also a signatory to, and abides by, the Remuneration Consultants Group Code of Conduct. During the past year, separate Deloitte teams provided consultancy support to Diageo in relation to services including mergers and acquisitions, analytics transformation, tax, immigration and net revenue management. The Remuneration Committee is satisfied that the advice it receives from Deloitte is independent. During the year, Deloitte supported the Committee in preparing this Directors’ remuneration report, providing advice on the design of the annual and long-term incentives, assessing the level of stretch in the annual and long-term incentive targets, calculating the TSR of Diageo and its peer companies for the 2016 DLTIP awards and an update on other outstanding performance cycles. The fees paid to Deloitte in relation to advice provided to the Committee during the year ended 30 June 2019 were £26,600 and were determined on a time and expenses basis.

Clifford Chance provided advice on the operation of share plans during the year. Fees paid in relation to this advice, again on a time and expenses basis, were £20,912.


170

Governance (continued)

The Committee is satisfied that the Mercer, Deloitte and Clifford Chance engagement partners and teams that provide remuneration advice to the Committee do not have connections with Diageo that may impair their independence. The Committee reviewed the potential for conflicts of interest and judged that there were appropriate safeguards against such conflicts.

Statement of voting

The following table summarises the details of votes cast in respect of the resolutions on the Directors’ remuneration policy at the 2017 AGM and Directors’ remuneration report at the 2018 AGM.

 
For

 
Against

 
Total votes cast

 
Abstentions
Directors’ remuneration policy
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Total number of votes
 
1,905,251,510

 
75,507,013

 
1,980,758,523

 
2,048,247
Percentage of votes cast
 
96.19
%
 
3.81
%
 
100
%
 
n/a
Annual report on remuneration
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Total number of votes
 
1,873,234,182

 
67,057,068

 
1,940,291,250

 
11,728,553
Percentage of votes cast
 
96.54
%
 
3.46
%
 
100
%
 
n/a

The Committee was pleased with the level of support shown for the remuneration policy and implementation report and appreciated the active participation of shareholders and their representative advisory bodies in consulting on executive remuneration matters.


171

Governance (continued)

Additional information

Emoluments and share interests of senior management

The total emoluments for the year ended 30 June 2019 of the Executive Directors, the Executive Committee members and the Company Secretary (together, the senior management) of Diageo comprising base salary, annual incentive plan, share incentive plan, termination payments and other benefits were £21.5 million ( 2018 – £20.3 million).

The aggregate amount of gains made by the senior management from the exercise of share options and from the vesting of awards during the year was £37 million. In addition, they were granted 914,727 performance-based share options under the Diageo Long-Term Incentive Plan (DLTIP) during the year at a weighted average share price of 2715 pence, exercisable by 2028 and no options were granted under DLTIP that are not subject to performance. In addition they were granted 1,211 options over ordinary shares under the UK savings-related share options scheme (SAYE). They were also awarded 1,211,885 performance shares under the DLTIP and Diageo Exceptional Stock Award Plan (DESAP) in September 2018, which will vest in three years subject to the relevant performance conditions.

Senior management options over ordinary shares

At 11 July 2019 , the senior management had an aggregate beneficial interest in 2,365,736 ordinary shares in the company and in the following options over ordinary shares in the company:


 
Number of options
 
Weighted average exercise price
 
Option period
Ivan Menezes
 
713,468
 
2324p
 
2018 - 2028
Kathryn Mikells
 
367,052
 
2455p
 
2019 - 2028
Other (i)
 
2,524,566
 
2297p
 
2012 - 2028

 
3,605,086
 

 


(i)    Other members of the Executive Committee, which includes the Company Secretary.

Key management personnel related party transactions

Key management personnel of the group comprises the Executive and Non-Executive Directors, the members of the Executive Committee and the Company Secretary.

Diageo plc has granted rolling indemnities to the Directors and the Company Secretary, uncapped in amount, in relation to certain losses and liabilities which they may incur in the course of acting as Directors or Company Secretary (as applicable) of Diageo plc or of one or more of its subsidiaries. These indemnities continue to be in place at 30 June 2019.

Other than disclosed in this report, no Director had any interest, beneficial or non-beneficial, in the share capital of the company. Save as disclosed above, no Director has or has had any interest in any transaction which is or was unusual in its nature, or which is or was significant to the business of the group and which was effected by any member of the group during the financial year, or which having been effected during an earlier financial year, remains in any respect outstanding or unperformed. There have been no material transactions during the last three years to which any Director or officer, or 3% or greater shareholder, or any spouse or dependent thereof, was a party. There is no significant outstanding indebtedness to the company from any Directors or officer or 3% or greater shareholder.


172

Governance (continued)

Statutory and audit requirements

This report was approved by a duly authorised Committee of the Board of Directors, on 23 July 2019 and was signed on its behalf by Susan Kilsby who is Chairman of the Remuneration Committee.

The Board has followed the principles of good governance as set out in the UK Corporate Governance Code and complied with the regulations contained in the Schedule 8 of the Large and Medium-sized Companies and Groups (Accounts and Reports) Regulations 2008, the Listing Rules of the Financial Conduct Authority and the relevant schedules of the Companies Act 2006.

The Companies Act 2006 and the Listing Rules require the company’s auditor to report on the audited information in their report and to state that this section has been properly prepared in accordance with these regulations.

The annual report on remuneration is subject to shareholder approval at the AGM on 19 September 2019; the directors’ remuneration policy was approved by shareholders at the 2017 AGM.

Terms defined in this remuneration report are used solely herein.


173

Governance (continued)

Directors' report

The Directors present the Directors' report for the year ended 30 June 2019.

Annual General Meeting

The AGM will be held at etc.venues St Paul’s, 200 Aldersgate, London EC1A 4HD at 2.30pm on Thursday, 19 September 2019.

Directors

The Directors of the company who served during the year are shown in the section ‘Board of Directors and Company Secretary’ on pages 118 to 120 .

In accordance with the UK Corporate Governance Code, all the Directors will retire by rotation at the AGM and offer themselves for re-election.

Further details of Directors’ contracts, remuneration and their interests in the shares of the company at 30 June 2019 are given in the Directors’ remuneration report.

The Directors’ powers are determined by UK legislation and Diageo’s articles of association. The Directors may exercise all the company’s powers provided that Diageo’s articles of association or applicable legislation do not stipulate that any powers must be exercised by the members.

Auditor

The auditor, PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP, is willing to continue in office and a resolution for its re-appointment as auditor of the company will be submitted to the AGM.

Disclosure of information to the auditor

In accordance with section 418 of the Companies Act 2006, the Directors who held office at the date of approval of this Directors’ report confirm that, so far as they are each aware, there is no relevant audit information of which the company’s auditor is unaware; and each Director has taken all reasonable steps to ascertain any relevant audit information and to ensure that the company’s auditor is aware of that information.

Corporate governance statement

The corporate governance statement, prepared in accordance with rule 7.2 of the Financial Conduct Authority’s Disclosure Guidance and Transparency Rules, comprises the following sections of the Annual Report: the ‘Corporate governance report’, the ‘Report of the Audit Committee’ and the ‘Additional information for shareholders’.

Significant agreements - change of control

The following significant agreements contain certain termination and other rights for Diageo’s counterparties upon a change of control of the company.

Under the partners agreement governing the company’s 34% investment in Moët Hennessy SAS (MH) and Moët Hennessy International SAS (MHI), if a Competitor (as defined therein) directly or indirectly takes control of the company (which, for these purposes, would occur if such competitor acquired more than 34% of the voting rights or equity interests in the company), LVMH Moët Hennessy – Louis Vuitton SA (LVMH) may require the company to sell its interests in MH and MHI to LVMH.

The master agreement governing the operation of the group’s market level distribution joint ventures with LVMH states that if any person acquires interests and rights in the company resulting in a Control Event (as defined) occurring in respect of the company, LVMH may within 12 months of the Control Event either appoint and remove the chairman of each joint venture entity governed by such master agreement, who shall be given a casting vote, or require each distribution joint venture entity to be wound up. Control Event for these purposes is defined as the acquisition by any person of more than 30% of the outstanding voting rights or equity interests in the company, provided that no other person or entity (or group of affiliated persons or entities) holds directly or indirectly more than 30% of the voting rights in the company.

174

Governance (continued)

Related party transactions
Transactions with other related parties are disclosed in note 20 to the consolidated financial statements.

Major shareholders
At 30 June 2019, the following substantial interests (3% or more) in the company’s ordinary share capital (voting securities) had been notified to the company.
 
Shareholder
 
Number of ordinary shares
 
Percentage of issued ordinary share capital (excluding treasury shares)

 
Date of notification of interest
BlackRock Investment Management (UK) Limited (indirect holding)
 
147,296,928
 
5.89
%
 
3 December 2009
Capital Research and Management Company (indirect holding)
 
124,653,096
 
4.99
%
 
28 April 2009

(i)
On 4 February 2019, BlackRock Inc. filed an Amendment to Schedule 13G with the SEC in respect of the calendar year ended 31 December 2018 reporting that 175,406,533 ordinary shares representing 7.3% of the issued ordinary share capital were beneficially owned by BlackRock Inc. and its subsidiaries (including BlackRock Investment Management (UK) Limited).
(ii)
On 13 February 2019, Massachusetts Financial Services Company filed a Schedule 13G with the SEC in respect of the calendar year ended 31 December 2018 reporting that 123,866,030 ordinary shares representing 5.1% of the issued ordinary share capital were beneficially owned by Massachusetts Financial Services Company.

The company has not been notified of any other substantial interests in its securities since 30 June 2019. The company’s substantial shareholders do not have different voting rights. Diageo, so far as is known by the company, is not directly or indirectly owned or controlled by another corporation or by any government. Diageo knows of no arrangements, the operation of which may at a subsequent date result in a change of control of the company.

As at the close of business on 26 July 2019, 367,683,450 ordinary shares, including those held through ADSs, were held by approximately 2,741 holders (including ADR holders) with registered addresses in the United States, representing approximately 15.50% of the outstanding ordinary shares (excluding treasury shares). At such date, 91,807,370 ADSs were held by 2,388 registered ADR holders. Since certain of such ordinary shares and ADSs are held by nominees or former GrandMet or Guinness Group ADR holders who have not re-registered their ADSs, the number of holders may not be representative of the number of beneficial owners in the United States or the ordinary shares held by them.

Trading market for shares

Diageo plc ordinary shares are listed on the London Stock Exchange (LSE) and on the Dublin and Paris Stock Exchanges. Diageo ADSs, representing four Diageo ordinary shares each, are listed on the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE).

The principal trading market for the ordinary shares is the LSE. Diageo shares are traded on the LSE’s electronic order book. Orders placed on the order book are displayed on-screen through a central electronic system and trades are automatically executed, in price and then time priority, when orders match with corresponding buy or sell orders.

Only member firms of the LSE, or the LSE itself if requested by the member firm, can enter or delete orders on behalf of clients or on their own account. All orders are anonymous. Although use of the order book is not mandatory, all trades, whether or not executed through the order book and regardless of size, must be reported within three minutes of execution, but may be eligible for deferred publication.

The Markets in Financial Instruments Directive (MiFID) allows for delayed publication of large trades with a sliding scale requirement based on qualifying minimum thresholds for the amount of consideration to be paid/the proportion of average daily turnover (ADT) of a stock represented by a trade. Provided that a trade/consideration equals or exceeds the qualifying minimum size, it will be eligible for deferred publication ranging from 60 minutes from time of trade to three trading days after time of trade.

Fluctuations in the exchange rate between the pound sterling and the US dollar will affect the US dollar equivalent of the pound sterling price of the ordinary shares on the LSE and, as a result, will affect the market price of the ADSs on the NYSE. In addition, such fluctuations will affect the US dollar amounts received by holders of ADSs on conversion of cash dividends paid in pounds sterling on the underlying ordinary shares.

175

Governance (continued)

American depositary shares

Fees and charges payable by ADR holders

Citibank N.A. serves as the depositary (Depositary) for Diageo’s ADS programme. Pursuant to the deposit agreement dated 14 February 2013 between Diageo, the Depositary and owners and holders of ADSs (the ‘Deposit Agreement’), ADR holders may be required to pay various fees to the Depositary, and the Depositary may refuse to provide any service for which a fee is assessed until the applicable fee has been paid. In particular, the Depositary, under the terms of the Deposit Agreement, shall charge a fee of up to $5.00 per 100 ADSs (or fraction thereof) relating to the issuance of ADSs; delivery of deposited securities against surrender of ADSs; distribution of cash dividends or other cash distributions (i.e. sale of rights and other entitlements); distribution of ADSs pursuant to stock dividends or other free stock distributions, or exercise of rights to purchase additional ADSs; distribution of securities other than ADSs or rights to purchase additional ADSs (i.e. spin-off shares); and depositary services. Citibank N.A. is located at 388 Greenwich Street, New York, New York, 10013, U.S.A.

In addition, ADR holders may be required under the Deposit Agreement to pay the Depositary (a) taxes (including applicable interest and penalties) and other governmental charges; (b) registration fees; (c) certain cable, telex, and facsimile transmission and delivery expenses; (d) the expenses and charges incurred by the Depositary in the conversion of foreign currency; (e) such fees and expenses as are incurred by the Depositary in connection with compliance with exchange control regulations and other regulatory requirements; and (f) the fees and expenses incurred by the Depositary, the Custodian, or any nominee in connection with the servicing or delivery of ADSs. The Depositary may (a) withhold dividends or other distributions or sell any or all of the shares underlying the ADSs in order to satisfy any tax or governmental charge and (b) deduct from any cash distribution the applicable fees and charges of, and expenses incurred by, the Depositary and any taxes, duties or other governmental charges on account.

Direct and indirect payments by the Depositary

The Depositary reimburses Diageo for certain expenses it incurs in connection with the ADR programme, subject to a ceiling set out in the Deposit Agreement pursuant to which the Depositary provides services to Diageo. The Depositary has also agreed to waive certain standard fees associated with the administration of the programme.

Under the contractual arrangements with the Depositary, Diageo has received approximately $2.6 million arising out of fees charged in respect of dividends paid during the year and a fixed contribution to the company’s ADR programme costs. These payments are received for expenses associated with non-deal road shows, third party investor relations consultant fees and expenses, Diageo’s cost for administration of the ADR programme not absorbed by the Depositary and related activities (e.g. expenses associated with the annual general meeting), travel expenses to attend training and seminars, exchange listing fees, legal fees, auditing fees and expenses, the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) filing fees, expenses related to Diageo’s compliance with US securities law and regulations (including, without limitation, the Sarbanes-Oxley Act) and other expenses incurred by Diageo in relation to the ADR programme.

Employment policies

A key strategic imperative of the company is to attract, retain and grow a pool of diverse, talented employees. Diageo recognises that a diversity of skills and experiences in its workplace and communities will provide a competitive advantage. To enable this the company has various global employment policies and standards, covering such issues as resourcing, human rights, health, safety and wellbeing. These policies and standards seek to ensure that the company treats current or prospective employees justly, solely according to their abilities to meet the requirements and standards of their role and in a fair and consistent way. This includes giving full and fair consideration to applications from prospective employees who are disabled, having regard to their aptitudes and abilities, and not discriminating against employees under any circumstances (including in relation to applications, training, career development and promotion) on the grounds of any disability.

176

Governance (continued)

Other information

Other information relevant to the Directors’ report may be found in the following sections of the Annual Report:
Information (including that required by UK Listing Authority Listing Rule 9.8.4)
  
Location in Annual Report
Agreements with controlling shareholders
  
Not applicable
Amendment of articles of association
  
Additional information for shareholders - Articles of association
Contracts of significance
  
Not applicable
Details of long-term incentive schemes
  
Directors’ remuneration report
Directors - appointment and powers
  
Additional information for shareholders - Articles of association - Directors
Directors’ indemnities and compensation
  
Directors’ remuneration report - Additional information; Financial Statements - note 20 Related party transactions
Dividends
  
Financial Statements - Unaudited financial information and group financial review
Employment policies
  
Strategic report - How we protect our business; our principal risks and risk management; Strategic report - Sustainability & Responsibility review
Events since 30 June 2019
  
Financial statements - note 22 Post balance sheet events
Financial risk management
  
Financial statements - note 15 Financial instruments and risk management
Future developments
  
Chairman’s statement; Chief Executive’s statement; Market dynamics
Greenhouse gas emissions
  
Strategic report - Sustainability & Responsibility review - Reducing our environmental impact; Additional information for shareholders - External limited assurance of selected Sustainability & Responsibility performance data
Interest capitalised
  
Not applicable
Non-pre-emptive issues of equity for cash (including in respect of major unlisted subsidiaries)
  
Not applicable
Parent participation in a placing by a listed subsidiary
  
Not applicable
Political donations
 
Corporate governance report
Provision of services by a controlling shareholder
 
Not applicable
Publication of unaudited financial information
 
Unaudited financial information
Purchase of own shares
 
Additional information for shareholders - Articles of association - Repurchase of shares; Financial statements - note 17 Equity
Research and development
 
Financial statements - note 3 Operating costs
Restrictions on transfer of securities
 
Additional information for shareholders - Articles of association - Restrictions on transfer of shares
Review of the business & principal risks and uncertainties
 
Chief Executive’s statement; Strategic report: How we protect our business: our principal risks and risk management
Share capital - structure, voting and other rights
 
Additional information for shareholders - Articles of association; Financial statements - note 17 Equity
Share capital - employee share plan voting rights
 
Financial statements - note 17 Equity
Shareholder waivers of dividends
 
Financial statements - note 17 Equity
Shareholder waivers of future dividends
 
Financial statements - note 17 Equity
Sustainability & responsibility
 
Strategic report - How we protect our business: our principal risks and risk management; Strategic report - Sustainability & Responsibility review
Waiver of emoluments by a director
 
Not applicable
Waiver of future emoluments by a director
 
Not applicable

The Directors’ report of Diageo plc for the year ended 30 June 2019 comprises these pages and the sections of the Annual Report referred to under ‘Directors’, ‘Corporate governance statement’ and ‘Other information’ above, which are incorporated into the Directors’ report by reference.

In addition, certain disclosures required to be contained in the Directors’ report have been incorporated into the ‘Strategic report’ as set out in ‘Other information’ above.

The Directors’ report, which has been approved by a duly appointed and authorised committee of the Board of Directors, was signed on its behalf by Siobhán Moriarty, the Company Secretary, on 25 July 2019.


177

Financial statements


Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm

To the Board of Directors and Shareholders of Diageo plc

Opinions on the Financial Statements and Internal Control over Financial Reporting

We have audited the accompanying consolidated balance sheets of Diageo plc and its subsidiaries (collectively, the “company”) as of 30 June 2019 and 2018, and the related consolidated income statement, consolidated statement of comprehensive income, consolidated statement of changes in equity and the consolidated statement of cash flows for each of the three years in the period ended 30 June 2019, including the related notes (collectively referred to as the “consolidated financial statements”). We also have audited the company’s internal control over financial reporting as of 30 June 2019, based on criteria established in Internal Control - Integrated Framework (2013) issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (COSO).

In our opinion, the consolidated financial statements referred to above present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of the company as of 30 June 2019 and 2018, and the results of its operations and its cash flows for each of the three years in the period ended 30 June 2019 in conformity with International Financial Reporting Standards as issued by the International Accounting Standards Board and International Financial Reporting Standards as adopted by the European Union. Also in our opinion, the company maintained, in all material respects, effective internal control over financial reporting as of 30 June 2019, based on criteria established in Internal Control - Integrated Framework (2013) issued by the COSO.

Basis for Opinions

The company’s management is responsible for these consolidated financial statements, for maintaining effective internal control over financial reporting, and for its assessment of the effectiveness of internal control over financial reporting, included in the accompanying Management’s report on internal control over financial reporting. Our responsibility is to express opinions on the company’s consolidated financial statements and on the company’s internal control over financial reporting based on our audits. We are a public accounting firm registered with the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States) (PCAOB) and are required to be independent with respect to the company in accordance with the U.S. federal securities laws and the applicable rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission and the PCAOB.

We conducted our audits in accordance with the standards of the PCAOB. Those standards require that we plan and perform the audits to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the consolidated financial statements are free of material misstatement, whether due to error or fraud, and whether effective internal control over financial reporting was maintained in all material respects.

Our audits of the consolidated financial statements included performing procedures to assess the risks of material misstatement of the consolidated financial statements, whether due to error or fraud, and performing procedures that respond to those risks. Such procedures included examining, on a test basis, evidence regarding the amounts and disclosures in the consolidated financial statements. Our audits also included evaluating the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, as well as evaluating the overall presentation of the consolidated financial statements. Our audit of internal control over financial reporting included obtaining an understanding of internal control over financial reporting, assessing the risk that a material weakness exists, and testing and evaluating the design and operating effectiveness of internal control based on the assessed risk. Our audits also included performing such other procedures as we considered necessary in the circumstances. We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinions.

Definition and Limitations of Internal Control over Financial Reporting

A company’s internal control over financial reporting is a process designed to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles. A company’s internal control over financial reporting includes those policies and procedures that (i) pertain to the maintenance of records that, in reasonable detail, accurately and fairly reflect the transactions and dispositions of the assets of the company; (ii) provide reasonable assurance that transactions are recorded as necessary to permit preparation of financial statements in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles, and that receipts and expenditures of the company are being made only in accordance with authorisations of management and directors of the company; and (iii) provide reasonable assurance regarding prevention or timely detection of unauthorised acquisition, use, or disposition of the company’s assets that could have a material effect on the financial statements.


178

Financial statements (continued)

Because of its inherent limitations, internal control over financial reporting may not prevent or detect misstatements. Also, projections of any evaluation of effectiveness to future periods are subject to the risk that controls may become inadequate because of changes in conditions, or that the degree of compliance with the policies or procedures may deteriorate.

Critical Audit Matters

The critical audit matters communicated below are matters arising from the current period audit of the consolidated financial statements that were communicated or required to be communicated to the Audit Committee and that (i) relate to accounts or disclosures that are material to the consolidated financial statements and (ii) involved especially challenging, subjective, or complex judgments. The communication of critical audit matters does not alter in any way our opinion on the consolidated financial statements, taken as a whole, and we are not, by communicating the critical audit matters below, providing separate opinions on the critical audit matters or on the accounts or disclosures to which they relate.

Impairment assessment of indefinite-lived brand intangible assets and goodwill

As described in note 10 to the consolidated financial statements, the company’s consolidated indefinite-lived brand intangibles balance and goodwill balance as at 30 June 2019 were £8,274 million and £2,682 million respectively. Management conducts impairment tests for indefinite-lived brand intangibles and goodwill at least annually, or more frequently if events or circumstances indicate that the carrying amount may not be recoverable. Individual brands and their associated tangible fixed assets are aggregated and tested as separate cash-generating units. Separate tests are carried out for each cash-generating unit and for each of the markets. Goodwill is attributed to each of the markets. The impairment test compares the net carrying value of the cash-generating unit for indefinite-lived brand intangibles and market for goodwill with the recoverable amount. Recoverable amounts for indefinite-lived brand intangibles and goodwill are calculated by management based on the value in use approach. Value in use calculations are based on discounted forecast cash flows using the assumption that cash flows continue in perpetuity at the terminal growth rate of each country or region. The terminal growth rates applied are the long-term annual inflation rate of the country adjusted for circumstances specific to the asset or cash-generating unit; however, for some intangible assets, management expects to achieve growth which is significantly in excess of terminal growth rates for the applicable countries or regions. In these circumstances, the recoverable amount is calculated based on a five-year detailed plan and extended by up to an additional ten years using the annual growth rate of the real gross domestic product (GDP) of the country or region aggregated with its inflation rate, adjusted to take into account circumstances specific to the asset or cash-generating unit. In the calculation of the terminal value, the long-term annual inflation rate of each country is used as the terminal growth rate. The determination of discounted future cash flows include significant management judgments and assumptions, including sales growth, operating costs, margin, discount rates and terminal growth rates.

The principal considerations for our determination that performing procedures related to the impairment assessment of indefinite-lived brand intangible assets and goodwill was a critical audit matter were there were significant judgments made by management when developing their assessment of the recoverable amount for the cash-generating units. This in turn led to a high degree of auditor judgment, subjectivity and effort in evaluating management’s significant assumptions, including future cash flows, discount rates, and expected growth rates. In addition, the audit effort involved the use of professionals with specialised skill and knowledge to assist in performing these procedures and evaluating the audit evidence obtained.

Addressing the matter involved performing procedures and evaluating audit evidence in connection with forming our overall opinion on the consolidated financial statements. These procedures included testing the effectiveness of controls relating to management’s goodwill and indefinite-lived brand intangible assets impairment tests, including controls over the determination of recoverable amounts. These procedures also included, among others, testing management’s process for determining the recoverable amount of goodwill and indefinite-lived brand intangible assets, evaluating the appropriateness of the methodology used in the impairment models, testing the completeness, accuracy, and relevance of underlying data used in the models, and evaluating the significant assumptions used by management, including the forecasted cash flows, discount rates, and expected growth rates. Evaluating the reasonableness of management’s assumptions involved 1) evaluating key market-related assumptions (including the growth rates and discount rate) used in the models to external data, 2) performing a retrospective comparison of forecasted cash flows to actual past performance and previous forecasts, 3) performing sensitivity analyses, and 4) using professionals with specialised skill and knowledge to assist in the evaluation of the discount rates.

Taxation - Provisions for tax uncertainties

As described in note 7 and note 18 to the consolidated financial statements, the company has a number of ongoing tax audits worldwide for which provisions are recognised based on management’s best estimates and judgements concerning the ultimate outcome of the audit. As at 30 June 2019 the current tax asset of £83 million and tax liability of £378 million includes £251 million of provisions for tax uncertainties. The company operates in a large number of markets with complex tax and legislative regimes that are open to subjective interpretation. Management is required to estimate the amount that should be recognised as a tax liability or tax asset in many countries which are subject to tax audits and which by their nature are often complex and can take several years to

179

Financial statements (continued)

resolve. Tax provisions are based on management’s judgement and interpretation of country specific tax law and the likelihood of settlement. As disclosed by management, the actual tax liabilities could differ from the provision for tax uncertainties and in such event the company would be required to make an adjustment in a subsequent period which could have a material impact on the company’s profit for the year.

The principal considerations for our determination that performing procedures related to the provision for tax uncertainties was a critical audit matter were there were significant judgements made by management in determining the provisions for tax uncertainties, including a high degree of estimation uncertainty due to the number and complexity of tax laws, frequency of tax audits and potential for adjustments which could have a material impact on the company’s profit for the year as a result of such audits. This in turn led to a high degree of auditor judgment, subjectivity and effort in performing procedures to evaluate the timely identification and accurate measurement of provisions for tax uncertainties. Also, the evaluation of audit evidence related to the provisions for tax uncertainties required significant auditor judgment as the nature of the evidence is often subjective, and the audit effort involved the use of professionals with specialised skill and knowledge to assist in evaluating the audit evidence obtained.

Addressing the matter involved performing procedures and evaluating audit evidence in connection with forming our overall opinion on the consolidated financial statements. These procedures included testing the effectiveness of controls relating to the identification and recognition of the liabilities for uncertain tax positions, and controls addressing completeness of the uncertain tax positions, as well as controls over measurement of the liabilities. These procedures also included, among others, (i) testing the information used in the calculation of the liability for uncertain tax positions; (ii) testing the calculation of the liability for uncertain tax positions by jurisdiction, including management’s assessment of the technical merits of tax positions and estimates of the amount of tax benefit expected to be sustained; (iii) testing the completeness of management’s assessment of both the identification of uncertain tax positions and possible outcomes of each uncertain tax position; and (iv) evaluating the status and results of tax audits with the relevant tax authorities. Professionals with specialised skill and knowledge were used to assist in the evaluation of the completeness and measurement of the company’s uncertain tax positions, including evaluating the reasonableness of management’s assessment of whether tax positions are more-likely-than-not of being sustained, the application of relevant tax laws, and estimated interest and penalties.

Legal contingent liabilities and proceedings

As described in note 18 to the consolidated financial statements, the company records provisions for the anticipated settlement costs of legal disputes against the company where it is considered to be probable that a liability exists and a reliable estimate can be made of the likely outcome. The company discloses a contingency where it is possible that a settlement may be reached or it is not possible to make a reliable estimate of the estimated financial effect, but no provision is created.

The principal considerations for our determination that performing procedures related to legal contingent liabilities and proceedings was a critical audit matter were there were significant judgments made by management in assessing the likelihood that a legal dispute will succeed, or a liability will arise, and an estimate to quantify the possible range of any settlement. This in turn led to a high degree of auditor judgment, subjectivity and effort in performing audit procedures and evaluating management’s assessments of the contingencies associated with the disputes.

Addressing the matter involved performing procedures and evaluating audit evidence in connection with forming our overall opinion on the consolidated financial statements. These procedures included testing the effectiveness of controls relating to management’s evaluation of legal disputes, including controls over determining whether a loss is probable and whether the amount of loss can be reliably estimated, as well as financial statement disclosures. These procedures also included, among others, obtaining and evaluating the letters of audit inquiry with external legal counsel, evaluating the reasonableness of management’s assessment regarding whether it is probable that a liability exists and a reliable estimate can be made of the likely outcome, and evaluating the sufficiency of the company’s legal contingency disclosures.


/s/PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP
London, United Kingdom
5 August 2019

We have served as the company's auditor since 2015.

180

Financial statements (continued)


Consolidated income statement
 
 
 
Notes

 
Year ended
30 June 2019
£ million

 
Year ended
30 June 2018
£ million

 
Year ended
30 June 2017
£ million

Sales
 
2

 
19,294

 
18,432

 
18,114

Excise duties
 
3

 
(6,427
)
 
(6,269
)
 
(6,064
)
Net sales
 
2

 
12,867

 
12,163

 
12,050

Cost of sales
 
3

 
(4,866
)
 
(4,634
)
 
(4,680
)
Gross profit
 
 
 
8,001

 
7,529

 
7,370

Marketing
 
3

 
(2,042
)
 
(1,882
)
 
(1,798
)
Other operating expenses
 
3

 
(1,917
)
 
(1,956
)
 
(2,013
)
Operating profit
 
 
 
4,042

 
3,691

 
3,559

Non-operating items
 
4

 
144

 

 
20

Finance income
 
5

 
442

 
243

 
235

Finance charges
 
5

 
(705
)
 
(503
)
 
(564
)
Share of after tax results of associates and joint ventures
 
6

 
312

 
309

 
309

Profit before taxation
 
 
 
4,235

 
3,740

 
3,559

Taxation
 
7

 
(898
)
 
(596
)
 
(732
)
Profit from continuing operations
 
 
 
3,337

 
3,144

 
2,827

Discontinued operations
 
8

 

 

 
(55
)
Profit for the year
 
 
 
3,337

 
3,144

 
2,772

Attributable to:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Equity shareholders of the parent company - continuing operations
 
 
 
3,160

 
3,022

 
2,717

Equity shareholders of the parent company  - discontinued operations
 
 
 

 

 
(55
)
Non-controlling interests - continuing operations
 
 
 
177

 
122

 
110

 
 
 
 
3,337

 
3,144

 
2,772

 
 
            

 
million

 
million

 
million

Weighted average number of shares
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Shares in issue excluding own shares
 
 
 
2,418

 
2,484

 
2,512

Dilutive potential ordinary shares
 
 
 
10

 
11

 
11

 
 
 
 
2,428

 
2,495

 
2,523

 
 
 

 
pence

 
pence

 
pence

Basic earnings per share
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Continuing operations
 
 
 
130.7

 
121.7

 
108.2

Discontinued operations
 
 
 

 

 
(2.2
)
 
 
 
 
130.7

 
121.7

 
106.0

Diluted earnings per share
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Continuing operations
 
 
 
130.1

 
121.1

 
107.7

Discontinued operations
 
 
 

 

 
(2.2
)
 
 
 
 
130.1

 
121.1

 
105.5

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.


181

Financial statements (continued)

Consolidated statement of comprehensive income
 
 
 
Year ended 30 June 2019
£ million

 
Year ended 30 June 2018
£ million

 
Year ended 30 June 2017
£ million

Other comprehensive income
 
 
 
 
 
 
Items that will not be recycled subsequently to the income statement
 
 
 
 
 
 
Net remeasurement of post employment plans
 
 
 
 
 
 
– group
 
33

 
456

 
649

– associates and joint ventures
 
2

 
2

 
(8
)
– non-controlling interests
 

 
1

 
3

Tax on post employment plans
 
1

 
(91
)
 
(122
)
 
 
36

 
368

 
522

Items that may be recycled subsequently to the income statement
 
 
 
 
 
 
Exchange differences on translation of foreign operations
 
 
 
 
 
 
– group
 
274

 
(631
)
 
105

– associates and joint ventures
 
19

 
3

 
120

– non-controlling interests
 
55

 
(72
)
 
35

Net investment hedges
 
(93
)
 
91

 
(224
)
Tax on exchange differences - group
 
(19
)
 
7

 
(2
)
Tax on exchange differences - non-controlling interests
 

 
2

 

Effective portion of changes in fair value of cash flow hedges
 
 
 
 
 
 
– hedge of foreign currency debt of the group
 
180

 
(64
)
 
(8
)
– transaction exposure hedging of the group
 
(86
)
 
22

 
(26
)
– hedges by associates and joint ventures
 
(6
)
 
(15
)
 
5

– losses taken to equity - commodity price risk of the group
 
(9
)
 

 

– recycled to income statement - hedge of foreign currency debt of the group
 
(82
)
 
6

 
(42
)
– recycled to income statement - transaction exposure hedging of the group
 
45

 
(7
)
 
142

– recycled to income statement - commodity price risk of the group
 

 

 
1

Tax on effective portion of changes in fair value of cash flow hedges
 
(11
)
 
14

 
(3
)
Hyperinflation adjustment
 
(22
)
 
11

 
47

Tax on hyperinflation adjustment
 
6

 
(11
)
 
(21
)

 
251

 
(644
)
 
129

Other comprehensive profit/(loss), net of tax, for the year
 
287

 
(276
)
 
651

Profit for the year
 
3,337

 
3,144

 
2,772

Total comprehensive income for the year
 
3,624

 
2,868

 
3,423

Attributable to:
 
 
 
 
 
 
Equity shareholders of the parent company - continuing operations
 
3,392

 
2,815

 
3,330

Equity shareholders of the parent company - discontinued operations
 

 

 
(55
)
Non-controlling interests
 
232

 
53

 
148

Total comprehensive income for the year
 
3,624

 
2,868

 
3,423

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.

182

Financial statements (continued)

Consolidated balance sheet
 
 
 
 
30 June 2019
 
 
30 June 2018
 
 
 
Notes
 
£ million

 
£ million

 
£ million

 
£ million

Non-current assets
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Intangible assets
 
10
 
12,557

 
 
 
12,572

 
 
Property, plant and equipment
 
11
 
4,455

 
 
 
4,089

 
 
Biological assets
 

 
34

 
 
 
23

 
 
Investments in associates and joint ventures
 
6
 
3,173

 
 
 
3,009

 
 
Other investments
 
12
 
49

 
 
 
46

 
 
Other receivables
 
14
 
53

 
 
 
46

 
 
Other financial assets
 
15
 
404

 
 
 
182

 
 
Deferred tax assets
 
7
 
138

 
 
 
122

 
 
Post employment benefit assets
 
13
 
1,060

 
 
 
935

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
21,923

 
 
 
21,024

Current assets
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Inventories
 
14
 
5,472

 
 
 
5,015

 
 
Trade and other receivables
 
14
 
2,694

 
 
 
2,678

 
 
Corporate tax receivable
 
7
 
83

 
 
 
65

 
 
Assets held for sale
 
10
 
65

 
 
 
24

 
 
Other financial assets
 
15
 
127

 
 
 
35

 
 
Cash and cash equivalents
 
16
 
932

 
 
 
874

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
9,373

 
 
 
8,691

Total assets
 
 
 
 
 
31,296

 
 
 
29,715

Current liabilities
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Borrowings and bank overdrafts
 
16
 
(1,959
)
 
 
 
(1,828
)
 
 
Other financial liabilities
 
15
 
(333
)
 
 
 
(230
)
 
 
Trade and other payables
 
14
 
(4,202
)
 
 
 
(3,950
)
 
 
Liabilities held for sale
 
10
 
(32
)
 
 
 

 
 
Corporate tax payable
 
7
 
(378
)
 
 
 
(243
)
 
 
Provisions
 
14
 
(99
)
 
 
 
(109
)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
(7,003
)
 
 
 
(6,360
)
Non-current liabilities
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Borrowings
 
16
 
(10,596
)
 
 
 
(8,074
)
 
 
Other financial liabilities
 
15
 
(124
)
 
 
 
(212
)
 
 
Other payables
 
14
 
(222
)
 
 
 
(209
)
 
 
Provisions
 
14
 
(317
)
 
 
 
(288
)
 
 
Deferred tax liabilities
 
7
 
(2,032
)
 
 
 
(1,987
)
 
 
Post employment benefit liabilities
 
13
 
(846
)
 
 
 
(872
)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
(14,137
)
 
 
 
(11,642
)
Total liabilities
 
 
 
 
 
(21,140
)
 
 
 
(18,002
)
Net assets
 
 
 
 
 
10,156

 
 
 
11,713

Equity
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Share capital
 
17
 
753

 
 
 
780

 
 
Share premium
 

 
1,350

 
 
 
1,349

 
 
Other reserves
 

 
2,372

 
 
 
2,133

 
 
Retained earnings
 

 
3,886

 
 
 
5,686

 
 
Equity attributable to equity shareholders of the parent company
 
 
 
 
 
8,361

 
 
 
9,948

Non-controlling interests
 
17
 
 
 
1,795

 
 
 
1,765

Total equity
 
 
 
 
 
10,156

 
 
 
11,713

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.

These consolidated financial statements have been approved by a duly appointed and authorised committee of the Board of Directors and were signed on its behalf by Ivan Menezes and Kathryn Mikells, Directors and dated 5 August 2019.

183

Financial statements (continued)

Consolidated statement of changes in equity  
 
 
 
 
 
 
Other reserves
 
 
Retained earnings/(deficit)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Share
capital
£ million

 
Share premium
£ million

 
Capital redemption reserve
£ million

 
Hedging and exchange reserve
£ million

 
Own shares
£ million

 
Other retained earnings
£ million

 
Total
£ million

 
Equity attributable to parent company shareholder
£ million

 
Non- controlling interests
£ million

 
Total equity
£ million

At 30 June 2016
 
797

 
1,347

 
3,146

 
(521
)
 
(2,189
)
 
5,950

 
3,761

 
8,530

 
1,650

 
10,180

Profit for the year
 

 

 

 

 

 
2,662

 
2,662

 
2,662

 
110

 
2,772

Other comprehensive income
 

 

 

 
68

 

 
545

 
545

 
613

 
38

 
651

Employee share schemes
 

 

 

 

 
13

 
(23
)
 
(10
)
 
(10
)
 

 
(10
)
Share-based incentive plans
 

 

 

 

 

 
34

 
34

 
34

 

 
34

Share-based incentive plans in respect of associates
 

 

 

 

 

 
3

 
3

 
3

 

 
3

Tax on share-based incentive plans
 

 

 

 

 

 
12

 
12

 
12

 

 
12

Shares issued
 

 
1

 

 

 

 

 

 
1

 

 
1

Purchase of non-controlling interests by associates
 

 

 

 

 

 
(5
)
 
(5
)
 
(5
)
 

 
(5
)
Change in fair value of put option
 

 

 

 

 

 
(12
)
 
(12
)
 
(12
)
 

 
(12
)
Dividends paid
 

 

 

 

 

 
(1,515
)
 
(1,515
)
 
(1,515
)
 
(83
)
 
(1,598
)
At 30 June 2017
 
797

 
1,348

 
3,146

 
(453
)
 
(2,176
)
 
7,651

 
5,475

 
10,313

 
1,715

 
12,028

Adoption of IFRS 15
 

 

 

 

 

 
(89
)
 
(89
)
 
(89
)
 
(2
)
 
(91
)
Adoption of IFRS 9 by associate
 

 

 

 
(3
)
 

 
3

 
3

 

 

 

Profit for the year
 

 

 

 

 

 
3,022

 
3,022

 
3,022

 
122

 
3,144

Other comprehensive (loss)/income
 

 

 

 
(574
)
 

 
367

 
367

 
(207
)
 
(69
)
 
(276
)
Employee share schemes
 

 

 

 

 
32

 
(7
)
 
25

 
25

 

 
25

Share-based incentive plans
 

 

 

 

 

 
39

 
39

 
39

 

 
39

Share-based incentive plans in respect of associates
 

 

 

 

 

 
4

 
4

 
4

 

 
4

Tax on share-based incentive plans
 

 

 

 

 

 
(2
)
 
(2
)
 
(2
)
 

 
(2
)
Shares issued
 

 
1

 

 

 

 

 

 
1

 

 
1

Purchase of non-controlling interest
 

 

 

 

 

 
(72
)
 
(72
)
 
(72
)
 
70

 
(2
)
Disposal of non-controlling interests
 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 
(1
)
 
(1
)
Purchase of right issue of non-controlling interests
 

 

 

 

 

 
(5
)
 
(5
)
 
(5
)
 
31

 
26

Change in fair value of put option
 

 

 

 

 

 
7

 
7

 
7

 

 
7

Share buyback programme
 
(17
)
 

 
17

 

 

 
(1,507
)
 
(1,507
)
 
(1,507
)
 

 
(1,507
)
Dividends paid
 

 

 

 

 

 
(1,581
)
 
(1,581
)
 
(1,581
)
 
(101
)
 
(1,682
)
At 30 June 2018
 
780

 
1,349

 
3,163

 
(1,030
)
 
(2,144
)
 
7,830

 
5,686

 
9,948

 
1,765

 
11,713

Profit for the year
 

 

 

 

 

 
3,160

 
3,160

 
3,160

 
177

 
3,337

Other comprehensive income
 

 

 

 
212

 

 
20

 
20

 
232

 
55

 
287

Employee share schemes
 

 

 

 

 
118

 
(49
)
 
69

 
69

 

 
69

Share-based incentive plans
 

 

 

 

 

 
49

 
49

 
49

 

 
49

Share-based incentive plans in respect of associates
 

 

 

 

 

 
3

 
3

 
3

 

 
3

Tax on share-based incentive plans
 

 

 

 

 

 
20

 
20

 
20

 

 
20

Shares issued
 

 
1

 

 

 

 

 

 
1

 

 
1

Purchase of non-controlling interests (note 9)
 

 

 

 

 

 
(694
)
 
(694
)
 
(694
)
 
(90
)
 
(784
)
Non-controlling interest in respect of new subsidiary
 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 
2

 
2

Change in fair value of put option
 

 

 

 

 

 
(3
)
 
(3
)
 
(3
)
 

 
(3
)
Share buyback programme
 
(27
)
 

 
27

 

 

 
(2,801
)
 
(2,801
)
 
(2,801
)
 

 
(2,801
)
Dividends declared
 

 

 

 

 

 
(1,623
)
 
(1,623
)
 
(1,623
)
 
(114
)
 
(1,737
)
At 30 June 2019
 
753

 
1,350

 
3,190

 
(818
)
 
(2,026
)
 
5,912

 
3,886

 
8,361

 
1,795

 
10,156

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.


184

Financial statements (continued)

Consolidated statement of cash flows
 
 
 
Year ended 30 June 2019
 
 
Year ended 30 June 2018
 
 
Year ended 30 June 2017
 
 
Notes
 
£ million

 
£ million

 
£ million

 
£ million

 
£ million

 
£ million

Cash flows from operating activities
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Profit for the year
 
 
3,337

 
 
 
3,144

 
 
 
2,772

 
 
Discontinued operations
 
 

 
 
 

 
 
 
55

 
 
Taxation
 
 
898

 
 
 
596

 
 
 
732

 
 
Share of after tax results of associates and joint ventures
 
 
(312
)
 
 
 
(309
)
 
 
 
(309
)
 
 
Net finance charges
 
 
263

 
 
 
260

 
 
 
329

 
 
Non-operating items
 
 
(144
)
 
 
 

 
 
 
(20
)
 
 
Operating profit
 
 
 
 
4,042

 
 
 
3,691

 
 
 
3,559

Increase in inventories
 
 
(434
)
 
 
 
(271
)
 
 
 
(159
)
 
 
Decrease/(increase) in trade and other receivables
 
 
11

 
 
 
(202
)
 
 
 
89

 
 
Increase in trade and other payables and provisions
 
 
201

 
 
 
314

 
 
 
221

 
 
Net (increase)/decrease in working capital
 
 
 
 
(222
)
 
 
 
(159
)
 
 
 
151

Depreciation, amortisation and impairment
 
 
374

 
 
 
493

 
 
 
361

 
 
Dividends received
 
 
168

 
 
 
159

 
 
 
223

 
 
Post employment payments less amounts included in operating profit
 
(121
)
 
 
 
(108
)
 
 
 
(111
)
 
 
Other items
 
 
64

 
 
 
10

 
 
 
(6
)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
485

 
 
 
554

 
 
 
467

Cash generated from operations
 
 
 
 
4,305

 
 
 
4,086

 
 
 
4,177

Interest received
 
 
216

 
 
 
167

 
 
 
180

 
 
Interest paid
 
 
(468
)
 
 
 
(418
)
 
 
 
(493
)
 
 
Taxation paid
 
 
(805
)
 
 
 
(751
)
 
 
 
(732
)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
(1,057
)
 
 
 
(1,002
)
 
 
 
(1,045
)
Net cash inflow from operating activities
 
 
 
 
3,248

 
 
 
3,084

 
 
 
3,132

Cash flows from investing activities
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Disposal of property, plant and equipment and computer software
 
 
32

 
 
 
40

 
 
 
46

 
 
Purchase of property, plant and equipment and computer software
 
 
(671
)
 
 
 
(584
)
 
 
 
(518
)
 
 
Movements in loans and other investments
 
 
(1
)
 
 
 
(17
)
 
 
 
3

 
 
Sale of businesses and brands
9
 
426

 
 
 
4

 
 
 
(52
)
 
 
Acquisition of businesses
9
 
(56
)
 
 
 
(594
)
 
 
 
(31
)
 
 
Net cash outflow from investing activities
 
 
 
 
(270
)
 
 
 
(1,151
)
 
 
 
(552
)
Cash flows from financing activities
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Share buyback programme
17
 
(2,775
)
 
 
 
(1,507
)
 
 
 

 
 
Proceeds from issue of share capital
 
 
1

 
 
 
1

 
 
 
1

 
 
Net sale/(purchase) of own shares for share schemes
 
 
50

 
 
 
8

 
 
 
(41
)
 
 
Dividends paid to non-controlling interests
 
 
(112
)
 
 
 
(80
)
 
 
 
(83
)
 
 
Purchase of shares of non-controlling interests
9
 
(784
)
 
 
 

 
 
 

 
 
Rights issue proceeds from non-controlling interests
 
 

 
 
 
26

 
 
 

 
 
Proceeds from bonds
16
 
2,766

 
 
 
2,612

 
 
 

 
 
Repayment of bonds
16
 
(1,168
)
 
 
 
(1,571
)
 
 
 
(1,234
)
 
 
Net movements in other borrowings

 
721

 
 
 
(26
)
 
 
 
414

 
 
Equity dividends paid
17
 
(1,623
)
 
 
 
(1,581
)
 
 
 
(1,515
)
 
 
Net cash outflow from financing activities
 
 
 
 
(2,924
)
 
 
 
(2,118
)
 
 
 
(2,458
)
Net increase/(decrease) in net cash and cash equivalents
16
 
 
 
54

 
 
 
(185
)
 
 
 
122

Exchange differences
 
 
 
 
(26
)
 
 
 
(39
)
 
 
 
(14
)
Net cash and cash equivalents at beginning of the year
 
 
 
 
693

 
 
 
917

 
 
 
809

Net cash and cash equivalents at end of the year
 
 
 
 
721

 
 
 
693

 
 
 
917

Net cash and cash equivalents consist of:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Cash and cash equivalents
16
 
 
 
932

 
 
 
874

 
 
 
1,191

Bank overdrafts
16
 
 
 
(211
)
 
 
 
(181
)
 
 
 
(274
)
 
 
 
 
 
721

 
 
 
693

 
 
 
917

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.

185

Financial statements (continued)


Accounting information and policies

Introduction

This section describes the basis of preparation of the consolidated financial statements and the group’s accounting policies that are applicable to the financial statements as a whole. Accounting policies, critical accounting estimates and judgements that are specific to a note are included in the note to which they relate. This section also explains new accounting standards, amendments and interpretations, that the group has adopted in the current financial year or will adopt in subsequent years.

1. Accounting information and policies

(a) Basis of preparation

The consolidated financial statements are prepared in accordance with the Companies Act 2006 and International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS) and related interpretations as adopted for use in the European Union (EU) and as issued by the International Accounting Standards Board (IASB). IFRS as adopted by the EU differs in certain respects from IFRS as issued by the IASB. The differences have no impact on the group’s consolidated financial statements for the years presented. The consolidated financial statements are prepared on a going concern basis under the historical cost convention, unless stated otherwise in the relevant accounting policy.

The preparation of financial statements in conformity with IFRS requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities, the disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements, and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the year. Actual results could differ from those estimates.

(b) Going concern

The consolidated financial statements are prepared on a going concern basis.

(c) Consolidation

The consolidated financial statements include the results of the company and its subsidiaries together with the group’s attributable share of the results of associates and joint ventures. A subsidiary is an entity controlled by Diageo plc. The group controls an investee when it is exposed, or has rights, to variable returns from its involvement with the investee and has the ability to affect those returns through its power over the investee. Where the group has the ability to exercise joint control over an entity but has rights to specified assets and obligations for liabilities of that entity, the entity is included on the basis of the group’s rights over those assets and liabilities.

(d) Foreign currencies

Items included in the financial statements of the group’s subsidiaries, associates and joint ventures are measured using the currency of the primary economic environment in which each entity operates (its functional currency). The consolidated financial statements are presented in sterling, which is the functional currency of the parent company.

The income statements and cash flows of non-sterling entities are translated into sterling at weighted average rates of exchange, other than substantial transactions that are translated at the rate on the date of the transaction. Exchange differences arising on the retranslation to closing rates are taken to the exchange reserve.

Assets and liabilities are translated at closing rates. Exchange differences arising on the retranslation at closing rates of the opening balance sheets of overseas entities are taken to the exchange reserve, as are exchange differences arising on foreign currency borrowings and financial instruments designated as net investment hedges, to the extent that they are effective. Tax charges and credits arising on such items are also taken to the exchange reserve. Gains and losses accumulated in the exchange reserve are recycled to the income statement when the foreign operation is sold. Other exchange differences are taken to the income statement. Transactions in foreign currencies are recorded at the rate of exchange at the date of the transaction.

186

Financial statements (continued)

The principal foreign exchange rates used in the translation of financial statements for the three years ended 30 June 2019 , expressed in US dollars and euros per £1, were as follows:
 
 
 
2019

 
2018

 
2017

US dollar
 
 
 
 
 
 
Income statement and cash flows (i)
 
1.29

 
1.35

 
1.27

Assets and liabilities (ii)
 
1.27

 
1.32

 
1.30

Euro
 
 
 
 
 
 
Income statement and cash flows (i)
 
1.13

 
1.13

 
1.16

Assets and liabilities (ii)
 
1.12

 
1.13

 
1.14


(i)    Weighted average rates
(ii)    Year end rates

The group uses foreign exchange hedges to mitigate the effect of exchange rate movements. For further information see note 15.

(e) Critical accounting estimates and judgements

Details of critical estimates and judgements which the directors consider could have a material impact upon the financial statements are set out in the related notes as follows:

Exceptional items – management judgement whether exceptional or not – page 196
Taxation – management judgement of whether a provision is required and management estimate of amount of corporate tax payable or receivable, the recoverability of deferred tax assets and expectation on manner of recovery of deferred taxes – page 201
Brands, goodwill and other intangibles – management judgement of the assets to be recognised and synergies resulting from an acquisition. Management judgement and estimate are required in determining future cash flows and appropriate applicable assumptions to support the intangible asset value – page 208
Post employment benefits – management judgement in determining whether a surplus can be recovered and management estimate in determining the assumptions in calculating the liabilities of the funds – page 216
Contingent liabilities and legal proceedings – management judgement in assessing the likelihood of whether a liability will arise and an estimate to quantify the possible range of any settlement – page 244

Venezuela is a hyper-inflationary economy where the government maintains a regime of strict currency controls with multiple foreign currency rate systems. Access to US dollars on these exchange systems is very limited. The foreign currency denominated transactions and balances of the group’s Venezuelan operations are translated into the local functional currency (Venezuelan bolivar) at the rate they are expected to be settled, applying the most appropriate official exchange rate (DICOM). For consolidation purposes, the group converts its Venezuelan operations using management’s estimate of the exchange rate considering forecast inflation and the most appropriate official exchange rate. The exchange rate used to translate the results of the group’s the Venezuelan operations was VES/£ 403,700 for the year ended 30 June 2019 ( 2018 - VEF/£ 3,858,826 - VES/£ 38.59 ).

The following table presents the contribution of the group’s Venezuelan operations to the consolidated income statement, cash flow statement and net assets for the year ended 30 June 2019 and 30 June 2018 and with the amounts that would have resulted if the official DICOM exchange rate had been applied:
 
 
Year ended 30 June 2019
 
Year ended 30 June 2018
 
 
At estimated exchange rate

 
At DICOM
 exchange rate

 
At estimated
exchange rate

 
At DICOM
exchange rate

 
 
403,700 VES/£

 
8,553 VES/£

 
3,858,826 VEF/£

 
151,800 VEF/£

 
 
£ million

 
£ million

 
£ million

 
£ million

Net sales
 

 
3

 
1

 
27

Operating profit
 

 
2

 

 
16

Other finance income - hyperinflation adjustment
 
10

 
455

 
18

 
458

Net cash inflow from operating activities
 

 
5

 
1

 
12

Net assets
 
56

 
2,643

 
69

 
1,744



187

Financial statements (continued)

(f) New accounting standards and interpretations

The following amendments to the accounting standards, issued by the IASB which have been endorsed by the EU, have been adopted by the group from 1 July 2018 with no impact on the group’s consolidated results, financial position or disclosures:

Amendments to IAS 40 - Transfers of Investment Property
Amendments to IFRS 2 - Classification and Measurement of Share-based payment transactions
Amendments to IFRS 4 - Applying IFRS 9 with IFRS 4 Insurance contracts
Improvements to IFRS 1 - First-time Adoption of International Financial Reporting Standards: Deletion of short-term exemptions for first-time adopters
Improvements to IAS 28 - Investments in Associates and Joint Ventures: Measuring investees at fair value through profit or loss: an investment-by-investment choice or a consistent policy choice
IFRIC 23 - Uncertainty over Income Tax Treatments

IFRS 15 – Revenue from contracts with customers. The group adopted IFRS 15 from 1 July 2017 by applying the modified retrospective transition method, recognising the cumulative effect of initially applying IFRS 15 as an adjustment to the balance of retained earnings as at 1 July 2017. IFRS 15, which requires revenue to be recognised when the control of goods or services is transferred to the customer, replaced IAS 11, IAS 18 and related interpretations which were based on the concept of the transfer of risks and rewards. The income statement for the year ended 30 June 2017 was not restated. The principal change that resulted from the adoption of IFRS 15 was in respect of the accounting for variable consideration receivable where the criteria applied for deducting future promotional payments from the initial revenue recognition was more stringent than under the former accounting policy.

The following standard issued by the IASB and endorsed by the EU, has not yet been adopted by the group:

IFRS 16 – Leases (effective in the year ending 30 June 2020) sets out the principles for the recognition, measurement, presentation and disclosure of leases for both the lessee and the lessor. It eliminates the classification of leases as either operating leases or finance leases currently required under IAS 17 and introduces a single lessee accounting model where the lessee is required to recognise assets and liabilities for all leases. All leases will be recognised on the balance sheet as right of use assets and depreciated on a straight-line basis. The liability, recognised as part of net borrowings, will be measured at a discounted value and any interest will be charged to finance charges in the income statement. Therefore, the charge to the income statement for the operating lease payment will be replaced with depreciation on the right of use asset and the interest charge inherent in the lease .

The group will implement IFRS 16 from 1 July 2019 by applying the modified retrospective method, meaning that the figures for the year ended 30 June 2019 and 30 June 2018 in the financial statements for the year ending 30 June 2020 will not be restated to reflect the impact of IFRS 16. The operating leases which will be recorded on the balance sheet following implementation of IFRS 16 are principally in respect of warehouses, office buildings, plant and machinery, cars and distribution vehicles. The group has decided to reduce the complexity of implementation to take advantage of a number of practical expedients on transition on 1 July 2019 namely:

(i) to measure the right of use asset at the same value as the lease liability
(ii) to apply the short-term and low value exemptions
(iii) to account for, wherever possible, services provided associated with a lease as an income statement item and only capitalise in the right of use asset the lease costs that are in respect of the asset.

The group has designed a new lease accounting process and has implemented a new lease accounting software solution to run the IFRS 16 lease calculations and provide monthly IFRS 16 lease accounting journals. Based on the information currently available, the group estimates that under IFRS 16, as at 1 July 2019 it will recognise additional lease liabilities of approximately £0.3 billion and right of use assets of a similar amount. IFRS 16 will have no impact on the group's net cash flows but the lease capital repayment outflows will be disclosed as financing cash outflow, instead of operating cash outflow. There will be an immaterial benefit to operating profit and an immaterial increase in finance charges. Profit before tax and earnings per share will not be significantly impacted .
 

188

Financial statements (continued)

The following standard, issued by the IASB has not been endorsed by the EU and has not been adopted by the group:

IFRS 17 – Insurance contracts (effective in the year ending 30 June 2022 ) is ultimately intended to replace IFRS 4.

Based on a preliminary assessment the group believes that the adoption of IFRS 17 will not have a significant impact on its consolidated results or financial position.
There are a number of other amendments and clarifications to IFRS, effective in future years, which are not expected to significantly impact the group’s consolidated results or financial position.



189

Financial statements (continued)

Results for the year

Introduction

This section explains the results and performance of the group for the three years ended 30 June 2019 . Disclosures are provided for segmental information, operating costs, exceptional items, finance income and charges, the group's share of results of associates and joint ventures, taxation and discontinued operations. For associates, joint ventures and taxation, balance sheet disclosures are also provided in this section.

2. Segmental information

Accounting policies

Sales comprise revenue from contracts with customers from the sale of goods, royalties and rents receivable. Revenue from the sale of goods includes excise and other duties which the group pays as principal but excludes duties and taxes collected on behalf of third parties, such as value added tax. Sales are recognised as or when performance obligations are satisfied by transferring control of a good or service to the customer. Generally the transfer of control of goods occurs at the time of despatch but in some countries and for some customers may be on delivery. The group includes in sales the net consideration to which it expects to be entitled. Sales are recognised to the extent that it is highly probable that a significant reversal will not occur. Therefore, sales are stated net of expected price discounts, allowances for customer loyalty and certain promotional activities and similar items. Generally, payment of the transaction price is due within credit terms that are consistent with industry practices, with no element of financing.

Net sales are sales less excise duties. Diageo incurs excise duties throughout the world. In the majority of countries excise duties are effectively a production tax which becomes payable when the product is removed from bonded premises and is not directly related to the value of sales. It is generally not included as a separate item on external invoices; increases in excise duty are not always passed on to the customer and where a customer fails to pay for product received the group cannot reclaim the excise duty. The group therefore recognises excise duty, unless it regards itself as an agent of the regulatory authorities, as a cost to the group.

Advertising costs , point of sale materials and sponsorship payments are charged to marketing in operating profit when the company has a right of access to the goods or services acquired.

Diageo is an international manufacturer and distributor of premium drinks. Diageo also owns a number of investments in associates and joint ventures as set out in note 6.

The segmental information presented is consistent with management reporting provided to the Executive Committee (the chief operating decision maker).

The Executive Committee considers the business principally from a geographical perspective based on the location of third party sales and the business analysis is presented by geographical segment. In addition to these geographical selling segments, a further segment reviewed by the Executive Committee is the International Supply Centre (ISC), which manufactures products for other group companies and includes the production sites in the United Kingdom, Ireland, Italy, Guatemala and Mexico.

Continuing operations also include the Corporate function. Corporate revenues and costs are in respect of central costs, including finance, marketing, corporate relations, human resources and legal, as well as certain information systems, facilities and employee costs that are not allocable to the geographical segments or to the ISC. They also include rents receivable and payable in respect of properties not used by the group in the manufacture, sale or distribution of premium drinks.

Diageo uses shared services operations to deliver transaction processing activities for markets and operational entities. These centres are located in Hungary, Kenya, Colombia, the Philippines and India. The captive business service centre in Budapest also performs certain central finance activities, including elements of financial planning and reporting and treasury. The costs of shared service operations are recharged to the regions.

The segmental information for net sales and operating profit before exceptional items is reported at budgeted exchange rates in line with management reporting. For management reporting purposes the group measures the current year at, and restates the prior year net sales and operating profit to, the current year’s budgeted exchange rates. These exchange rates are set prior to the financial year as part of the financial planning process and provide a consistent exchange rate to measure the performance of the business throughout the year. The adjustments required to retranslate the segmental information to actual exchange rates and to reconcile it to the group’s reported results are shown in the following tables. The comparative segmental information, prior to retranslation, has not been restated at the current year’s budgeted exchange rates but is presented at the budgeted rates for the respective years.

190

Financial statements (continued)

In addition, for management reporting purposes Diageo presents separately the results of acquisitions and disposals completed in the current and prior year from the results of the geographical segments. The impact of acquisitions and disposals on net sales and operating profit is disclosed under the appropriate geographical segments in the following tables at budgeted exchange rates.

(a) Segmental information for the consolidated income statement – continuing operations
 
 
North America
£ million


Europe
and
Turkey
£ million


Africa
£ million


Latin America and Caribbean
£ million


Asia
Pacific
£ million


ISC
£ million


Eliminate
inter-
segment
sales
£ million


Total
operating
segments
£ million


Corporate
and other
£ million


Total
£ million

2019
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Sales
 
5,074

 
5,132

 
2,235

 
1,444

 
5,356

 
1,739

 
(1,739
)
 
19,241

 
53

 
19,294

Net sales
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
At budgeted exchange rates (i)
 
4,034

 
2,951

 
1,529

 
1,095

 
2,656

 
1,843

 
(1,738
)
 
12,370

 
54

 
12,424

Acquisitions and disposals
 
88

 
1

 
1

 
1

 
1

 

 

 
92

 

 
92

ISC allocation
 
11

 
63

 
5

 
15

 
11

 
(105
)
 

 

 

 

Retranslation to actual
exchange rates
 
327

 
(76
)
 
62

 
19

 
20

 
1

 
(1
)
 
352

 
(1
)
 
351

Net sales
 
4,460

 
2,939

 
1,597

 
1,130

 
2,688

 
1,739

 
(1,739
)
 
12,814

 
53

 
12,867

Operating profit/(loss)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
At budgeted exchange rates (i)
 
1,755

 
972

 
257

 
312

 
671

 
139

 

 
4,106

 
(186
)
 
3,920

Acquisitions and disposals
 
29

 
(1
)
 

 

 

 

 

 
28

 

 
28

ISC allocation
 
13

 
72

 
6

 
32

 
16

 
(139
)
 

 

 

 

Retranslation to actual
exchange rates
 
151

 
(29
)
 
12

 
21

 
16

 

 

 
171

 
(3
)
 
168

Operating profit/(loss)
before exceptional items
 
1,948

 
1,014

 
275

 
365

 
703

 

 

 
4,305

 
(189
)
 
4,116

Exceptional items
 

 
(18
)
 

 

 
(35
)
 

 

 
(53
)
 
(21
)
 
(74
)
Operating profit/(loss)
 
1,948

 
996

 
275

 
365

 
668

 

 

 
4,252

 
(210
)
 
4,042

Non-operating items
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
144

Net finance charges
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
(263
)
Share of after tax results of associates
and joint ventures
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
- Moët Hennessy
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
310

- Other
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
2

Profit before taxation
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
4,235


191

Financial statements (continued)

 
 
North America
£ million

 
Europe
and
Turkey
£ million

 
Africa
£ million

 
Latin America and Caribbean
£ million

 
Asia
Pacific
£ million

 
ISC
£ million

 
Eliminate
inter-
segment
sales
£ million

 
Total
operating
segments
£ million

 
Corporate
and other
£ million

 
Total
£ million

2018
 
 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Sales
 
4,671

 
5,232

 
2,083

 
1,352

 
5,042

 
1,457

 
(1,457
)
 
18,380

 
52

 
18,432

Net sales
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
At budgeted exchange rates (i)
 
4,138

 
2,821

 
1,467

 
1,064

 
2,555

 
1,512

 
(1,425
)
 
12,132

 
48

 
12,180

Acquisitions and disposals
 
50

 

 

 

 

 

 

 
50

 

 
50

ISC allocation
 
11

 
53

 
4

 
11

 
8

 
(87
)
 

 

 

 

Retranslation to actual
exchange rates
 
(83
)
 
58

 
20

 
(6
)
 
(60
)
 
32

 
(32
)
 
(71
)
 
4

 
(67
)
Net sales
 
4,116

 
2,932

 
1,491

 
1,069

 
2,503

 
1,457

 
(1,457
)
 
12,111

 
52

 
12,163

Operating profit/(loss)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
At budgeted exchange rates (i)
 
1,925

 
941

 
180

 
298

 
588

 
112

 

 
4,044

 
(160
)
 
3,884

Acquisitions and disposals
 
4

 

 

 

 

 

 

 
4

 

 
4

ISC allocation
 
14

 
67

 
5

 
14

 
12

 
(112
)
 

 

 

 

Retranslation to actual
exchange rates
 
(61
)
 
20

 
6

 
(4
)
 
(32
)
 

 

 
(71
)
 
2

 
(69
)
Operating profit/(loss)
before exceptional items
 
1,882

 
1,028

 
191

 
308

 
568

 

 

 
3,977

 
(158
)
 
3,819

Exceptional items
 

 

 
(128
)
 

 

 

 

 
(128
)
 

 
(128
)
Operating profit/(loss)
 
1,882

 
1,028

 
63

 
308

 
568

 

 

 
3,849

 
(158
)
 
3,691

Non-operating items
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

Net finance charges
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
(260
)
Share of after tax results of associates
and joint ventures
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
- Moët Hennessy
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
305

- Other
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
4

Profit before taxation
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
3,740


192

Financial statements (continued)

 
 
North America
£ million

 
Europe
and
Turkey
£ million

 
Africa
£ million

 
Latin America and Caribbean
£ million

 
Asia
Pacific
£ million

 
ISC
£ million

 
Eliminate
inter-
segment
sales
£ million

 
Total
operating
segments
£ million

 
Corporate
and other
£ million

 
Total
£ million

2017
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Sales
 
4,725

 
4,985

 
2,132

 
1,303

 
4,923

 
1,390

 
(1,390
)
 
18,068

 
46

 
18,114

Net sales
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
At budgeted exchange rates (i)
 
3,523

 
2,474

 
1,240

 
873

 
1,977

 
1,418

 
(1,324
)
 
10,181

 
39

 
10,220

Acquisitions and disposals
 

 
2

 
15

 
7

 
41

 

 

 
65

 

 
65

ISC allocation
 
11

 
60

 
4

 
11

 
8

 
(94
)
 

 

 

 

Retranslation to actual
exchange rates
 
627

 
288

 
297

 
153

 
393

 
66

 
(66
)
 
1,758

 
7

 
1,765

Net sales
 
4,161

 
2,824

 
1,556

 
1,044

 
2,419

 
1,390

 
(1,390
)
 
12,004

 
46

 
12,050

Operating profit/(loss)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
At budgeted exchange rates (i)
 
1,648

 
741

 
159

 
195

 
375

 
116

 

 
3,234

 
(169
)
 
3,065

Acquisitions and disposals
 

 

 
(8
)
 

 

 

 

 
(8
)
 
(1
)
 
(9
)
ISC allocation
 
14

 
72

 
5

 
13

 
12

 
(116
)
 

 

 

 

Retranslation to actual
exchange rates
 
237

 
123

 
62

 
42

 
100

 

 

 
564

 
(19
)
 
545

Operating profit/(loss)
before exceptional items
 
1,899

 
936

 
218

 
250

 
487

 

 

 
3,790

 
(189
)
 
3,601

Exceptional items
 

 
(33
)
 

 

 
(9
)
 

 

 
(42
)
 

 
(42
)
Operating profit/(loss)
 
1,899

 
903

 
218

 
250

 
478

 

 

 
3,748

 
(189
)
 
3,559

Non-operating items
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
20

Net finance charges
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
(329
)
Share of after tax results of associates
and joint ventures
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
- Moët Hennessy
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
302

- Other
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
7

Profit before taxation
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
3,559


(i)
These items represent the IFRS 8 performance measures for the geographical and ISC segments.

(1)
The net sales figures for ISC reported to the Executive Committee primarily comprise inter-segment sales and these are eliminated in a separate column in the above segmental analysis. Apart from sales by the ISC segment to the other operating segments, inter-segmental sales are not material.
(2)
The group’s net finance charges are managed centrally and are not attributable to individual operating segments.
(3)    Approximately 40% of annual net sales occur in the last four months of each calendar year.

(b) Other segmental information
 
 
 North
America
£ million

 
Europe and Turkey
£ million

 
Africa
£ million

 
Latin
America
and
Caribbean
£ million

 
Asia
Pacific
£ million

 
ISC
£ million

 
Corporate
and other
£ million

 
Total
£ million

2019
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Capital expenditure
 
150

 
32

 
160

 
48

 
40

 
197

 
44

 
671

Depreciation and intangible asset amortisation
 
(51
)
 
(18
)
 
(81
)
 
(13
)
 
(42
)
 
(110
)
 
(59
)
 
(374
)
2018
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Capital expenditure
 
132

 
22

 
163

 
44

 
44

 
131

 
48

 
584

Depreciation and intangible asset amortisation
 
(44
)
 
(20
)
 
(77
)
 
(7
)
 
(42
)
 
(110
)
 
(68
)
 
(368
)
Exceptional accelerated depreciation and impairment
 

 

 
(35
)
 

 

 

 

 
(35
)
Exceptional impairment of intangible assets
 

 

 
(90
)
 

 

 

 

 
(90
)
2017
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Capital expenditure
 
112

 
27

 
126

 
34

 
48

 
125

 
46

 
518

Depreciation and intangible asset amortisation
 
(41
)
 
(21
)
 
(77
)
 
(7
)
 
(42
)
 
(107
)
 
(66
)
 
(361
)
 

193

Financial statements (continued)

(c) Category and geographical analysis
 
Category analysis
 
 
Geographic analysis
 
 
Spirits
£ million

 
Beer
£ million

 
Wine
£ million

 
Ready to
drink
£ million

 
Other
£ million

 
Total
£ million

 
Great
Britain
£ million

 
United
States
£ million

 
Nether-
lands
£ million

 
India
£ million

 
Rest of
World
£ million

 
Total
£ million

2019
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Sales (i)
15,283

 
2,758

 
78

 
945

 
230

 
19,294

 
1,706

 
4,724

 
70

 
3,236

 
9,558

 
19,294

Non-current assets (ii), (iii)

 

 

 

 

 

 
1,637

 
4,662

 
2,525

 
3,829

 
7,668

 
20,321

2018
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Sales (i)
14,605

 
2,647

 
81

 
854

 
245

 
18,432

 
1,630

 
4,310

 
63

 
3,086

 
9,343

 
18,432

Non-current assets (ii), (iii)

 

 

 

 

 

 
1,717

 
4,221

 
2,367

 
3,688

 
7,792

 
19,785

2017
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Sales (i)
14,241

 
2,635

 
81

 
854

 
303

 
18,114

 
1,558

 
4,366

 
62

 
3,070

 
9,058

 
18,114

Non-current assets (ii), (iii)

 

 

 

 

 

 
1,678

 
4,012

 
2,392

 
4,009

 
7,410

 
19,501

 
(i)    The geographical analysis of sales is based on the location of third party customers.
(ii)
The geographical analysis of non-current assets is based on the geographical location of the assets and comprises intangible assets, property, plant and equipment, biological assets, investments in associates and joint ventures, other investments and non-current other receivables.
(iii)
The management information provided to the chief operating decision maker does not include an analysis of assets and liabilities by category and therefore is not disclosed.

3. Operating costs
 
 
2019
£ million

 
2018
£ million

 
2017
£ million

Excise duties
 
6,427

 
6,269

 
6,064

Cost of sales
 
4,866

 
4,634

 
4,680

Marketing
 
2,042

 
1,882

 
1,798

Other operating expenses
 
1,917

 
1,956

 
2,013


 
15,252

 
14,741

 
14,555

Comprising:
 

 

 

Excise duties – Great Britain
 
898

 
853

 
774

– United States
 
587

 
548

 
558

– India
 
2,202

 
2,094

 
2,073

– Other
 
2,740

 
2,774

 
2,659

Increase in inventories
 
(446
)
 
(296
)
 
(146
)
Raw materials and consumables
 
3,007

 
3,052

 
2,813

Marketing
 
2,042

 
1,882

 
1,798

Other external charges
 
2,285

 
1,849

 
2,124

Staff costs
 
1,580

 
1,509

 
1,583

Depreciation, amortisation and impairment
 
374

 
493

 
361

Gains on disposal of properties
 
(5
)
 
(9
)
 
(7
)
Net foreign exchange (gains)/losses
 
(7
)
 
6

 
(16
)
Other operating income
 
(5
)
 
(14
)
 
(19
)
 
 
15,252

 
14,741

 
14,555


(a) Other external charges

Other external charges include operating lease rentals for plant and equipment of £19 million ( 2018 £21 million ; 2017 £20 million ), other operating lease rentals (mainly properties) of £101 million ( 2018 £87 million ; 2017 £96 million ), research and development expenditure in respect of new drinks products and package design in the year leading up to product launch of £35 million ( 2018 £36 million ; 2017 £33 million ) and maintenance and repairs of £103 million ( 2018 £117 million ; 2017 £100 million ).


194

Financial statements (continued)

(b) Auditor fees

Other external charges include the fees of the principal auditor of the group, PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP and its affiliates (PwC) are analysed below.
 
 
2019
£ million

 
2018
£ million

 
2017
£ million

Audit of these financial statements
 
3.8

 
3.3

 
3.1

Audit of financial statements of subsidiaries
 
3.4

 
3.3

 
3.4

Audit related assurance services (i)
 
1.6

 
1.6

 
1.6

Total audit fees (Audit fees)
 
8.8

 
8.2

 
8.1

Other services relevant to taxation (Tax fees)
 

 
0.1

 
0.3

Other assurance services (Audit related fees) (ii)
 
0.7

 
0.6

 
0.5

All other non-audit fees (All other fees)
 
0.2

 
1.0

 
0.9

 
 
9.7

 
9.9

 
9.8


(i)
Audit related assurance services are principally in respect of reporting under section 404 of the US Sarbanes-Oxley Act and the review of the interim financial information.
(ii)
Other assurance services comprise the aggregate fees for assurance and related services that are in respect of the performance of the audit or review of the financial statements and are not reported under ‘total audit fees’.

(1)
Disclosure requirements for auditor fees in the United States are different from those required in the United Kingdom. The terminology by category required in the United States is disclosed in brackets in the above table. All figures are the same for the disclosures in the United Kingdom and the United States apart from £0.4 million ( 2018 £0.4 million ; 2017 £0.3 million ) of the cost in respect of the review of the interim financial information which would be included in audit related fees in the United States rather than audit fees.

Audit services provided by firms other than PwC for the year ended 30 June 2019 were £0.1 million ( 2018 £0.1 million ; 2017 £0.5 million ). PwC fees for audit services in respect of employee pension plans were £0.3 million for the year ended 30 June 2019 ( 2018 £0.3 million ; 2017 £0.3 million ).

(c) Staff costs and average number of employees
 
 
2019
£ million

 
2018
£ million

 
2017
£ million

Aggregate remuneration
 
 
 
 
 
 
Wages and salaries
 
1,344

 
1,272

 
1,330

Share-based incentive plans
 
50

 
40

 
34

Employer’s social security
 
96

 
95

 
93

Employer’s pension
 
 
 
 
 
 
– defined benefit plans
 
61

 
73

 
95

– defined contribution plans
 
19

 
18

 
17

Other post employment plans
 
10

 
11

 
14

 
 
1,580

 
1,509

 
1,583



195

Financial statements (continued)

The average number of employees on a full time equivalent basis (excluding employees of associates and joint ventures) was as follows:
 
 
2019

 
2018

 
2017

North America
 
2,410

 
2,406

 
2,251

Europe and Turkey
 
3,609

 
3,747

 
4,074

Africa
 
4,338

 
4,625

 
4,898

Latin America and Caribbean (i)
 
1,610

 
2,536

 
2,573

Asia Pacific
 
7,038

 
8,008

 
8,690

ISC (i)
 
4,919

 
4,227

 
4,244

Corporate and other
 
4,496

 
4,368

 
3,703

 
 
28,420

 
29,917

 
30,433


(i)
The increase in the ISC in the year ended 30 June 2019 is primarily due to the transfer of supply employees in Mexico to ISC. Comparative figures have not been restated.

At 30 June 2019 the group had, on a full time equivalent basis, 28,150 ( 2018 29,362 ; 2017 30,051 ) employees. The average number of employees of the group, including part time employees, for the year was 29,402 ( 2018 30,761 ; 2017 31,472 ).

(d) Exceptional operating items

Included in other operating costs are the following exceptional charges:
 
 
2019
£ million

 
2018
£ million

 
2017
£ million

Staff costs
 


 


 


– Guaranteed minimum pension equalisation charge
 
21

 

 

Other external charges
 
53

 

 
42

Decrease in inventories
 

 
3

 

Depreciation, amortisation and impairment
 
 
 
 
 
 
– Brand, goodwill and tangible asset impairment
 

 
125

 

Total exceptional operating costs (note 4)
 
74

 
128

 
42


4. Exceptional items

Accounting policies

Operating items Exceptional operating items are those that are considered to be material and/or unusual or non recurring in nature and are part of the operating activities of the group such as impairment of intangible assets and fixed assets, indirect tax settlements, property disposals and changes in post employment plans.

Non-operating items Gains and losses on the sale of businesses, brands or distribution rights, step up gains and losses that arise when an investment becomes an associate or an associate becomes a subsidiary and other material, unusual non recurring items, that are not in respect of the production, marketing and distribution of premium drinks, are disclosed as non-operating exceptional items below operating profit in the consolidated income statement.

Taxation items Exceptional current and deferred tax items comprising material unusual non recurring items that impact taxation, such as direct tax provisions and settlements in respect of prior years and the remeasurement of deferred tax assets and liabilities following tax rate changes.

Critical accounting judgements

Exceptional items are those that in management’s judgement need to be disclosed by virtue of their size and/or nature. Such items are included within the income statement caption to which they relate, and are separately disclosed in the notes to the consolidated financial statements.


196

Financial statements (continued)

It is believed that separate disclosure of exceptional items and the classification between operating and non-operating further helps investors to understand the performance of the group.
 
 
2019
£ million

 
2018
£ million

 
2017
£ million

Items included in operating profit
 
 
 
 
 
 
Indirect tax in Korea (a)
 
(35
)
 

 

Guaranteed minimum pension equalisation (b)
 
(21
)
 

 

French tax audit penalty (note 7 (b) (i))
 
(18
)
 

 

Brand, goodwill, tangible and other assets impairment (c)
 

 
(128
)
 

Competition authority investigation in Turkey (d)
 

 

 
(33
)
Customer claim in India (e)
 

 

 
(32
)
Disengagement agreements relating to United Spirits Limited (f)
 

 

 
23

 
 
(74
)
 
(128
)
 
(42
)
Non-operating items
 
 
 
 
 
 
Sale of businesses and brands
 
 
 
 
 
 
Portfolio of 19 brands (g)
 
155

 

 

USL wine business (h)
 
(2
)
 

 

Wines in the United States and Percy Fox (i)
 

 

 
20

United National Breweries (j)
 
(9
)
 

 

 
 
144

 

 
20

French tax audit interest (note 7 (b) (i))
 
(9
)
 

 

Exceptional items before taxation
 
61

 
(128
)
 
(22
)
Items included in taxation (note 7 (b))
 
(39
)
 
203

 
4

Exceptional items in continuing operations
 
22

 
75

 
(18
)
Discontinued operations net of taxation (note 8)
 

 

 
(55
)
Total exceptional items
 
22

 
75

 
(73
)
Attributable to:
 
 
 
 
 
 
Equity shareholders of the parent company
 
(4
)
 
75

 
(64
)
Non-controlling interests
 
26

 

 
(9
)
Total exceptional items
 
22

 
75

 
(73
)
 
(a) Following recent assessments of competitors' indirect tax in respect of certain channel accounts and a recent regulatory change in Korea, Diageo has made a provision, in the year ended 30 June 2019, of £35 million in respect of prior years.

(b) On 26 October 2018 , the High Court of Justice of England and Wales issued a judgment in a claim between Lloyds Banking Group Pension Trustees Limited (the claimant) and Lloyds Bank plc (defendant) that UK pension schemes should equalise pension benefits for men and women for the calculation of their guaranteed minimum pension liability. The judgment concluded that the claimant has a duty to amend their pension schemes to equalise benefits and provided comments on the method to be adopted to equalise the benefits. This court ruling impacts the majority of companies with a UK defined benefit pension plan that was in existence prior to 1997. For the Diageo Pension Scheme (DPS) an estimate was made of the impact of equalisation which increased the liabilities of the DPS by £21 million with a corresponding charge to exceptional operating items. Additional work will be carried out to finalise the charge in the year ending 30 June 2020.

(c) In the year ended 30 June 2018 , an impairment charge of £128 million in respect of the Meta brand, Ethiopian tangible fixed assets, associated spare parts reported in inventory and goodwill allocated to the Africa Regional Markets cash-generating unit has been recognised in other operating exceptional expenses.

(d) In the year ended 30 June 2017 , TRY 150 million ( £33 million ) was charged to exceptional items in respect of the Turkish Competition Authority investigation into certain of Mey İçki’s trading practices in Turkey.

(e) During the year ended 30 June 2017 United Spirits Limited received a claim, followed by a debit note, from a customer in India in respect of differential pricing charged over a number of years in respect of products sold to that customer primarily for the period prior

197

Financial statements (continued)

to the acquisition of United Spirits Limited by Diageo. The group made a provision of INR 2,678 million ( £32 million ) in exceptional items against the current receivable from the customer.

(f) In the year ended 30 June 2017 a provision of $29 million ( £23 million ) was credited to exceptional items in respect of a prior year agreement with Dr Vijay Mallya.

(g) Diageo completed the sale of a portfolio of 19 brands to Sazerac on 20 December 2018 for an aggregate consideration of $550 million ( £435 million ) resulting in a profit before taxation of $198 million ( £155 million ). See note 9(b) for further information including the list of brands disposed of.

(h) The disposal of the Indian wine business resulted in a loss of £2 million .

(i) In the year ended 30 June 2017 adjustments were finalised in respect of the sale of the group’s wine interests in the United States and its UK Percy Fox businesses which was completed in the year ended 30 June 2016 resulting in a net £20 million exceptional gain.

(j) The disposal of United National Breweries (UNB), Diageo's wholly owned sorghum business in South Africa, was agreed in December 2018 and is subject to regulatory approvals. The prospective sale has resulted in an exceptional loss of approximately ZAR 156 million ( £9 million ).

5. Finance income and charges

Accounting policies

Net interest includes interest income and charges in respect of financial instruments and the results of hedging transactions used to manage interest rate risk.

Finance charges directly attributable to the acquisition, construction or production of a qualifying asset, being an asset that necessarily takes a substantial period of time to get ready for its intended use or sale, are added to the cost of that asset. Borrowing costs which are not capitalised are recognised in the income statement based on the effective interest method. All other finance charges are recognised primarily in the income statement in the year in which they are incurred.

Net other finance charges include items in respect of post employment plans, the discount unwind of long-term obligations and hyperinflation charges. The results of operations in hyperinflationary economies are adjusted to reflect the changes in the purchasing power of the local currency of the entity before being translated to sterling.


198

Financial statements (continued)

The impact of derivatives, excluding cash flow hedges that are in respect of commodity risk management or those that are used to hedge the currency risk of highly probable future currency cash flows, is included in interest income or interest charge.
 
 
2019
£ million

 
2018
£ million

 
2017
£ million

Interest income
 
232

 
155

 
148

Fair value gain on financial instruments
 
155

 
61

 
76

Total interest income (i)
 
387

 
216

 
224

Interest charge on bank loans and overdrafts
 
(47
)
 
(53
)
 
(72
)
Interest charge on finance leases
 
(7
)
 
(9
)
 
(11
)
Interest charge on all other borrowings
 
(424
)
 
(333
)
 
(368
)
Fair value loss on financial instruments
 
(157
)
 
(62
)
 
(67
)
Total interest charges (i)
 
(635
)
 
(457
)
 
(518
)
Net interest charges
 
(248
)
 
(241
)
 
(294
)
Net finance income in respect of post employment plans in surplus (note 13)
 
29

 
9

 
2

Hyperinflation adjustment in respect of Venezuela (note 1)
 
10

 
18

 
9

Interest income in respect of direct and indirect tax
 
16

 

 

Total other finance income
 
55

 
27

 
11

Net finance charge in respect of post employment plans in deficit (note 13)
 
(22
)
 
(20
)
 
(27
)
Unwinding of discounts
 
(17
)
 
(14
)
 
(8
)
Interest charge in respect of direct and indirect tax
 
(11
)
 
(10
)
 

Change in financial liability (Level 3)
 
(8
)
 

 
(8
)
Other finance charges (exceptional) (ii)
 
(9
)
 

 

Other finance charges
 
(3
)
 
(2
)
 
(3
)
Total other finance charges
 
(70
)
 
(46
)
 
(46
)
Net other finance charges
 
(15
)
 
(19
)
 
(35
)

(i) Includes £86 million interest income and £(439) million interest charge in respect of  financial assets and liabilities that are not measured at fair value through the income statement ( 2018 - £73 million income and £(394) million charge; 2017 - £91 million income and £(467) million charge).
(ii) In respect of the French tax audit settlement (see note 7(b)(i)).

6. Investments in associates and joint ventures

Accounting policies

An associate is an undertaking in which the group has a long-term equity interest and over which it has the power to exercise significant influence. A joint venture is a joint arrangement whereby the parties that have joint control of the arrangement have rights to the net assets of the arrangement. The group’s interest in the net assets of associates and joint ventures is reported in investments in the consolidated balance sheet and its interest in their results (net of tax) is included in the consolidated income statement below the group’s operating profit. Associates and joint ventures are initially recorded at cost including transaction costs. Investments in associates and joint ventures are reviewed for impairment whenever events or circumstances indicate that the carrying amount may not be recoverable. The impairment review compares the net carrying value with the recoverable amount, where the recoverable amount is the higher of the value in use calculated as the present value of the group’s share of the associate’s future cash flows and its fair value less costs to sell.

Diageo’s principal associate is Moët Hennessy, SAS (Moët Hennessy) of which Diageo owns 34% . Moët Hennessy is the spirits and wine subsidiary of LVMH Moët Hennessy – Louis Vuitton SA (LVMH). LVMH is based in France and is listed on the Paris Stock Exchange. Moët Hennessy is also based in France and is a producer and exporter of champagne and cognac brands.

A number of joint distribution arrangements have been established with LVMH in Asia Pacific and France, principally covering distribution of Diageo’s Scotch whisky and gin premium brands and Moët Hennessy’s champagne and cognac premium brands. Diageo and LVMH have each undertaken not to engage in any champagne or cognac activities competing with those of Moët Hennessy. The arrangements also contain certain provisions for the protection of Diageo as a non-controlling shareholder in Moët Hennessy.


199

Financial statements (continued)

(a) An analysis of the movement in the group’s investments in associates and joint ventures is as follows:
 
 
Moët
Hennessy
£ million

 
Others
£ million

 
Total
£ million

Cost less provisions
 
 
 
 
 
 
At 30 June 2017
 
2,726

 
98

 
2,824

Exchange differences
 
3

 

 
3

Additions
 

 
41

 
41

Share of profit after tax
 
305

 
4

 
309

Dividends
 
(150
)
 
(9
)
 
(159
)
Share of movements in other comprehensive income and equity
 
(9
)
 

 
(9
)
At 30 June 2018
 
2,875

 
134

 
3,009

Exchange differences
 
16

 
3

 
19

Additions
 

 
32

 
32

Share of profit after tax
 
310

 
2

 
312

Disposals
 

 
(3
)
 
(3
)
Dividends
 
(160
)
 
(8
)
 
(168
)
Share of movements in other comprehensive income and equity
 
(1
)
 

 
(1
)
Step acquisitions
 

 
(7
)
 
(7
)
Other (i)
 

 
(20
)
 
(20
)
At 30 June 2019
 
3,040

 
133

 
3,173


(i)
Other movements in the year ended 30 June 2019 comprise £20 million of advances promised to associates at 30 June 2018 , on achieving certain performance targets which are now only recognised when those targets are achieved. There is a corresponding decrease of £20 million in other payables.
 
(1)
Investment in associates balance includes loans given to and preference shares invested in associates of £55 million ( 2018 £59 million ; 2017 £27 million ).
(2)
If certain performance targets are met by associates in the Distill Ventures programmes, an additional £31 million ( 2018 - £25 million ) will be invested in those associates.

(b) Income statement information for the three years ended 30 June 2019 and balance sheet information as at 30 June 2019 and 30 June 2018 of Moët Hennessy is as follows:
 
 
2019
£ million

 
2018
£ million

 
2017
£ million

Sales
 
4,713

 
4,445

 
4,356

Profit for the year
 
911

 
897

 
888

Total comprehensive income
 
865

 
799

 
838


Moët Hennessy prepares its financial statements under IFRS as endorsed by the EU in euros to 31 December each year. The results are adjusted for alignment to Diageo accounting policies and are a major part of the Wines & Spirits division of LVMH. The results are translated at £1 = €1.13 ( 2018 £1 = €1.13 ; 2017 £1 = €1.16 ).
 
 
2019
£ million

 
2018
£ million

Non-current assets
 
4,413

 
4,251

Current assets
 
7,564

 
7,395

Total assets
 
11,977

 
11,646

Non-current liabilities
 
(1,008
)
 
(972
)
Current liabilities
 
(2,029
)
 
(2,218
)
Total liabilities
 
(3,037
)
 
(3,190
)
Net assets
 
8,940

 
8,456

 
(1)
Including acquisition fair value adjustments principally in respect of Moët Hennessy’s brands and translated at £1 = €1.12 ( 2018 £1 = €1.13 ).

200

Financial statements (continued)


(c) Information on transactions between the group and its associates and joint ventures is disclosed in note 20.

(d) Investments in associates and joint ventures comprise the cost of shares less goodwill written off on acquisitions prior to 1 July 1998 of £ 1,249 million ( 2018 £1,239 million ), plus the group’s share of post acquisition reserves of £ 1,924 million ( 2018 £1,770 million ).

(e) The associates and joint ventures have not reported any material contingent liabilities in their latest financial statements.

7. Taxation

Accounting policies

Current tax is based on taxable profit for the year. Taxable profit is different from accounting profit due to temporary differences between accounting and tax treatments, and due to items that are never taxable or tax deductible. Tax benefits are not recognised unless it is probable that the tax positions are sustainable. Once considered to be probable, tax benefits are reviewed each year to assess whether a provision should be taken against full recognition of the benefit on the basis of potential settlement through negotiation and/or litigation. Tax provisions are included in current liabilities. Penalties and interest on tax liabilities are included in operating profit and finance charges, respectively.

Full provision for deferred tax is made for temporary differences between the carrying value of assets and liabilities for financial reporting purposes and their value for tax purposes. The amount of deferred tax reflects the expected recoverable amount and is based on the expected manner of recovery or settlement of the carrying amount of assets and liabilities, using the basis of taxation enacted or substantively enacted by the balance sheet date. Deferred tax assets are not recognised where it is more likely than not that the assets will not be realised in the future. No deferred tax liability is provided in respect of any future remittance of earnings of foreign subsidiaries where the group is able to control the remittance of earnings and it is probable that such earnings will not be remitted in the foreseeable future, or where no liability would arise on the remittance.

Critical accounting estimates and judgements

The group is required to estimate the corporate tax in each of the many jurisdictions in which it operates. Management is required to estimate the amount that should be recognised as a tax liability or tax asset in many countries which are subject to tax audits which by their nature are often complex and can take several years to resolve; current tax balances are based on such estimations. Tax provisions are based on management’s judgement and interpretation of country specific tax law and the likelihood of settlement. However, the actual tax liabilities could differ from the provision and in such event the group would be required to make an adjustment in a subsequent period which could have a material impact on the group’s profit for the year.

The evaluation of deferred tax assets recoverability requires estimates to be made regarding the availability of future taxable income. For brands with an indefinite life, management’s intention is to recover the book value through a potential sale in the future, and therefore the deferred tax on the brand value is recognised using the appropriate country capital gains tax rate.


201

Financial statements (continued)

(a) Analysis of taxation charge for the year
 
United Kingdom
 
 
Rest of world
 
 
Total
 
 
2019
£ million

 
2018
£ million

 
2017
£ million

 
2019
£ million

 
2018
£ million

 
2017
£ million

 
2019
£ million

 
2018
£ million

 
2017
£ million

Current tax
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Current year
150

 
131

 
50

 
713

 
503

 
541

 
863

 
634

 
591

Adjustments in respect of prior years
(3
)
 
71

 
4

 
52

 
(2
)
 
16

 
49

 
69

 
20

 
147

 
202

 
54

 
765

 
501

 
557

 
912

 
703

 
611

Deferred tax
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Origination and reversal of temporary differences
29

 
40

 
40

 
(19
)
 
127

 
94

 
10

 
167

 
134

Changes in tax rates
(2
)
 
(11
)
 
5

 
(52
)
 
(360
)
 
(14
)
 
(54
)
 
(371
)
 
(9
)
Adjustments in respect of prior years
5

 
95

 
13

 
25

 
2

 
(17
)
 
30

 
97

 
(4
)
 
32

 
124

 
58

 
(46
)
 
(231
)
 
63

 
(14
)
 
(107
)
 
121

Taxation on profit from continuing operations
179

 
326

 
112

 
719

 
270

 
620

 
898

 
596

 
732


(b) Exceptional tax (credits)/charges

The taxation charge includes the following exceptional items:
 
 
2019
£ million

 
2018
£ million

 
2017
£ million

French tax audit settlement (i)
 
61

 

 

Tax rate change in the Netherlands (ii)
 
(51
)
 

 

Sale of businesses and brands
 
33

 

 
7

Guaranteed minimum pension equalisation
 
(4
)
 

 

US tax reform (iii)
 

 
(354
)
 

UK transfer pricing settlement (iv)
 

 
143

 

UK industrial building allowance
 

 
21

 

Brand and tangible asset impairment
 

 
(13
)
 

Customer claim in India
 

 

 
(11
)
 
 
39

 
(203
)
 
(4
)

(i) As disclosed in the interim announcement for the six months ended 31 December 2018, Diageo has been in discussions with the French tax authorities over the deductibility of certain interest costs, and assessments had been issued denying tax relief for interest costs incurred in the periods ended 30 June 2011 to 30 June 2017 with a maximum potential liability of €241 million ( £213 million ). In July 2019 Diageo reached a resolution on the treatment of interest costs for all open periods which resulted in a total exceptional charge of  €100 million ( £88 million ), comprising a tax charge of €69 million ( £61 million ), penalties of  €21 million ( £18 million ) and interest of €10 million ( £9 million ). This brings to a close all open issues with the French tax authorities for periods up to and including 30 June 2017 .
(ii)
During the year ended 30 June 2019 the Dutch Senate agreed to a phased reduction in the Dutch corporate tax rate which is effective from 1 January 2020 . An exceptional tax credit of £51 million principally arose from remeasuring the deferred tax liabilities in respect of the Ketel One vodka distribution rights from a tax rate of 25% to 20.5%.
(iii) The exceptional tax credit of £354 million ( $478 million ) resulted from applying the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (TCJA), enacted on 22 December 2017 , in the United States. The credit principally arose on remeasuring the deferred tax liabilities in respect of intangibles and other assets for the change in the US Federal tax rate from 35% to 21%, resulting in an exceptional tax credit of £363 million ( $490 million ), which is partially offset by £9 million ( $12 million ) exceptional tax charge in respect of repatriation of untaxed foreign earnings. In addition, there was a one-off charge of £11 million ( $15 million ) to other comprehensive income and equity, in respect of the remeasurement of the deferred tax assets on post employment liabilities and share-based incentive plans as a result of applying the provisions of the TCJA.
(iv) During 2017 Diageo was in discussions with HMRC to seek clarity on Diageo’s transfer pricing and related issues, and in the first half of the year ending 30 June 2018 a preliminary assessment for diverted profits tax notice was issued. Final charging notices were issued in August 2017 and Diageo paid £107 million in respect of the two years ended 30 June 2016 . Diageo agreed in June 2018 with HMRC that diverted profits tax does not apply and at the same time has reached resolution on the transfer pricing issues being discussed. The agreement in respect of transfer pricing covers the period from 1 July 2014 to 30 June 2017 and has resulted in an additional UK tax charge of £143 million . In the year ended 30 June 2018 an additional tax charge of £47 million was recognised in current tax which is based on the approach agreed with HMRC.


202

Financial statements (continued)

(c) Taxation rate reconciliation and factors that may affect future tax charges
 
 
2019
£ million

 
2018
£ million

 
2017
£ million

Profit from continuing operations before taxation
 
4,235

 
3,740

 
3,559

Notional charge at UK corporation tax rate of 19% (2018 – 19%; 2017 – 19.75%)
 
805

 
711

 
703

Elimination of notional tax on share of after tax results of associates and joint ventures
 
(59
)
 
(58
)
 
(60
)
Differences in overseas tax rates
 
106

 
134

 
162

Effect of intra-group financing
 
(34
)
 
(61
)
 
(64
)
Non taxable gain on disposals of businesses
 
(3
)
 

 

Other tax rate and tax base differences
 
(132
)
 
(109
)
 
(100
)
Other items not chargeable
 
(54
)
 
(79
)
 
(78
)
Impairment
 

 
16

 

Non deductible losses on disposal of businesses
 

 

 
(1
)
Other non deductible exceptional items
 
12

 
9

 
7

Other items not deductible (i)
 
231

 
238

 
156

Changes in tax rates (ii)
 
(54
)
 
(371
)
 
(9
)
Fair value adjustment in respect of assets held for sale
 
1

 

 

Adjustments in respect of prior years (iii)
 
79

 
166

 
16

Taxation on profit from continuing operations
 
898

 
596

 
732


(i)
Other items not deductible include controlled foreign companies charge, irrecoverable withholding tax and additional state and local taxes.
(ii)
Changes in tax rates for the year ended 30 June 2019 principally arose from the tax rate change in the Netherlands. Changes in tax rates for the year ended 30 June 2018 was mainly due to the application of the TCJA.
(iii)
Adjustment in respect of prior years for the year ended 30 June 2019 includes £61 million exceptional tax charge in respect of the French tax audit settlement. The £166 million prior year adjustment for the year ended 30 June 2018 is principally in respect of the exceptional tax charge in respect of the UK transfer pricing agreement.

The table above reconciles the notional taxation charge calculated at the UK tax rate, to the actual total tax charge. As a group operating in multiple countries, the actual tax rates applicable to profits in those countries are different from the UK tax rate. The impact is shown in the table above as differences in overseas tax rates. The group’s worldwide business leads to the consideration of a number of important factors which may affect future tax charges, such as: the levels and mix of profitability in different jurisdictions, transfer pricing regulations, tax rates imposed and tax regime reforms, acquisitions, disposals, restructuring activities, and settlements or agreements with tax authorities.

Significant ongoing changes in the international tax environment and an increase in global tax audit activity means that tax uncertainties and associated risks have been gradually increasing. In the medium term, these risks could result in an increase in tax liabilities or adjustments to the carrying value of deferred tax assets and liabilities. See note 18 (h).

The group has a number of ongoing tax audits worldwide for which provisions are recognised based on best estimates and management’s judgements concerning the ultimate outcome of the audit. As at 30 June 2019 the ongoing audits that are provided for individually are not expected to result in a material tax liability. The current tax asset of £83 million ( 2018 £65 million ) and tax liability of £378 million ( 2018 £243 million ) includes £251 million ( 2018 £231 million ) of provisions for tax uncertainties.


203

Financial statements (continued)

(d) Deferred tax assets and liabilities

The amounts of deferred tax accounted for in the consolidated balance sheet comprise the following net deferred tax assets/(liabilities):
 
Property,
plant and
equipment
£ million

 
Intangible
assets
£ million

 
Post
employment
plans
£ million

 
Tax losses
£ million

 
Other
temporary
differences (i)
£ million

 
Total
£ million

At 30 June 2017
(180
)
 
(2,277
)
 
112

 
43

 
324

 
(1,978
)
Exchange differences
7

 
89

 
(2
)
 
(1
)
 
(11
)
 
82

Recognised in income statement – continuing operations
(134
)
 
(14
)
 
(9
)
 
(15
)
 
(84
)
 
(256
)
Reclassification
(4
)
 

 
(1
)
 

 
5

 

Recognised in other comprehensive income and equity

 

 
(105
)
 
5

 
35

 
(65
)
Tax rate change – recognised in income statement
19

 
390

 
(16
)
 

 
(30
)
 
363

Tax rate change – recognised in other comprehensive income and equity

 

 
(6
)
 

 
(5
)
 
(11
)
At 30 June 2018
(292
)
 
(1,812
)
 
(27
)
 
32

 
234

 
(1,865
)
Exchange differences
(7
)
 
(47
)
 
2

 
1

 
4

 
(47
)
Recognised in income statement – continuing operations
(51
)
 
14

 
(17
)
 
(14
)
 
28

 
(40
)
Reclassification
(2
)
 
(3
)
 
12

 
3

 
(10
)
 

Recognised in other comprehensive income and equity

 

 
(8
)
 
5

 
(1
)
 
(4
)
Tax rate change – recognised in income statement
1

 
51

 
(1
)
 
2

 
1

 
54

Tax rate change – recognised in other comprehensive income and equity

 

 
1

 
(5
)
 
8

 
4

Acquisition of subsidiaries

 
(5
)
 

 

 

 
(5
)
Transfer to assets held for sale
2

 
7

 

 

 

 
9

At 30 June 2019
(349
)

(1,795
)
 
(38
)
 
24

 
264

 
(1,894
)
 
(i)
Deferred tax on other temporary differences includes thalidomide provisions, restructuring provisions, share-based payments and intra group sales of products.

After offsetting deferred tax assets and liabilities where appropriate within territories, the net deferred tax liability comprises:  
 
 
2019
£ million

 
2018
£ million

Deferred tax assets
 
138

 
122

Deferred tax liabilities
 
(2,032
)
 
(1,987
)
 
 
(1,894
)
 
(1,865
)

The deferred tax assets of £138 million includes £60 million ( 2018 £70 million ) arising in jurisdictions with prior year taxable losses. The majority of the asset is in respect of Ireland, where the amounts arose from timing differences on pension funding payments. It is considered more likely than not that there will be sufficient future taxable profits to realise these deferred tax assets, the majority of which can be carried forward indefinitely.

(e) Unrecognised deferred tax assets

Deferred tax assets have not been recognised in respect of the following tax losses:
 
 
2019
£ million

 
2018
£ million

Capital losses - indefinite
 
62

 
69

Trading losses - indefinite
 
70

 
92

Trading losses - expiry dates up to 2029
 
53

 
55

 
 
185

 
216



204

Financial statements (continued)

(f) Unrecognised deferred tax liabilities

UK legislation largely exempts overseas dividends remitted from UK tax. A tax liability is more likely to arise in respect of withholding taxes levied by the overseas jurisdiction. Deferred tax is provided where there is an intention to distribute earnings, and a tax liability arises. It is impractical to estimate the amount of unrecognised deferred tax liabilities in respect of these unremitted earnings.

The aggregate amount of temporary differences in respect of investments in subsidiaries, branches, interests in associates and joint ventures for which deferred tax liabilities have not been recognised is approximately £12.2 billion ( 2018 £12 billion ).

8. Discontinued operations

Accounting policies

Discontinued operations comprise disposal groups where they represent a major line of business or geographical area of operations or business activities that the group no longer participates in or did not form part of the group’s operations.

In the year ended 30 June 2017 discontinued operations comprised £55 million (net of deferred tax of £9 million ), of additional amounts payable to the UK Thalidomide Trust, updates to the discount and inflation rates applied to the existing thalidomide provision and legal costs. Cash payments in the year ended 30 June 2017 in respect of the agreement were £31 million .


205

Financial statements (continued)

Operating assets and liabilities

Introduction

This section describes the assets used to generate the group’s performance and the liabilities incurred. Liabilities relating to the group’s financing activities are included in section ‘Risk management and capital structure’ and balance sheet information in respect of associates, joint ventures and taxation are covered in section ‘Results for the year’. This section also provides detailed disclosures on the group’s recent acquisitions and disposals, performance and financial position of its defined benefit post employment plans.

9. Acquisition and sale of businesses and purchase of non-controlling interests

Accounting policies

The consolidated financial statements include the results of the company and its subsidiaries together with the group’s attributable share of the results of associates and joint ventures. The results of subsidiaries acquired or sold are included in the income statement from, or up to, the date that control passes.

Business combinations are accounted for using the acquisition method. Identifiable assets, liabilities and contingent liabilities acquired are measured at fair value at acquisition date. The consideration payable is measured at fair value and includes the fair value of any contingent consideration.

On the acquisition of a business, or of an interest in an associate or joint venture, fair values, reflecting conditions at the date of acquisition, are attributed to the net assets including identifiable intangible assets and contingent liabilities acquired. Directly attributable acquisition costs in respect of subsidiary companies acquired are recognised in other external charges as incurred.

The non-controlling interests on the date of acquisition can be measured either at the fair value or at the non-controlling shareholder’s proportion of the net fair value of the identifiable assets assumed. This choice is made separately for each acquisition.

Where the group has issued a put option over shares held by a non-controlling interest, the group derecognises the non-controlling interests and instead recognises a contingent deferred consideration liability for the estimated amount likely to be paid to the non-controlling interest on the exercise of those options. Movements in the estimated liability in respect of put options are recognised in retained earnings.

Transactions with non-controlling interests are recorded directly in retained earnings.

For all entities in which the company, directly or indirectly, owns equity a judgement is made to determine whether the investor controls the investee and therefore should fully consolidate the investee. An assessment is carried out to determine whether the group has the exposure or rights to the variable returns of the investee and has the ability to affect those returns through its power over the investee. To establish control an analysis is carried out of the substantive and protective rights that the group and the other investors hold. This assessment is dependent on the activities and purpose of the investee and the rights of the other shareholders, such as which party controls the board, executive committee and material policies of the investee. Determining whether the rights that the group holds are substantive requires management judgement.

Where less than 50% of the equity of an investee is held, and the group holds significantly more voting rights than any other vote holder or organised group of vote holders this may be an indicator of de facto control. An assessment is needed to determine all the factors relevant to the relationship with the investee to ascertain whether control has been established and whether the investee should be consolidated as a subsidiary. Where voting power and returns from an investment are split equally between two entities then the arrangement is accounted for as a joint venture.

On an acquisition fair values are attributed to the assets and liabilities acquired. This may involve material judgement to determine these values.


206

Financial statements (continued)

(a) Acquisition of businesses

Fair value of net assets acquired and cash consideration paid in respect of the acquisition of businesses and the purchase of shares of non-controlling interests in the three years ended 30 June 2019 were as follows:
 
 
Net assets acquired and consideration
 
 
 
2019
£ million

 
2018
£ million

 
2017
£ million

Brands and other intangibles
 
25

 
478

 

Inventories
 

 
4

 

Other working capital
 
(2
)
 
2

 

Deferred tax
 
(5
)
 

 

Cash
 

 
6

 

Fair value of assets and liabilities
 
18

 
490

 

Goodwill arising on acquisition
 
10

 
249

 

Step acquisitions
 
(7
)
 

 

Consideration payable
 
21

 
739

 

Satisfied by:
 
 
 
 
 
 
Cash consideration paid
 
6

 
555

 

Contingent consideration payable
 
15

 
184

 

 
 
21

 
739

 

Cash consideration paid for Casamigos
 
9

 
549

 

Cash consideration paid for other subsidiaries
 
6

 
6

 

Cash consideration paid for investments in associates
 
15

 
12

 
6

Cash consideration paid in respect of prior year acquisitions
 
9

 
22

 
23

Capital injection in associates
 
17

 
11

 
2

Cash acquired
 

 
(6
)
 

Net cash outflow on acquisition of businesses
 
56

 
594

 
31

Purchase of shares of non-controlling interests
 
784

 

 

Total net cash outflow
 
840

 
594

 
31


Acquisitions in the year

On 28 September 2018 Diageo acquired the remaining 70% of Copper Dog Whisky Limited (CDWL) that it did not already own for an upfront valuation of £6.5 million and further earn-out payments based on CDWL achieving performance targets. The discounted current estimate for the earn-out payments is £10 million .

In addition, Diageo has made a number of smaller acquisitions of brands, distribution rights and equity interests in various drinks businesses.

Purchase of shares of non-controlling interests

On 17 August 2018 Diageo completed the purchase of 20.29% of the share capital of Sichuan Shuijingfang Company Limited (SJF) for RMB 6,084 million ( £696 million ) and transaction costs of £7 million . This took Diageo’s shareholding in SJF from 39.71% to 60% . SJF was already controlled and therefore consolidated prior to the transaction.

On 9 April 2019 Diageo completed the purchase of a further 3.14% of the share capital of SJF for RMB 690 million ( £79 million ) and transaction costs of £2 million , which took Diageo's shareholding in SJF from 60% to 63.14% .


207

Financial statements (continued)

Prior year acquisitions

On 15 August 2017 Diageo completed the purchase of 100% of the share capital of Casamigos Tequila, LLC (Casamigos), a super premium tequila based in the United States, for $1,000 million ( £777 million ) of which $300 million ( £233 million ) was contingent on Casamigos achieving certain performance targets.

On 14 March 2018 Diageo completed the acquisition of Belsazar GmbH, a premium aperitif from Germany’s Black Forest.

On 2 May 2018 Diageo acquired 100% of the intellectual property of Pierde Almas, an ultra premium mezcal.

(b) Sale of businesses

Cash consideration received and net assets disposed of in respect of sale of businesses in the year ended 30 June 2019 :
 
 
Portfolio of 19 brands

 
USL wine business

 
Total

 
 
£ million

 
£ million

 
£ million

Sale consideration
 

 

 

Cash received in year
 
435

 
3

 
438

Transaction and other directly attributable costs paid
 
(12
)
 

 
(12
)
Net cash received
 
423

 
3

 
426

Transaction costs payable
 
(4
)
 

 
(4
)

 
419

 
3

 
422

Net assets disposed of
 

 

 

Brands
 
(230
)
 

 
(230
)
Goodwill
 
(12
)
 

 
(12
)
Property, plant and equipment
 
(2
)
 
(4
)
 
(6
)
Investment in associates
 
(3
)
 

 
(3
)
Inventories
 
(17
)
 
(1
)
 
(18
)

 
(264
)
 
(5
)
 
(269
)
Gain/(loss) on disposal before taxation
 
155

 
(2
)
 
153

Taxation
 
(33
)
 

 
(33
)
Gain/(loss) on disposal after taxation
 
122

 
(2
)
 
120


Diageo completed the sale of a portfolio of 19 brands (Seagram’s VO, Seagram’s 83, Seagram’s Five Star, Popov, Myers’s, Parrot Bay, Yukon Jack, Romana Sambuca, Scoresby, Goldschlager, Relska, Stirrings, The Club, Booth’s, Black Haus, Peligroso, Grind, Piehole and John Begg) to Sazerac on 20 December 2018 for an aggregate consideration of $550 million ( £435 million ). Diageo will continue to provide manufacturing services for all disposed brands until December 2019 and for five brands up to December 2028.

In the year ended 30 June 2019 , up until the date of sale, these 19 brands contributed net sales of £67 million ( 2018 - £153 million ; 2017 - £167 million ), operating profit of £43 million ( 2018 - £99 million ; 2017 - £107 million ) and profit after taxation of £34 million ( 2018 - £79 million ; 2017 - £85 million ).

In the two years ended 30 June 2018 and 30 June 2017 there were no significant disposals completed by the group.


10. Intangible assets

Accounting policies

Acquired intangible assets are held on the consolidated balance sheet at cost less accumulated amortisation and impairment losses. Acquired brands and other intangible assets are initially recognised at fair value when they are controlled through contractual or other legal rights, or are separable from the rest of the business, and the fair value can be reliably measured. Where these assets are regarded as having indefinite useful economic lives, they are not amortised.


208

Financial statements (continued)

Goodwill represents the excess of the aggregate of the consideration transferred, the value of any non-controlling interests and the fair value of any previously held equity interest in the subsidiary acquired over the fair value of the identifiable net assets acquired. Goodwill arising on acquisitions prior to 1 July 1998 was eliminated against reserves, and this goodwill has not been reinstated. Goodwill arising subsequent to 1 July 1998 has been capitalised.

Amortisation and impairment of intangible assets is based on their useful economic lives and are amortised on a straight-line basis over those lives and reviewed for impairment whenever events or circumstances indicate that the carrying amount may not be recoverable. Goodwill and intangible assets that are regarded as having indefinite useful economic lives are not amortised and are reviewed for impairment at least annually or when there is an indication that the assets may be impaired. Impairment reviews compare the net carrying value with the recoverable amount (where recoverable amount is the higher of fair value less cost to sell and value in use). Amortisation and any impairment write downs are charged to other operating expenses in the income statement.

Computer software is amortised on a straight-line basis to estimated residual value over its expected useful life. Residual values and useful lives are reviewed each year. Subject to these reviews, the estimated useful lives are up to eight years.

Critical accounting estimates and judgements

Assessment of the recoverable amount of an intangible asset and the useful economic life of an asset are based on management's estimates.


209

Financial statements (continued)

Impairment reviews are carried out to ensure that intangible assets, including brands, are not carried at above their recoverable amounts. The tests are dependent on management’s estimates in respect of the forecasting of future cash flows, the discount rates applicable to the future cash flows and what expected growth rates are reasonable. Judgement is required in determining the cash-generating units. Such estimates and judgements are subject to change as a result of changing economic conditions and actual cash flows may differ from forecasts.
 
 
Brands
£ million

 
Goodwill
£ million

 
Other
intangibles
£ million

 
Computer
software
£ million

 
Total
£ million

Cost
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
At 30 June 2017
 
8,815

 
2,791

 
1,506

 
578

 
13,690

Exchange differences
 
(347
)
 
(252
)
 
(24
)
 
(7
)
 
(630
)
Additions
 
478

 
249

 

 
35

 
762

Disposals
 

 

 

 
(2
)
 
(2
)
At 30 June 2018
 
8,946

 
2,788

 
1,482

 
604

 
13,820

Exchange differences
 
182

 
28

 
56

 
8

 
274

Additions
 
25

 
10

 
2

 
46

 
83

Disposals
 
(230
)
 
(12
)
 

 
(5
)
 
(247
)
Transfers to assets held for sale (i)
 
(28
)
 
(19
)
 

 

 
(47
)
At 30 June 2019
 
8,895

 
2,795

 
1,540

 
653

 
13,883

Amortisation and impairment
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
At 30 June 2017
 
586

 
68

 
72

 
398

 
1,124

Exchange differences
 
(10
)
 
(8
)
 

 
(5
)
 
(23
)
Amortisation for the year
 

 

 
3

 
55

 
58

Exceptional impairment
 
40

 
50

 

 

 
90

Disposals
 

 

 

 
(1
)
 
(1
)
At 30 June 2018
 
616

 
110

 
75

 
447

 
1,248

Exchange differences
 
5

 
3

 

 
8

 
16

Amortisation for the year
 

 

 
3

 
60

 
63

Disposals
 

 

 

 
(1
)
 
(1
)
At 30 June 2019
 
621

 
113

 
78

 
514

 
1,326

Carrying amount
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
At 30 June 2019
 
8,274

 
2,682

 
1,462

 
139

 
12,557

At 30 June 2018
 
8,330

 
2,678

 
1,407

 
157

 
12,572

At 30 June 2017
 
8,229

 
2,723

 
1,434

 
180

 
12,566


(i) Transfers to assets held for sale in the year ended 30 June 2019 relate to United National Breweries (UNB). In addition assets held for sale comprise tangibles and other current assets of £17 million and liabilities held for sale comprising £32 million in respect of UNB. Assets held for sale also include £1 million in respect of tangible assets owned by USL.

210

Financial statements (continued)

(a) Brands

At 30 June 2019 , the principal acquired brands, all of which are regarded as having indefinite useful economic lives, are as follows:
 
 
Principal markets
 
2019
£ million

 
2018
£ million

Crown Royal whisky
 
United States
 
1,153

 
1,109

McDowell's No.1 whisky, rum and brandy
 
India
 
1,112

 
1,077

Captain Morgan rum
 
Global
 
946

 
910

Smirnoff vodka
 
Global
 
648

 
624

Johnnie Walker whisky
 
Global
 
625

 
625

Windsor Premier whisky
 
Korea
 
589

 
591

Casamigos tequila
 
United States
 
476

 
458

Shui Jing Fang Chinese white spirit
 
Greater China
 
259

 
259

Yenì Raki
 
Turkey
 
231

 
280

Signature whisky
 
India
 
209

 
202

Don Julio tequila
 
United States
 
209

 
195

Bell's whisky
 
United Kingdom
 
179

 
179

Black Dog whisky
 
India
 
177

 
171

Seagram's 7 Crown whiskey
 
United States
 
176

 
169

Antiquity whisky
 
India
 
173

 
167

Zacapa rum
 
Global
 
151

 
145

Gordon's gin
 
Europe
 
119

 
119

Bagpiper whisky
 
India
 
119

 
116

Old Parr whisky
 
Global
 
106

 
101

Other brands (i)
 

 
617

 
833

 
 
 
 
8,274

 
8,330


(i) In the year ended 30 June 2019 Diageo completed the sale of a portfolio of 19 brands to Sazerac. See note 9(b) for further information.
The brands are protected by trademarks, which are renewable indefinitely, in all of the major markets where they are sold. There are not believed to be any legal, regulatory or contractual provisions that limit the useful lives of these brands. The nature of the premium drinks industry is that obsolescence is not a common issue, with indefinite brand lives being commonplace, and Diageo has a number of brands that were originally created more than 100 years ago. Accordingly, the Directors believe that it is appropriate that the brands are treated as having indefinite lives for accounting purposes and are therefore not amortised.

(b) Goodwill

For the purposes of impairment testing, goodwill has been attributed to the following cash-generating units:
 
 
2019
£ million

 
2018
£ million

North America
 
403

 
390

Europe and Turkey
 

 

– Europe (excluding Turkey)
 
172

 
170

– Turkey
 
234

 
284

Africa – Africa Regional Markets
 
26

 
27

Latin America and Caribbean – Mexico
 
143

 
133

Asia Pacific
 

 

– Greater China
 
131

 
131

– India
 
1,511

 
1,462

Other cash-generating units
 
62

 
81

 
 
2,682

 
2,678


211

Financial statements (continued)


Goodwill has arisen on the acquisition of businesses and includes synergies arising from cost savings, the opportunity to utilise Diageo’s distribution network to leverage marketing of the acquired products and the extension of the group’s portfolio of brands in new markets around the world.

(c) Other intangibles

Other intangibles principally comprise distribution rights. Diageo owns the global distribution rights for Ketel One vodka products in perpetuity, and the Directors believe that it is appropriate to treat these rights as having an indefinite life for accounting purposes. The carrying value at 30 June 2019 was £1,418 million ( 2018 £1,363 million ).

(d) Impairment testing

Impairment tests are performed annually, or more frequently if events or circumstances indicate that the carrying amount may not be recoverable. Recoverable amounts are calculated based on the value in use approach. The value in use calculations are based on discounted forecast cash flows using the assumption that cash flows continue in perpetuity at the terminal growth rate of each country or region. The individual brands and their associated tangible fixed assets are aggregated and tested as separate cash-generating unit. Separate tests are carried out for each cash-generating unit (brand and attributable tangible fixed assets) and for each of the markets. Goodwill is attributed to each of the markets.

Cash flows

Cash flows are forecast for each cash-generating unit for the financial year, which is approved by management and reflects expectations of sales growth, operating costs and margin, based on past experience and external sources of information.

Discount rates

The discount rates used are the weighted average cost of capital which reflects the returns on government bonds and an equity risk premium adjusted for the drinks industry specific to the cash-generating units. Further risk premiums are applied according to management’s assessment of the risks in respect of the cash flows for a particular asset or cash-generating unit. The group applies post-tax discount rates to post-tax cash flows as the valuation calculated using this method closely approximates to applying pre-tax discount rates to pre-tax cash flows.

Long-term growth rates, period of growth and terminal growth rates

The terminal growth rates applied at the end of the forecast period are the long-term annual inflation rate of the country adjusted to take into account circumstances specific to the asset or cash-generating unit. For some intangible assets, management expects to achieve growth, driven by Diageo’s sales, marketing and distribution expertise, which is significantly in excess of the terminal growth rates for the applicable countries or regions. In these circumstances, the recoverable amount is calculated based on a five-year detailed plan and extended by up to an additional ten years using the annual growth rate of the real gross domestic product (GDP) of the country or region aggregated with its inflation rate, adjusted to take into account circumstances specific to the asset or cash-generating unit. In the calculation of the terminal value, the long-term annual inflation rate of the country is used as the terminal growth rate.

For goodwill, these assumptions are based on the cash-generating unit or group of units to which the goodwill is attributed. For brands, they are based on a weighted average taking into account the country or countries where sales are made.


212

Financial statements (continued)

The pre-tax discount rates and terminal growth rates used for impairment testing are as follows:
 
 
2019
 
 
2018
 
 
 
Pre-tax
discount
rate
%

 
Terminal
growth
rate
%

 
Pre-tax
discount
rate
%

 
Terminal
growth
rate
%

North America – United States
 
9

 
2

 
10

 
2

Europe and Turkey
 

 

 

 

– Europe (excluding Turkey)
 
7

 
2

 
7

 
2

– Turkey
 
25

 
13

 
16

 
5

Africa
 

 

 

 

– Africa Regional Markets
 
25

 
5

 
25

 
5

– Ethiopia
 
25

 
8

 
24

 
8

Latin America and Caribbean
 


 


 


 


– Brazil
 
16

 
4
 
15

 
4
– Mexico
 
17

 
3

 
16

 
3

Asia Pacific
 


 


 


 


– Korea
 
8

 
2
 
8

 
2
– Greater China
 
10

 
3
 
9

 
2
– India
 
14

 
5
 
14

 
5

In the year ended 30 June 2018 , an impairment charge in respect of the Meta brand, the related tangible fixed assets, associated spare parts included in inventories and goodwill allocated to the Africa Regional Markets cash-generating unit of £40 million , £35 million , £3 million and £50 million , respectively, was charged to operating exceptional expenses. The impairment reduced the deferred tax liability, attributable to the brand and tangible fixed assets by £13 million resulting in a net exceptional loss of £115 million .

(e) Sensitivity to change in key assumptions

Impairment testing for the year ended 30 June 2019 has identified the following cash-generating units as being sensitive to reasonably possible changes in assumptions.

The table below shows the headroom at 30 June 2019 and the impairment charge that would be required if the assumptions in the calculation of their value in use were changed:
 
Headroom
£ million

 
1ppt increase in
discount rate
£ million

 
2ppt decrease in annual growth rate
£ million

 
5ppt decrease in annual growth rate in
forecast period
2020-2029
£ million

India (i)
702

 

 

 
(831
)
Windsor Premier brand (ii)
6

 
(75
)
 
(167
)
 


(i)
As India is a developing market, where maturity is not expected for a number of years, a management forecast growth projection was used until 2029 . The only change in the key assumptions considered reasonably possible that would result in an impairment of the cash-generating unit would be a 5ppt decrease in the annual growth rates throughout the forecast period. The cumulative effect of such a change is disclosed in the table above.
(ii)
The Windsor Premier brand is disclosed as sensitive due to the challenging whisky market in Korea. Reasonably possible changes in the key assumptions that would result in an impairment of the brand would be a 2ppt decrease in the annual growth rate in perpetuity or a 1ppt increase in discount rate. The cumulative effect of such changes is disclosed in the table above.

It remains possible that changes in assumptions could arise in excess of those indicated in the table above.

For all intangibles with an indefinite life, other than those disclosed in the table above, management has concluded that no reasonable possible change in the key assumptions on which it has determined the recoverable amounts would cause their carrying values to materially exceed their recoverable amounts.


213

Financial statements (continued)

11. Property, plant and equipment

Accounting policies

Land and buildings are stated at cost less accumulated depreciation. Freehold land is not depreciated. Leaseholds are generally depreciated over the unexpired period of the lease. Other property, plant and equipment are depreciated on a straight-line basis to estimated residual values over their expected useful lives, and these values and lives are reviewed each year. Subject to these reviews, the estimated useful lives fall within the following ranges: buildings – 10 to 50 years; within plant and equipment casks and containers – 15 to 50 years; other plant and equipment – 5 to 25 years; fixtures and fittings – 5 to 10 years; and returnable bottles and crates – 5 to 10 years.

Reviews are carried out if there is an indication that assets may be impaired, to ensure that property, plant and equipment are not carried at above their recoverable amounts.

Government grants

Government grants are not recognised until there is reasonable assurance that the group will comply with the conditions pursuant to which they have been granted and that the grants will be received. Government grants in respect of property, plant and equipment are deducted from the asset that they relate to, reducing the depreciation expense charged to the income statement.


214

Financial statements (continued)

Leases

Where the group has substantially all the risks and rewards of ownership of an asset subject to a lease, the lease is treated as a finance lease. Assets held under finance leases are recognised as assets of the group at their fair value at the inception of the lease. The corresponding liability to the lessor is included in other financial liabilities on the consolidated balance sheet. Lease payments are apportioned between interest expense and a reduction of the lease obligation so as to achieve a constant rate of interest on the remaining balance of the liability. Other leases are treated as operating leases, with payments and receipts taken to the income statement on a straight-line basis over the life of the lease.
 
 
Land and
buildings
£ million

 
Plant and
equipment
£ million

 
Fixtures
and
fittings
£ million

 
Returnable
bottles and
crates
£ million

 
Under
construction
£ million

 
Total
£ million

Cost
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
At 30 June 2017
 
1,628

 
3,958

 
127

 
523

 
294

 
6,530

Exchange differences
 
(36
)
 
(73
)
 
(6
)
 
(9
)
 
(7
)
 
(131
)
Sale of businesses
 
(2
)
 

 

 

 

 
(2
)
Additions
 
20

 
138

 
7

 
27

 
372

 
564

Disposals
 
(38
)
 
(84
)
 
(6
)
 
(25
)
 
(4
)
 
(157
)
Transfers
 
13

 
163

 
4

 
18

 
(223
)
 
(25
)
At 30 June 2018
 
1,585

 
4,102

 
126

 
534

 
432

 
6,779

Exchange differences
 
16

 
54

 
1

 
4

 
10

 
85

Sale of businesses
 
(2
)
 
(7
)
 
(1
)
 

 

 
(10
)
Additions
 
42

 
180

 
9

 
31

 
383

 
645

Disposals
 
(16
)
 
(32
)
 
(13
)
 
(21
)
 
(2
)
 
(84
)
Transfers
 
87

 
218

 
3

 
18

 
(329
)
 
(3
)
At 30 June 2019
 
1,712

 
4,515

 
125

 
566

 
494

 
7,412

Depreciation
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
At 30 June 2017
 
448

 
1,631

 
86

 
351

 

 
2,516

Exchange differences
 
(10
)
 
(32
)
 
(4
)
 
(4
)
 

 
(50
)
Depreciation charge for the year
 
48

 
210

 
15

 
37

 

 
310

Exceptional impairment
 

 
26

 

 
9

 

 
35

Sale of businesses
 
(1
)
 

 

 

 

 
(1
)
Disposals
 
(18
)
 
(74
)
 
(6
)
 
(22
)
 

 
(120
)
At 30 June 2018
 
467

 
1,761

 
91

 
371

 

 
2,690

Exchange differences
 
4

 
23

 

 
3

 

 
30

Depreciation charge for the year
 
49

 
216

 
13

 
33

 

 
311

Sale of businesses
 

 
(4
)
 

 

 

 
(4
)
Disposals
 
(9
)
 
(25
)
 
(12
)
 
(17
)
 

 
(63
)
Transfers
 

 
(6
)
 
(1
)
 

 

 
(7
)
At 30 June 2019
 
511

 
1,965

 
91

 
390

 

 
2,957

Carrying amount
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
At 30 June 2019
 
1,201

 
2,550

 
34

 
176

 
494

 
4,455

At 30 June 2018
 
1,118

 
2,341

 
35

 
163

 
432

 
4,089

At 30 June 2017
 
1,180

 
2,327

 
41

 
172

 
294

 
4,014

 
(a) The net book value of land and buildings comprises freeholds of £1,162 million ( 2018 £1,073 million ), long leaseholds of £21 million ( 2018 £25 million ) and short leaseholds of £18 million ( 2018 £20 million ). Depreciation was not charged on £164 million ( 2018 £147 million ) of land.

(b) At 30 June 2019 , tangible fixed assets held under finance leases amounted to £230 million ( 2018 £231 million ), principally in respect of plant and equipment. Depreciation on assets held under finance leases was £12 million ( 2018 £16 million ).


215

Financial statements (continued)

(c) Property, plant and equipment is net of a government grant of £143 million ( 2018 £140 million ) received in prior years in respect of the construction of a rum distillery in the US Virgin Islands.

(d) Transfers in the year ended 30 June 2019 include £14 million transferred to assets held for sale in respect of United National Breweries. In addition, transfers include £18 million transferred from assets held for sale to property, plant and equipment as the disposals are not expected to be completed by 30 June 2020.

(e) In the year ended 30 June 2018 , an exceptional accelerated depreciation and impairment of £35 million in respect of Ethiopian tangible fixed assets was charged to other operating exceptional expenses.

12. Other investments

Accounting policies

Other investments are such equity investments that are not classified as investments in associates or joint arrangements nor investments in subsidiaries. They are included in non-current assets. Subsequent to initial measurement, other investments are stated at fair value. Gains and losses arising from the changes in fair value are recognised in the income statement or in other comprehensive income on a case by case basis. Accumulated gains and losses included in other comprehensive income are not recycled to the income statement. Dividends from other investments are recognised in the consolidated income statement.

Loans receivable are non-derivative financial assets that are not classified as equity investments. They are subsequently measured either at amortised cost using the effective interest method less allowance for impairment or at fair value with gains and losses arising from changes in fair value recognised in the income statement or in other comprehensive income that are recycled to the income statement on the de-recognition of the asset. Allowances for expected credit losses are made based on the risk of non-payment taking into account ageing, previous experience, economic conditions and forward-looking data. Such allowances are measured as either 12-months expected credit losses or lifetime expected credit losses depending on changes in the credit quality of the counterparty.
 
 
Loans
£ million

 
Others
£ million

 
Total
£ million

Cost less allowances or fair value
 
 
 
 
 
 
At 30 June 2017
 
21

 
10

 
31

Exchange differences
 
(1
)
 
2

 
1

Additions
 
21

 

 
21

Repayments and disposals
 
(2
)
 
(2
)
 
(4
)
Fair value adjustment
 
(4
)
 
1

 
(3
)
At 30 June 2018
 
35

 
11

 
46

Additions
 
2

 

 
2

Repayments and disposals
 
(1
)
 

 
(1
)
Fair value adjustment
 

 
2

 
2

Transfers
 
(19
)
 
19

 

At 30 June 2019
 
17

 
32

 
49


At 30 June 2019 , loans comprise £17 million ( 2018 £35 million ; 2017 £18 million ) of loans to customers and other third parties, after allowances of £111 million ( 2018 £108 million ; 2017 £110 million ), and £nil ( 2018 £nil ; 2017 £3 million ) of loans to associates.

13. Post employment benefits

Accounting policies

The group’s principal pension funds are defined benefit plans. In addition, the group has defined contribution plans, unfunded post employment medical benefit liabilities and other unfunded defined benefit post employment liabilities. For post employment plans, other than defined contribution plans, the amount charged to operating profit is the cost of accruing pension benefits promised to employees over the year, plus any changes arising on benefits granted to members by the group during the year. Net finance charges comprise the net deficit/asset on the plans at the beginning of the year, adjusted for cash flows in the year, multiplied by the discount rate for plan liabilities. The differences between the fair value of the plans’ assets and the present value of the plans’ liabilities are

216

Financial statements (continued)

disclosed as an asset or liability on the consolidated balance sheet. Any differences due to changes in assumptions or experience are recognised in other comprehensive income. The amount of any pension fund asset recognised on the balance sheet is limited to any future refunds from the plan or the present value of reductions in future contributions to the plan.

Contributions payable by the group in respect of defined contribution plans are charged to operating profit as incurred.

Critical accounting estimates and judgements

Application of IAS 19 requires the exercise of estimate and judgement in relation to various assumptions.

Diageo determines the assumptions on a country by country basis in conjunction with its actuaries. Estimates are required in respect of uncertain future events including the life expectancy of members of the funds, salary and pension increases, future inflation rates, discount rates and employee and pensioner demographics. The application of different assumptions could have a significant effect on the amounts reflected in the income statement, other comprehensive income and the balance sheet. There may be interdependencies between the assumptions.

Where there is an accounting surplus on a defined benefit plan management judgement is necessary to determine whether the group can obtain a refund of the surplus by reducing future contributions to the plan.

(a) Post employment benefit plans

The group operates a number of pension plans throughout the world, devised in accordance with local conditions and practices. The majority of the plans are defined benefit plans and are funded by payments to separately administered trusts or insurance companies. The group also operates a number of plans that are generally unfunded, primarily in the United States, which provide to employees post employment medical benefits.

The principal plans are in the United Kingdom, Ireland and the United States where benefits are based on employees’ length of service and salary at retirement. All valuations were performed by independent actuaries using the projected unit credit method to determine pension costs. The most recent funding valuations of the significant defined benefit plans were carried out as follows:
Principal plans
  
Date of valuation
United Kingdom (i)
  
1 April 2018
Ireland (ii)
  
31 December 2015
United States
  
1 January 2019

(i)
The Diageo Pension Scheme (the UK Scheme) closed to new members in November 2005 . Employees who have joined Diageo in the United Kingdom since the defined benefit scheme closed had been eligible to become members of the Diageo Lifestyle Plan (a cash balance defined benefit pension plan) until 1 January 2018 . Since then new employees have been eligible to become members of a Diageo administered defined contribution plan.
(ii)
The triennial valuation of the Guinness Ireland Group Pension Scheme in Ireland (the Irish Scheme) is in progress and the results of this valuation are expected to be agreed by Diageo and the trustee later in calendar year 2019. The Irish scheme closed to new members in May 2013 . Employees who have joined Diageo in Ireland since the defined benefit scheme closed have been eligible to become members of Diageo administered defined contribution plans.

The assets of the UK and Irish pension plans are held in separate trusts administered by trustees who are required to act in the best interests of the plans’ beneficiaries. For the UK Scheme, the trustee is Diageo Pension Trust Limited. As required by legislation, one-third of the directors of the Trust are nominated by the members of the UK Scheme, member nominated directors are appointed from both the pensioner member community and the active member community. For the Irish Scheme Diageo Ireland makes four nominations and appoints three further candidates nominated by representative groupings.


217

Financial statements (continued)

The amounts charged to the consolidated income statement for the group’s defined benefit post employment plans and the consolidated statement of comprehensive income for the three years ended 30 June 2019 are as follows:
 
 
2019
£ million

 
2018
£ million

 
2017
£ million

Current service cost and administrative expenses
 
(110
)
 
(123
)
 
(133
)
Past service gains - ordinary activities
 
56

 
33

 
14

Past service losses - exceptional
 
(21
)
 

 

Gains on curtailments and settlements
 
4

 
6

 
10

Charge to operating profit
 
(71
)
 
(84
)
 
(109
)
Net finance gain/(charge) in respect of post employment plans
 
7

 
(11
)
 
(25
)
Charge before taxation (i)
 
(64
)
 
(95
)
 
(134
)
Actual returns less amounts included in finance income
 
438

 
312

 
973

Experience gains/(losses)
 
113

 
(30
)
 
58

Changes in financial assumptions
 
(514
)
 
108

 
(466
)
Changes in demographic assumptions
 
(6
)
 
69

 
86

Other comprehensive income
 
31

 
459

 
651

Changes in the surplus restriction
 
2

 
(2
)
 
1

Total other comprehensive income
 
33

 
457

 
652


(1) From 1 April 2018 there were changes to the future benefits earned by employees in the UK Scheme. The changes impact the ongoing service cost but not the benefits earned by the members as at 31 March 2018 . In addition, in the year ended 30 June 2019 , changes made to future pension increases for members of the UK scheme (including a Pension Increase Exchange (PIE) option offered to current pensioners) and changes to the principal Irish scheme which resulted in an aggregate past service credit of £54 million ( 2018 - £21 million in respect of changes to future pension increases in the principal Irish scheme). The exceptional past service loss, in the year ended 30 June 2019 , of £21 million is in respect of the equalisation of Guaranteed Minimum Pension (GMP) benefits for men and women (see note 4(b)).

(i) The charge before taxation in respect of the following countries is:
 
 
2019
£ million

 
2018
£ million

 
2017
£ million

United Kingdom
 
(3
)
 
(49
)
 
(67
)
Ireland
 
(13
)
 
1

 
(15
)
United States
 
(30
)
 
(29
)
 
(34
)
Other
 
(18
)
 
(18
)
 
(18
)
 
 
(64
)
 
(95
)
 
(134
)

In addition to the charge in respect of defined benefit post employment plans, contributions to the group’s defined contribution plans were £19 million ( 2018 £18 million ; 2017 £17 million ).


218

Financial statements (continued)

The movement in the net (deficit)/surplus for the two years ended 30 June 2019 is set out below:
 
 
Plan
assets
£ million

 
Plan
liabilities
£ million

 
Net
(deficit)/surplus
£ million

At 30 June 2017
 
9,226

 
(9,716
)
 
(490
)
Exchange differences
 
(1
)
 
1

 

Charge before taxation
 
227

 
(322
)
 
(95
)
Other comprehensive income (i)
 
312

 
147

 
459

Contributions by the group
 
192

 

 
192

Employee contributions
 
6

 
(6
)
 

Benefits paid
 
(652
)
 
652

 

At 30 June 2018
 
9,310

 
(9,244
)
 
66

Exchange differences
 
45

 
(55
)
 
(10
)
Charge before taxation
 
234

 
(298
)
 
(64
)
Other comprehensive income/(loss) (i)
 
438

 
(407
)
 
31

Contributions by the group
 
192

 

 
192

Employee contributions
 
5

 
(5
)
 

Benefits paid
 
(511
)
 
511

 

At 30 June 2019
 
9,713

 
(9,498
)
 
215


(i)    Excludes surplus restriction.

The plan assets and liabilities by type of post employment benefit and country is as follows:
 
 
2019
 
 
2018
 
 
 
Plan
assets
£ million

 
Plan
liabilities
£ million

 
Plan
assets
£ million

 
Plan
liabilities
£ million

Pensions
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
United Kingdom
 
7,115

 
(6,257
)
 
6,792

 
(6,032
)
Ireland
 
1,747

 
(2,098
)
 
1,745

 
(2,148
)
United States
 
593

 
(545
)
 
525

 
(505
)
Other
 
186

 
(234
)
 
180

 
(215
)
Post employment medical
 
1

 
(275
)
 
1

 
(259
)
Other post employment
 
71

 
(89
)
 
67

 
(85
)
 
 
9,713

 
(9,498
)
 
9,310

 
(9,244
)

The balance sheet analysis of the post employment plans is as follows:
 
 
2019
 
 
2018
 
 
 
Non-
current
assets
(i)  
£ million

 
Non-
current
liabilities
£ million

 
Non-
current
assets
(i)
£ million

 
Non-
current
liabilities
£ million

Funded plans
 
1,060

 
(547
)
 
935

 
(593
)
Unfunded plans
 

 
(299
)
 

 
(279
)
 
 
1,060

 
(846
)
 
935

 
(872
)

(i)    Includes surplus restriction of £1 million ( 2018 £3 million ).

The disclosures have been prepared in accordance with IFRIC 14. In particular, where the calculation for a plan results in a surplus, the recognised asset is limited to the present value of any available future refunds from the plan or reductions in future contributions to the plan, and any additional liabilities are recognised as required.

219

Financial statements (continued)

(b) Principal risks and assumptions

The material post employment plans are not exposed to any unusual, entity specific or scheme specific risks but there are general risks:

Inflation – the majority of the plans’ obligations are linked to inflation. Higher inflation will lead to increased liabilities which is partially offset by the plans holding inflation linked gilts, swaps and caps against the level of inflationary increases.

Interest rate – The plan liabilities are determined using discount rates derived from yields on AA-rated corporate bonds. A decrease in corporate bond yields will increase plan liabilities though this will be partially offset by an increase in the value of the bonds held by the post employment plans.

Mortality – The majority of the obligations are to provide benefits for the life of the members and their partners, so any increase in life expectancy will result in an increase in the plans’ liabilities.

Asset returns – Assets held by the pension plans are invested in a diversified portfolio of equities, bonds and other assets. Volatility in asset values will lead to movements in the net deficit/surplus reported in the consolidated balance sheet for post employment plans which in addition will also impact the post employment expense in the consolidated income statement.

The following weighted average assumptions were used to determine the group’s deficit/surplus in the main post employment plans at 30 June in the relevant year. The assumptions used to calculate the charge/credit in the consolidated income statement for the year ending 30 June are based on the assumptions disclosed as at the previous 30 June.
 
 
United Kingdom
 
Ireland
 
United States (i)
 
 
2019
%
 
2018
%
 
2017
%
 
2019
%
 
2018
%
 
2017
%
 
2019
%
 
2018
%
 
2017
%
Rate of general increase in salaries (ii)
 
3.6
 
4.3
 
4.4
 
2.3
 
3.2
 
3.0
 
 
 
Rate of increase to pensions in payment
 
3.2
 
3.3
 
3.4
 
1.5
 
2.0
 
1.7
 
 
 
Rate of increase to deferred pensions
 
2.2
 
2.1
 
2.2
 
1.3
 
1.8
 
1.6
 
 
 
Discount rate for plan liabilities
 
2.3
 
2.8
 
2.6
 
1.2
 
1.7
 
2.1
 
3.4
 
4.1
 
3.7
Inflation - CPI
 
2.2
 
2.1
 
2.2
 
1.3
 
1.8
 
1.6
 
1.7
 
2.1
 
1.8
Inflation - RPI
 
3.2
 
3.1
 
3.2
 
 
 
 
 
 

(i)
The salary increase assumption in the United States is not a significant assumption as only a minimal amount of members’ pension entitlement is dependent on a member’s projected final salary.
(ii)    The salary increase assumptions include an allowance for age related promotional salary increases.

For the principal UK and Irish pension funds, the table below illustrates the expected age at death of an average worker who retires currently at the age of 65 , and one who is currently aged 45 and subsequently retires at the age of 65 :
 
 
United Kingdom (i)
 
Ireland (ii)
 
United States
 
 
2019
Age
 
2018
Age
 
2017
Age
 
2019
Age
 
2018
Age
 
2017
Age
 
2019
Age
 
2018
Age
 
2017
Age
Retiring currently at age 65
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Male
 
86.2
 
86.1
 
86.3
 
86.5
 
86.4
 
86.3
 
85.7
 
86.0
 
85.9
Female
 
88.5
 
88.4
 
88.1
 
89.2
 
89.2
 
89.0
 
87.7
 
88.0
 
87.9
Currently aged 45, retiring at age 65
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Male
 
88.3
 
88.2
 
88.2
 
89.5
 
89.4
 
89.2
 
87.3
 
87.6
 
87.5
Female
 
90.6
 
90.5
 
90.5
 
92.2
 
92.1
 
91.9
 
89.3
 
89.6
 
89.5

(i)
Based on the CMI’s S2 mortality tables with scaling factors based on the experience of the plan and where people live, with suitable future improvements.
(ii)
Based on the ‘00’ series of mortality tables with scaling factors based on the experience of the plan and with suitable future improvements.


220

Financial statements (continued)

For the significant assumptions, the following sensitivity analyses estimate the potential impacts on the consolidated income statement for the year ended 30 June 2020 and on the plan liabilities at 30 June 2019 :
 
 
United Kingdom
 
 
Ireland
 
 
United States and other
 
Benefit/(cost)
 
Operating
profit
£ million

 
Profit
after
taxation
£ million

 
Plan
liabilities
(i)
£ million

 
Operating
profit
£ million

 
Profit
after
taxation
£ million

 
Plan
liabilities
(i)
£ million

 
Operating
profit
£ million

 
Profit
after
taxation
£ million

 
Plan
liabilities
(i)
£ million

Effect of 0.5% increase in discount rate
 
4

 
19

 
512

 
3

 
(3
)
 
172

 
1

 
2

 
33

Effect of 0.5% decrease in discount rate
 
(5
)
 
(16
)
 
(579
)
 
(4
)
 
3

 
(209
)
 
(1
)
 
(2
)
 
(37
)
Effect of 0.5% increase in inflation
 
(5
)
 
(11
)
 
(390
)
 
(3
)
 
(4
)
 
(148
)
 
(1
)
 
(1
)
 
(12
)
Effect of 0.5% decrease in inflation
 
4

 
11

 
380

 
3

 
4

 
152

 

 
1

 
12

Effect of one year increase in life expectancy
 
(1
)
 
(6
)
 
(280
)
 
(1
)
 
(2
)
 
(84
)
 

 
(1
)
 
(18
)
 
(i)
The estimated effect on the liabilities excludes the impact of any interest rate and inflation swaps held by the pension plans.

(1)
The sensitivity analyses above have been determined based on reasonably possible changes of the respective assumptions and may not be representative of the actual change. Each sensitivity is calculated on a change in the key assumption while holding all other assumptions constant. The sensitivity to inflation includes the impact on all inflation linked assumptions (e.g. pension increases and salary increases where appropriate).

(c) Investment and hedging strategy

The investment strategy for the group’s funded post employment plans is determined locally by the trustees of the plan and/or Diageo, as appropriate, and takes account of the relevant statutory requirements. The objective of the investment strategy is to achieve a target rate of return in excess of the movement on the liabilities, whilst taking an acceptable level of investment risk relative to the liabilities. This objective is implemented by using the funds of the plans to invest in a variety of asset classes that are expected over the long-term to deliver a target rate of return. The majority of the investment strategies have significant amounts allocated to equities, with the intention that this will result in the ongoing cost to the group of the post employment plans being lower over the long-term, within acceptable boundaries of risk. Significant amounts are invested in bonds in order to provide a natural hedge against movements in the liabilities of the plans. At 30 June 2019 , approximately 56% and 78% ( 2018 42% and 79% ) of the UK Scheme’s liabilities were hedged against future movements in interest rates and inflation, respectively, through the combined effect of bonds and swaps. At 30 June 2019 , approximately 44% and 71% ( 2018 45% and 72% ) of the Irish Scheme’s liabilities were hedged against future movements in interest rates and inflation, respectively, through the combined effect of bonds and swaps.

The discount rates used are based on the yields of high quality fixed income investments. For the UK plans, which represent approximately 66% of total plan liabilities, the discount rate is determined by reference to the yield curves of AA-rated corporate bonds for which the timing and amount of cash outflows are similar to those of the plans. A similar process is used to determine the discount rates used for the non-UK plans.


221

Financial statements (continued)

An analysis of the fair value of the plan assets is as follows:
 
 
2019
 
 
2018
 
 
 
United Kingdom
£ million

 
Ireland
£ million

 
United
States and
other
£ million

 
Total
£ million

 
United
Kingdom
£ million

 
Ireland
£ million

 
United
States and
other
£ million

 
Total
£ million

Equities
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Quoted
 
19

 
294

 
248

 
561

 
758

 
316

 
242

 
1,316

Unquoted and private equity
 
504

 

 
21

 
525

 
399

 
1

 
18

 
418

Bonds
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Fixed-interest government
 
123

 
129

 
46

 
298

 
133

 
103

 
42

 
278

Inflation-linked government
 

 
262

 

 
262

 
1,063

 
262

 
1

 
1,326

Investment grade corporate
 
404

 
337

 
421

 
1,162

 
934

 
344

 
363

 
1,641

Non-investment grade
 
163

 
74

 
15

 
252

 
147

 
49

 
16

 
212

Loan securities
 
1,362

 
331

 

 
1,693

 
1,112

 
303

 

 
1,415

Repurchase agreements
 
4,629

 

 

 
4,629

 
2,799

 

 

 
2,799

Liability driven investment (LDI)
 
185

 
40

 

 
225

 
139

 
50

 

 
189

Property - unquoted
 
744

 
84

 
1

 
829

 
689

 
94

 
1

 
784

Hedge funds
 
75

 
135

 

 
210

 
68

 
138

 

 
206

Interest rate and inflation swaps
 
(1,048
)
 
30

 

 
(1,018
)
 
(1,415
)
 
70

 

 
(1,345
)
Cash and other
 
(45
)
 
31

 
99

 
85

 
(34
)
 
15

 
90

 
71

Total bid value of assets
 
7,115

 
1,747

 
851

 
9,713

 
6,792

 
1,745

 
773

 
9,310

 
(1)
The asset classes include some cash holdings that are temporary. This cash is likely to be invested imminently and so has been included in the asset class where it is anticipated to be invested in the long-term.

Total cash contributions by the group to all post employment plans in the year ending 30 June 2020 are estimated to be approximately £170 million .

(d) Deficit funding arrangements

UK plans

In the year ended 30 June 2011 the group established a Pension Funding Partnership (PFP) in respect of the UK Scheme. Whisky inventory was transferred into the partnership but the group retains control over the partnership which at 30 June 2019 held inventory with a book value of £661 million ( 2018 £647 million ). The partnership is fully consolidated in the group financial statements. The UK Scheme has a limited interest in the partnership and, as a partner, is entitled to a distribution from the profits of the partnership which for the year ended 30 June 2019 was £25 million ( 2018 £25 million ) and is expected to be approximately the same amount for the next five years.

In 2024 the group will be required, dependent upon the funding position of the UK Scheme at that time, to pay an amount not greater than the actuarial deficit at that time, up to a maximum of £430 million in cash, to purchase the UK Scheme’s interest in the partnership. If the UK Scheme is in surplus at an actuarial triennial valuation without allowing for the value of the PFP, then Diageo can exit the PFP with the agreement of the trustees.

Irish plans

The group has also agreed a deficit funding arrangement with the trustees of the Irish Scheme under which it contributes to the Irish Scheme €23 million ( £20 million ) per annum until the year ending 30 June 2028 . The agreement also provides for additional cash contributions into escrow of up to €135 million ( £119 million ) if the deficit is not reduced at each triennial valuation to agreed limits up to 2027 . As part of this funding plan, Diageo has also granted to the Irish Scheme a contingent asset comprising mortgages over certain land and buildings and fixed and floating charges over certain receivables of the group up to a value of €200 million ( £177 million ). Following the actuarial triennial valuation as of 31 December 2015 , the group made additional cash contributions of €32 million ( £28 million ) during the year ended 30 June 2017 , and €9 million ( £8 million ) in both years ended 30 June 2018 and 30 June 2019 . The group has also agreed to make conditional payments up to a maximum of €29 million ( £26 million ) if the deficit on the plan is greater than €232 million ( £205 million ) at the 2018 actuarial triennial valuation. Any conditional payments would be made equally

222

Financial statements (continued)

over the three years after the 31 December 2018 actuarial triennial valuation has been agreed. The triennial valuation is in progress and the result of this valuation are expected to be agreed by Diageo and the trustee later in calendar year 2019.

(e) Timing of benefit payments

The following table provides information on the timing of the benefit payments and the average duration of the defined benefit obligations and the distribution of the timing of benefit payments:
 
 
United Kingdom
 
 
Ireland
 
 
United States
 
 
 
2019
£ million

 
2018
£ million

 
2019
£ million

 
2018
£ million

 
2019
£ million

 
2018
£ million

Maturity analysis of benefits expected to be paid
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Within one year
 
395

 
575

 
75

 
75

 
63

 
49

Between 1 to 5 years
 
1,197

 
1,144

 
367

 
370

 
202

 
187

Between 6 to 15 years
 
2,663

 
2,575

 
723

 
751

 
359

 
380

Between 16 to 25 years
 
2,078

 
2,196

 
657

 
727

 
207

 
242

Beyond 25 years
 
2,909

 
3,325

 
1,008

 
1,260

 
185

 
207

Total
 
9,242

 
9,815

 
2,830

 
3,183

 
1,016

 
1,065

 
 
years

 
years

 
years

 
years

 
years

 
years

Average duration of the defined benefit obligation
 
17

 
19

 
18

 
19

 
10

 
10


The projected benefit payments are based on the assumptions underlying the assessment of the obligations, including inflation. They are disclosed undiscounted and therefore appear large relative to the discounted value of the plan liabilities recognised in the consolidated balance sheet. They are in respect of benefits that have accrued at the balance sheet date and make no allowance for any benefits accrued subsequently.

(f) Related party disclosures

Information on transactions between the group and its pension plans is given in note 20 .

14. Working capital

Accounting policies

Inventories are stated at the lower of cost and net realisable value. Cost includes raw materials, direct labour and expenses, an appropriate proportion of production and other overheads, but not borrowing costs. Cost is calculated at the weighted average cost incurred in acquiring inventories. Maturing inventories which are retained for more than one year are classified as current assets, as they are expected to be realised in the normal operating cycle.

Trade and other receivables are initially recognised at fair value less transaction costs and subsequently carried at amortised cost less any allowance for discounts and doubtful debts. Trade receivables arise from contracts with customers, and are recognised when performance obligations are satisfied, and the consideration due is unconditional as only the passage of time is required before the payment is received. Allowance losses are calculated by reviewing lifetime expected credit losses using historic and forward-looking data on credit risk.

Trade and other payables are initially recognised at fair value including transaction costs and subsequently carried at amortised costs. Contingent consideration recognised in business combinations are subsequently measured at fair value through income statement.

Provisions are liabilities of uncertain timing or amount. A provision is recognised if, as a result of a past event, the group has a present legal or constructive obligation that can be estimated reliably, and it is probable that an outflow of economic benefits will be required to settle the obligation. Provisions are calculated on a discounted basis. The carrying amounts of provisions are reviewed at each balance sheet date and adjusted to reflect the current best estimate.


223

Financial statements (continued)

(a) Inventories
 
 
2019
£ million

 
2018
£ million

Raw materials and consumables
 
338

 
321

Work in progress
 
46

 
44

Maturing inventories
 
4,334

 
4,028

Finished goods and goods for resale
 
754

 
622

 
 
5,472

 
5,015


Maturing inventories include whisk(e)y, rum, tequila and Chinese white spirits. The following amounts of inventories are expected to be utilised after more than one year:
 
 
2019
£ million

 
2018
£ million

Raw materials and consumables
 
14

 
12

Maturing inventories
 
3,434

 
3,253

 
 
3,448

 
3,265


Inventories are disclosed net of provisions for obsolescence, an analysis of which is as follows:
 
 
2019
£ million

 
2018
£ million

 
2017
£ million

Balance at beginning of the year
 
71

 
88

 
73

Exchange differences
 

 
(2
)
 
(1
)
Income statement (release)/charge
 
(3
)
 

 
41

Utilised
 
(5
)
 
(15
)
 
(25
)
 
 
63

 
71

 
88


(b) Trade and other receivables
 
 
2019
 
 
2018
 
 
 
Current
assets
£ million

 
Non-current
assets
£ million

 
Current
assets
£  million

 
Non-current
assets
£ million

Trade receivables
 
2,173

 

 
2,152

 

Interest receivable
 
25

 

 
14

 

VAT recoverable and other prepaid taxes
 
132

 
14

 
124

 
3

Other receivables
 
141

 
31

 
211

 
35

Prepayments
 
202

 
8

 
157

 
8

Accrued income
 
21

 

 
20

 

 
 
2,694

 
53

 
2,678

 
46


At 30 June 2019 , approximately 11% , 18% and 13% of the group’s trade receivables of £2,173 million are due from counterparties based in the United Kingdom, the United States and India, respectively. Accrued income primarily represents amounts receivable from customers in respect of performance obligations satisfied but not yet invoiced.


224

Financial statements (continued)

The aged analysis of trade receivables, net of expected credit loss allowance, is as follows:
 
 
2019
£ million

 
2018
£ million

Not overdue
 
2,083

 
2,067

Overdue 1 – 30 days
 
27

 
19

Overdue 31 – 60 days
 
21

 
19

Overdue 61 – 90 days
 
13

 
13

Overdue 91 – 180 days
 
15

 
21

Overdue more than 180 days
 
14

 
13

 
 
2,173

 
2,152


Trade and other receivables are disclosed net of expected credit loss allowance for doubtful debts, an analysis of which is as follows:
 
 
2019
£ million

 
2018
£ million

 
2017
£ million

Balance at beginning of the year
 
97

 
129

 
83

Exchange differences
 
3

 
(4
)
 
(1
)
Income statement charge
 
23

 
18

 
54

Written off
 
(10
)
 
(46
)
 
(7
)
 
 
113

 
97

 
129


(c) Trade and other payables
 
 
2019
 
 
2018
 
 
 
Current
liabilities
£ million

 
Non-current
liabilities
£ million

 
Current
liabilities
£ million

 
Non-current
liabilities
£ million

Trade payables
 
1,694

 

 
1,514

 

Interest payable
 
127

 

 
104

 

Tax and social security excluding income tax
 
640

 

 
638

 
2

Other payables
 
565

 
222

 
471

 
204

Accruals
 
1,097

 

 
1,165

 
3

Deferred income
 
56

 

 
37

 

Dividend payable to non-controlling interests
 
23

 

 
21

 

 
 
4,202

 
222

 
3,950

 
209


Interest payable at 30 June 2019 includes interest on non-derivative financial instruments of £124 million ( 2018 £100 million ). Deferred income represents amounts paid by customers in respect of performance obligations not yet satisfied. Non-current liabilities include £153 million in respect of the net present value of contingent consideration in respect of the acquisition of Casamigos.


225

Financial statements (continued)

(d) Provisions
 
 
Thalidomide
£ million

 
Other
£ million

 
Total
£ million

At 30 June 2018
 
217

 
180

 
397

Exchange differences
 

 
(1
)
 
(1
)
Provisions charged during the year (i)
 

 
61

 
61

Provisions utilised during the year
 
(15
)
 
(33
)
 
(48
)
Unwinding of discounts
 
7

 

 
7

At 30 June 2019
 
209

 
207

 
416

Current liabilities
 
16

 
83

 
99

Non-current liabilities
 
193

 
124

 
317

 
 
209

 
207

 
416


(i) Includes indirect tax provision in Korea. See note 4(a).
 
(a) Provisions have been established in respect of the discounted value of the group’s commitment to the UK and Australian Thalidomide Trusts. These provisions will be utilised over the period of the commitments up to 2037.

(b) The largest item in other provisions at 30 June 2019 is £45 million in respect of employee deferred compensation plans which will be utilised when employees leave the group.


226

Financial statements (continued)

Risk management and capital structure

Introduction

This section sets out the policies and procedures applied to manage the group’s capital structure and the financial risks the group is exposed to. Diageo considers the following components of its balance sheet to be capital: borrowings and equity. Diageo manages its capital structure to achieve capital efficiency, provide flexibility to invest through the economic cycle and give efficient access to debt markets at attractive cost levels.

15. Financial instruments and risk management

Accounting policies

Financial assets and liabilities are initially recorded at fair value including, where permitted by IFRS 9, any directly attributable transaction costs. For those financial assets that are not subsequently held at fair value, the group assesses whether there is evidence of impairment at each balance sheet date.

The group classifies its financial assets and liabilities into the following categories: financial assets and liabilities at amortised cost, financial assets and liabilities at fair value through profit and loss and financial assets at fair value through other comprehensive income.

The accounting policies for other investments and loans are described in note 12, for trade and other receivables and payables in note 14 and for cash and cash equivalents in note 16.

Financial assets and liabilities at fair value through profit or loss include derivative assets and liabilities. Where financial assets or liabilities are eligible to be carried at either amortised cost or fair value through other comprehensive income, the group does not apply the fair value option.

Derivative financial instruments are carried at fair value using a discounted cash flow model based on market data applied consistently for similar types of instruments. Gains and losses on derivatives that do not qualify for hedge accounting treatment are taken to the income statement as they arise.

Other financial liabilities are carried at amortised cost unless they are part of a fair value hedge relationship. The difference between the initial carrying amount of the financial liabilities and their redemption value is recognised in the income statement over the contractual terms using the effective interest rate method.

Hedge accounting

The group designates and documents certain derivatives as hedging instruments against changes in fair value of recognised assets and liabilities (fair value hedges), highly probable forecast transactions or the cash flow risk from a change in exchange or interest rates (cash flow hedges) and hedges of net investments in foreign operations (net investment hedges). The designated portion of the hedging instruments is included in other financial assets and liabilities on the consolidated balance sheet. The effectiveness of such hedges is assessed at inception and at least on a quarterly basis, using prospective testing. Methods used for testing effectiveness include dollar offset, critical terms, regression analysis and hypothetical models.

Fair value hedges are used to manage the currency and/or interest rate risks to which the fair value of certain assets and liabilities are exposed. Changes in the fair value of the derivatives are recognised in the income statement, along with any changes in the relevant fair value of the underlying hedged asset or liability.

If such a hedge relationship no longer meets hedge accounting criteria, fair value movements on the derivative continue to be taken to the income statement while any fair value adjustments made to the underlying hedged item to that date are amortised through the income statement over its remaining life using the effective interest rate method.

Cash flow hedges are used to hedge the foreign currency risk of highly probable future foreign currency cash flows, as well as the cash flow risk from changes in exchange or interest rates. The effective portion of the gain or loss on the hedges is recognised in other comprehensive income, while any ineffective part is recognised in the income statement. Amounts recorded in other comprehensive income are recycled to the income statement in the same period in which the underlying foreign currency or interest exposure affects the income statement.

Net investment hedges take the form of either foreign currency borrowings or derivatives. Foreign exchange differences arising on translation of net investments are recorded in other comprehensive income and included in the exchange reserve. Liabilities used as hedging instruments are revalued at closing exchange rates and the resulting gains or losses are also recognised in other comprehensive income to the extent that they are effective, with any ineffectiveness taken to the income statement. Foreign exchange contracts hedging net investments are carried at fair value. Effective fair value movements are recognised in other comprehensive income, with any ineffectiveness taken to the income statement.

The group’s funding, liquidity and exposure to foreign currency and interest rate risks are managed by the group’s treasury department. The treasury department uses a range of financial instruments to manage these underlying risks.

227

Financial statements (continued)


Treasury operations are conducted within a framework of board approved policies and guidelines, which are recommended and monitored by the finance committee, chaired by the Chief Financial Officer. The policies and guidelines include benchmark exposure and/or hedge cover levels for key areas of treasury risk which are periodically reviewed by the Board following, for example, significant business, strategic or accounting changes. The framework provides for limited defined levels of flexibility in execution to allow for the optimal application of the board approved strategies. Transactions arising from the application of this flexibility are carried at fair value, gains or losses are taken to the income statement as they arise and are separately monitored on a daily basis using Value at Risk analysis. In the years ended 30 June 2019 and 30 June 2018 gains and losses on these transactions were not material. The group does not use derivatives for speculative purposes. All transactions in derivative financial instruments are initially undertaken to manage the risks arising from underlying business activities.

The group purchases insurance for commercial or, where required, for legal or contractual reasons. In addition, the group retains insurable risk where external insurance is not considered an economic means of mitigating these risks.

The finance committee receives a monthly report on the key activities of the treasury department, which would identify any exposures which differ from the defined benchmarks, should they arise.

(a) Currency risk

The group presents its consolidated financial statements in sterling and conducts business in many currencies. As a result, it is subject to foreign currency risk due to exchange rate movements, which will affect the group’s transactions and the translation of the results and underlying net assets of its operations. To manage the currency risk the group uses certain financial instruments. Where hedge accounting is applied, hedges are documented and tested for effectiveness on an ongoing basis. Diageo expects hedges entered into to continue to be effective and therefore does not expect the impact of ineffectiveness on the consolidated income statement to be material.

Hedge of net investment in foreign operations

The group hedges a certain portion of its exposure to fluctuations in the sterling value of its foreign operations by designating borrowings held in foreign currencies and using foreign currency spots, forwards, swaps and other financial derivatives. For the year ended 30 June 2019 the group’s guidance was to maintain total net investment Value at Risk to total Net Asset value below 20% , where Value at Risk is defined as the maximum amount of loss over a one-year period with a 95% probability confidence level.

At 30 June 2019 foreign currency borrowings and financial derivatives designated in net investment hedge relationships amounted to £4,001 million ( 2018 - £5,238 million ).

Hedge of foreign currency debt

The group uses cross currency interest rate swaps to hedge the foreign currency risk associated with certain foreign currency denominated borrowings.

Transaction exposure hedging

The group’s policy is to hedge up to 24 months forecast transactional foreign currency risk on the net US dollar exposure of the group targeting 75% coverage for the current financial year and up to 18 months for other currency pairs. The group’s exposure to foreign currency risk arising principally on forecasted sales transactions is managed using forward agreements and options.

(b) Interest rate risk

The group has an exposure to interest rate risk, arising principally on changes in US dollar, euro and sterling interest rates. To manage interest rate risk, the group manages its proportion of fixed to floating rate borrowings within limits approved by the Board, primarily through issuing fixed and floating rate borrowings and commercial paper, and by utilising interest rate swaps. These practices aim to minimise the group’s net finance charges with acceptable year on year volatility. To facilitate operational efficiency and effective hedge accounting, the group’s policy is to maintain fixed rate borrowings within a band of 40% to 60% of forecast net borrowings. For these calculations, net borrowings exclude interest rate related fair value adjustments. The majority of the group’s existing interest rate derivatives are designated as hedges and are expected to be effective. Fair value of these derivatives is recognised in the income statement, along with any changes in the relevant fair value of the underlying hedged asset or liability. The group's net borrowings interest rate profile as at 30 June 2019 and 2018 is as follows:
 
 
2019
 
 
2018
 
 
£ million

 
%

 
£ million

 
%
Fixed rate
 
6,181

 
55

 
4,739

 
52
Floating rate (i)
 
5,199

 
46

 
4,245

 
47
Impact of financial derivatives and fair value adjustments
 
(103
)
 
(1
)
 
107

 
1
Net borrowings
 
11,277

 
100

 
9,091

 
100

(i)     The floating rate portion of net borrowings includes cash and cash equivalents, collaterals, floating rate loans and bonds, bank overdrafts and finance lease obligations.

228

Financial statements (continued)


The table below sets out the average monthly net borrowings and effective interest rate:
Average monthly net borrowings
 
 
Effective interest rate
2019
£ million

 
2018
£ million

 
2017
£ million

 
2019
%
 
2018
%
 
2017
%
10,393

 
9,063

 
8,771

 
2.4
 
2.6
 
3.5
(1)
For this calculation, net interest charge excludes fair value adjustments to derivative financial instruments and borrowings and average monthly net borrowings includes the impact of interest rate swaps that are no longer in a hedge relationship but excludes the market value adjustment for cross currency interest rate swaps.

(c) Commodity price risk

Commodity price risk is managed in line with the principles approved by the Board either through long-term purchase contracts with suppliers or, where appropriate, derivative contracts. The group policy is to maintain the Value at Risk of commodity price risk arisen from commodity exposures below 75 bps of forecast gross margin in any given financial year. Where derivative contracts are used the commodity price risk exposure is hedged up to 24 months of forecast volume through exchange-traded and over-the-counter contracts (futures, forwards and swaps) and cash flow hedge accounting is applied.

(d) Market risk sensitivity analysis

The group uses a sensitivity analysis that estimates the impacts on the consolidated income statement and other comprehensive income of either an instantaneous increase or decrease of 0.5% in market interest rates or a 10% strengthening or weakening in sterling against all other currencies, from the rates applicable at 30 June 2019 and 30 June 2018 , for each class of financial instruments with all other variables remaining constant. The sensitivity analysis excludes the impact of market risks on the net post employment benefit liabilities and assets, and corporate tax payable. This analysis is for illustrative purposes only, as in practice interest and foreign exchange rates rarely change in isolation.

The sensitivity analysis estimates the impact of changes in interest and foreign exchange rates. All hedges are expected to be highly effective for this analysis and it considers the impact of all financial instruments including financial derivatives, cash and cash equivalents, borrowings and other financial assets and liabilities. The results of the sensitivity analysis should not be considered as projections of likely future events, gains or losses as actual results in the future may differ materially due to developments in the global financial markets which may cause fluctuations in interest and exchange rates to vary from the hypothetical amounts disclosed in the table below.
 
 
Impact on income
statement
gain/(loss)
 
 
Impact on consolidated
comprehensive income
gain/(loss)
(i) (ii)
 
 
 
2019
£ million

 
2018
£ million

 
2019
£ million

 
2018
£ million

0.5% decrease in interest rates
 
(27
)
 
(19
)
 
(15
)
 
(18
)
0.5% increase in interest rates
 
27

 
19

 
16

 
19

10% weakening of sterling
 
(17
)
 
(15
)
 
(1,001
)
 
(833
)
10% strengthening of sterling
 
14

 
11

 
805

 
680


(i)
The impact on foreign currency borrowings and derivatives in net investment hedges is largely offset by the foreign exchange difference arising on the translation of net investments.
(ii)
The impact on the consolidated statement of comprehensive income includes the impact on the income statement.

(e) Credit risk

Credit risk refers to the risk that a counterparty will default on its contractual obligations resulting in financial loss to the group. Credit risk arises on cash balances (including bank deposits and cash and cash equivalents), derivative financial instruments and credit exposures to customers, including outstanding loans, trade and other receivables, financial guarantees and committed transactions.

The carrying amount of financial assets represents the group’s exposure to credit risk at the balance sheet date as disclosed in section (i), excluding the impact of any collateral held or other credit enhancements. A financial asset is in default when the counterparty fails to pay its contractual obligations. Financial assets are written off when there is no reasonable expectation of recovery.

Credit risk is managed separately for financial and business related credit exposures.


229

Financial statements (continued)

Financial credit risk

Diageo aims to minimise its financial credit risk through the application of risk management policies approved and monitored by the Board. Counterparties are predominantly limited to major banks and financial institutions, primarily with a long-term credit rating within the A band or better, and the policy restricts the exposure to any one counterparty by setting credit limits taking into account the credit quality of the counterparty. The group’s policy is designed to ensure that individual counterparty limits are adhered to and that there are no significant concentrations of credit risk. The Board also defines the types of financial instruments which may be transacted. The credit risk arising through the use of financial instruments for currency and interest rate risk management is estimated with reference to the fair value of contracts with a positive value, rather than the notional amount of the instruments themselves. Diageo annually reviews the credit limits applied and regularly monitors the counterparties’ credit quality reflecting market credit conditions.

When derivative transactions are undertaken with bank counterparties, the group may, where appropriate, enter into certain agreements with such bank counterparties whereby the parties agree to post cash collateral for the benefit of the other if the net valuations of the derivatives are above a predetermined threshold. At 30 June 2019 , the collateral held under these agreements amounted to $152 million ( £120 million ) ( 2018 $71 million ( £54 million )).

Business related credit risk

Loan, trade and other receivables exposures are managed locally in the operating units where they arise and active risk management is applied, focusing on country risk, credit limits, ongoing credit evaluation and monitoring procedures. There is no significant concentration of credit risk with respect to loans, trade and other receivables as the group has a large number of customers which are internationally dispersed.

(f) Liquidity risk

Liquidity risk is the risk that Diageo may encounter difficulties in meeting its obligations associated with financial liabilities that are settled by delivering cash or other financial assets. The group uses short-term commercial paper to finance its day-to-day operations. The group’s policy with regard to the expected maturity profile of borrowings is to limit the amount of such borrowings maturing within 12 months to 50% of gross borrowings less money market demand deposits, and the level of commercial paper to 30% of gross borrowings less money market demand deposits. In addition, the group’s policy is to maintain backstop facilities with relationship banks to support commercial paper obligations.

The following tables provide an analysis of the anticipated contractual cash flows including interest payable for the group’s financial liabilities and derivative instruments on an undiscounted basis. Where interest payments are calculated at a floating rate, rates of each cash flow until maturity of the instruments are calculated based on the forward yield curve prevailing at the respective year ends. The gross cash flows of cross currency swaps are presented for the purposes of this table. All other derivative contracts are presented on a net basis. Financial assets and liabilities are presented gross in the consolidated balance sheet although, in practice, the group uses netting arrangements to reduce its liquidity requirements on these instruments.


230

Financial statements (continued)

Contractual cash flows
 
 
Due within
1 year
£ million

 
Due between
1 and 3  years
£ million

 
Due between
3 and 5 years
£ million

 
Due after
5 years
£ million

 
Total
£ million

 
Carrying
amount at
balance
sheet date
£ million

2019
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Borrowings (i)
 
(1,957
)
 
(2,942
)
 
(2,845
)
 
(4,748
)
 
(12,492
)
 
(12,555
)
Interest on borrowings (i)(iii)
 
(363
)
 
(489
)
 
(368
)
 
(1,362
)
 
(2,582
)
 
(124
)
Finance lease capital repayments
 
(43
)
 
(43
)
 
(33
)
 
(9
)
 
(128
)
 
(128
)
Finance lease future interest payments
 
(5
)
 
(7
)
 
(3
)
 

 
(15
)
 

Trade and other financial liabilities (ii)
 
(3,305
)
 
(233
)
 
(3
)
 
(11
)
 
(3,552
)
 
(3,524
)
Non-derivative financial liabilities
 
(5,673
)
 
(3,714
)
 
(3,252
)
 
(6,130
)
 
(18,769
)
 
(16,331
)
Cross currency swaps (gross)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
– Receivable
 
63

 
125

 
854

 
1,503

 
2,545

 

– Payable
 
(41
)
 
(82
)
 
(811
)
 
(1,042
)
 
(1,976
)
 

Other derivative instruments (net)
 
70

 
27

 
30

 
18

 
145

 

Derivative instruments (iii)
 
92

 
70

 
73

 
479

 
714

 
400

2018
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Borrowings (i)
 
(1,828
)
 
(2,055
)
 
(2,117
)
 
(3,950
)
 
(9,950
)
 
(9,902
)
Interest on borrowings (i)(iii)
 
(341
)
 
(472
)
 
(382
)
 
(1,385
)
 
(2,580
)
 
(100
)
Finance lease capital repayments
 
(30
)
 
(66
)
 
(34
)
 
(25
)
 
(155
)
 
(155
)
Finance lease future interest payments
 
(7
)
 
(9
)
 
(5
)
 
(1
)
 
(22
)
 

Trade and other financial liabilities (ii)
 
(3,117
)
 
(28
)
 
(1
)
 
(230
)
 
(3,376
)
 
(3,318
)
Non-derivative financial liabilities
 
(5,323
)
 
(2,630
)
 
(2,539
)
 
(5,591
)
 
(16,083
)
 
(13,475
)
Cross currency swaps (gross)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
– Receivable
 
60

 
121

 
840

 
1,487

 
2,508

 

– Payable
 
(41
)
 
(83
)
 
(824
)
 
(1,070
)
 
(2,018
)
 

Other derivative instruments (net)
 
(1
)
 
(30
)
 
(2
)
 
5

 
(28
)
 

Derivative instruments (iii)
 
18

 
8

 
14

 
422

 
462

 
90


(i)
For the purpose of these tables above, borrowings are defined as gross borrowings excluding finance lease liabilities and fair value of derivative instruments as disclosed in note 16.
(ii)
Primarily consists of trade and other payables that meet the definition of financial liabilities under IAS 32.
(iii)
Carrying amount of interest on borrowings and interest on derivatives and interest on other payable is included within interest payable in note 14.
 
The group had available undrawn committed bank facilities as follows:
 
2019
£ million

 
2018
£ million

Expiring within one year

 
788

Expiring between one and two years

 

Expiring after two years
2,756

 
1,864

 
2,756

 
2,652


The facilities can be used for general corporate purposes and, together with cash and cash equivalents, support the group’s commercial paper programmes.

There are no financial covenants on the group’s material short- and long-term borrowings. Certain of these borrowings contain cross default provisions and negative pledges.


231

Financial statements (continued)

The committed bank facilities are subject to a single financial covenant, being minimum interest cover ratio of two times (defined as the ratio of operating profit before exceptional items, aggregated with share of after tax results of associates and joint ventures, to net interest). They are also subject to pari passu ranking and negative pledge covenants.

Any non-compliance with covenants underlying Diageo’s financing arrangements could, if not waived, constitute an event of default with respect to any such arrangements, and any non-compliance with covenants may, in particular circumstances, lead to an acceleration of maturity on certain borrowings and the inability to access committed facilities. Diageo was in full compliance with its financial, pari passu ranking and negative pledge covenants in respect of its material short and long-term borrowings throughout each of the years presented.

(g) Fair value measurements

Fair value measurements of financial instruments are presented through the use of a three-level fair value hierarchy that prioritises the valuation techniques used in fair value calculations.

The group maintains policies and procedures to value instruments using the most relevant data available. If multiple inputs that fall into different levels of the hierarchy are used in the valuation of an instrument, the instrument is categorised on the basis of the most subjective input.

Foreign currency forwards and swaps, cross currency swaps and interest rate swaps are valued using discounted cash flow techniques. These techniques incorporate inputs at levels 1 and 2, such as foreign exchange rates and interest rates. These market inputs are used in the discounted cash flow calculation incorporating the instrument’s term, notional amount and discount rate, and taking credit risk into account. As significant inputs to the valuation are observable in active markets, these instruments are categorised as level 2 in the hierarchy.

Other financial liabilities include a put option, which does not have an expiry date, held by Industrias Licoreras de Guatemala (ILG) to sell the remaining 50% equity stake in Rum Creations & Products Inc, the owner of the Zacapa rum brand, to Diageo. The liability is fair valued and as at 30 June 2019 an amount of £174 million ( 30 June 2018 - £164 million ) is recognised as a liability with changes in fair value included in retained earnings. As the valuation of this option uses assumptions not observable in the market, it is categorised as level 3 in the hierarchy. As at 30 June 2019 because it is unknown when or if ILG will exercise the option the liability is measured as if the exercise date is on the last day of the next financial year considering forecast future performance.
 
The option is sensitive to reasonably possible changes in assumptions. If the option were to be exercised as at 30 June 2021, the fair value of the liability would increase by approximately £17 million .
The group’s financial assets and liabilities measured at fair value are categorised as follows:
 
 
2019
£ million

 
2018
(restated (i) )
£ million

Derivative assets
 
531

 
217

Derivative liabilities
 
(129
)
 
(123
)
Valuation techniques based on observable market input (Level 2)
 
402

 
94

Financial assets - other
 
86

 
89

Financial liabilities - other
 
(401
)
 
(352
)
Valuation techniques based on unobservable market input (Level 3)
 
(315
)
 
(263
)
(i) Restated to include contingent consideration of £188 million recognised on acquisitions of businesses.

232

Financial statements (continued)

The movements in level 3 instruments, measured on a recurring basis, are as follows:
 
2019
£ million
 
 
2018
£ million
 
 
Put option

 
Contingent consideration recognised on acquisition of businesses

 
Put option

 
Contingent consideration recognised on acquisition of businesses

At 1 July
(164
)
 
(188
)
 
(183
)
 

Net losses included in the income statement
(8
)
 
(25
)
 

 
(7
)
Net (losses)/gains included in exchange in other comprehensive income
(8
)
 
(8
)
 
3

 
3

Net (losses)/gains included in retained earnings
(3
)
 

 
7

 

Additions

 
(15
)
 

 
(184
)
Settlement of liabilities
9

 
9

 
9

 

At 30 June
(174
)
 
(227
)
 
(164
)
 
(188
)

In the year ended 30 June 2019 the £3 million (30 June 2018 - £50 million ) movement in financial assets - other instruments is mainly due to additions and advances promised to associates recognised only when targets are achieved.
There were no transfers between levels during the two years ended 30 June 2019 and 30 June 2018 .

(h) Results of hedge relationships

The group targets a one-to-one hedge ratio. Strengths of the economic relationship between the hedged item and the hedging instrument is analysed on an ongoing basis. Ineffectiveness can arise from subsequent change in the forecast transactions as a result of timing, cash flows or value except when the critical terms of the hedging instrument and hedged item are closely aligned. The change in the credit risk of the hedging instruments or the hedged items is not expected to be the primary factor in the economic relationship.

The notional amounts, contractual maturities and rates of the hedging instruments designated in hedging relationships as of 30 June 2019 by the main risk categories are as follows:
 
 
Notional amounts
£ million

 
Maturity
 
Range of hedged rates
2019
 
 
 
 
 
 
Net investment hedges
 
 
 
 
 
 
Derivatives in net investment hedges of foreign operations
 
68

 
July 2019
 
Turkish lira 7.55
Cash flow hedges
 
 
 
 
 
 
Derivatives in cash flow hedge (foreign currency debt)
 
1,614

 
April 2023-April 2043
 
US dollar 1.22-1.88
Derivatives in cash flow hedge (foreign exchange risk)
 
1,599

 
September 2019-February 2021
 
US dollar 1.28-1.47, euro 1.08-1.15
Derivatives in cash flow hedge (commodity price risk)
 
97

 
July 2019-May 2021
 
Wheat 148.75-171 GBP/t, Aluminium 1971-2204 USD/MT
Fair value hedges
 
 
 
 
 
 
Derivatives in fair value hedge (interest rate risk)
 
4,063

 
May 2020-May 2028
 
(0.01)-3.09%
2018
 
 
 
 
 
 
Net investment hedges
 
 
 
 
 
 
Derivatives in net investment hedges of foreign operations
 
1,068

 
July 2018
 
US dollar 1.32
Cash flow hedges
 
 
 
 
 
 
Derivatives in cash flow hedge (foreign currency debt)
 
1,553

 
April 2023-April 2043
 
US dollar 1.22-1.88
Derivatives in cash flow hedge (foreign exchange risk)
 
1,197

 
September 2018-December 2019
 
US dollar 1.24-1.47, euro 1.06-1.18
Derivatives in cash flow hedge (commodity price risk)
 
30

 
July 2018-March 2020
 
Corn 152.76-164.17 USD/t, Aluminium 2058.75-2204 USD/MT
Fair value hedges
 
 
 
 
 
 
Derivatives in fair value hedge (interest rate risk)
 
3,597

 
July 2018-May 2028
 
(0.26)-3.09%

For hedges of the cash flow risk from a change in forward exchange rates using cross currency interest rate swaps, the retranslation of the related bond principal to closing exchange rates and recognition of interest on the related bonds will affect the income statement in each year until the related bonds mature in 2023 , 2036 and 2043 . Exchange retranslation and the interest on the hedged bonds in the income statement are expected to offset those on the cross currency swaps in each of the years.

233

Financial statements (continued)

In respect of cash flow hedging instruments, a gain of £79 million ( 2018 - £57 million loss ; 2017 - £29 million loss ) has been recognised in other comprehensive income due to changes in fair value. A loss of £45 million has been transferred out of other comprehensive income to other operating expenses and a gain of £ 82 million to other finance charges, respectively ( 2018 - a gain of £7 million and a loss of £6 million ; 2017 - a loss of £143 million and a gain of £42 million ) to offset the foreign exchange impact on the underlying transactions.
For cash flow hedges of forecast transactions at 30 June 2019 , based on year end interest and exchange rates, there is expected to be a loss to the income statement of £44 million in the year ending 30 June 2020 and a loss of £13 million in the year ending 30 June 2021 .
For hedges, that are no longer applicable at 30 June 2019 , a loss of £20 million ( 2018 - a loss of £21 million ) in respect of hedges of foreign currency borrowings is reported in reserves. There was no significant ineffectiveness on net investment and cash flow hedges during the year ended 30 June 2019 .
The gain on fair value hedging instruments for the year was £119 million ( 2018 - a loss of £12 million ) and the loss on the hedged item attributable to the hedged risk was £120 million ( 2018 - a gain of £12 million ). At 30 June 2019 the accumulated fair value changes on the hedged items is £103 million ( 2018 - £17 million ).


234

Financial statements (continued)

(i) Reconciliation of financial instruments

The table below sets out the group’s accounting classification of each class of financial assets and liabilities:
 
 
Fair value
through income
statement
£ million

 
Fair value through other comprehensive income
£ million

 
Assets and liabilities at amortised cost
£ million

 
Not categorised
as a financial
instrument
£ million

 
Total
£ million

 
Current
£ million

 
Non-current
£ million

2019
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Other investments and loans (i)
 
67

 
19

 
16

 
2

 
104

 

 
104

Trade and other receivables
 

 

 
2,385

 
362

 
2,747

 
2,694

 
53

Cash and cash equivalents
 

 

 
932

 

 
932

 
932

 

Derivatives in fair value hedge (interest rate risk)
 
104

 

 

 

 
104

 
2

 
102

Derivatives in cash flow hedge (foreign currency debt)
 
283

 

 

 

 
283

 

 
283

Derivatives in cash flow hedge (foreign currency exchange risk)
 
1

 

 

 

 
1

 
1

 

Other instruments
 
143

 

 

 

 
143

 
124

 
19

Total other financial assets
 
531

 

 

 

 
531

 
127

 
404

Total financial assets
 
598

 
19

 
3,333

 
364

 
4,314

 
3,753

 
561

Borrowings (ii)
 

 

 
(12,555
)
 

 
(12,555
)
 
(1,959
)
 
(10,596
)
Trade and other payables
 
(227
)
 

 
(3,251
)
 
(946
)
 
(4,424
)
 
(4,202
)
 
(222
)
Derivatives in cash flow hedge (foreign currency debt)
 
(12
)
 

 

 

 
(12
)
 

 
(12
)
Derivatives in cash flow hedge (foreign currency exchange risk)
 
(58
)
 

 

 

 
(58
)
 
(41
)
 
(17
)
Derivatives in cash flow hedge (commodity price risk)
 
(9
)
 

 

 

 
(9
)
 
(9
)
 

Derivatives in net investment hedge
 
(1
)
 

 

 

 
(1
)
 
(1
)
 

Other instruments
 
(223
)
 

 
(26
)
 

 
(249
)
 
(239
)
 
(10
)
Finance leases
 

 

 
(128
)
 

 
(128
)
 
(43
)
 
(85
)
Total other financial liabilities
 
(303
)
 

 
(154
)
 

 
(457
)
 
(333
)
 
(124
)
Total financial liabilities
 
(530
)
 

 
(15,960
)
 
(946
)
 
(17,436
)
 
(6,494
)
 
(10,942
)
Total net financial assets/(liabilities)
 
68

 
19

 
(12,627
)
 
(582
)
 
(13,122
)
 
(2,741
)
 
(10,381
)
2018
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Other investments and loans (i)
 
89

 

 
14

 
2

 
105

 

 
105

Trade and other receivables
 

 

 
2,429

 
295

 
2,724

 
2,678

 
46

Cash and cash equivalents
 

 

 
874

 

 
874

 
874

 

Derivatives in fair value hedge (interest rate risk)
 
7

 

 

 

 
7

 

 
7

Derivatives in cash flow hedge (foreign currency debt)
 
160

 

 

 

 
160

 

 
160

Derivatives in cash flow hedge (foreign currency exchange risk)
 
9

 

 

 

 
9

 
9

 

Derivatives in net investment hedge
 
1

 

 

 

 
1

 
1

 

Other instruments at fair value
 
40

 

 

 

 
40

 
25

 
15

Total other financial assets
 
217

 

 

 

 
217

 
35

 
182

Total financial assets
 
306

 

 
3,317

 
297

 
3,920

 
3,587

 
333

Borrowings (ii)
 

 

 
(9,902
)
 

 
(9,902
)
 
(1,828
)
 
(8,074
)
Trade and other payables (iii)
 
(188
)
 

 
(3,070
)
 
(901
)
 
(4,159
)
 
(3,950
)
 
(209
)
Derivatives in fair value hedge (interest rate risk)
 
(22
)
 

 

 

 
(22
)
 

 
(22
)
Derivatives in cash flow hedge (foreign currency debt)
 
(48
)
 

 

 

 
(48
)
 

 
(48
)
Derivatives in cash flow hedge (foreign currency exchange risk)
 
(25
)
 

 

 

 
(25
)
 
(9
)
 
(16
)
Derivatives in net investment hedge
 
(4
)
 

 

 

 
(4
)
 
(4
)
 

Other instruments at fair value
 
(188
)
 

 

 

 
(188
)
 
(186
)
 
(2
)
Finance leases
 

 

 
(155
)
 

 
(155
)
 
(31
)
 
(124
)
Total other financial liabilities
 
(287
)
 

 
(155
)
 

 
(442
)
 
(230
)
 
(212
)
Total financial liabilities
 
(475
)
 

 
(13,127
)
 
(901
)
 
(14,503
)
 
(6,008
)
 
(8,495
)
Total net financial liabilities
 
(169
)
 

 
(9,810
)
 
(604
)
 
(10,583
)
 
(2,421
)
 
(8,162
)

(i)
Other investments and loans are including those in respect of associates.
(ii)
Borrowings are defined as gross borrowings excluding finance lease liabilities and the fair value of derivative instruments.
(iii)
Restated to include contingent consideration of £188 million recognised on the acquisition of businesses within the fair value through income statement class, which was presented under the assets and liabilities at amortised cost class in the 2018 Annual Report.


235

Financial statements (continued)

At 30 June 2019 and 30 June 2018 , the carrying values of cash and cash equivalents, other financial assets and liabilities approximate to fair values. At 30 June 2019 the fair value of borrowings, based on unadjusted quoted market data, was £13,240 million ( 2018 £10,304 million ).

(j) Capital management

The group’s management is committed to enhancing shareholder value in the long-term, both by investing in the business and brands so as to deliver continued improvement in the return from those investments and by managing the capital structure. Diageo manages its capital structure to achieve capital efficiency, provide flexibility to invest through the economic cycle and give efficient access to debt markets at attractive cost levels. This is achieved by targeting an adjusted net borrowings (net borrowings aggregated with post employment benefit liabilities) to adjusted EBITDA leverage of 2.5 – 3.0 times, this range for Diageo being currently broadly consistent with an A band credit rating. Diageo would consider operating outside of this range in order to effect strategic initiatives within its stated goals, which could have an impact on its rating. If Diageo’s leverage was to be negatively impacted by the financing of an acquisition, it would seek over time to return to the range of 2.5 – 3.0 times. The group regularly assesses its debt and equity capital levels against its stated policy for capital structure. As at 30 June 2019 the adjusted net borrowings ( £12,123 million ) to adjusted EBITDA ratio was 2.5 times. For this calculation net borrowings are adjusted by post employment benefit liabilities ( £846 million ) whilst adjusted EBITDA ( £4,802 million ) comprises operating profit excluding exceptional operating items and depreciation, amortisation and impairment and includes share of after tax results of associates and joint ventures.

16. Net borrowings

Accounting policies

Borrowings are initially recognised at fair value net of transaction costs and are subsequently reported at amortised cost. Certain bonds are designated as being part of a fair value hedge relationship. In these cases, the amortised cost is adjusted for the fair value of the risk being hedged, with changes in value recognised in the income statement. The fair value adjustment is calculated using a discounted cash flow technique based on unadjusted market data.

Bank overdrafts form an integral part of the group’s cash management and are included as a component of net cash and cash equivalents in the consolidated statement of cash flows.

Cash and cash equivalents comprise cash in hand and deposits which are readily convertible to known amounts of cash and which are subject to insignificant risk of changes in value and have an original maturity of three months or less, including money market deposits, commercial paper and investments.


236

Financial statements (continued)

Net borrowings are defined as gross borrowings (short-term borrowings and long-term borrowings plus finance lease liabilities plus interest rate hedging instruments, cross currency interest rate swaps and funding foreign currency forwards and swaps used to manage borrowings) less cash and cash equivalents.
 
2019
£ million

 
2018
£ million

Bank overdrafts
211

 
181

Commercial paper
649

 
98

Bank and other loans
190

 
300

Credit support obligations
120

 
54

€ 500 million 1.125% bonds due 2019

 
444

€ 850 million 1.125% bonds due 2019

 
751

US$ 500 million 2.565% bonds due 2020
394

 

US$ 500 million 3% bonds due 2020
393

 

Fair value adjustment to borrowings
2

 

Borrowings due within one year
1,959

 
1,828

US$ 500 million floating bonds due 2020

 
378

US$ 500 million 3% bonds due 2020

 
378

€ 775 million 0% bonds due 2020
691

 
685

US$ 696 million 4.828% bonds due 2020
538

 
508

€ 900 million 0.25% bonds due 2021
802

 

US$ 1,000 million 2.875% bonds due 2022 (i)
785

 
755

US$ 300 million 8% bonds due 2022 (i)
235

 
226

US$ 1,350 million 2.625% bonds due 2023
1,060

 
1,020

€ 600 million 0.125% bonds due 2023
533

 

US$ 500 million 3.5% bonds due 2023
393

 
377

€ 500 million 1.75% bonds due 2024
444

 
440

€ 500 million 0.5% bonds due 2024
443

 
439

€ 600 million 1% bonds due 2025
531

 

€ 850 million 2.375% bonds due 2026
755

 
747

£ 500 million 1.75% bonds due 2026
496

 

€ 500 million 1.5% bonds due 2027
445

 

US$ 500 million 3.875% bonds due 2028
391

 
376

US$ 400 million 7.45% bonds due 2035 (i)
315

 
303

US$ 600 million 5.875% bonds due 2036
468

 
450

US$ 500 million 4.25% bonds due 2042 (i)
389

 
374

US$ 500 million 3.875% bonds due 2043
387

 
372

Bank and other loans
373

 
234

Fair value adjustment to borrowings
122

 
12

Borrowings due after one year
10,596

 
8,074

Total borrowings before derivative financial instruments
12,555

 
9,902

Fair value of foreign currency derivatives
(370
)
 
(107
)
Fair value of interest rate hedging instruments
(104
)
 
15

Finance lease liabilities
128

 
155

Gross borrowings
12,209

 
9,965

Less: Cash and cash equivalents
(932
)
 
(874
)
Net borrowings
11,277

 
9,091


(i)
SEC-registered debt issued on an unsecured basis by Diageo Investment Corporation, a 100% owned finance subsidiary of Diageo plc.

(1)
The interest rates shown are those contracted on the underlying borrowings before taking into account any interest rate hedges (see note 15).
(2)
Bonds are stated net of unamortised finance costs of £63 million ( 2018 £60 million ; 2017 £61 million ).
(3)    Bonds are reported above at amortised cost with a fair value adjustment shown separately.
(4)
All bonds, medium-term notes and commercial paper issued on an unsecured basis by the group’s 100% owned subsidiaries are fully and unconditionally guaranteed on an unsecured basis by Diageo plc.

237

Financial statements (continued)


Gross borrowings before derivative financial instruments are expected to mature as follows:
 
2019
£ million

 
2018
£ million

Within one year
1,959

 
1,828

Between one and three years
2,940

 
2,033

Between three and five years
2,879

 
2,111

Beyond five years
4,777

 
3,930

 
12,555

 
9,902

During the year the following bonds were issued and repaid:
 
2019
£ million

 
2018
£ million

 
2017
£ million

Issued
 
 
 
 
 
€ denominated
2,270

 
1,136

 

£ denominated
496

 

 

US$ denominated

 
1,476

 

Repaid
 
 
 
 
 
€ denominated
(1,168
)
 

 

US$ denominated

 
(1,571
)
 
(1,234
)
 
1,598

 
1,041

 
(1,234
)

(a) Reconciliation of movement in net borrowings
 
2019
£ million

 
2018
£ million

At beginning of the year
9,091

 
7,892

Net (increase)/decrease in cash and cash equivalents before exchange
(54
)
 
185

Net increase in bonds and other borrowings (i)
2,331

 
1,015

Change in net borrowings from cash flows
2,277

 
1,200

Exchange differences on net borrowings
22

 
(80
)
Other non-cash items (ii)
(113
)
 
79

Net borrowings at end of the year
11,277

 
9,091


(i)
In the year ended 30 June 2019 , net increase in bonds and other borrowings excludes £12 million cash outflow in respect of derivatives designated in forward point hedges ( 2018 - £ nil ).
(ii)    In the years ended 30 June 2019 and 30 June 2018 other non-cash items are principally in respect of changes in the fair value of borrowings.


238

Financial statements (continued)

(b) Analysis of net borrowings by currency
 
2019
 
 
2018
 
 
Cash and cash
equivalents
£ million

 
Gross
borrowings
(i)
£ million

 
Cash and cash
equivalents
£ million

 
Gross
borrowings
(i)
£ million

US dollar
88

 
525

 
95

 
297

Euro
70

 
(2,910
)
 
91

 
(2,505
)
Sterling (ii)
40

 
(9,308
)
 
38

 
(7,383
)
Indian rupee
23

 
(247
)
 
25

 
(313
)
Kenyan shilling
79

 
(223
)
 
16

 
(107
)
Turkish lira (ii)
129

 
(84
)
 
105

 
(9
)
Mexican peso
16

 
(78
)
 
13

 
(58
)
Australian dollar

 
(49
)
 

 
130

Chinese yuan
249

 
9

 
293

 
(160
)
Other
238

 
156

 
198

 
143

Total
932

 
(12,209
)
 
874

 
(9,965
)

(i)
Includes foreign currency forwards and swaps and finance leases.
(ii)
Includes £nil (sterling) and £122 million (Turkish lira) cash and cash equivalents in cash-pooling arrangements ( 2018 - £13 million (sterling) and £87 million (Turkish lira)).

17. Equity

Accounting policies

Own shares represent shares and share options of Diageo plc that are held in treasury or by employee share trusts for the purpose of fulfilling obligations in respect of various employee share plans or were acquired as part of a share buyback programme. Own shares are treated as a deduction from equity until the shares are cancelled, reissued or disposed of and when vest are transferred from own shares to retained earnings at their weighted average cost.

Share-based payments include share awards and options granted to directors and employees. The fair value of equity settled share options and share grants is initially measured at grant date based on the binomial or Monte Carlo models and is charged to the income statement over the vesting period. For equity settled shares the credit is included in retained earnings. Cancellations of share options are treated as an acceleration of the vesting period and any outstanding charge is recognised in operating profit immediately. Any surplus or deficit arising on the sale of the Diageo plc shares held by the group is included as a movement in equity.

Dividends are included in the financial statements in the year in which they are approved.

(a) Allotted and fully paid share capital – ordinary shares of 28 101 108 pence each
 
 
Number of shares
million

 
Nominal value
£ million

At 30 June 2019
 
2,601

 
753

At 30 June 2018
 
2,695

 
780

At 30 June 2017
 
2,754

 
797


239

Financial statements (continued)

(b) Hedging and exchange reserve
 
 
Hedging
reserve
£ million

 
Exchange
reserve
£ million

 
Total
£ million

At 30 June 2016
 
(90
)
 
(431
)
 
(521
)
Other comprehensive income
 
69

 
(1
)
 
68

At 30 June 2017
 
(21
)
 
(432
)
 
(453
)
Other comprehensive income
 
(44
)
 
(530
)
 
(574
)
Adoption of IFRS 9 by associate
 
(3
)
 

 
(3
)
At 30 June 2018
 
(68
)
 
(962
)
 
(1,030
)
Other comprehensive income
 
31

 
181

 
212

At 30 June 2019
 
(37
)
 
(781
)
 
(818
)

(c) Own shares

Movements in own shares
 
 
Number
of shares
million

 
Purchase
consideration
£ million

At 30 June 2016
 
244

 
2,189

Share trust arrangements
 
(3
)
 
(32
)
Shares purchased employee share plans
 
5

 
101

Shares used to satisfy options
 
(5
)
 
(82
)
At 30 June 2017
 
241

 
2,176

Share trust arrangements
 
(1
)
 
(9
)
Shares purchased employee share plans
 
2

 
66

Shares used to satisfy options
 
(4
)
 
(89
)
Shares purchased - share buyback programme
 
59

 
1,507

Shares cancelled
 
(59
)
 
(1,507
)
At 30 June 2018
 
238

 
2,144

Share trust arrangements
 
(1
)
 
(14
)
Shares used to satisfy options
 
(5
)
 
(104
)
Shares purchased - share buyback programme
 
95

 
2,775

Shares cancelled
 
(95
)
 
(2,775
)
At 30 June 2019
 
232

 
2,026


During the year ended 30 June 2019 the company purchased call options over 4 million shares at a cost of £14 million to hedge employee share awards and share option grants. These are three-year call options, denominated in sterling.

Share trust arrangements

At 30 June 2019 the employee share trusts owned 3 million of ordinary shares in Diageo plc at a cost of £58 million and market value of £92 million ( 2018 4 million shares at a cost of £72 million , market value £106 million ; 2017 5 million shares at a cost of £81 million , market value £107 million ). Dividends receivable by the employee share trusts on the shares are waived and the trustee abstains from voting.

Purchase of own shares

Authorisation was given by shareholders on 20 September 2018 to purchase a maximum of 246,118,306 shares at a minimum price of 28 101 / 108 pence and a maximum price of higher of (a) 105% of the average of the middle market quotations for an ordinary share for the five preceding business days and (b) the higher of the price of the last independent trade and the highest current independent bid on the London Stock Exchange at the time the purchase is carried out. The programme expires at the conclusion of the next Annual General Meeting or on 19 December 2019 if earlier .


240

Financial statements (continued)

During the year ended 30 June 2018 , as part of the employee share schemes, the company purchased 2.5 million ordinary shares, nominal value of £1 million ( 2017 5 million ordinary shares, nominal value of £1 million ), representing approximately 0.1% (2017 - 0.2% ) of the issued ordinary share capital (excluding treasury shares).

In the year ended 30 June 2019 the group purchased 94.7 million ordinary shares ( 2018 58.9 million), representing approximately 3.5% of the issued ordinary share capital ( 2018 2.1% ) at an average price of £ 29.24 per share, and an aggregate cost of £2,775 million (including £6 million of transaction costs) ( 2018 – £ 25.43 per share, and an aggregate cost of £1,507 million including £9 million of transaction costs) under share buyback programmes. The programme completed on 10 July 2019 resulting in the repurchase of an additional 0.3 million shares at an average price of £33.73 , and an aggregate cost of £26 million (including £17 million settlement payments for the full tranche) recognised as a financial liability at 30 June 2019 . The shares purchased under the share buyback programmes were cancelled.

The monthly breakdown of all shares purchased and the average price paid per share (excluding expenses) for the year ended 30 June 2019 were as follows:
Calendar month
 
Number of shares
purchased under
share buyback
programme

 
Total number of
shares purchased

 
Average price paid pence

 
Authorised purchases unutilised at month end

August 2018
 
5,500,453

 
5,500,453

 
2775

 
240,617,853

September 2018
 
8,965,815

 
8,965,815

 
2679

 
231,652,038

October 2018
 
11,731,281

 
11,731,281

 
2660

 
219,920,757

November 2018
 
11,421,897

 
11,421,897

 
2747

 
208,498,860

December 2018
 
8,859,766

 
8,859,766

 
2822

 
199,639,094

January 2019
 
1,344,885

 
1,344,885

 
2734

 
198,294,209

February 2019
 
96,000

 
96,000

 
2835

 
198,198,209

March 2019
 
22,646,246

 
22,646,246

 
3033

 
175,551,963

April 2019
 
11,631,712

 
11,631,712

 
3131

 
163,920,251

May 2019
 
8,810,782

 
8,810,782

 
3247

 
155,109,469

June 2019
 
3,700,028

 
3,700,028

 
3343

 
151,409,441

Total
 
94,708,865

 
94,708,865

 
2924

 
151,409,441


(d) Dividends
 
 
2019
£ million

 
2018
£ million

 
2017
£ million

Amounts recognised as distributions to equity shareholders in the year
 
 
 
 
 
 
Final dividend for the year ended 30 June 2018
 
 
 
 
 
 
40.4 pence per share (2017 – 38.5 pence; 2016 – 36.6 pence)
 
993

 
968

 
920

Interim dividend for the year ended 30 June 2019
 
 
 
 
 
 
26.1 pence per share (2018 – 24.9 pence; 2017 – 23.7 pence)
 
630

 
613

 
595

 
 
1,623

 
1,581

 
1,515


The proposed final dividend of £1,006 million ( 42.47 pence per share) for the year ended 30 June 2019 was approved by the Board of Directors on 25 July 2019 . As this was after the balance sheet date and the dividend is subject to approval by shareholders at the Annual General Meeting, this dividend has not been included as a liability in these consolidated financial statements. There are no corporate tax consequences arising from this treatment.

Dividends are waived on all treasury shares owned by the company and all shares owned by the employee share trusts.

(e) Non-controlling interests

Diageo consolidates USL, a company incorporated in India, with a 43.91% non-controlling interest and has a 50% controlling interest in Ketel One Worldwide B.V. (Ketel One), a company incorporated in the Netherlands. All other consolidated subsidiaries are fully owned or the non-controlling interests are not material.


241

Financial statements (continued)

Summarised financial information for USL, Ketel One and others, after fair value adjustments on acquisition, and the amounts attributable to non-controlling interests are as follows:
 
 
2019
 
 
2018

 
2017

 
 
USL
£ million

 
Ketel One
and others
£ million

 
Total
£ million

 
Total
£ million

 
Total
£ million

Income statement
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Sales
 
3,229

 
2,117

 
5,346

 
4,926

 
4,844

Net sales
 
1,016

 
1,640

 
2,656

 
2,431

 
2,412

Profit for the year
 
78

 
305

 
383

 
244

 
229

Other comprehensive income/(loss) (i)
 
59

 
78

 
137

 
(163
)
 
116

Total comprehensive income
 
137

 
383

 
520

 
81

 
345

Attributable to non-controlling interests
 
61

 
173

 
234

 
53

 
148

Balance sheet
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Non-current assets (ii)
 
2,315

 
2,998

 
5,313

 
4,973

 
4,975

Current assets
 
587

 
882

 
1,469

 
1,384

 
1,222

Non-current liabilities
 
(473
)
 
(1,053
)
 
(1,526
)
 
(1,425
)
 
(1,327
)
Current liabilities
 
(496
)
 
(708
)
 
(1,204
)
 
(1,183
)
 
(1,199
)
Net assets
 
1,933

 
2,119

 
4,052

 
3,749

 
3,671

Attributable to non-controlling interests
 
849

 
946

 
1,795

 
1,765

 
1,715

Cash flow
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Net cash inflow from operating activities
 
109

 
433

 
542

 
334

 
355

Net cash (outflow) from investing activities
 
(18
)
 
(139
)
 
(157
)
 
(136
)
 
(86
)
Net cash (outflow) from financing activities
 
(97
)
 
(169
)
 
(266
)
 
(164
)
 
(172
)
Net increase/(decrease) in cash and cash equivalents
 
(6
)
 
125

 
119

 
34

 
97

Exchange differences
 
1

 
2

 
3

 
(2
)
 
(3
)
Dividends payable to non-controlling interests
 

 
(114
)
 
(114
)
 
(101
)
 
(83
)
(i)
Other comprehensive income is principally in respect of exchange on translating the subsidiaries to sterling.
(ii)
Ketel One includes the global distribution rights to distribute Ketel One vodka products throughout the world. The carrying value of the distribution rights at 30 June 2019 was £1,418 million ( 2018 £1,363 million ; 2017 £1,385 million ).

(1) On 17 August 2018 Diageo acquired 20.29% of the share capital of Sichuan Shuijingfang Company Limited (SJF) which was already controlled and therefore consolidated prior to the transaction. On 9 April 2019 Diageo completed the purchase of a further 3.14% of SJF’s share capital. These transactions took Diageo’s shareholding in SJF from 39.71% to 63.14% .

(f) Employee share compensation

The group uses a number of share award and option plans to grant to its directors and employees.

The annual fair value charge in respect of the equity settled plans for the three years ended 30 June 2019 is as follows:
 
 
2019
£ million

 
2018
£ million

 
2017
£ million

Executive share award plans
 
41

 
33

 
28

Executive share option plans
 
4

 
3

 
3

Savings plans
 
4

 
3

 
3

 
 
49

 
39

 
34


Executive share awards are primarily made under the Diageo 2014 Long Term Incentive Plan (DLTIP) from September 2014 onwards. Prior to the introduction of the DLTIP, employees in associated companies were granted awards under the Diageo plc 2011 Associated Companies Share Incentive Plan (DACSIP). There was a single grant in September 2016 under the Diageo Performance Incentive plan. Under all of these plans, conditional awards can be delivered in the form of restricted shares or share options at the market value at the time of grant.


242

Financial statements (continued)

Share awards normally vest and are released on the third anniversary of the grant date. Participants do not make a payment to receive the award at grant. Executive Directors are required to hold any vested shares awarded from 2014 for a further two-year period. Share options may normally be exercised between three and ten years after the grant date. Executives in North America and Latin America and Caribbean are granted awards over the company’s ADSs (one ADS is equivalent to four ordinary shares).

Performance shares under the DLTIP are subject to the achievement of three equally weighted performance tests: 1) compound annual growth in profit before exceptional items over three years; 2) compound annual growth in organic net sales over three years; 3) cumulative free cash flow over a three-year period, measured at constant exchange rates. Shares awarded under the Diageo Performance Incentive plan (DPI) in September 2016 are subject to the achievement of two equally weighted performance tests over the three-year performance period. These were: 1) compound annual growth in organic net sales over three years; and 2) productivity savings over three years, with an assessment of line manager performance as an underpin. Performance share options under the DLTIP are subject to the achievement of two equally weighted performance tests: 1) a comparison of Diageo’s three-year TSR with a peer group; 2) compound annual growth in profit before exceptional items over three years. Performance measures and targets are set annually by the Remuneration Committee. The vesting range is 20% or 25% (for Executive Directors and for other participants respectively) for achieving minimum performance targets, up to 100% for achieving the maximum target level. Retesting of the performance condition is not permitted.

For performance shares under the DLTIP dividends are accrued on awards and are given to participants to the extent that the awards actually vest at the end of the performance period. Dividends are normally paid out in the form of shares.

For the three years ended 30 June 2019 , the calculation of the fair value of each share award used the Monte Carlo pricing model and the following assumptions:
 
 
2019
 
2018
 
2017
Risk free interest rate
 
0.8%
 
0.3%
 
0.1%
Expected life of the awards
 
37 months
 
37 months
 
36 months
Dividend yield
 
2.4%
 
2.6%
 
3.0%
Weighted average share price
 
2736 p
 
2573 p
 
2130 p
Weighted average fair value of awards granted in the year
 
1941 p
 
1761 p
 
1427 p
Number of awards granted in the year
 
2.5 million
 
2.3 million
 
3.6 million
Fair value of all awards granted in the year
 
£48 million
 
£41 million
 
£51 million

Transactions on schemes

Transactions on the executive share award plans for the three years ended 30 June 2019 were as follows:
 
 
2019
Number of awards
million

 
2018
Number of awards
million

 
2017
Number of awards
million

Balance outstanding at 1 July
 
7.8

 
7.9

 
7.2

Granted
 
2.5

 
2.3

 
3.6

Exercised/awarded
 
(2.1
)
 
(0.7
)
 
(1.3
)
Forfeited/expired
 
(1.2
)
 
(1.7
)
 
(1.6
)
Balance outstanding at 30 June
 
7.0

 
7.8

 
7.9


At 30 June 2019 , 3.4 million executive share options were exercisable at a weighted average exercise price of 1816 pence .


243

Financial statements (continued)

Other financial information

Introduction

This section includes additional financial information that are either required by the relevant accounting standards or management considers these to be material information for shareholders.

18. Contingent liabilities and legal proceedings

Accounting policies

Provision is made for the anticipated settlement costs of legal or other disputes against the group where it is considered to be probable that a liability exists and a reliable estimate can be made of the likely outcome. Where it is possible that a settlement may be reached or it is not possible to make a reliable estimate of the estimated financial effect appropriate disclosure is made but no provision created.

Critical accounting judgements and estimates

Judgement is necessary in assessing the likelihood that a claim will succeed, or a liability will arise, and an estimate to quantify the possible range of any settlement. Due to the inherent uncertainty in this evaluation process, actual losses may be different from the liability originally estimated. The group may be involved in legal proceedings in respect of which it is not possible to make a reliable estimate of any expected settlement, if any. In such cases appropriate disclosure is provided but no provision is made and no contingent liability is quantified.

(a) Guarantees and related matters

As of 30 June 2019 , the group has no material unprovided guarantees or indemnities in respect of liabilities of third parties.

(b) Acquisition of USL shares from UBHL, winding-up petitions against UBHL and other proceedings in relation to the USL transaction

On 4 July 2013 , Diageo completed its acquisition, under a share purchase agreement with United Breweries (Holdings) Limited (UBHL) and various other sellers (the SPA), of 21,767,749 shares ( 14.98% ) in United Spirits Limited (USL) for a total consideration of INR 31.3 billion ( £349 million ), including 10,141,437 shares ( 6.98% ) from UBHL. The SPA was signed on 9 November 2012 and was part of the transaction announced by Diageo in relation to USL on that day (the Original USL Transaction). Through a series of further transactions, as of 2 July 2014 , Diageo had a 54.78% investment in USL (excluding 2.38% owned by the USL Benefit Trust).

Prior to the acquisition from UBHL on 4 July 2013 , the High Court of Karnataka (High Court) had granted leave to UBHL under sections 536 and 537 of the Indian Companies Act 1956 (the Leave Order) to enable the sale by UBHL to Diageo to take place (the UBHL Share Sale) notwithstanding the continued existence of five winding-up petitions that were pending against UBHL on 9 November 2012 , being the date of the SPA. Additional winding-up petitions have been brought against UBHL since 9 November 2012 , and the Leave Order did not extend to them. At the time of the completion of the UBHL Share Sale, the Leave Order remained subject to review on appeal. However, as stated by Diageo at the time of closing on 4 July 2013 , it was considered unlikely that any appeal process in respect of the Leave Order would definitively conclude on a timely basis and, accordingly, Diageo waived the conditionality under the SPA relating to the absence of insolvency proceedings in relation to UBHL and acquired the 10,141,437 USL shares from UBHL at that time.

Following closing of the UBHL Share Sale, appeals were filed by various petitioners in respect of the Leave Order. On 20 December 2013 , the division bench of the High Court set aside the Leave Order (the December 2013 Order). Following the December 2013 Order, Diageo filed special leave petitions (SLPs) in the Supreme Court of India against the December 2013 Order.

On 10 February 2014 , the Supreme Court of India issued an order giving notice in respect of the SLPs and ordering that the status quo be maintained with regard to the UBHL Share Sale pending a hearing on the matter in the Supreme Court. Following a number of adjournments, the next date for a substantive hearing of the SLPs (in respect of which leave has since been granted and which have been converted to civil appeals) is yet to be fixed.

In separate proceedings, the High Court passed a winding-up order against UBHL on 7 February 2017 . On 4 March 2017 , UBHL appealed against this order before a division bench of the High Court. This appeal is currently pending.

244

Financial statements (continued)


Diageo continues to believe that the acquisition price of INR 1,440 per share paid to UBHL for the USL shares is fair and reasonable as regards UBHL, UBHL’s shareholders and UBHL’s secured and unsecured creditors. However, adverse results for Diageo in the proceedings referred to above could, absent leave or relief in other proceedings, ultimately result in Diageo losing title to the 10,141,437 USL shares acquired from UBHL. Diageo believes it would remain in control of USL and be able to consolidate USL as a subsidiary regardless of the outcome of this litigation. There can be no certainty as to the outcome of the existing or any further related legal proceedings or the timeframe within which they would be concluded.

Diageo also has the benefit of certain contractual undertakings and commitments from the relevant sellers in relation to potential challenges to its unencumbered title to the USL shares acquired on 4 July 2013 , including relating to the winding-up petitions described above and/or certain losses and costs that may be incurred in the event of third party actions relating to the acquisition of the USL shares.

(c) Continuing matters relating to the resignation of Dr Vijay Mallya from USL and USL internal inquiries

On 25 February 2016 , Diageo and USL each announced that they had entered into arrangements with Dr Mallya under which he had agreed to resign from his position as a director and as chairman of USL and from his positions in USL’s subsidiaries. As specified by Diageo in its announcement at that time, these arrangements ended its prior agreement with Dr Mallya regarding his position at USL, therefore bringing to an end the uncertainty relating to the governance of USL, and put in place a five-year global non-compete (excluding the United Kingdom), non-interference, non-solicitation and standstill arrangement with Dr Mallya. As part of those arrangements, USL, Diageo and Dr Mallya agreed a mutual release in relation to matters arising out of an inquiry into certain matters referred to in USL’s financial statements and the qualified auditor’s report for the year ended 31 March 2014 (the Initial Inquiry) which had revealed, among other things, certain diversions of USL funds. Dr Mallya also agreed not to pursue any claims against Diageo, USL and their affiliates (including under the prior agreement with Diageo). In evaluating entering into such arrangements, Diageo considered the impact of the arrangements on USL and all of USL’s shareholders, and came to the view that the arrangements were in the best interests of USL and its shareholders.

Diageo’s agreement with Dr Mallya (the February 2016 Agreement) provided for a payment of $75 million ( £53 million ) to Dr Mallya over a five year period in consideration for the five-year global non-compete, non-interference, non-solicitation and standstill commitments referred to above, his resignation from USL and the termination of his USL-related appointment and governance rights, the relinquishing of rights and benefits attached to his position at USL, and his agreement not to pursue claims against Diageo and USL. The February 2016 Agreement also provided for the release of Dr Mallya’s personal obligations to indemnify (i) Diageo Holdings Netherlands B.V. (DHN) in respect of its earlier liability ( $141 million ( £96 million )) under a backstop guarantee of certain borrowings of Watson Limited (Watson) (a company affiliated with Dr Mallya), and (ii) Diageo Finance plc in respect of its earlier liability ( £30 million ) under a guarantee of certain borrowings of United Breweries Overseas Limited, a subsidiary of UBHL. $40 million ( £28 million ) of the $75 million ( £53 million ) amount was paid on signing of the February 2016 Agreement with the balance being payable in equal instalments of $7 million ( £5 million ) a year over five years, subject to and conditional on Dr Mallya’s compliance with certain terms of the agreement.

While the first three instalments of $7 million ( £5 million ) each would have become due on 25 February 2017 , 25 February 2018 and 25 February 2019 , respectively, owing to various reasons (including breaches committed by Dr Mallya and certain persons connected with him of several provisions of the February 2016 Agreement and agreements of the same date between Dr Mallya and USL), Diageo believes that it was not liable to pay such amounts and did not do so. Diageo further believes that it is very unlikely to become liable to pay any future instalments, to Dr Mallya. By notice to Dr Mallya and certain persons connected with him on 24 February 2017 , 3 November 2017 , 23 February 2018 , 22 August 2018 and 22 February 2019 , Diageo and other group companies have demanded from Dr Mallya the repayment of $40 million ( £28 million ) which was paid by Diageo on 25 February 2016 , and also sought compensation from him for various losses incurred by the relevant members of the Diageo group on account of the breaches committed by him and certain persons connected with him. On 16 November 2017 , Diageo and other relevant members of the Diageo group commenced claims in the High Court of Justice in England and Wales (the English High Court) against Dr Mallya in relation to certain of the matters specified in those notices . At the same time DHN also commenced claims in the English High Court against Dr Mallya, his son Sidhartha Mallya, Watson (a company affiliated with Dr Mallya) Continental Administration Services Limited (CASL) (a company which holds assets on trust for and is affiliated with Dr Mallya) for in excess of $142 million ( £105 million ) (plus interest) in relation to Watson’s liability to DHN in respect of its borrowings referred to above and the breach of associated security documents. These additional claims are described in paragraph (d) below.

Dr Mallya, Sidhartha Mallya and the relevant affiliated companies filed a defence to such claims and the additional claims on 12 March 2018 , and Dr Mallya also filed a counterclaim for payment of the two $7 million ( £5 million ) instalment payments withheld by Diageo as described above. Diageo and the other relevant members of its group filed a reply to that defence and a defence to the counter-claim on 5 September 2018.

245

Financial statements (continued)


Diageo continues to prosecute its claims and to defend the counterclaim. As part of this, on 18 December 2018, Diageo and the other relevant members of its group filed an application for strike out and/or summary judgement in respect of certain aspects of the defence filed by Dr Mallya and the other defendants, including their defence in relation to Watson and CASL’s liability to repay DHN. That application was made by DHN on the basis that the defence filed by Dr Mallya and his co-defendants in relation to those matters had no real prospect of success.

DHN’s summary judgement and strike out application was heard by the English High Court on 23 May 2019. The court decided in favour of DHN that (i) Watson is liable to pay, and has no defence against paying, $135 million ( £105 million ) plus interest of $11 million ( £9 million ) to DHN, and (ii) CASL is liable, as co-surety, to pay, and has no defence against paying, 50% of any such amount unpaid by Watson, i.e. up to $67.5 million ( £52 million ) plus interest of $5.5 million ( £4 million ) to DHN. Watson and CASL were ordered to pay such sums, as well as certain amounts in respect of DHN and Diageo’s costs, to DHN by 21 June 2019. Such amounts were not paid on that date by either Watson or CASL. Accordingly, Diageo and DHN are considering further enforcement steps against those companies, both in the United Kingdom and in other jurisdictions where they are present or hold assets.

The remaining elements of the claims originally commenced on 16 November 2017 by Diageo and the relevant members of its group are now expected to proceed to trial with a case management conference to take place on a date yet to be fixed.

As previously announced by USL, the Initial Inquiry identified certain additional parties and matters indicating the possible existence of other improper transactions. These transactions could not be fully analysed during the Initial Inquiry and, accordingly, USL, as previously announced, mandated that its Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer conduct a further inquiry into the transactions involving the additional parties and the additional matters to determine whether they also suffered from improprieties (the Additional Inquiry). USL announced the results of the Additional Inquiry in a notice to the Indian Stock Exchange dated 9 July 2016 . The mutual release in relation to the Initial Inquiry agreed by Diageo and USL with Dr Mallya announced on 25 February 2016 does not extend to matters arising out of the Additional Inquiry.

As stated in USL’s previous announcement, the Additional Inquiry revealed further instances of actual or potential fund diversions from USL and its Indian and overseas subsidiaries to, in most cases, Indian and overseas entities in which Dr Mallya appears to have a material direct or indirect interest, as well as other potentially improper transactions involving USL and its Indian and overseas subsidiaries.

In connection with the matters identified by the Additional Inquiry, USL has, pursuant to a detailed review of each case of such fund diversion and after obtaining expert legal advice, where appropriate, filed civil suits for recovery of funds from certain parties, including Dr Mallya, before the relevant courts in India.

The amounts identified in the Additional Inquiry have been previously provided for or expensed in the financial statements of USL or its subsidiaries for prior periods. Further, at this stage, it is not possible for the management of USL to estimate the financial impact on USL, if any, arising out of potential non-compliance with applicable laws in relation to such fund diversions.


(d) Other continuing matters relating to Dr Mallya and affiliates

DHN issued a conditional backstop guarantee on 2 August 2013 to Standard Chartered Bank (Standard Chartered) pursuant to a guarantee commitment agreement (the Guarantee Agreement). The guarantee was in respect of the liabilities of Watson, a company affiliated with Dr Mallya, under a $135 million ( £92 million ) facility from Standard Chartered (the Facility Agreement). The Guarantee Agreement was entered into as part of the arrangements put in place and announced at the closing of the USL transaction on 4 July 2013 .

DHN’s provision of the Guarantee Agreement enabled the refinancing of certain existing borrowings of Watson from a third party bank and facilitated the release by that bank of rights over certain USL shares that were to be acquired by Diageo as part of the USL transaction. The facility matured and entered into default in May 2015 . In aggregate DHN paid Standard Chartered $141 million ( £96 million ) under this guarantee, i.e. including payments of default interest and various fees and expenses.

Watson remains liable for all amounts paid by DHN under the guarantee. Under the guarantee documentation with Standard Chartered, DHN is entitled to the benefit of the underlying security package for the loan, including: (a) certain shares in United Breweries Limited (UBL) held solely by Dr Mallya and certain other shares in UBL held by Dr Mallya jointly with his son Sidhartha Mallya, and (b) the shareholding in Watson.


246

Financial statements (continued)

Aspects of the security package are the subject of various proceedings in India in which third parties are alleging and asserting prior rights to certain assets comprised in the security package or otherwise seeking to restrain enforcement against certain assets by Standard Chartered and/or DHN. These proceedings are ongoing and DHN will continue to vigorously pursue these matters as part of its efforts for enforcement of the underlying security and recovery of outstanding amounts. Diageo believes that the existence of any prior rights or dispute in relation to the security would be in breach of representations and warranties given by Dr Mallya and others to Standard Chartered at the time the security was granted and further believes that certain actions taken by Dr Mallya in relation to the proceedings described above also breached his obligations to Standard Chartered. In addition to these third party proceedings, Dr Mallya is also subject to proceedings in India under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act and the Fugitive Economic Offenders Act in which the relevant Indian authority, the Directorate of Enforcement, is seeking confiscation of the UBL shares which were provided as security for Watson’s liabilities. DHN is participating in these proceedings in order to protect its security interest in respect of the UBL shares.

Under the terms of the guarantee and as a matter of law, there are arrangements to pass on to DHN the benefit of the security package upon payment by DHN under the guarantee of all amounts owed to Standard Chartered. Payment under the guarantee has now occurred as described above. To the extent possible in the context of the proceedings described above, DHN continues to work towards enforcement of the security package, including, when appropriate, in conjunction with Standard Chartered. DHN’s ability to assume or enforce security over some elements of the security package is also subject to regulatory consent. It is not at this stage possible to determine whether such consent would be forthcoming.

In addition to the Indian proceedings just described, certain of the assets comprised in the security package may also be affected by a worldwide freezing order of the English High Court granted on 24 November 2017 and continued on 8 December 2017 and 8 May 2018 in respect of the assets of Dr Mallya.

The agreement with Dr Mallya referenced in paragraph (c) above does not impact the security package. Watson remains liable for all amounts paid pursuant to the guarantee and DHN has the benefit of a counter-indemnity from Watson in respect of payments in connection with the guarantee, as well as a claim against CASL as a co-surety with DHN of Watson's obligations. The various security providers, including Dr Mallya and Watson, acknowledged in the February 2016 Agreement referred to in paragraph (c) above that DHN is entitled to the benefit of the security package underlying the Standard Chartered facility and have also undertaken to take all necessary actions in that regard. Further, Diageo believes that the existence of any prior rights or disputes in relation to the security package would be in breach of certain confirmations given to Diageo and DHN pursuant to that agreement by Dr Mallya, Watson and certain connected persons.

On 16 November 2017 , DHN commenced various claims in the English High Court for, in aggregate, in excess of $142 million ( £105 million ) (plus interest) in relation to these matters, including the following: (i) a claim against Watson for $141 million ( £96 million ) (plus interest) under Watson’s counter-indemnity to DHN in respect of payments made by DHN to Standard Chartered under the guarantee referred to above; (ii) a claim against Dr Mallya and Sidhartha Mallya under various agreements creating or relating to the security package referred to above for (a) the costs incurred to date in the various Indian proceedings referred to above (plus interest), and (b) damages of $141 million ( £96 million ), being DHN’s loss as a result of those Indian proceedings which currently prevent enforcement of the security over shares in UBL (plus interest); and (iii) a claim against CASL, as a co-surety with DHN of Watson’s obligations under the Facility Agreement, for 50% of the difference between the amount claimed under (i) above and the amount (if any) that DHN is in fact able to recover from Watson, Dr Mallya and/or Sidhartha Mallya.

As noted in paragraph (c), Dr Mallya, Sidhartha Mallya and the relevant affiliated companies filed a defence to these claims on 12 March 2018 . Diageo and the other relevant members of its group filed a reply to that defence on 5 September 2018.

DHN and Diageo continue to prosecute these claims. As part of that, on 18 December 2018, Diageo and the other relevant members of its group filed an application for strike out and/or summary judgment in respect of certain aspects of the defence filed by Dr Mallya, Sidhartha Mallya and the relevant affiliated companies, including in respect of Watson and CASL’s liability to repay DHN. The successful outcome of that application is described in paragraph (c) above.

(e) Other matters in relation to USL

Following USL’s earlier updates concerning the Initial Inquiry as well as in relation to the arrangements with Dr Mallya that were the subject of the 25 February 2016 announcement, USL and Diageo have received various notices from Indian regulatory authorities, including the Ministry of Corporate Affairs, Enforcement Directorate and Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI).


247

Financial statements (continued)

Diageo and USL are cooperating fully with the authorities in relation to these matters. Diageo and USL have also received notices from SEBI requesting information in relation to, and explanation of the reasons for, the arrangements with Dr Mallya that were the subject of the 25 February 2016 announcement as well as, in the case of USL, in relation to the Initial Inquiry and the Additional Inquiry, and, in the case of Diageo, whether such arrangements with Dr Mallya or the Watson backstop guarantee arrangements referred to in paragraphs (c) and (d) above were part of agreements previously made with Dr Mallya at the time of the Original USL Transaction announced on 9 November 2012 and the open offer made as part of the Original USL Transaction. Diageo and USL have complied with such information requests and Diageo has confirmed that, consistent with prior disclosures, the Watson backstop guarantee arrangements and the matters described in the 25 February 2016 announcement were not the subject of any earlier agreement with Dr Mallya. In respect of the Watson backstop guarantee arrangements, SEBI issued a further notice to Diageo on 16 June 2016 that if there is any net liability incurred by Diageo (after any recovery under relevant security or other arrangements, which matters remain pending) on account of the Watson backstop guarantee, such liability, if any, would be considered to be part of the price paid for the acquisition of USL shares under the SPA which formed part of the Original USL Transaction and that, in that case, additional equivalent payments would be required to be made to those shareholders (representing 0.04% of the shares in USL) who tendered in the open offer made as part of the Original USL Transaction. Diageo is clear that the Watson backstop guarantee arrangements were not part of the price paid or agreed to be paid for any USL shares under the Original USL Transaction and therefore believes the decision in the SEBI notice to be misconceived and wrong in law and appealed against it before the Securities Appellate Tribunal, Mumbai (SAT). On 1 November 2017 , SAT issued an order in respect of Diageo’s appeal in which, amongst other things, it observed that the relevant officer at SEBI had neither considered Diageo’s earlier reply nor provided Diageo with an opportunity to be heard, and accordingly directed SEBI to pass a fresh order after giving Diageo an opportunity to be heard. Following SAT’s order, Diageo made its further submissions in the matter, including at a personal hearing before a Deputy General Manager of SEBI. On 26 June 2019, SEBI issued an order reiterating the directions contained in its previous notice dated 16 June 2016. As with the previous notice, Diageo believes SEBI's latest order to be misconceived and wrong in law and is taking steps to file an appeal before SAT against the order. Diageo is unable to assess if the notices or enquiries referred to above will result in enforcement action or, if this were to transpire, to quantify meaningfully the possible range of loss, if any, to which any such action might give rise to if determined against Diageo or USL.

In relation to the matters described in the 25 February 2016 announcement, Diageo had also responded to a show cause notice dated 12 May 2017 from SEBI arising out of the previous correspondence in this regard and made its further submissions in the matter, including at a personal hearing before a Whole Time Member of SEBI. On 6 September 2018, SEBI issued an order holding that Diageo had acquired sole control of USL following its earlier open offers, and that no fresh open offer was triggered by Diageo.

(f) USL’s dispute with IDBI Bank Limited

Prior to the acquisition by Diageo of a controlling interest in USL, USL had prepaid a term loan of £72 million ( INR 6,280 million ) taken through IDBI Bank Limited (IDBI), an Indian bank, which was secured on certain fixed assets and brands of USL, as well as by a pledge of certain shares in USL held by the USL Benefit Trust (of which USL is the sole beneficiary). The maturity date of the loan was 31 March 2015. IDBI disputed the prepayment, following which USL filed a writ petition in November 2013 before the High Court of Karnataka (the High Court) challenging the bank’s actions.

Following the original maturity date of the loan, USL received notices from IDBI seeking to recall the loan, demanding a further sum of £5 million ( INR 459 million ) on account of the outstanding principal, accrued interest and other amounts, and also threatening to enforce the security in the event that USL did not make these further payments. Pursuant to an application filed by USL before the High Court in the writ proceedings, the High Court directed that, subject to USL depositing such further amount with the bank (which amount was duly deposited by USL), the bank should hold the amount in a suspense account and not deal with any of the secured assets including the shares until disposal of the original writ petition filed by USL before the High Court.

On 27 June 2019, a single judge bench of the High Court issued an order dismissing the writ petition filed by USL, amongst other things, on the basis that the matter involved an issue of breach of contract by USL and was therefore not maintainable in exercise of the court’s writ jurisdiction. USL has since filed an appeal against this order before a division bench of the High Court, which on 30 July 2019 has issued an interim order directing the bank to not deal with any of the secured assets until the next date of hearing.

(g) SEC Inquiry

Diageo has received requests for information from the US Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) regarding its distribution in and public disclosures regarding the United States and its distribution in certain other Diageo markets as well as additional context about the Diageo group globally. Diageo is currently responding to the SEC’s requests for information in this matter. Diageo is unable to assess if the inquiry will evolve into further information requests or an enforcement action or, if this were to transpire, to quantify meaningfully the possible loss or range of loss, if any, to which any such action might give rise.

248

Financial statements (continued)


(h) Tax

The international tax environment has received increased attention and seen rapid change over recent years, both at a US and European level, and by international bodies such as the Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development. Against this backdrop, Diageo has been monitoring developments and continues to engage transparently with the tax authorities in the countries where Diageo operates to ensure that the group manages its arrangements on a sustainable basis.

In April 2019 , the European Commission issued its decision in a state aid investigation into the Group Financing Exemption in the UK controlled foreign company rules. The European Commission found that part of the Group Financing Exemption constitutes state aid. The Group Financing Exemption was introduced in legislation by the UK government in 2013 . In common with other UK-based international companies whose arrangements are in line with current UK CFC legislation Diageo may be affected by the ultimate outcome of this investigation. In June 2019 the UK government and other UK-based international companies, including Diageo, appealed to the General Court of the European Union against the decision. In the meantime, the UK Government is required to commence collection proceedings and therefore it is expected that Diageo will have to make a payment in the year ending 30 June 2020 in respect of this case. At present it is not possible to determine the amount that the UK government will seek to collect. If the decision of the European Commission is upheld, Diageo calculates its maximum potential liability to be approximately £275 million . Based on its current assessment, Diageo believes that no provision is required in respect of this issue.

In July 2019 Diageo reached agreement with the French tax authorities over the deductibility of certain interest costs. See note 7 (Taxation) for further information.

The group operates in a large number of markets with complex tax and legislative regimes that are open to subjective interpretation. As assessing an accurate value of contingent liabilities in these markets requires a high level of judgement, contingent liabilities are disclosed on the basis of the current known possible exposure from tax assessment values.

Diageo has reviewed its disclosures in relation to Brazil and India, where Diageo has a large number of ongoing tax cases. While these cases are not individually significant, the current assessment of the aggregate possible exposures is up to approximately £313 million for Brazil and up to approximately £180 million for India. The group believes that the likelihood that the tax authorities will ultimately prevail is lower than probable but higher than remote. Due to the fiscal environment in Brazil and in India the possibility of further tax assessments related to the same matters cannot be ruled out. Based on its current assessment, Diageo believes that no provision is required in respect of these issues.

In addition to the risks highlighted above, payments were made under protest in India in respect of the periods 1 July 2009 to 30 June 2015 in relation to tax assessments where the risk is considered to be remote. These payments have to be made in order to challenge the assessments and as such have been recognised as a receivable on the consolidated balance sheet. The total amount of protest payments recognised as a receivable as at 30 June 2019 is £104 million (corporate tax payments of £94 million and indirect tax payments of £10 million ), from which the payments made in the year ended 30 June 2019 amount to £51 million .

(i) Other

The group has extensive international operations and is a defendant in a number of legal, customs and tax proceedings incidental to these operations, the outcome of which cannot at present be foreseen. In particular, the group is currently a defendant in various customs proceedings that challenge the declared customs value of products imported by certain Diageo companies. Diageo continues to defend its position vigorously in these proceedings.
Save as disclosed above, neither Diageo, nor any member of the Diageo group, is or has been engaged in, nor (so far as Diageo is aware) is there pending or threatened by or against it, any legal or arbitration proceedings which may have a significant effect on the financial position of the Diageo group.


249

Financial statements (continued)

19. Commitments

(a) Capital commitments

Commitments for expenditure on intangibles and property, plant and equipment not provided for in these consolidated financial statements are estimated at £255 million ( 2018 £161 million ; 2017 £84 million ).

(b) Operating lease commitments

The minimum lease rentals to be paid under non-cancellable leases, principally in respect of properties, are as follows:
 
 
2019
£ million

 
2018
£ million

Payments falling due:
 
 
 
 
Within one year
 
98

 
100

Between one and two years
 
64

 
70

Between two and three years
 
45

 
48

Between three and four years
 
34

 
32

Between four and five years
 
22

 
20

After five years
 
58

 
42

 
 
321

 
312


There are no significant leases for which contingent rent is payable, nor any that have purchase options, escalation clauses or restrictions. Certain of the operating leases have renewal clauses which are at fair market value.

20. Related party transactions

Transactions between the group and its related parties are made on terms equivalent to those that prevail in arm’s length transactions.

(a) Subsidiaries

Transactions between the company and its subsidiaries are eliminated on consolidation and therefore are not disclosed. Details of the principal group companies are given in note 21.

(b) Associates and joint ventures

Sales and purchases to and from associates and joint ventures are principally in respect of premium drinks products but also include the provision of management services.

Transactions and balances with associates and joint ventures are set out in the table below:
 
 
2019
£ million

 
2018
£ million

 
2017
£ million

Income statement items
 
 
 
 
 
 
Sales
 
9

 
10

 
10

Purchases
 
28

 
29

 
32

Balance sheet items
 
 
 
 
 
 
Group payables
 
12

 
3

 
4

Group receivables
 
2

 
2

 
1

Loans payable
 
6

 
6

 
6

Loans receivable
 
55

 
59

 
31

Cash flow items
 
 
 
 
 
 
Loans and equity contributions, net
 
32

 
37

 
14

 
Other disclosures in respect of associates and joint ventures are included in note 6.


250

Financial statements (continued)

(c) Key management personnel

The key management of the group comprises the Executive and Non-Executive Directors, the members of the Executive Committee and the Company Secretary.
 
 
2019
£ million

 
2018
£ million

 
2017
£ million

Salaries and short-term employee benefits
 
10

 
10

 
10

Annual incentive plan
 
10

 
10

 
9

Non-Executive Directors’ fees
 
1

 
1

 
1

Share-based payments (i)
 
20

 
15

 
9

Post employment benefits
 
3

 
2

 
2

Termination benefits
 

 

 
2

 
 
44

 
38

 
33


(i)    Time-apportioned fair value of unvested options and share awards.

Non-Executive Directors do not receive share-based payments or post employment benefits.

(d) Pension plans

The Diageo pension plans are recharged with the cost of administration services provided by the group to the pension plans and with professional fees paid by the group on behalf of the pension plans. The total amount recharged for the year was £ 3 million ( 2018 – £ 14 million; 2017 – £ 15 million).

(e) Directors’ remuneration
 
 
2019
£ million

 
2018
£ million

 
2017
£ million

Salaries and short-term employee benefits
 
2

 
2

 
2

Annual incentive plan
 
2

 
3

 
3

Non-Executive Directors' fees
 
1

 
1

 
1

Share option exercises (i)
 
2

 

 
2

Shares vesting (i)
 
13

 
1

 
4

Post employment benefits (ii)
 
1

 
1

 
1

 
 
21

 
8

 
13


(i)
Gains on options realised in the year and the benefit from share awards, calculated by using the share price applicable on the date of exercise of the share options and release of the awards.
(ii)    Includes a cash allowance in lieu of pension contributions.


251

Financial statements (continued)

21. Principal group companies

The companies listed below include those which principally affect the profits and assets of the group. The operating companies listed below may carry on the business described in the countries listed in conjunction with their subsidiaries and other group companies.
 
 
Country of incorporation
 
Country of operation
 
Percentage of equity owned (i)

 
Business description
Subsidiaries
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Diageo Ireland
 
Republic of Ireland
 
Worldwide
 
100
%
 
Production, marketing and distribution of premium drinks
Diageo Great Britain Limited
 
England
 
Great Britain
 
100
%
 
Marketing and distribution of premium drinks
Diageo Scotland Limited
 
Scotland
 
Worldwide
 
100
%
 
Production, marketing and distribution of premium drinks
Diageo Brands B.V.
 
Netherlands
 
Worldwide
 
100
%
 
Marketing and distribution of premium drinks
Diageo North America, Inc.
 
United States
 
Worldwide
 
100
%
 
Production, importing, marketing and distribution of premium drinks
United Spirits Limited (ii)
 
India
 
India
 
54.78
%
 
Production, importing, marketing and distribution of premium drinks
Diageo Capital plc (iii)
 
Scotland
 
United Kingdom
 
100
%
 
Financing company for the group
Diageo Finance plc (iii)
 
England
 
United Kingdom
 
100
%
 
Financing company for the group
Diageo Investment Corporation
 
United States
 
United States
 
100
%
 
Financing company for the US group
Mey İçki Sanayi ve Ticaret A.Ş.
 
Turkey
 
Turkey
 
100
%
 
Production, marketing and distribution of premium drinks
Associates
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Moët Hennessy, SAS (iv)
 
France
 
France
 
34
%
 
Production, marketing and distribution of premium drinks

(i)
All percentages, unless otherwise stated, are in respect of holdings of ordinary share capital and are equivalent to the percentages of voting rights held by the group.
(ii)
Percentage ownership excludes 2.38% owned by the USL Benefit Trust.
(iii)
Directly owned by Diageo plc.
(iv)
French limited liability company.

22. Post balance sheet events

Share buyback

On 25 July 2019 , the Board approved plans for a further return of capital up to £4.5 billion to shareholders for the three year period to 30 June 2022 .


252

Additional information for shareholders


Legal proceedings

Information on the legal proceedings is set out in note 18 to the consolidated financial statements.

Articles of association

The company is incorporated under the name Diageo plc, and is registered in England and Wales under registered number 23307.

The following description summarises certain provisions of Diageo’s articles of association (as adopted by special resolution at the Annual General Meeting on 20 September 2018) and applicable English law concerning companies (the Companies Acts), in each case as at 5 August 2019. This summary is qualified in its entirety by reference to the Companies Acts and Diageo’s articles of association.

Investors can obtain copies of Diageo’s articles of association by contacting the Company Secretary at the.cosec@diageo.com.

Any amendment to the articles of association of the company may be made in accordance with the provisions of the Companies Act 2006, by way of special resolution.

Directors

Diageo’s articles of association provide for a Board of Directors, consisting (unless otherwise determined by an ordinary resolution of shareholders) of not fewer than three directors and not more than 25 directors, in which all powers to manage the business and affairs of Diageo are vested. Directors may be elected by the members in a general meeting or appointed by Diageo’s Board. At each annual general meeting, the following are required to retire and are then reconsidered for election/re-election, assuming they wish to stand for election/re-election: any director who has been appointed by Diageo’s Board since the last Annual General Meeting; any director who has been in office during the two previous general meetings and did not retire at either of them; and any director who has been in office, other than in an executive position, for a continuous period of nine years or more at the date of the meeting. There is no age limit requirement in respect of directors. Directors may also be removed before the expiration of their term of office in accordance with the provisions of the Companies Acts.

Under Diageo’s articles of association, a director cannot vote in respect of any proposal in which the director has an interest. However, this restriction on voting does not apply where the interest cannot reasonably be regarded as giving rise to a conflict of interest, nor to resolutions (a) giving the director any guarantee, security or indemnity in respect of obligations or liabilities incurred for the benefit of Diageo, (b) giving any guarantee, security or indemnity to a third party in respect of obligations of Diageo for which the director has assumed responsibility under an indemnity or guarantee or by the giving of security, (c) relating to an offer of securities of Diageo in which the director participates or may participate as a holder of shares or other securities or in the underwriting, (d) relating to any contract in which the director is interested by virtue of the director’s interest in securities of Diageo or by reason of any other interest in or through Diageo, (e) concerning any other company in which the director is directly or indirectly interested, provided that the director does not have a relevant interest in that company, (f) relating to the arrangement of any employee benefit (including any retirement benefit plan) in which the director will share equally with other employees, (g) relating to any insurance that Diageo purchases or maintains for its directors or any group of people, including directors, (h) giving the director an indemnity where all the other directors are being offered indemnities on substantially the same terms, and (i) for the funding by Diageo of the director’s expenditure on defending proceedings or the doing by Diageo of anything to enable the director to avoid incurring such expenditure where all the other directors are being offered substantially the same arrangements. A director cannot vote in relation to any resolution of the board concerning his own appointment, or the settlement or variation of the terms or the termination of his own appointment, as the holder of any office or place of profit with Diageo or any company in which Diageo is interested.

Under Diageo’s articles of association, compensation awarded to directors may be decided by the Board or any authorised committee of the Board. The Remuneration Committee is responsible for making recommendations to the Board concerning matters relating to remuneration policy. It is comprised of all the non-executive directors except for the chairman.

The directors are empowered to exercise all the powers of Diageo to borrow money, subject to the limitation that the aggregate amount of all net external borrowings of the group outstanding at any time shall not exceed an amount equal to twice the aggregate of the group’s adjusted capital and reserves calculated in the manner prescribed in Diageo’s articles of association, unless sanctioned by an ordinary resolution of Diageo’s shareholders.

Directors are not required to hold any shares of Diageo as a qualification to act as a director.


253

Additional information for shareholders (continued)

Dividend rights

Holders of Diageo’s ordinary shares may, by ordinary resolution, declare dividends but may not declare dividends in excess of the amount recommended by the directors. The directors may also pay interim dividends or fixed rate dividends. No dividend may be paid other than out of profits available for distribution. All of Diageo’s ordinary shares rank equally for dividends, but the Board may withhold payment of all or any part of any dividends or other monies payable in respect of Diageo’s shares from a person with a 0.25% interest (as defined in Diageo’s articles of association) if such a person has been served with a restriction notice (as defined in Diageo’s articles of association) after failure to provide Diageo with information concerning interests in those shares required to be provided under the Companies Acts. Dividends may be paid in currencies other than sterling and such dividends will be calculated using an appropriate market exchange rate as determined by the directors in accordance with Diageo’s articles of association.

If a dividend has not been claimed, the directors may invest the dividend or use it in some other way for the benefit of Diageo until the dividend is claimed. If the dividend remains unclaimed for 12 years after the date such dividend was declared or became due for payment, it will be forfeited and will revert to Diageo (unless the directors decide otherwise). Diageo may stop sending cheques, warrants or similar financial instruments in payment of dividends by post in respect of any shares or may cease to employ any other means for payment of dividends if either (a) at least two consecutive payments have remained uncashed or are returned undelivered or that means of payment has failed, or (b) one payment remains uncashed or is returned undelivered or that means of payment has failed and reasonable enquiries have failed to establish any new postal address or account of the holder. Diageo must resume sending dividend cheques, warrants or similar financial instruments or employing that means of payment if the holder requests such resumption in writing.

Diageo’s articles of association permit payment or satisfaction of a dividend wholly or partly by distribution of specific assets, including fully paid shares or debentures of any other company. Such action must be directed by the general meeting which declared the dividend and upon the recommendation of the directors.

Voting rights

Voting on any resolution at any general meeting of the company is by a show of hands unless a poll is duly demanded. On a show of hands, (a) every shareholder who is present in person at a general meeting, and every proxy appointed by any one shareholder and present at a general meeting, has/have one vote regardless of the number of shares held by the shareholder (or, subject to (b), represented by the proxy), and (b) every proxy present at a general meeting who has been appointed by more than one shareholder has one vote regardless of the number of shareholders who have appointed him or the number of shares held by those shareholders, unless he has been instructed to vote for a resolution by one or more shareholders and to vote against the resolution by one or more shareholders, in which case he has one vote for and one vote against the resolution. On a poll, every shareholder who is present in person or by proxy has one vote for every share held by that shareholder, but a shareholder or proxy entitled to more than one vote need not cast all his votes or cast them all in the same way (the deadline for exercising voting rights by proxy is set out in the form of proxy).

A poll may be demanded by any of the following:
 
the chairman of the general meeting;
at least three shareholders entitled to vote on the relevant resolution and present in person or by proxy at the meeting;
any shareholder or shareholders present in person or by proxy and representing in the aggregate not less than one-tenth of the total voting rights of all shareholders entitled to vote on the relevant resolution; or
any shareholder or shareholders present in person or by proxy and holding shares conferring a right to vote on the relevant resolution on which there have been paid up sums in the aggregate equal to not less than one-tenth of the total sum paid up on all the shares conferring that right.

Diageo’s articles of association and the Companies Acts provide for matters to be transacted at general meetings of Diageo by the proposing and passing of two kinds of resolutions:
 
ordinary resolutions, which include resolutions for the election, re-election and removal of directors, the declaration of final dividends, the appointment and re-appointment of the external auditor, the remuneration report and remuneration policy, the increase of authorised share capital, and the grant of authority to allot shares; and
special resolutions, which include resolutions for the amendment of Diageo’s articles of association, resolutions relating to the disapplication of pre-emption rights, and resolutions modifying the rights of any class of Diageo’s shares at a meeting of the holders of such class.


254

Additional information for shareholders (continued)

An ordinary resolution requires the affirmative vote of a simple majority of the votes cast by those entitled to vote at a meeting at which there is a quorum in order to be passed. Special resolutions require the affirmative vote of not less than three-quarters of the votes cast by those entitled to vote at a meeting at which there is a quorum in order to be passed. The necessary quorum for a meeting of Diageo is a minimum of two shareholders present in person or by proxy and entitled to vote.

A shareholder is not entitled to vote at any general meeting or class meeting in respect of any share held by him if he has been served with a restriction notice (as defined in Diageo’s articles of association) after failure to provide Diageo with information concerning interests in those shares required to be provided under the Companies Acts.

Liquidation rights

In the event of the liquidation of Diageo, after payment of all liabilities and deductions taking priority in accordance with English law, the balance of assets available for distribution will be distributed among the holders of ordinary shares according to the amounts paid up on the shares held by them.

Pre-emption rights and new issues of shares

While holders of ordinary shares have no pre-emptive rights under Diageo’s articles of association, the ability of the directors to cause Diageo to issue shares, securities convertible into shares or rights to shares, otherwise than pursuant to an employee share scheme, is restricted. Under the Companies Acts, the directors of a company are, with certain exceptions, unable to allot any equity securities without express authorisation, which may be contained in a company’s articles of association or given by its shareholders in a general meeting, but which in either event cannot last for more than five years. Under the Companies Acts, Diageo may also not allot shares for cash (otherwise than pursuant to an employee share scheme) without first making an offer to existing shareholders to allot such shares to them on the same or more favourable terms in proportion to their respective shareholdings, unless this requirement is waived by a special resolution of the shareholders.

Disclosure of interests in Diageo’s shares

There are no provisions in Diageo’s articles of association whereby persons acquiring, holding or disposing of a certain percentage of Diageo’s shares are required to make disclosure of their ownership percentage, although there are such requirements under the Companies Acts. The basic disclosure requirement under Part 6 of the Financial Services and Markets Act 2000 and Rule 5 of the Disclosure Guidance and Transparency Rules made by the Financial Conduct Authority (successor to the UK Financial Services Authority) imposes a statutory obligation on a person to notify Diageo and the Financial Conduct Authority of the percentage of the voting rights in Diageo he directly or indirectly holds or controls, or has rights over, through his direct or indirect holding of certain financial instruments, if the percentage of those voting rights:
 
reaches, exceeds or falls below 3% and/or any subsequent whole percentage figure as a result of an acquisition or disposal of shares or financial instruments; or
reaches, exceeds or falls below any such threshold as a result of any change in the breakdown or number of voting rights attached to shares in Diageo.

The Disclosure Guidance and Transparency Rules set out in detail the circumstances in which an obligation of disclosure will arise, as well as certain exemptions from those obligations for specified persons.

Under section 793 of the Companies Act 2006, Diageo may, by notice in writing, require a person that Diageo knows or has reasonable cause to believe is or was during the three years preceding the date of notice interested in Diageo’s shares to indicate whether or not that is the case and, if that person does or did hold an interest in Diageo’s shares, to provide certain information as set out in that Act.

Article 19 of the EU Market Abuse Regulation (2014/596) further requires persons discharging managerial responsibilities within Diageo (and their persons closely associated) to notify Diageo of transactions conducted on their own account in Diageo shares or derivatives or certain financial instruments relating to Diageo shares.

The City Code on Takeovers and Mergers also imposes strict disclosure requirements with regard to dealings in the securities of an offeror or offeree company on all parties to a takeover and also on their respective associates during the course of an offer period.

General meetings and notices

At least 21 clear days’ written notice of an annual general meeting is required. Any general meeting which is not an annual general meeting is called a ‘general meeting’. The minimum notice period for general meetings is 21 clear days.

255

Additional information for shareholders (continued)


An annual general meeting of shareholders must be held within six months of Diageo’s accounting reference date and at a time and place determined by the directors.

The chairman of any general meeting is entitled to refuse admission to (or eject from) that general meeting any person who fails to comply with any security arrangements or restrictions that the board may impose.

Variation of rights

If, at any time, Diageo’s share capital is divided into different classes of shares, the rights attached to any class of shares may be varied, subject to the provisions of the Companies Acts, either with the consent in writing of the holders of not less than three-quarters in nominal value of the issued shares of that class or upon the adoption of a special resolution passed at a separate meeting of the holders of the shares of that class.

At every such separate meeting, all of the provisions of Diageo’s articles of association relating to proceedings at a general meeting apply, except that (a) the quorum is to be the number of persons (which must be at least two) who hold or represent by proxy not less than one-third in nominal value of the issued shares of the class (excluding any shares of that class held as treasury shares) or, if such quorum is not present on an adjourned meeting, one person who holds shares of the class regardless of the number of shares he holds, (b) any holder of shares of the class who is present in person or by proxy may demand a poll, and (c) each shareholder present in person or by proxy and entitled to vote will have one vote per share held in that particular class in the event a poll is taken.

Class rights are deemed not to have been varied by the creation or issue of new shares ranking equally with or subsequent to that class of shares in all respects or by the reduction of the capital paid up on such shares or by the purchase or redemption by Diageo of its own shares, in each case in accordance with the Companies Acts and Diageo’s articles of association.

Repurchase of shares

Subject to authorisation by shareholder resolution, Diageo may purchase its own shares in accordance with the Companies Acts. Any shares which have been bought back may be held as treasury shares or, if not so held, must be cancelled immediately upon completion of the purchase, thereby reducing the amount of Diageo’s issued share capital. Diageo currently has shareholder authority to buy back up to 246,118,306 ordinary shares during the period up to the next Annual General Meeting. The minimum price which must be paid for such shares is 28 101 / 108 pence and the maximum price is the higher of (a) 5% above the average market value of Diageo’s ordinary shares for the five business days immediately preceding the day on which that ordinary share is contracted to be purchased and (b) the higher of the price of the last independent trade and the highest current independent purchase bid on the trading venue where the purchase is carried out.

Restrictions on transfers of shares

The Board may decline to register a transfer of a certificated Diageo share unless the instrument of transfer (a) is duly stamped or certified or otherwise shown to the satisfaction of the Board to be exempt from stamp duty and is accompanied by the relevant share certificate and such other evidence of the right to transfer as the Board may reasonably require, (b) is in respect of only one class of share and (c) if to joint transferees, is in favour of not more than four such transferees.

Registration of a transfer of an uncertificated share may be refused in the circumstances set out in the uncertificated securities rules (as defined in Diageo’s articles of association) and where, in the case of a transfer to joint holders, the number of joint holders to whom the uncertificated share is to be transferred exceeds four.

The Board may decline to register a transfer of any of Diageo’s certificated shares by a person with a 0.25% interest (as defined in Diageo’s articles of association) if such a person has been served with a restriction notice (as defined in Diageo’s articles of association) after failure to provide Diageo with information concerning interests in those shares required to be provided under the Companies Acts, unless the transfer is shown to the Board to be pursuant to an arm’s length sale (as defined in Diageo’s articles of association).


256

Additional information for shareholders (continued)

Exchange controls

Other than certain economic sanctions which may be in effect from time to time, there are currently no UK foreign exchange control restrictions on the payment of dividends, interest or other payments to holders of Diageo’s securities who are non-residents of the UK or on the conduct of Diageo’s operations.

There are no restrictions under the company’s articles of association or under English law that limit the right of non-resident or foreign owners to hold or vote the company’s ordinary shares.

Please refer to the ‘Taxation’ section below for details relating to the taxation of dividend payments.

Documents on display

The Annual Report on Form 20-F and any other documents filed by the company with the SEC are publicly available through the website maintained by SEC at www.sec.gov. The SEC website contains reports, proxy and information statements, and other information regarding issuers that file electronically with the SEC. The company's internet address is https://www.diageo.com/en/investors.

Taxation

This section provides a descriptive summary of certain US federal income tax and UK tax consequences that are likely to be material to the holders of the ordinary shares or ADSs, but only those who hold their ordinary shares or ADSs as capital assets for tax purposes.

It does not purport to be a complete technical analysis or a listing of all potential tax effects relevant to the ownership of the ordinary shares and ADSs. This section does not apply to any holder who is subject to special rules, including:
 
a dealer in securities or foreign currency;
a trader in securities that elects to use a mark-to-market method of accounting for securities holdings;
a tax-exempt organisation;
a life insurance company;
a person liable for alternative minimum tax;
a person that actually or constructively owns 10% or more of the combined voting power of voting stock of Diageo or of the total value of stock of Diageo;
a person that holds ordinary shares or ADSs as part of a straddle or a hedging or conversion transaction;
a person that holds ordinary shares or ADSs as part of a wash sale for tax purposes; or
a US holder (as defined below) whose functional currency is not the US dollar.

If an entity or arrangement treated as a partnership for US federal income tax purposes holds ordinary shares or ADSs, the US federal income tax treatment of a partner will generally depend on the status of the partner and the tax treatment of the partnership. A partner in a partnership holding ordinary shares or ADSs should consult its tax advisor with regard to the US federal income tax treatment of an investment in ordinary shares or ADSs.

For UK tax purposes, this section applies only to persons who are the absolute beneficial owners of their shares or ADSs and who hold their shares or ADSs as investments. It assumes that holders of ADSs will be treated as holders of the underlying ordinary shares. In addition to those persons mentioned above, this section does not apply to holders that are banks, regulated investment companies, other financial institutions or to persons who have or are deemed to have acquired their ordinary shares or ADSs in the course of an employment or trade. This summary does not apply to persons who are treated as non-domiciled and resident in the United Kingdom for the purposes of UK tax law. This section is based on the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended, its legislative history, existing and proposed regulations, published rulings and court decisions, the laws of the United Kingdom and the practice of Her Majesty’s Revenue and Customs, all as currently in effect (or, in the case of the UK taxation of dividends paid to UK-resident individual shareholders on or after 6 April 2016), as well as on the Convention Between the Government of the United States of America and the Government of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland for the Avoidance of Double Taxation and the Prevention of Fiscal Evasion with Respect to Tax on Income and Capital Gains (the Treaty). These laws are subject to change, possibly on a retroactive basis.


257

Additional information for shareholders (continued)

In addition, this section is based in part upon the representations of the Depositary and the assumption that each obligation in the Deposit Agreement and any related agreement will be performed in accordance with its terms. In general, and taking into account this assumption, for US federal income tax purposes and for the purposes of the Treaty, holders of ADRs evidencing ADSs will be treated as the owner of the shares represented by those ADSs. Exchanges of shares for ADRs, and ADRs for shares, generally will not be subject to US federal income tax or to UK tax on profits or gains.

A US holder is a beneficial owner of ordinary shares or ADSs that is for US federal income tax purposes:
 
a citizen or resident for tax purposes of the United States and who is not and has at no point been resident in the United Kingdom;
a US domestic corporation;
an estate whose income is subject to US federal income tax regardless of its source; or
a trust if a US court can exercise primary supervision over the trust’s administration and one or more US persons are authorised to control all substantial decisions of the trust.

This section is not intended to provide specific advice and no action should be taken or omitted in reliance upon it. This section addresses only certain aspects of US federal income tax and UK income tax, corporation tax, capital gains tax, inheritance tax and stamp taxes. Holders of the ordinary shares or ADSs are urged to consult their own tax advisors regarding the US federal, state and local, and UK and other tax consequences of owning and disposing of the shares or ADSs in their respective circumstances. In particular, holders are encouraged to confirm with their advisor whether they are US holders eligible for the benefits of the Treaty.

Dividends

UK taxation

The company will not be required to withhold tax at source when paying a dividend.

Tax treatment of dividends in the hands of UK-resident shareholders who are individuals that are paid on or after 6 April 2016 has changed as follows:
 
Dividends will not carry a tax credit. All dividends received by an individual shareholder from the company (or from other sources) will, except to the extent that they are earned through an ISA, self-invested pension plan or other regime which exempts the dividends from tax, form part of the shareholder’s total income for UK income tax purposes and will represent the highest part of that income.
A nil rate of income tax will apply to the first £5,000 of taxable dividend income received by an individual shareholder in a tax year (the “Nil Rate Amount”), regardless of what tax rate would otherwise apply to that dividend income.
Any taxable dividend income in excess of the Nil Rate Amount will be taxed at a special rate, as set out below. That tax will be applied to the amount of the dividend income actually received by the individual shareholder (rather than to a grossed-up amount).

Where a shareholder’s taxable dividend income for a tax year exceeds the Nil Rate Amount, the excess amount (the “Relevant Dividend Income”) will be subject to income tax:
 
at the rate of 7.5%, to the extent that the Relevant Dividend Income falls below the threshold for the higher rate of income tax;
at the rate of 32.5%, to the extent that the Relevant Dividend Income falls above the threshold for the higher rate of income tax but below the threshold for the additional rate of income tax; and
at the rate of 38.1%, to the extent that the Relevant Dividend Income falls above the threshold for the additional rate of income tax.

Shareholders within the charge to UK corporation tax which are small companies (for the purposes of the UK taxation of dividends) will not generally be subject to tax on dividends from the company. Other shareholders within the charge to UK corporation tax will not be subject to tax on dividends from the company so long as the dividends fall within an exempt class and certain conditions are met. In general, dividends paid on shares that are ordinary share capital for UK tax purposes and are not redeemable and dividends paid to a person holding less than 10% of the issued share capital of the payer (or any class of that share capital) are examples of dividends that fall within an exempt class.


258

Additional information for shareholders (continued)

US taxation

Under the US federal income tax laws, and subject to the passive foreign investment company (PFIC) rules discussed below, the gross amount of any dividend paid to a US holder by Diageo in respect of its ordinary shares or ADSs out of its current or accumulated earnings and profits (as determined for US federal income tax purposes) is subject to US federal income taxation.

Dividends paid to a non-corporate US holder that constitute qualified dividend income will be taxed at the preferential rates applicable to long-term capital gains, provided that the ordinary shares or ADSs are held for more than 60 days during the 121 day period beginning 60 days before the ex-dividend date and the holder meets other holding period requirements. Dividends paid by Diageo with respect to its ordinary shares or ADSs generally will be qualified dividend income to US holders that meet the holding period requirement. Under UK law, dividends paid by the company are not subject to UK withholding tax. Therefore, the US holder will include in income for US federal income tax purposes the amount of the dividend received, and the receipt of a dividend will not entitle the US holder to a foreign tax credit.

The dividend must be included in income when the US holder, in the case of shares, or the Depositary, in the case of ADSs, receives the dividend, actually or constructively. The dividend will not be eligible for the dividends-received deduction generally allowed to US corporations in respect of dividends received from other US corporations. Dividends will be income from sources outside the United States and will generally be ‘passive’ income for purposes of computing the foreign tax credit allowable to a US holder. The amount of the dividend distribution that must be included in income of a US holder will be the US dollar value of the pounds sterling payments made, determined at the spot pounds sterling/US dollar foreign exchange rate on the date the dividend distribution is included in income, regardless of whether the payment is in fact converted into US dollars. Generally, any gain or loss resulting from currency exchange fluctuations during the period from the date the dividend payment is included in income to the date the payment is converted into US dollars will be treated as ordinary income or loss and will not be eligible for the special tax rate applicable to qualified dividend income. The gain or loss generally will be income or loss from sources within the United States for foreign tax credit limitation purposes. Distributions in excess of current and accumulated earnings and profits, as determined for US federal income tax purposes, will be treated as a non-taxable return of capital to the extent of the holder’s basis in the ordinary shares or ADSs and thereafter as capital gain. However, Diageo does not expect to calculate earnings and profits in accordance with US federal income tax principles. Accordingly, a US holder should expect to generally treat distributions Diageo makes as dividends.

Taxation of capital gains

UK taxation

A citizen or resident (for tax purposes) of the United States who has at no time been resident in the United Kingdom will not be liable for UK tax on capital gains realised or accrued on the sale or other disposal of ordinary shares or ADSs, unless the ordinary shares or ADSs are held in connection with a trade or business carried on by the holder in the United Kingdom through a UK branch, agency or a permanent establishment. A disposal (or deemed disposal) of shares or ADSs by a holder who is resident in the United Kingdom may, depending on the holder’s particular circumstances, and subject to any available exemption or relief, give rise to a chargeable gain or an allowable loss for the purposes of UK tax on capital gains.

US taxation

Subject to the PFIC rules discussed below, a US holder who sells or otherwise disposes of ordinary shares or ADSs will recognise capital gain or loss for US federal income tax purposes equal to the difference between the US dollar value of the amount that is realised and the tax basis, determined in US dollars, in the ordinary shares or ADSs. Capital gain of a non-corporate US holder is generally taxed at preferential rates where the property is held for more than one year. The gain or loss will generally be income or loss from sources within the United States for foreign tax credit limitation purposes.


259

Additional information for shareholders (continued)

PFIC rules

Diageo believes that ordinary shares and ADSs should not be treated as stock of a PFIC for US federal income tax purposes, but this conclusion is a factual determination that is made annually and thus may be subject to change. If treated as a PFIC, gain realised on the sale or other disposition of ordinary shares or ADSs would in general not be treated as capital gain. Instead, unless a US holder elects to be taxed annually on a mark-to-market basis with respect to the ordinary shares or ADSs, US holders would be treated as if the holder had realised such gain and certain ‘excess distributions’ pro-rated over the holder’s holding period for the ordinary shares or ADSs and would be taxed at the highest tax rate in effect for each such year to which the gain or distribution was allocated, together with an interest charge in respect of the tax attributable to each such year. With certain exceptions, a holder’s ordinary shares or ADSs will be treated as stock in a PFIC if Diageo were a PFIC at any time during the holding period in a holder’s ordinary shares or ADSs. In addition, dividends received from Diageo will not be eligible for the special tax rates applicable to qualified dividend income if Diageo is a PFIC (or is treated as a PFIC with respect to the holder) either in the taxable year of the distribution or the preceding taxable year, but instead will be taxable at rates applicable to ordinary income.

UK inheritance tax

Subject to certain provisions relating to trusts or settlements, an ordinary share or ADS held by an individual shareholder who is domiciled in the United States for the purposes of the Convention between the United States and the United Kingdom relating to estate and gift taxes (the Convention) and is not a UK national as defined in the Convention will not be subject to UK inheritance tax on the individual’s death (whether held on the date of death or gifted during the individual’s lifetime) except where the ordinary share or ADS is part of the business property of a UK permanent establishment of the individual or pertains to a UK fixed base of an individual who performs independent personal services. In a case where an ordinary share or ADS is subject both to UK inheritance tax and to US federal gift or estate tax, the Convention generally provides for inheritance tax paid in the United Kingdom to be credited against federal gift or estate tax payable in the United States, or for federal gift or estate tax paid in the United States to be credited against any inheritance tax payable in the United Kingdom, based on priority rules set forth in the Convention.

UK stamp duty and stamp duty reserve tax

Stamp duty or stamp reserve tax (SDRT) arises upon the deposit of an underlying ordinary share with the Depositary, generally at the higher rate of 1.5% of its issue price or, as the case may be, of the consideration for transfer. The Depositary will pay the stamp duty or SDRT but will recover an amount in respect of such tax from the initial holders of ADSs. No UK stamp duty will be payable on the acquisition or transfer of ADSs in practice, provided that the instrument of transfer is not executed in the United Kingdom and remains at all times outside the United Kingdom. Furthermore, an agreement to transfer ADSs in the form of ADRs will not give rise to a liability to SDRT.

Purchases of ordinary shares will be subject to UK stamp duty, or SDRT as the case may be, at the rate of 0.5% of the price payable for the ordinary shares at the time of the transfer. However, where ordinary shares being acquired are transferred direct to the Depositary’s nominee, the only charge will generally be the higher charge of 1.5% of the price payable for the ordinary shares so acquired.

Any stamp duty payable (as opposed to SDRT) is rounded up to the nearest £5. No stamp duty (as opposed to SDRT) will be payable if the amount or value of the consideration is (and is certified to be) £1,000 or less. Stamp duty or SDRT is usually paid or borne by the purchaser.

Warning to shareholders – share fraud

Please beware of the share fraud of ‘boiler room’ scams, where shareholders are called ‘out of the blue’ by fraudsters (sometimes claiming to represent Diageo) attempting to obtain money or property dishonestly. Further information is available in the investor section of Diageo’s website (www.diageo.com) but in short, if in doubt, obtain appropriate professional advice before making any investment decision.


260

Additional information for shareholders (continued)

Exhibits
1.1

  
2.1

  
Indenture, dated as of 3 August 1998, among Diageo Capital plc, Diageo plc and The Bank of New York Mellon (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.1 to the Registration Statement on Form F-1 (File No. 333-8874) filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on 24 July 1998 (pages 365 to 504 of paper filing)).(i)
2.2

  
Indenture, dated as of 1 June 1999, among Diageo Investment Corporation, Diageo plc and The Bank of New York Mellon (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 2.2 to the Annual Report on Form 20-F (File No. 001-10691) filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on 15 November 2001 (pages 241 to 317 of paper filing)).(i)
2.3

  
2.4

  
4.1

  
4.2

  
4.3

  
4.4

  
4.5

  
4.6

  
4.7

  
4.8

  
4.9

  
4.10

  
4.11

  
4.12

  
4.13

  
4.14

  
4.15

  
4.16

  

261

Additional information for shareholders (continued)

4.17

  

4.18

  
4.19

  
4.20

  
4.21

  
4.22

  
4.23

  
4.24

  
4.25

  
4.26

  
6.1

  
8.1

  
12.1

  
12.2

  
13.1

  
13.2

  
15.1

  
101.INS

  
XBRL Instance Document
101.SCH

  
XBRL Taxonomy Extension Schema
101.CAL

  
XBRL Taxonomy Extension Schema Calculation Linkbase
101.DEF

  
XBRL Taxonomy Extension Schema Definition Linkbase
101.LAB

  
XBRL Taxonomy Extension Schema Label Linkbase
101.PRE

  
XBRL Taxonomy Extension Schema Presentation Linkbase
(i) Pursuant to an Agreement of Resignation, Appointment and Acceptance dated 16 October 2007 by and among Diageo plc, Diageo Capital plc, Diageo Finance BV, Diageo Investment Corporation, The Bank of New York and Citibank NA, The Bank of New York Mellon has become the successor trustee to Citibank NA under Diageo’s indentures dated 3 August 1998, 8 December 2003 and 1 June 1999.


262

Additional information for shareholders (continued)

Signature
Pursuant to the requirements of Section 12 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the Registrant certifies that it meets all of the requirements for filing on Form 20-F and has duly caused this Annual Report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorised.
 
 
DIAGEO plc
(REGISTRANT)
 
/s/ Kathryn Mikells
Name: Kathryn Mikells
 
Title: Chief Financial Officer
 
5 August 2019


263

Glossary of terms and US equivalents

In this document the following words and expressions shall, unless the context otherwise requires, have the following meanings:
 
 
 
Term used in UK annual report
  
US equivalent or definition
Associates
  
Entities accounted for under the equity method
American Depositary Receipt (ADR)
  
Receipt evidencing ownership of an ADS
American Depositary Share (ADS)
  
Registered negotiable security, listed on the New York Stock Exchange, representing four Diageo plc ordinary shares of 28 101 / 108  pence each
Called up share capital
  
Common stock
Capital redemption reserve
  
Other additional capital
Company
  
Diageo plc
CPI
  
Consumer price index
Creditors
  
Accounts payable and accrued liabilities
Debtors
  
Accounts receivable
Employee share schemes
  
Employee stock benefit plans
Employment or staff costs
  
Payroll costs
Equivalent units
  
An equivalent unit represents one nine-litre case of spirits, which is approximately 272 servings. A serving comprises 33ml of spirits, 165ml of wine, or 330ml of ready to drink or beer. To convert volume of products other than spirits to equivalent units: beer in hectolitres divide by 0.9, wine in nine-litre cases divide by five, ready to drink in nine-litre cases divide by 10, and certain pre-mixed products classified as ready to drink in nine-litre cases divide by five.
Euro, €, ¢
  
Euro currency
Exceptional items
  
Items that, in management’s judgement, need to be disclosed separately by virtue of their size or nature
Excise duty
  
Tax charged by a sovereign territory on the production, manufacture, sale or distribution of selected goods (including imported goods) within that territory. It is generally based on the quantity or alcohol content of goods, rather than their value, and is typically applied to alcohol products and fuels.
Finance lease
  
Capital lease
Financial year
  
Fiscal year
Free cash flow
  
Net cash flow from operating activities aggregated with net purchase and disposal of property, plant and equipment and computer software and with movements in loans
Freehold
  
Ownership with absolute rights in perpetuity
GAAP
  
Generally accepted accounting principles
Group and Diageo
  
Diageo plc and its consolidated subsidiaries
IFRS
  
International Financial Reporting Standards as adopted for use in the European Union and International Financial Reporting Standards as issued by the International Accounting Standards Board
Impact Databank, IWSR, IRI, Beverage Information Group and Plato Logic
  
Information source companies that research the beverage alcohol industry and are independent from industry participants
Net sales
  
Sales after deducting excise duties
Noon buying rate
  
Buying rate at noon in New York City for cable transfers in sterling as certified for customs purposes by the Federal Reserve Bank of New York
Operating profit
  
Net operating income
Organic movement
  
At level foreign exchange rates and after adjusting for exceptional items, acquisitions and disposals for continuing operations
Own shares
  
Treasury stock
Pound sterling, sterling, £, pence, p
  
UK currency
Price/mix
  
Price/mix is the number of percentage points by which the organic movement in net sales exceeds the organic movement in volume. The difference arises because of changes in the composition of sales between higher and lower priced variants/markets or as price changes are implemented.
Profit
  
Earnings

264

Glossary of terms and US equivalents (continued)

 
 
 
Term used in UK annual report
  
US equivalent or definition
Profit for the year
  
Net income
Provisions
  
Accruals for losses/contingencies
Reserves
  
Accumulated earnings, other comprehensive income and additional paid in capital
RPI
  
Retail price index
Ready to drink
  
Ready to drink products. Ready to drink also include ready to serve products, such as pre-mix cans in some markets, and progressive adult beverages in the United States and certain markets supplied by the United States.
SEC
  
US Securities and Exchange Commission
Share premium
  
Additional paid in capital or paid in surplus
Shareholders’ funds
  
Shareholders’ equity
Shareholders
  
Stockholders
Shares
  
Common stock
Shares and ordinary shares
  
Diageo plc’s ordinary shares
Shares in issue
  
Shares issued and outstanding
Trade and other payables
  
Accounts payable and accrued liabilities
Trade and other receivables
  
Accounts receivable
US dollar, US$, $, ¢
  
US currency


265
DIAGEO THE COMPANIES ACT 2006 Company limited by shares Diageo plc (REGISTERED 21st October 1886) Company No 23307 Memorandum and Articles of Association (Incorporating amendments up to and including those made at the Annual General Meeting held on 20 September 2018)


 
Contents Page 1. Exclusion of Model Articles 9 2. Definitions 9 3. Limited Liability 11 4. Change of Name 11 5. Rights Attached to Shares 11 6. Redeemable Shares 12 7. Variation of Rights 12 8. Pari Passu Issues 12 9. Shares 12 10. Payment of Commission 12 11. Trusts Not Recognised 12 12. Suspension of Rights Where Non-Disclosure of Interest 13 13. Uncertificated Shares 15 14. Right to Share Certificates 17 15. Replacement of Share Certificates 17 16. Execution of Share Certificates 17 17. Share Certificates Sent at Holder’s Risk 18 18. Company’s Lien on Shares Not Fully Paid 18 19. Enforcing Lien by Sale 18 20. Application of Proceeds of Sale 18 21. Calls 18 22. Timing of Calls 19 23. Liability of Joint Holders 19 24. Interest Due on Non-Payment 19


 
25. Sums Due on Allotment Treated as Calls 19 26. Power to Differentiate 19 27. Payment of Calls in Advance 19 28. Notice if Call or Instalment Not Paid 20 29. Form of Notice 20 30. Forfeiture for Non-Compliance with Notice 20 31. Notice after Forfeiture 20 32. Sale of Forfeited Shares 20 33. Arrears to be Paid Notwithstanding Forfeiture 21 34. Effect of Forfeiture 21 35. Statutory Declaration as to Forfeiture 21 36. Transfer 21 37. Execution of Transfer 22 38. Rights to Decline Registration of Partly Paid Shares 22 39. Other Rights to Decline Registration 22 40. No Fee for Registration 22 41. Renunciation of Allotment 23 42. Untraced Shareholders 23 43. Transmission on Death 24 44. Entry of Transmission in Register 24 45. Election of Person Entitled by Transmission 24 46. Rights of Person Entitled by Transmission 25 47. Sub-division 25 48. Fractions 25 3


 
49. Omission or Non-Receipt of Notice 26 50. Postponement of General Meetings 26 51. Quorum 26 52. Procedure if Quorum Not Present 26 53. Security Arrangements 27 54. Chairman of General Meeting 27 55. Orderly Conduct 28 56. Entitlement to Attend and Speak 28 57. Adjournments 29 58. Notice of Adjournment 29 59. Amendments to Resolutions 29 60. Amendments Ruled Out of Order 29 61. Votes of Members 30 62. Method of Voting 30 63. Procedure if Poll Demanded 30 64. When Poll to be Taken 31 65. Continuance of Other Business after Poll Demand 31 66. Votes of Joint Holders 31 67. Voting on Behalf of Incapable Member 31 68. No Right to Vote where Sums Overdue on Shares 31 69. Objections or Errors in Voting 32 70. Appointment of Proxies 32 71. Receipt of Proxies 32 72. Maximum Validity of Proxy 33 4


 
73. Form of Proxy 33 74. Cancellation of Proxy’s Authority 34 75. Board’s Power to Issue Proxies 34 76. Number of Directors 34 77. Directors’ Shareholding Qualification 34 78. Power of Company to Elect Directors 34 79. Power of Board to Appoint Directors 34 80. Directors to Retire by Rotation 35 81. Power of Removal by Special Resolution 35 82. Persons Eligible as Directors 35 83. Position of Retiring Directors 35 84. Vacation of Office by Directors 36 85. Alternate Directors 36 86. Chief Executive, Managing and Executive Directors 37 87. Directors’ Fees 38 88. Additional Remuneration 38 89. Expenses and Legal Costs 38 90. Power to Pay Pensions and Gratuities 38 91. Conflicts of Interest Requiring Board Authorisation 39 92. Other Conflicts of Interest 40 93. Benefits 41 94. Quorum and Voting Requirements 41 95. General 43 96. General Powers of Company Vested in Board 44 5


 
97. Borrowing Powers 44 98. Agents 47 99. Delegation to Individual Directors 48 100. Branch Registers 48 101. Provision for Employees 48 102. Board Meetings 48 103. Notice of Board Meetings 49 104. Quorum 49 105. Directors below Minimum through Vacancies 49 106. Appointment of Chairman, Vice-Chairman and Deputy Chairman 49 107. Competence of Meetings 50 108. Voting 50 109. Delegation to Committees 50 110. Participation in Meetings 50 111. Resolution in Writing 50 112. Validity of Acts of Board or Committee 51 113. Authentication of Documents 51 114. Use of Seals 51 115. Declaration of Dividends by Company 51 116. Payment of Interim and Fixed Dividends by Board 52 117. Calculation and Currency of Dividends 52 118. Payment of Dividends in Foreign Currencies 52 119. Amounts Due on Shares may be Deducted from Dividends 53 120. No Interest on Dividends 53 6


 
121. Payment Procedure 53 122. Uncashed Dividends 54 123. Forfeiture of Unclaimed Dividends 55 124. Dividends Not in Cash 55 125. Dividend Reinvestment Plans 55 126. Power to Capitalise Reserves and Funds 55 127. Settlement of Difficulties in Distribution 56 128. Power to Choose Any Record Date 56 129. Inspection of Records 56 130. Summary Financial Statements 56 131. Service of Notices 57 132. Record Date for Service 57 133. Members Resident Abroad or on branch registers 57 134. Service of Notice on Person Entitled by Transmission 58 135. When Notice Deemed Served 58 136. Notice When Post Not Available 59 137. Members Present Deemed to Have Received Notice 59 138. Power to Stop Sending Notices or Other Documents. 59 139. Presumptions Where Documents Destroyed 60 140. Indemnity of Directors 60 7


 
ARTICLES OF ASSOCIATION of DIAGEO PLC (adopted by special resolution on 14 October 2009) Slaughter and May One Bunhill Row London EC1Y8YY 554439185 8


 
ARTlCLES OF ASSOCIATION of DIAGEO PLC (adopted by special resolution on 14 October 2009) _______________________________ Interpretation 1. Exclusion of Model Articles No articles set out in any statute, or in any statutory instrument or other subordinate legislation made under any statute, concerning companies shall apply as the articles of the company 2. Definitions In these articles unless the context otherwise requires “address” includes a number or address used for the purposes of sending or receiving documents or information by electronic means, “approved depositary” means any custodian or other person (or a nominee for such custodian or other person) who holds or is interested in shares of the company (or rights or interests in shares of the company) and issues securities, documents of title or documents otherwise evidencing the entitlement of the holder thereof to or to receive such shares, rights or interests, provided and to the extent that such arrangements have been contractually agreed with the company or otherwise approved by the board, in each case for the purpose of these articles, and including (without limitation): (i) the trustees (acting in their capacity as such) of any employees’ share scheme established by the company or any other scheme or arrangement principally for the benefit of employees of the company and/or any of its subsidiary undertakings, which has been approved by the company in general meeting; (ii) the managers (acting in their capacity as such) of any investment or savings plan which the board has approved; and (iii) members holding shares of the company within CREST on behalf of the beneficial owners of such shares; “these articles’’ means these articles of association as altered from time to time and the expression “this article” shall be construed accordingly; “the auditors’’ means the auditors from time to time of the company or, in the case of joint auditors any one of them; 9


 
‘‘the board” means the board of directors from time to time of the company or the directors present at a meeting of the directors at which a quorum is present; ‘‘certificated share” means a share which is not an uncertificated share and references in those articles to a share being held in certificated form shall be construed accordingly; “clear days” in relation to the period of a notice means that period excluding the day when the notice is served or deemed to be served and the day for which it is given or on which it is to take effect; ‘‘the Companies Acts” means every statute (including any orders, regulations or other subordinate legislation made under it) from time to time in force concerning companies in so far as it applies to the company; “the holder” in relation to any shares means the member whose name is entered in the register as the holder of those shares; “the office” means the registered office from time to time of the company; “paid up” means paid up or credited as paid up; “participating class” means a class of shares title to which is permitted by an operator to be transferred by means of a relevant system; “person entitled by transmission’’ means a person whose entitlement to a share in consequence of the death or bankruptcy of a member or of any other event giving rise to its transmission by operation of law has been noted in the register; “the register” means the register of members of the company; “seal” means any common or official seal that the company may be permitted to have under the Companies Acts; “the secretary” means the secretary, or (if there are joint secretaries) any one of the joint secretaries, of the company and includes an assistant or deputy secretary and any person appointed by the board to perform any of the duties of the secretary; “the uncertificated securities rules” means any provision of the Companies Acts relating to the holding, evidencing of title to, or transfer of uncertificated shares and any legislation, rules or other arrangements made under or by virtue of such provision; “uncertificated share” means a share of a class which is at the relevant time a participating class title to which is recorded on the register as being held in uncertificated form and references in these articles to a share being held in uncertificated form shall be construed accordingly; “United Kingdom” means Great Britain and Northern Ireland; 10


 
references to a document being “executed” include references to its being executed under hand or under seal or by any other method except by means of it being authenticated by electronic means; references to a document being “signed” or to “signature” include references to its being executed under hand or under seal or by any other method and, in the case of a communication in electronic form, such references are to its being authenticated in accordance with the Companies Acts; references to “writing” include references to any method of representing or reproducing words in a legible and non-transitory form whether sent or supplied in electronic form or otherwise; words or expressions to which a particular meaning is given by the Companies Acts in force when these articles or any part of these articles are adopted bear (if not inconsistent with the subject matter or context) the same meaning in these articles or that part (as the case may be) save that, (i) the word “company” shall include any body corporate; and (ii) the expressions “electronic form” and “electronic means” shall have the meanings given by the Company Acts as amended from time to time; and references to a “meeting” shall not be taken as requiring more than one person to be present if any quorum requirement can be satisfied by one person. Headings are included only for convenience and shall not affect meaning 3. Limited Liability The liability of members of the company is limited to the amount, if any, unpaid on the shares in the company held by them. 4. Change of Name The company may change its name by resolution of the board Share Capital 5. Rights Attached to Shares Subject to any rights attached to existing shares, any share may be issued with or have attached to it such rights and restrictions as the company may by ordinary resolution decide or, if no such resolution has been passed or so far as the resolution does not make specific provision, as the board may decide. 11


 
6. Redeemable Shares Subject to any rights attached to existing shares, any share may be issued which is to be redeemed, or is liable to be redeemed at the option of the company or the holder. The board may determine the terms, conditions and manner of redemption of any redeemable share so issued. 7. Variation of Rights Subject to the provisions of the Companies Acts, all or any of the rights attached to any existing class of shares may from time to time (whether or not the company is being wound up) be varied either with the consent in writing of the holders of not less than three-fourths in nominal value of the issued shares of that class (excluding any shares of that class held as treasury shares) or with the sanction of a special resolution passed at a separate general meeting of the holders of those shares. All the provisions of these articles as to general meetings of the company shall, with any necessary modifications, apply to any such separate general meeting, but so that the necessary quorum shall be two persons entitled to vote and holding or representing by proxy not less than one-third in nominal value of the issued shares of the class (excluding any shares of that class held as treasury shares), (but so that at any adjourned meeting one holder entitled to vote and present in person or by proxy (whatever the number of shares held by him) shall be a quorum), and that any holder of shares of the class present in person or by proxy and entitled to vote may demand a poll. The foregoing provisions of this article shall apply to the variation of the special rights attached to some only of the shares of any class as if each group of shares of the class differently treated formed a separate class and their special rights were to be varied. 8. Pari Passu Issues The rights conferred upon the holders of any shares shall not, unless otherwise expressly provided in the rights attaching to those shares, be deemed to be varied by the creation or issue of further shares ranking pari passu with them. 9. Shares Subject to the provisions of these articles and to any resolution passed by the company and without prejudice to any rights attached to existing shares, the board may offer, allot, grant options over or otherwise deal with or dispose of shares in the company to such persons, at such times and for such consideration and upon such terms as the board may decide. 10. Payment of Commission The company may in connection with the issue of any shares or the sale for cash of treasury shares exercise all powers of paying commission and brokerage conferred or permitted by the Companies Acts. Any such commission or brokerage may be satisfied by the payment of cash, or by the allotment of fully or partly-paid shares or other securities or partly in one way and partly in the other. 11. Trusts Not Recognised Except as ordered by a court of competent jurisdiction or as required by law, no person shall be recognised by the company as holding any share upon any trust and the company shall not be bound by or required in any way to recognise (even when having notice of it) any interest in any share or 12


 
(except only as by these articles or by law otherwise provided) any other right in respect of any share other than an absolute right to the whole of the share in the holder. 12. Suspension of Rights Where Non-Disclosure of Interest (A) Where the holder of any shares in the company, or any other person appearing to be interested in those shares, fails to comply within the relevant period with any statutory notice in respect of those shares or, in purported compliance with such a notice, has made a statement which is false or inadequate in a material particular, the company may give the holder of those shares a further notice (a “restriction notice”) to the effect that from the service of the restriction notice those shares will be subject to some or all of the relevant restrictions, and from service of the restriction notice those shares shall, notwithstanding any other provision of these articles, be subject to those relevant restrictions accordingly. For the purpose of enforcing the relevant restriction referred to in sub paragraph (iii) of the definition of “relevant restrictions” set out in article 12(J), the board may give notice to the relevant member requiring the member to change the relevant shares held in uncertificated form to certificated form by the time stated in the notice and to keep them in certificated form for as long as the board requires. The notice may also state that the member may not change any of the relevant shares held in certificated form to uncertificated form. If the member does not comply with the notice, the board may authorise any person to instruct the Operator to change the relevant shares held in uncertificated form to certificated form. (B) If after the service of a restriction notice in respect of any shares the board is satisfied that all information required by any statutory notice relating to those shares or any of them from their holder or any other person appearing to be interested in the shares the subject of the restriction notice has been supplied, the company shall, within seven days, cancel the restriction notice. The company may at any time at its discretion cancel any restriction notice or exclude any shares from it. The company shall cancel a restriction notice within seven days after receipt of a notice in writing that the relevant shares have been transferred pursuant to an arm’s length sale. (C) Where any restriction notice is cancelled or ceases to have effect in relation to any shares, any moneys relating to those shares which were withheld by reason of that notice shall be paid without interest to the person who would but for the notice have been entitled to them or as he may direct. (D) Any new shares in the company issued in right of any shares subject to a restriction notice shall also be subject to the restriction notice, and the board may make any right to an allotment of the new shares subject to restrictions corresponding to those which will apply to those shares by reason of the restriction notice when such shares are issued. (E) Any holder of shares on whom a restriction notice has been served may at any time request the company to give in writing the reason why the restriction notice has been served, or why it remains uncancelled, and within 14 days of receipt of such a notice the company shall give that information accordingly. 13


 
(F) If a statutory notice is given by the company to a person appearing to be interested in any share, a copy shall at the same time be given to the holder, but the failure or omission to do so or the non-receipt of the copy by the holder shall not invalidate such notice. (G) Where shares subject to a restriction notice, in which a person appears to be interested, are held by an approved depository, the provisions of this article 12 shall be treated as applying only to those shares held by the approved depository in which such person appears to be interested and not to any other shares held by the approved depository. (H) Where the member on which a statutory notice is served is an approved depository acting in its capacity as such, the disclosure obligations of the approved depository as a member of the company for the purposes of that statutory notice shall be limited to disclosing to the company such information relating to any person appearing to be interested in the shares held by the approved depository as has been recorded by the approved depository pursuant to arrangements entered into with the company or approved by the board and pursuant to which the approved depository was appointed. (I) This article is in addition to, and shall not in any way prejudice or affect, the statutory rights of the company arising from any failure by any person to give any information required by a statutory notice within the time specified in it. For the purpose of this article a statutory notice need not specify the relevant period, and may require any information to be given before the expiry of the relevant period. (J) In this article: a sale is an “arm’s length sale” if the board is satisfied that it is a bona fide sale of the whole of the beneficial ownership of the shares to a party unconnected with the holder or with any person appearing to be interested in such shares and shall include a sale made by way of or in pursuance of acceptance of a takeover offer and a sale made through a recognised investment exchange or any other stock exchange outside the United Kingdom. For this purpose an associate (within the definition of that expression in any statute relating to insolvency in force at the date of adoption of this article) shall be included amongst the persons who are connected with the holder or any person appearing to be interested in such shares; “person appearing to be interested” in any shares shall mean any person named in a response to a statutory notice or otherwise notified to the company by a member as being so interested or shown in any register or record kept by the company under the Companies Acts as so interested or, taking into account a response or failure to respond in the light of the response to any other statutory notice and any other relevant information in the possession of the company, any person whom the company knows or has reasonable cause to believe is or may be so interested; “person with a 0.25 per cent. interest” means a person who holds, or is shown in any register or record kept by the company under the Companies Acts as 14


 
having an interest in, shares in the company which comprise in total at least 0.25 per cent. in number or nominal value of the shares of the company (calculated exclusive of any shares held as treasury shares), or of any class of such shares (calculated exclusive of any shares of that class held as treasury shares), in issue at the date of service of the restriction notice; “relevant period” means a period of 14 days following service of a statutory notice; “relevant restrictions” mean in the case of a restriction notice served on a person with a 0.25 per cent. interest that:- (i) the shares shall not confer on the holder any right to attend or vote either personally or by proxy at any general meeting of the company or at any separate general meeting of the holders of any class of shares in the company or to exercise any other right conferred by membership in relation to general meetings; (ii) the board may withhold payment of all or any part of any dividends or other moneys payable in respect of the shares and the holder shall not be entitled to receive shares in lieu of dividend; (iii) the board may decline to register a transfer of any of the shares which are certificated shares, unless such a transfer is pursuant to an arm’s length sale, and in any other case mean only the restriction specified in sub paragraph (i) of this definition; and “statutory notice” means a notice served by the company under the Companies Acts requiring particulars of interests in shares or of the identity of persons interested in shares. 13. Uncertificated Shares (A) Pursuant and subject to the uncertificated securities rules, the board may permit title to shares of any class to be evidenced otherwise than by a certificate and title to shares of such a class to be transferred by means of a relevant system and may make arrangements for a class of shares (if all shares of that class are in all respects identical) to become a participating class. Title to shares of a particular class may only be evidenced otherwise than by a certificate where that class of shares is at the relevant time a participating class. The board may also, subject to compliance with the uncertificated securities rules, determine at any time that title to any class of shares may from a date specified by the board no longer be evidenced otherwise than by a certificate or that title to such a class shall cease to be transferred by means of any particular relevant system. 15


 
(B) In relation to a class of shares which is a participating class and for so long as it remains a participating class, no provision of these articles shall apply or have effect to the extent that it is inconsistent in any respect with: (i) the holding of shares of that class in uncertificated form; (ii) the transfer of title to shares of that class by means of a relevant system; and (iii) any provision of the uncertificated securities rules, and, without prejudice to the generality of this article, no provision of these articles shall apply or have effect to the extent that it is in any respect inconsistent with the maintenance, keeping or entering up by the Operator, so long as that is permitted or required by the uncertificated securities rules, of an Operator register of securities in respect of that class of shares in uncertificated form. (C) Shares of a class which is at the relevant time a participating class may be changed from uncertificated to certificated form, and from certificated to uncertificated form, in accordance with and subject as provided in the uncertificated securities rules. (D) If, under these articles or the Companies Acts, the company is entitled to sell, transfer or otherwise dispose of, forfeit, re-allot, accept the surrender of or otherwise enforce a lien over an uncertificated share, then, subject to these articles and the Companies Acts, such entitlement shall include the right of the board to: (i) require the holder of that uncertificated share by notice in writing to change that share from uncertificated to certificated form within such period as may be specified in the notice and keep it as a certificated share for as long as the board requires; (ii) appoint any person to take such other steps, by instruction given by means of a relevant system or otherwise, in the name of the holder of such shares as may be required to effect the transfer of such share and such steps shall be as effective as if they had been taken by the registered holder of that share; and (iii) take such other action that the board considers appropriate to achieve the sale, transfer, disposal, forfeiture, re-allotment or surrender of that share or otherwise to enforce a lien in respect of that share. (E) Unless the board otherwise determines, shares which a member holds in uncertificated form shall be treated as separate holdings from any shares which that member holds in certificated form. However, shares held in uncertificated form shall not be treated as forming a class which is separate from certificated shares with the same rights. (F) Unless the board otherwise determines or the uncertificated securities rules otherwise require, any shares issued or created out of or in respect of any uncertificated shares shall be uncertificated shares and any shares issued or created out of or in respect of any certificated shares shall be certificated shares. 16


 
(G) The company shall be entitled to assume that the entries on any record of securities maintained by it in accordance with the uncertificated securities rules and regularly reconciled with the relevant Operator register of securities are a complete and accurate reproduction of the particulars entered in the operator register of securities and shall accordingly not be liable in respect of any act or thing done or omitted to be done by or on behalf of the company in reliance on such assumption; in particular, any provision of these articles which requires or envisages that action will be taken in reliance on information contained in the register shall be construed to permit that action to be taken in reliance on information contained in any relevant record of securities (as so maintained and reconciled). 14. Right to Share Certificates Every person (except a person to whom the company is not by law required to issue a certificate) whose name is entered in the register as a holder of any certificated shares shall be entitled, without payment, to receive within the time limits prescribed by the Companies Acts (or, if earlier, within any prescribed time limit or within a time specified when the shares were issued) one certificate for all those shares of any one class. In the case of a certificated share held jointly by several persons, the company shall not be bound to issue more than one certificate and delivery of a certificate to one of several joint holders shall be sufficient delivery to all. A member who transfers some but not all of the shares comprised in a certificate shall be entitled to a certificate for the balance without charge (to the extent the balance is to be held in certificated form). If a member requires additional certificates he shall pay for each additional certificate (other than a certificate issued pursuant to article 15) such reasonable sum (if any) as the board may determine. 15. Replacement of Share Certificates If a share certificate is defaced, worn out, lost or destroyed, it may be replaced on such terms (if any) as to evidence and indemnity as the board may decide and, where it is defaced or worn out, after delivery of the old certificate to the company. Any two or more certificates representing shares of any one class held by any member shall at his request be cancelled and a single new certificate for such shares issued in lieu. Any certificate representing shares of any one class held by any member may at his request be cancelled and two or more certificates for such shares may be issued instead. The board may require the payment of any exceptional out-of-pocket expenses of the company incurred in connection with the issue of any certificates under this article (including, without limiting the generality of the foregoing, any expenses incurred in the investigation of such request and in the preparation and execution of any such indemnity). Any one of two or more joint holders may request replacement certificates under this article. 16. Execution of Share Certificates Every share certificate shall be executed under a seal or in such other manner as the board, having regard to the terms of issue and any listing requirements, may authorise and shall specify the number and class of the shares to which it relates and the amount or respective amounts paid up on the shares. The board may by resolution decide, either generally or in any particular case or cases, that any signatures on any share certificates need not be autographic but may be applied to the certificates by some mechanical or other means or may be printed on them or that the certificates need not be signed by any person. 17


 
17. Share Certificates Sent at Holder’s Risk Every share certificate sent in accordance with these articles will be sent at the risk of the member or other person entitled to the certificate. The company will not be responsible for any share certificate lost or delayed in the course of delivery. Lien 18. Company’s Lien on Shares Not Fully Paid The company shall have a first and paramount lien on every share (not being a fully paid share) for all amounts payable to the company (whether presently or not) in respect of that share. The company’s lien on a share shall extend to every amount payable in respect of it. The board may at any time either generally or in any particular case waive any lien that has arisen or declare any share to be wholly or in part exempt from the provisions of this article. 19. Enforcing Lien by Sale The company may sell, in such manner as the board may decide, any share on which the company has a lien if a sum in respect of which the lien exists is presently payable and is not paid within 14 clear days after a notice has been served on the holder of the share or the person who is entitled by transmission to the share, demanding payment and stating that if the notice is not complied with the share may be sold. For giving effect to the sale the board may authorise some person to execute an instrument of transfer of the share sold to or in accordance with the directions of the purchaser. The transferee shall not be bound to see to the application of the purchase money, nor shall his title to the share be affected by any irregularity or invalidity in relation to the sale. 20. Application of Proceeds of Sale The net proceeds, after payment of the costs, of the sale by the company of any share on which it has a lien shall be applied in or towards payment or discharge of the debt or liability in respect of which the lien exists so far as it is presently payable, and any residue shall (subject to a like lien for debts or liabilities not presently payable as existed upon the share prior to the sale and upon surrender, if required by the company, for cancellation of the certificate for the share sold) be paid to the person who was entitled to the share at the time of the sale. Calls on Shares 21. Calls Subject to the terms of issue, the board may from time to time make calls upon the members in respect of any moneys unpaid on their shares (whether on account of the nominal amount of the shares or by way of premium) and not payable on a date fixed by or in accordance with the terms of issue, and each member shall (subject to the company serving upon him at least 14 clear days’ notice specifying when and where payment is to be made) pay to the company as required by the notice the amount called on his shares. A call may be made payable by instalments. A call may be revoked or postponed, in whole or in part, as the board may decide. A person upon whom a call is made shall remain liable jointly and 18


 
severally with the successors in title to his shares for all calls made upon him notwithstanding the subsequent transfer of the shares in respect of which the call was made. 22. Timing of Calls A call shall be deemed to have been made at the time when the resolution of the board authorising the call was passed. 23. Liability of Joint Holders The joint holders of a share shall be jointly and severally liable to pay all calls in respect of the share. 24. Interest Due on Non-Payment If a call remains unpaid after it has become due and payable, the person from whom it is due and payable shall pay all costs, charges and expenses that the company may have incurred by reason of such non-payment together with interest on the amount unpaid from the day it is due and payable to the time of actual payment at the rate fixed by the terms of the allotment of the share or in the notice of the call or, if no rate is so fixed, at such rate, not exceeding 20 per cent. per annum (compounded on a six monthly basis), as the board may decide, but the board shall be at liberty in any case or cases to waive payment of any sum due under this article, wholly or in part. 25. Sums Due on Allotment Treated as Calls Any amount which becomes payable in respect of a share on allotment or on any other date fixed by or in accordance with the terms of issue, whether in respect of the nominal amount of the share or by way of premium or as an instalment of a call, shall be deemed to be a call and, if it is not paid, all the provisions of these articles shall apply as if the sum had become due and payable by virtue of a call. 26. Power to Differentiate The board may on or before the issue of shares differentiate between the allottees or holders as to the amount of calls to be paid and the times of payment. 27. Payment of Calls in Advance The board may, if it thinks fit, receive from any member who is willing to advance them all or any part of the moneys uncalled and unpaid upon any shares held by him and on all or any of the moneys so advanced may (until they would, but for the advance, become presently payable) pay interest at such rate, not exceeding (unless the company by ordinary resolution shall otherwise direct) 20 per cent. per annum, as the board may decide. The board may at any time repay the amount so advanced on giving such member not less than three months’ notice in writing of its intention to do so, unless before the expiration of such notice the amount so advanced shall have been called up on the shares in respect of which it was advanced. 19


 
Forfeiture of Shares 28. Notice if Call or Instalment Not Paid If any call or instalment of a call remains unpaid on any share after the day appointed for payment, the board may at any time serve a notice on the holder requiring payment of so much of the call or instalment as is unpaid, together with any interest which may have accrued and any expenses incurred by the company by reason of such non-payment. 29. Form of Notice The notice shall name a further day (not being less than 14 clear days from the date of the notice) on or before which, and the place where, the payment required by the notice is to be made and shall state that in the event of non-payment on or before the day and at the place appointed, the shares in respect of which the call has been made or instalment is payable will be liable to be forfeited. 30. Forfeiture for Non-Compliance with Notice If the notice is not complied with, any share in respect of which it was given may, at any time before payment of all calls or instalments and interest and expenses due in respect of it has been made, be forfeited by (and with effect from the passing of) a resolution of the board to that effect and the forfeiture shall include all dividends declared and other moneys payable in respect of the forfeited shares and not paid before the forfeiture. Unless the board otherwise decides, no holder of such a share is entitled to be present or vote (whether in person or by proxy) at any meeting, on a show of hands or on a poll, or to demand a poll or exercise any other right as a member. The board may accept the surrender of any share liable to be forfeited and, in that event, references in these articles to forfeiture shall include surrender. 31. Notice after Forfeiture When any share has been forfeited, notice of the forfeiture shall be served upon the person who was before forfeiture the holder of the share (or on any person entitled to the share by transmission) and an entry of the forfeiture or surrender, with the date thereof, shall forthwith be made in the register, but no forfeiture shall be invalidated by any omission or neglect to give such notice or make such entry. 32. Sale of Forfeited Shares Until cancelled in accordance with the requirements of the Companies Acts, a forfeited share shall be deemed to be the property of the company and may be sold or otherwise disposed of either to the person who was, before forfeiture, the holder or to any other person upon such terms and in such manner as the board shall decide. The board may for the purposes of the disposal authorise some person to execute an instrument of transfer to the designated transferee. The company may receive the consideration (if any) given for the share on its disposal. At any time before a sale or disposition the forfeiture may be cancelled by the board on such terms as the board may decide. 20


 
33. Arrears to be Paid Notwithstanding Forfeiture A person whose shares have been forfeited shall cease to be a member in respect of them and shall surrender to the company for cancellation the certificate for the forfeited shares but shall remain liable to pay to the company all moneys which at the date of the forfeiture were payable by him to the company in respect of those shares with interest thereon at the rate of 20 per cent. per annum (or such lower rate as the board may decide) from the date of forfeiture until payment, and the company may enforce payment without being under any obligation to make any allowance for the value of the shares forfeited or for any consideration received on their disposal. 34. Effect of Forfeiture The forfeiture of a share shall (subject to the Companies Acts and unless otherwise provided by these articles) involve the extinction from the time of forfeiture of all interest in, and all claims and demands against the company in respect of, the share and all other rights and liabilities incidental to the share as between the holder and the company. 35. Statutory Declaration as to Forfeiture A statutory declaration that the declarant is a director of the company or the secretary and that a share has been forfeited (or sold to satisfy a lien of the company) on a specified date shall be conclusive evidence of the facts stated in it as against all persons claiming to be entitled to the share. The declaration shall (subject to the execution of an instrument of transfer if necessary) constitute a good title to the share and the person to whom the share is sold or otherwise disposed of shall not be bound to see to the application of the purchase money (if any) nor shall his title to the share be affected by any irregularity or invalidity in the proceedings relating to the forfeiture, sale or disposal. Transfer of Shares 36. Transfer (A) Subject to such of the restrictions of these articles as may be applicable: (i) any member may transfer all or any of his uncertificated shares by means of a relevant system in such manner provided for, and subject as provided in, the uncertificated securities rules, and accordingly no provision of these articles shall apply in respect of an uncertificated share to the extent that it requires or contemplates the effecting of a transfer by an instrument in writing or the production of a certificate for the share to be transferred; and (ii) any member may transfer all or any of his certificated shares by an instrument of transfer in any usual form or in any other form which the board may approve. (B) The transferor of a share shall be deemed to remain the holder of the share concerned until the name of the transferee is entered in the register in respect of it. 21


 
37. Execution of Transfer The instrument of transfer of a certificated share shall be executed by or on behalf of the transferor and (in the case of a partly paid share) the transferee. All instruments of transfer, when registered, may be retained by the company. 38. Rights to Decline Registration of Partly Paid Shares The board may decline to register any transfer of any share which is not a fully paid share. 39. Other Rights to Decline Registration (A) Registration of a transfer of an uncertificated share may be refused in the circumstances set out in the uncertificated securities rules, and where, in the case of a transfer to joint holders, the number of joint holders to whom the uncertificated share is to be transferred exceeds four. (B) The board may decline to register any transfer of a certificated share unless: (i) the instrument of transfer is duly stamped or duly certified or otherwise shown to the satisfaction of the board to be exempt from stamp duty and is left at the office or such other place as the board may from time to time determine accompanied (save in the case of a transfer by a person to whom the company is not required by law to issue a certificate and to whom a certificate has not been issued) by the certificate for the share to which it relates and such other evidence as the board may reasonably require to show the right of the person executing the instrument of transfer to make the transfer and, if the instrument of transfer is executed by some other person on his behalf, the authority of that person so to do; (ii) the instrument of transfer is in respect of only one class of share; and (iii) in the case of a transfer to joint holders, the number of joint holders to whom the share is to be transferred does not exceed four. (C) For all purposes of these articles relating to the registration of transfers of shares, the renunciation of the allotment of any shares by the allottee in favour of some other person shall be deemed to be a transfer and the board shall have the same powers of refusing to give effect to such a renunciation as if it were a transfer. 40. No Fee for Registration No fee shall be charged by the company for registering any transfer, document or instruction relating to or affecting the title to any share or for making any other entry in the register. 22


 
41. Renunciation of Allotment The board may, at any time after the allotment of any share but before any person has been entered in the register as the holder, recognise a renunciation thereof by the allottee in favour of some other person and may accord to any allottee of a share a right to effect such renunciation upon and subject to such terms and conditions as the board may decide. 42. Untraced Shareholders (A) The company may sell any certificated shares in the company on behalf of the holder of, or person entitled by transmission to, the shares at the best price reasonably obtainable at the time of sale if: (i) the shares have been in issue either in certificated or uncertificated form throughout the qualifying period and at least three cash dividends have become payable on the shares during the qualifying period; (ii) no cash dividend payable on the shares has either been claimed by presentation to the paying bank of the relevant cheque or warrant or been satisfied by the transfer of funds to a bank account designated by the holder of, or person entitled by transmission to, the shares or by the transfer of funds by means of a relevant system at any time during the relevant period; (iii) so far as any director of the company at the end of the relevant period is then aware, the company has not at any time during the relevant period received any communication from the holder of, or person entitled by transmission to, the shares; and (iv) the company has caused two advertisements to be published, one in a newspaper with a national daily circulation in the UK (or, in the case of a member in the Republic of Ireland Branch Register, a leading national daily newspaper published in the Republic of Ireland) and one in a newspaper circulating in the area in which the last known postal address of the holder of, or person entitled by transmission to, the shares or the postal address at which service of notices may be effected under these articles is located, giving notice of its intention to sell the shares, and a period of three months has elapsed from the date of publication of the advertisements or of the last of the two advertisements to be published if they are published on different dates. The advertisements referred to in this article need not refer to the name of the relevant holder or person or identify the relevant shares concerned. For the purpose of this article: “the qualifying period” means the period of 12 years immediately preceding the date of publication of the advertisements referred to in sub-paragraph (iv) above or of the first of the advertisements to be published if they are published on different dates; and 23


 
“the relevant period” means the period beginning at the commencement of the qualifying period and ending on the date when all the requirements of sub-paragraphs (i) to (iv) above have been satisfied. (B) The company shall also be entitled to sell at the best price reasonably obtainable at the time of sale any additional certificated shares in the company issued either in certificated or uncertificated form during the qualifying period in respect of any share to which paragraph (A) of this article applies (or in respect of any share so issued), if the criteria in paragraph (A)(ii) to (iv) are satisfied in relation to the additional shares. (C) To give effect to any sale of shares pursuant to this article the board may authorise some person to transfer the shares in question and an instrument of transfer executed by that person shall be as effective as if it had been executed by the holder of, or person entitled by transmission to, the shares. The purchaser shall not be bound to see to the application of the purchase moneys nor shall his title to the shares be affected by any irregularity or invalidity in the proceedings relating to the sale. The net proceeds of sale shall belong to the company and, upon their receipt, the company shall become indebted to the former holder of, or person entitled by transmission to, the shares for an amount equal to the net proceeds. No trust shall be created in respect of the debt and no interest shall be payable in respect of it and the company shall not be required to account for any moneys earned from the net proceeds which may be employed in the business of the company or as it thinks fit. Transmission of Shares 43. Transmission on Death If a member dies, the survivor or survivors, where he was a joint holder, and his personal representatives, where he was a sole holder or the only survivor of joint holders, shall be the only persons recognised by the company as having any title to his shares; but nothing contained in these articles shall release the estate of a deceased holder from any liability in respect of any share held by him solely or jointly with other persons. 44. Entry of Transmission in Register Where the entitlement of a person to a certificated share in consequence of the death or bankruptcy of a member or of any other event giving rise to its transmission by operation of law is proved to the satisfaction of the board, the board shall within two months after proof cause the entitlement of that person to be noted in the register. 45. Election of Person Entitled by Transmission Any person entitled by transmission to a share may, subject as provided elsewhere in these articles, elect either to become the holder of the share or to have some person nominated by him registered as the holder. If he elects to be registered himself he shall give notice to the company to that effect. If he elects to have another person registered and the share is a certificated share, he shall execute an instrument of transfer of the share to that person. If he elects to have himself or another person registered and the share is an uncertificated share, he shall take any action the board may require 24


 
(including, without limitation, the execution of any document and the giving of any instruction by means of relevant system) to enable himself or that person to be registered as the holder of the share. The board may at any time require the person to elect either to be registered himself or to transfer the share and if the requirements are not complied with within 60 days of being issued the board may withhold payment of all dividends and other moneys payable in respect of the share until the requirements have been complied with. All the provisions of these articles relating to the transfer of, and registration of transfers of, shares shall apply to the notice or transfer as if the death or bankruptcy of the member or other event giving rise to the transmission had not occurred and the notice or transfer was given or executed by the member. 46. Rights of Person Entitled by Transmission Where a person becomes entitled by transmission to a share, the rights of the holder in relation to that share shall cease, but the person entitled by transmission to the share may give a good discharge for any dividends or other moneys payable in respect of it and shall have the same rights in relation to the share as he would have had if he were the holder of it save that, until he becomes the holder, he shall not be entitled in respect of the share (except with the authority of the board) to receive notice of, or to attend or vote at, any general meeting of the company or at any separate general meeting of the holders of any class of shares in the company or to exercise any other right conferred by membership in relation to general meetings. Alteration of Share Capital 47. Sub-division Any resolution authorising the company to sub-divide its shares or any of them may determine that, as between the shares resulting from the sub-division, any of them may have any preference or advantage or be subject to any restriction as compared with the others. 48. Fractions Whenever as a result of a consolidation, consolidation and sub-division or sub division of shares any members would become entitled to fractions of a share, the board may deal with the fractions as it thinks fit. In particular the board may sell the shares representing the fractions for the best price reasonably obtainable (or at any other price approved by the company by special resolution) to any person (including, subject to the provisions of the Companies Acts, the company) and distribute the net proceeds of sale (subject to the retention by the company of any amounts so small that the cost of distribution would be disproportionate to the amounts involved) in due proportion among those members and the board may authorise some person to transfer or deliver the shares to, or in accordance with the directions of, the purchaser. For the purposes of effecting the sale, the board may arrange for the shares representing the fractions to be entered in the register as certificated shares. The person to whom any shares are transferred or delivered shall not be bound to see to the application of the purchase money nor shall his title to the shares be affected by any irregularity in, or invalidity of, the proceedings relating to the sale. 25


 
Notice of General Meetings 49. Omission or Non-Receipt of Notice (A) The accidental omission to give any notice of a meeting or the accidental omission to send or supply any notice, document or other information relating to any meeting to, or the non-receipt (even if the company becomes aware of such non-receipt) of any such notice, document or other information by, any person entitled to receive the notice, document or other information shall not invalidate the proceedings at that meeting. (B) A member present in person or by proxy at a meeting shall be deemed to have received proper notice of that meeting and, where applicable, of the purpose of that meeting. 50. Postponement of General Meetings If the board, in its absolute discretion, considers that it is impractical or undesirable for any reason to hold a general meeting on the date or at the time or place specified in the notice calling the general meeting, it may postpone or move the general meeting to another date, time and/or place. The board shall take reasonable steps to ensure that notice of the date, time and place of the rearranged meeting is given to any member trying to attend the meeting at the original time and place. Notice of the date, time and place of the rearranged meeting shall, if practicable, also be placed in at least two national newspapers in the United Kingdom and one national newspaper in the Republic of Ireland. Notice of the business to be transacted at such rearranged meeting shall not be required. If a meeting is rearranged in this way, the appointment of a proxy will be valid if it is received as required by these articles not less than 48 hours before the time appointed for holding the rearranged meeting. The board may also postpone or move the rearranged meeting under this article. Proceedings at General Meetings 51. Quorum No business shall be transacted at any general meeting unless a quorum is present when the meeting proceeds to business, but the absence of a quorum shall not preclude the choice or appointment of a chairman of the meeting which shall not be treated as part of the business of the meeting. Save as otherwise provided by these articles, two members present in person or by proxy and entitled to vote shall be a quorum for all purposes. 52. Procedure if Quorum Not Present If within five minutes (or such longer time not exceeding one hour as the chairman of the meeting may decide to wait) after the time appointed for the commencement of the meeting a quorum is not present, or if during the meeting a quorum ceases to be present, the meeting: (i) if convened by or upon the requisition of members, shall be dissolved; and (ii) in any other case, it shall stand adjourned to such other day (being not less than ten days later, excluding the day on which the meeting is adjourned and the day for which it is reconvened) and at such other time or place as the chairman of the meeting may decide. At any adjourned 26


 
meeting one member present in person or by proxy and entitled to vote (whatever the number of shares held by him) shall be a quorum and any notice of an adjourned meeting shall state that one member present in person or by proxy and entitled to vote (whatever the number of shares held by him) shall be a quorum. 53. Security Arrangements (A) The board may, for the purpose of controlling the level of attendance and ensuring the safety of those attending at any place specified for the holding of a general meeting, from time to time make (and vary) such arrangements as the board may in its absolute discretion decide. The entitlement of any member or proxy to attend a general meeting at such place shall be subject to any such arrangements. (B) Without prejudice to the generality of (A) above, the board may: (i) direct that the meeting shall be held at a place specified in the notice at which the chairman of the meeting shall preside (the “principal place”); and (ii) make arrangements for simultaneous attendance and participation at other places by members otherwise entitled to attend the general meeting but excluded from the principal place under the provisions of this article (“excluded members”) (or who wish to attend at any such other places) provided that, to the extent required by law, persons attending at the principal place and at any such other places shall (by any means) be able to see, and hear and be seen and heard by, persons attending at the principal place and at such other places. Such arrangements for simultaneous attendance may include arrangements for controlling the level of attendance in any manner at any of such other places, provided that they shall operate so that each excluded member is able to attend at one of such other places. For the purposes of all other provisions of these articles any such meeting shall be treated as being held and taking place at the principal place. (C) The board may also direct that persons wishing to attend any general meeting should submit to such searches or other security arrangements or restrictions as the board shall consider appropriate in the circumstances and shall be entitled in its absolute discretion to (or to authorise some one or more persons to) refuse entry to, or to eject from, such general meeting any person who fails to submit to such searches or otherwise to comply with such security arrangements or restrictions. 54. Chairman of General Meeting (A) The chairman (if any) of the board or, in his absence, the deputy chairman (if any) shall preside as chairman at every general meeting. If more than one deputy chairman is present they shall agree amongst themselves who is to take the chair or, if they cannot agree, the deputy chairman who has been in office as a director longest shall take the chair. 27


 
(B) If: (i) there is no chairman or deputy chairman; or (ii) at any meeting neither the chairman nor any deputy chairman is present within 15 minutes after the time appointed for the commencement of the meeting; or (iii) neither the chairman nor any deputy chairman is capable or willing to act as chairman, then the senior non-executive director of the company shall act as chairman of the meeting or (if the senior non-executive director is absent, incapacitated or unwilling to act) the directors present shall choose one of their number to act, or if one director only is present he shall preside as chairman of the meeting if willing to act. (C) If no director is present at a general meeting, or if each of the directors present declines to take the chair, the persons present and entitled to vote shall appoint one of their number to be chairman of the meeting. (D) Nothing in these articles shall restrict or exclude any of the powers or rights of a chairman of a meeting which are given by law. A chairman selected pursuant to this article will remain chairman for the duration of the relevant meeting. (E) If the board shall at any time have appointed joint chairmen, each joint chairman shall preside as chairman at alternate general meetings of the company, unless the joint chairmen shall otherwise agree between them. (F) The chairman of a general meeting may nominate any director present at the meeting to propose any resolution or otherwise facilitate the conduct of any business concerning the chairman himself. 55. Orderly Conduct The chairman of the meeting shall take such action or give directions for such action to be taken as he thinks fit to promote the orderly conduct of the business of the meeting as laid down in the notice of the meeting. The chairman’s decision on points of order, matters of procedure or matters arising incidentally from the business of the meeting shall be final as shall be his determination as to whether any point or matter is of such a nature. 56. Entitlement to Attend and Speak Each director shall be entitled to attend and speak at any general meeting of the company. The chairman of the meeting may invite any person to attend and speak at any general meeting of the company where he considers that this will assist in the deliberations of the meeting. 28


 
57. Adjournments The chairman of the meeting may at any time without the consent of the meeting adjourn any meeting (whether or not it has commenced or a quorum is present) either sine die or to another time or place where it appears to him that (a) the members entitled to vote and wishing to attend cannot be conveniently accommodated in the place appointed for the meeting (b) the conduct of persons present prevents or is likely to prevent the orderly continuation of business or (c) an adjournment is otherwise necessary so that the business of the meeting may be properly conducted. In addition, the chairman of the meeting may at any time with the consent of any meeting at which a quorum is present (and shall if so directed by the meeting) adjourn the meeting either sine die or to another time or place. When a meeting is adjourned sine die the time and place for the adjourned meeting shall be fixed by the board. No business shall be transacted at any adjourned meeting except business which might properly have been transacted at the meeting had the adjournment not taken place. Any meeting may be adjourned more than once. 58. Notice of Adjournment If the continuation of an adjourned meeting is to take place three months or more after it was adjourned or if business is to be transacted at an adjourned meeting the general nature of which was not stated in the notice of the original meeting, notice of the adjourned meeting shall be given as in the case of an original meeting. Except as provided in this article, it shall not be necessary to give any notice of an adjourned meeting or of the business to be transacted at an adjourned meeting. Amendments 59. Amendments to Resolutions In the case of a resolution duly proposed as a special resolution no amendment thereto (other than an amendment to correct a patent error) may be considered or voted upon and in the case of a resolution duly proposed as an ordinary resolution no amendment thereto (other than an amendment to correct a patent error) may be considered or voted upon unless either at least 48 hours prior to the time appointed for holding the meeting or adjourned meeting at which such ordinary resolution is to be proposed notice in writing of the terms of the amendment and intention to move the same has been received by the company or the chairman of the meeting in his absolute discretion decides that it may be considered or voted upon. With the consent of the chairman of the meeting, an amendment may be withdrawn by its proposer before it is put to the vote. 60. Amendments Ruled Out of Order If an amendment shall be proposed to any resolution under consideration but shall be ruled out of order by the chairman of the meeting the proceedings on the substantive resolution shall not be invalidated by any error in such ruling. 29


 
Voting 61. Votes of Members Subject to any special terms as to voting upon which any shares may be issued or may at the relevant time be held and to any other provisions of these articles, members shall be entitled to vote at a general meeting whether on a show of hands or on a poll as provided in the Companies Acts. For this purpose, where a proxy is given discretion as to how to vote on a show of hands, this shall be treated as an instruction by the relevant member to vote in the way that the proxy elects to exercise that discretion. 62. Method of Voting At any general meeting a resolution put to the vote of the meeting shall be decided on a show of hands unless (before or on the declaration of the result of the show of hands) a poll is demanded. A poll may be demanded by: (i) the chairman of the meeting; or (ii) at least three members present in person or by proxy and entitled to vote on the resolution; or (iii) any member or members present in person or by proxy and representing in the aggregate not less than one-tenth of the total voting rights of all the members having the right to vote on the resolution; or (iv) any member or members present in person or by proxy and holding shares conferring a right to vote on the resolution on which there have been paid up sums in the aggregate equal to not less than one-tenth of the total sum paid up on all the shares conferring that right. The chairman of the meeting can also demand a poll before a resolution is put to the vote on a show of hands. Unless a poll is so demanded and the demand is not withdrawn, a declaration by the chairman of the meeting that a resolution on a show of hands has been carried or carried unanimously or by a particular majority or not carried by a particular majority or lost shall be conclusive evidence of the fact without proof of the number or proportion of the votes recorded for or against the resolution. 63. Procedure if Poll Demanded If a poll is properly demanded it shall be taken in such manner as the chairman of the meeting shall direct. The chairman may appoint scrutineers (who need not be members) and fix a day, time and place for declaring the result of the poll. The result of the poll shall be deemed to be the resolution of the meeting at which the poll was demanded. 30


 
64. When Poll to be Taken No poll may be demanded on the election of the chairman of a meeting. On a question of adjournment of any meeting, a poll may only be demanded by the chairman of the meeting and it shall be taken immediately. A poll duly demanded on any other question shall be taken in such manner and either forthwith or on such date (being not later than 28 days after the date of the demand) and at such time and place as the chairman of the meeting shall direct. It shall not be necessary (unless the chairman of the meeting otherwise directs) for notice to be given of a poll. 65. Continuance of Other Business after Poll Demand The demand for a poll (other than a demand by the chairman on a question of adjournment) shall not prevent the continuance of a meeting for the transaction of any business other than the question on which the poll was demanded, and it may be withdrawn with the consent of the chairman of the meeting at any time before the close of the meeting or the taking of the poll, whichever is the earlier, and in that event shall not invalidate the result of a show of hands declared before the demand was made. 66. Votes of Joint Holders In the case of joint holders of a share the vote of the senior who tenders a vote, whether in person or by proxy, shall be accepted to the exclusion of the votes of the other joint holders and, for this purpose, seniority shall be determined by the order in which the names stand in the register in respect of the joint holding. 67. Voting on Behalf of Incapable Member A member in respect of whom an order has been made by any competent court or official on the ground that he is or may be suffering from mental disorder or is otherwise incapable of managing his affairs may vote at any general meeting of the company or at any separate general meeting of the holders of any class of shares in the company and may exercise any other right conferred by membership in relation to general meetings by or through any person authorised in such circumstances to do so on his behalf (and that person may vote by proxy), provided that evidence to the satisfaction of the board of the authority of the person claiming to exercise the right to vote or such other right has been received at the office (or at such other place as may be specified in accordance with these articles for the receipt of appointments of a proxy in writing) not later than the last time at which such an appointment should have been received in order to be valid for use at that meeting or on the holding of that poll. 68. No Right to Vote where Sums Overdue on Shares No member shall, unless the board otherwise decides, be entitled in respect of any share held by him to attend or vote (either personally or by proxy) at any general meeting of the company or at any separate general meeting of the holders of any class of shares in the company or upon a poll or to exercise any other right conferred by membership in relation to general meetings or polls unless all calls or other sums presently payable by him in respect of that share have been paid. 31


 
69. Objections or Errors in Voting If: (i) any objection shall be raised to the qualification of any voter, or (ii) any votes have been counted which ought not to have been counted or which might have been rejected, or (iii) any votes are not counted which ought to have been counted, the objection or error shall not vitiate the decision of the meeting or adjourned meeting or poll on any resolution unless it is raised or pointed out at the meeting or, as the case may be, the adjourned meeting or poll at which the vote objected to is given or tendered or at which the error occurs. Any objection or error shall be referred to the chairman of the meeting and shall only vitiate the decision of the meeting on any resolution if the chairman decides that the same may have affected the decision of the meeting. The decision of the chairman on such matters shall be conclusive. Proxies 70. Appointment of Proxies The appointment of a proxy shall be in writing signed by the appointor or his duly authorised attorney or, if the appointor is a corporation, shall either be executed under its seal or signed by an officer, attorney or other person authorised to sign it. 71. Receipt of Proxies (A) The appointment of a proxy must: (i) in the case of an appointment made in hard copy form, be received at the office (or such other place as may be specified by the company for the receipt of appointments of proxy in hard copy form) not less than 48 hours (or such shorter time as the board may determine or as is specified in such notice or instrument of proxy) before the time appointed for holding the meeting or adjourned meeting at which the person named in the appointment proposes to vote together with (if required by the board) any authority under which it is made or a copy of the authority, certified notarially or in accordance with the Powers of Attorney Act 1971 or in some other manner approved by the board; (ii) in the case of an appointment made by electronic means, be received at the address specified by the company for the receipt of appointment of proxy by electronic means not less than 48 hours (or such shorter time as the board may determine or as is specified in such notice or instrument of proxy) before the time appointed for holding the meeting or adjourned meeting at which the person named in the appointment proposes to vote. Any authority pursuant to which such an appointment is made or a copy of the authority, certified notarially or in accordance with the Powers of Attorney Act 1971 or in some 32


 
other manner approved by the board, must, if required by the board, be received at such address or at the office (or such other place as may be specified by the company for the receipt of such documents) not less than 48 hours (or such shorter time as the board may determine or as is specified in such notice or instrument of proxy) before the time appointed for holding the meeting or adjourned meeting at which the person named in the appointment proposes to vote; (iii) in the case of a poll taken more than 48 hours after it was demanded, be received as aforesaid not less than 24 hours (or such shorter time as the board may determine) before the time appointed for the taking of the poll; or (iv) in the case of a poll taken following the conclusion of a meeting or adjourned meeting but 48 hours or less after it was demanded, be received as aforesaid before the end of the meeting at which it was demanded (or at such later time as the board may determine), and an appointment of a proxy which is not, or in respect of which the authority or copy thereof is not, received in a manner so permitted shall be invalid, unless the board waives compliance with this provision. When two or more valid but differing appointments of a proxy are received in respect of the same share for use at the same meeting or poll, the one which is last received (regardless of its date or of the date of its signature) shall be treated as replacing and revoking the others as regards that share; if the company is unable to determine which was last received, none of them shall be treated as valid in respect of that share. The appointment of a proxy shall not preclude a member from attending and voting in person at the meeting or poll concerned. The proceedings at a general meeting shall not be invalidated where an appointment of a proxy in respect of that meeting is sent in electronic form as provided in these articles, but because of a technical problem it cannot be read by the recipient. (B) The board may at its discretion determine that in calculating the periods mentioned in this article no account shall be taken of any part of a day that is not a working day. 72. Maximum Validity of Proxy No appointment of a proxy shall be valid after 12 months have elapsed from the date of its receipt save that, unless the contrary is stated in it, an appointment of a proxy shall be valid for use at an adjourned meeting or a poll after a meeting or an adjourned meeting even after 12 months, if it was valid for the original meeting. 73. Form of Proxy The appointment of a proxy shall be in any usual form or in such other form as the board may approve. The appointment of a proxy shall be deemed to confer authority to demand or join in demanding a poll and to vote on any amendment of a resolution put to, or any other business which may properly come before, the meeting for which it is given as the proxy thinks fit. The appointment of a proxy shall, unless the contrary is stated in it, be valid as well for any adjournment of the meeting as for the meeting to which it relates. 33


 
74. Cancellation of Proxy’s Authority A vote given or poll demanded by a proxy or by the duly authorised representative of a corporation shall be valid notwithstanding the previous determination of the authority of the person voting or demanding a poll, unless notice in writing of the determination was received by the company at the office (or such other place or address as was specified by the company for the receipt of appointments of proxy in the notice convening the meeting or in any notice of any adjournment or, in either case, in any accompanying document) not later than the last time at which an appointment of a proxy should have been received in order to be valid for use at the meeting or on the holding of the poll at which the vote was given or the poll demanded. 75. Board’s Power to Issue Proxies The board may at the expense of the company send instruments of proxy to members by post or otherwise (with or without provision for their return prepaid) for use at any general meeting or at any separate meeting of the holders of any class of shares, either in blank or nominating in the alternative any one or more of the board or any other person. If, for the purpose of any meeting, invitations to appoint as proxy a person, or one of a number of persons specified in the invitations, are issued at the company’s expense, they shall (without prejudice to any other provision of these articles or of the Companies Acts permitting the board to cease or suspend sending notices or other circulars to a member) be issued to all the members entitled to be sent a notice of the meeting and to vote at it. The accidental omission to send such an instrument or give such an invitation to, or the non-receipt by, any member entitled to attend and vote at a meeting shall not invalidate the proceedings at that meeting. Appointment, Retirement and Removal of Directors 76. Number of Directors Unless otherwise determined by ordinary resolution of the company, the directors (disregarding alternate directors) shall be not less than three nor more than 25 in number. 77. Directors’ Shareholding Qualification No shareholding qualification for directors shall be required. 78. Power of Company to Elect Directors Subject to the provisions of these articles, the company may by ordinary resolution elect any person who is willing to act to be a director, either to fill a vacancy or as an addition to the existing board, but so that the total number of directors shall not at any time exceed any maximum number fixed by or in accordance with these articles. 79. Power of Board to Appoint Directors Subject to the provisions of these articles, the board may appoint any person who is willing to act to be a director, either to fill a vacancy or as an addition to the existing board, but so that the total number of directors shall not at any time exceed any maximum number fixed by or in accordance with these 34


 
articles. Any director so appointed shall retire at the next annual general meeting and shall then be eligible for election. 80. Directors to Retire by Rotation At every annual general meeting any director: (i) who has been appointed by the board since the last annual general meeting; or (ii) who was in office at the time of the two previous annual general meetings and did not retire at either of them; or (iii) who has been in office, other than as a director holding an executive position, for a continuous period of nine years or more at the date of the meeting, shall retire from office and may offer himself for re-election by the members. 81. Power of Removal by Special Resolution In addition to any power of removal conferred by the Companies Acts, the company may by special resolution remove any director before the expiration of his period of office and may (subject to these articles) by ordinary resolution appoint another person who is willing to act to be a director in his place. 82. Persons Eligible as Directors No person other than a director retiring at the meeting (whether by rotation or otherwise) shall be elected or re-elected a director at any general meeting unless: (i) he is recommended by the board; or (ii) not less than seven nor more than 40 clear days before the day appointed for the meeting, notice in writing by a member qualified to vote at the meeting (not being the person to be proposed) has been given to the secretary at the office of the intention to propose that person for election or re-election together with confirmation in writing by that person of his willingness to be elected or re-elected; the notice shall give the particulars of that person which would (if he were elected) be required to be included in the company’s register of directors. 83. Position of Retiring Directors A director who retires (whether by rotation or otherwise) at an annual general meeting may, if willing to continue to act, be elected or re-elected. If he is elected or re-elected he is treated as continuing in office throughout. If he is not elected or re-elected, he shall retain office until the end of the meeting or (if earlier) when a resolution is passed to elect someone in his place or when a resolution to elect or re- elect the director is put to the meeting and lost. 35


 
84. Vacation of Office by Directors Without prejudice to the provisions for retirement by rotation or otherwise contained in these articles, the office of a director shall be vacated if: (i) he resigns his office by notice in writing delivered to or received at the office or tendered at a meeting of the board; or (ii) by notice in writing delivered to or received at the office or tendered at a meeting of the board, he offers to resign and the board resolves to accept such offer; or (iii) he is an executive director and his appointment to the relevant office or employment is terminated or expires and the board resolves that his office be vacated; or (iv) by notice in writing delivered to or received at the office or tendered at a meeting of the board, his resignation is requested by all of the other directors and all of the other directors are not less than three in number; or (v) he is or has been suffering from mental or physical ill health or becomes a patient for the purpose of any statute relating to mental health and the board resolves that his office is vacated; or (vi) he is absent without the permission of the board from meetings of the board (whether or not an alternate director appointed by him attends) for six consecutive months and the board resolves that his office is vacated; or (vii) he becomes bankrupt or compounds with his creditors generally; or (viii) he is prohibited by law from being a director; or (ix) he ceases to be a director by virtue of the Companies Acts or is removed from office pursuant to these articles. If the office of a director is vacated for any reason, he shall cease to be a member of any committee or sub-committee of the board. 85. Alternate Directors (A) Each director may appoint any person to be his alternate and may at his discretion remove an alternate director so appointed. If the alternate director is not already a director, the appointment, unless previously approved by the board, shall have effect only upon and subject to its being so approved. Any appointment or removal of an alternate director shall be effected by notice in writing signed by the appointor and delivered to or received at the office or tendered at a meeting of the board, or in any other manner approved by the board. An alternate director shall not be required to hold any shares in the capital of the company and shall not be counted in reckoning the maximum and minimum numbers of directors allowed or required by article 76. An alternate director shall be entitled (subject to his giving to the company an address 36


 
within the United Kingdom at which notices may be served upon him) to receive notice of all meetings of the board or of committees of the board of which his appointor is a member. It shall not be necessary to give notice of such a meeting to an alternate director who is absent from the United Kingdom. He shall also be entitled to attend and vote as a director at any such meeting at which the director appointing him is not personally present and at such meeting to exercise and discharge all the functions, powers, rights and duties of his appointor as a director and for the purposes of the proceedings at such meeting the provisions of these articles shall apply as if he were a director. (B) Every person acting as an alternate director shall (except as regards power to appoint an alternate and remuneration) be subject in all respects to the provisions of these articles relating to directors and shall during his appointment be an officer of the company. An alternate director shall alone be responsible to the company for his acts and defaults and shall not be deemed to be the agent of or for the director appointing him. An alternate director may be paid expenses and shall be entitled to be indemnified by the company to the same extent as if he were a director. An alternate director shall not be entitled to receive from the company any fee in his capacity as an alternate director but the company shall, if so requested in writing by the appointor, pay to the alternate director any part of the fees or remuneration otherwise due to the appointor. (C) A director or any other person may act as an alternate director to represent more than one director. Every person acting as an alternate director shall have one vote for each director for whom he acts as alternate, in addition to his own vote if he is also a director but he shall count as only one for the purposes of determining whether a quorum is present. Signature by an alternate director of any resolution in writing of the board or a committee of the board shall, unless the notice of his appointment provides to the contrary, be as effective as signature by his appointor. (D) An alternate director shall cease to be an alternate director: (i) if his appointor ceases for any reason to be a director except that, if at any meeting any director retires by rotation or otherwise but is re-elected at the same meeting, any appointment made by him pursuant to this article which was in force immediately before his retirement shall remain in force as though he had not retired; or (ii) on the happening of any event which if he were a director would cause him to vacate his office as director; or (iii) if he resigns his office by notice in writing to the company. 86. Chief Executive, Managing and Executive Directors The board (or any committee authorised by the board) may: (i) appoint one or more of its body to the office of chief executive, managing director or joint managing director, or to any other office (except that of auditor) or employment in 37


 
the company, for such period (subject to the Companies Acts) and on such terms as it thinks fit, and may revoke such appointment (but so that the revocation is without prejudice to any rights or claims which the person whose appointment is revoked may have against the company or the company may have against such person by reason of (or connected with) the revocation); (ii) permit any person elected or appointed to be a director to continue in any other office or employment held by the person before he was so elected or appointed; and (iii) appoint any director or former director of the company who, in its opinion, has rendered outstanding service to the company to be president of the company. The president shall not, by virtue of such office, be deemed a director or be entitled to any remuneration. Fees, Remuneration, Expenses and Pensions 87. Directors’ Fees The directors (other than alternate directors) shall be paid such remuneration (by way of fee) for their services as directors as may from time to time be determined by the board. Unless otherwise approved by ordinary resolution of the company in general meeting, the aggregate of the remuneration (by way of fee), but excluding special remuneration or other amounts paid under article 88, of all the directors shall not exceed £1,200,000 for any financial year of the company (and pro rata for any shorter or longer period). Such sum (unless otherwise directed by the resolution of the company by which it is approved) shall be divided among the directors in such proportions and in such manner as the board may determine or, in default of such determination, equally. Any fees payable pursuant to this article shall be distinct from any salary, remuneration or other amounts payable to a director pursuant to any other provisions of these articles and shall accrue from day to day. 88. Additional Remuneration Any director who by request of the board serves on a committee of the board, performs special services, or goes or resides abroad for any purposes of the company, may be paid extra remuneration by way of salary, commission, percentage of profits or otherwise as the board decides. 89. Expenses and Legal Costs Each director shall be entitled to be repaid all reasonable travelling, hotel and other expenses properly incurred by him in or about the performance of his duties as a director, including any expenses incurred in attending meetings of the board or any committee of the board or general meetings or separate meetings of the holders of any class of shares or of debentures of the company. The company may also fund a director’s expenditure for the purposes permitted under the Companies Acts and may do anything to enable a director to avoid incurring such expenditure as provided in the Companies Acts. 90. Power to Pay Pensions and Gratuities (A) The board may grant or make provision for pensions, allowances, gratuities and life assurance, bonuses or other benefits to or for the benefit of: 38


 
(i) any director or former director or other officer or former officer who holds or has held any executive office or place of profit with the company or any other company in which the company is or was interested, or any company or firm or concern whose business or any part thereof (or control of whose business or any part thereof) has at any time been acquired by the company or any of its subsidiary undertakings; (ii) the wife or widow, husband or widower, or other dependant or relation of such director or former director or other officer or former officer; (iii) any other employee or former employee of the company or of any such other company, firm or concern as mentioned in article 90(A)(i); (iv) the wife or widow, husband or widower, or any other dependant or relation of any such other employee or former employee, or any class or classes thereof. (B) Any of the matters in article 90(A) may be done either alone or in conjunction with any other person or company, and in such manner as the board thinks fit. (C) Subject to the provisions of the Companies Acts, any such director or other person mentioned in sub-paragraphs (i) to (iv) inclusive of article 90(A) is entitled to receive and retain for his own benefit any such pension, allowance, gratuity, assurance or other benefit (and receipt of the same shall not disqualify any person from being or becoming a director of the company) and any such director may vote as a director in the exercise of any of the powers conferred by this article 90 notwithstanding that he is interested therein. Directors’ Interests 91. Conflicts of Interest Requiring Board Authorisation (A) The board may, subject to the quorum and voting requirements set out in this article, authorise any matter which would otherwise involve a director breaching his duty under the Companies Acts to avoid conflicts of interest (“Conflict”). (B) A director seeking authorisation in respect of a Conflict shall declare to the board the nature and extent of his interest in a Conflict as soon as is reasonably practicable. The director shall provide the board with such details of the relevant matter as are necessary for the board to decide how to address the Conflict together with such additional information as may be requested by the board. (C) Any director (including the relevant director) may propose that the relevant director be authorised in relation to any matter the subject of a Conflict. Such proposal and any authority given by the board shall be effected in the same way that any other matter may be proposed to and resolved upon by the board under the provisions of these articles save that: 39


 
(i) the relevant director and any other director with a similar interest shall not count towards the quorum nor vote on any resolution giving such authority; and (ii) the relevant director and any other director with a similar interest may, if the other members of the board so decide, be excluded from any board meeting while the Conflict is under consideration. (D) Where the board gives authority in relation to a Conflict: (i) the board may (whether at the time of giving the authority or subsequently) (a) require that the relevant director is excluded from the receipt of information, the participation in discussion and/or the making of decisions (whether at meetings of the board or otherwise) related to the Conflict; and (b) impose upon the relevant director such other terms for the purpose of dealing with the Conflict as it may determine; (ii) the relevant director will be obliged to conduct himself in accordance with any terms imposed by the board in relation to the Conflict; (iii) the board may provide that where the relevant director obtains (otherwise than through his position as a director of the company) information that is confidential to a third party, the director will not be obliged to disclose that information to the company, or to use or apply the information in relation to the company’s affairs, where to do so would amount to a breach of that confidence; (iv) the terms of the authority shall be recorded in writing (but the authority shall be effective whether or not the terms are so recorded); and (v) the board may revoke or vary such authority at any time but this will not affect anything done by the relevant director prior to such revocation in accordance with the terms of such authority. 92. Other Conflicts of Interest (A) If a director is in any way directly or indirectly interested in a proposed contract with the company or a contract that has been entered into by the company, he must declare the nature and extent of that interest to the directors in accordance with the Companies Acts. (B) Provided he has declared his interest in accordance with paragraph (A), a director may: (i) be party to, or otherwise interested in, any contract with the company or in which the company has a direct or indirect interest; (ii) hold any other office or place of profit with the company (except that of auditor) in conjunction with his office of director for such period and upon such terms, including as to remuneration, as the board may decide; 40


 
(iii) act by himself or through a firm with which he is associated in a professional capacity for the company or any other company in which the company may be interested (otherwise than as auditor); (iv) be or become a director or other officer of, or employed by or otherwise be interested in any holding company or subsidiary company of the company or any other company in which the company may be interested; and (v) be or become a director of any other company in which the company does not have an interest and which cannot reasonably be regarded as giving rise to a conflict of interest at the time of his appointment as a director of that other company. 93. Benefits A director shall not, by reason of his office or of the fiduciary relationship thereby established, be liable to account to the company for any remuneration, profit or other benefit realised by reason of his having any type of interest authorised under article 91(A) or permitted under article 92(B) and no contract shall be liable to be avoided on the grounds of a director having any type of interest authorised under article 91(A) or permitted under article 92(B). 94. Quorum and Voting Requirements (A) A director shall not vote on or be counted in the quorum in relation to any resolution of the board concerning his own appointment, or the settlement or variation of the terms or the termination of his own appointment, as the holder of any office or place of profit with the company or any other company in which the company is interested but, where proposals are under consideration concerning the appointment, or the settlement or variation of the terms or the termination of the appointment, of two or more directors to offices or places of profit with the company or any other company in which the company is interested, a separate resolution may be put in relation to each director and in that case each of the directors concerned shall be entitled to vote and be counted in the quorum in respect of each resolution unless it concerns his own appointment or the settlement or variation of the terms or the termination of his own appointment or the appointment of another director to an office or place of profit with a company in which the company is interested and the director seeking to vote or be counted in the quorum has a Relevant Interest in it. (B) A director shall not vote on, or be counted in the quorum in relation to, any resolution of the board in respect of any contract in which he has an interest and, if he shall do so, his vote shall not be counted, but this prohibition shall not apply to any resolution where that interest cannot reasonably be regarded as likely to give rise to a conflict of interest or where that interest arises only from one or more of the following matters:- (i) the giving to him of any guarantee, indemnity or security in respect of money lent or obligations undertaken by him or by any other person at the request of or for the benefit of the company or any of its subsidiary undertakings; 41


 
(ii) the giving to a third party of any guarantee, indemnity or security in respect of a debt or obligation of the company or any of its subsidiary undertakings for which he himself has assumed responsibility in whole or in part under a guarantee or indemnity or by the giving of security; (iii) the giving to him of any other indemnity where all other directors are being offered indemnities on substantially the same terms; (iv) the funding by the company of his expenditure on defending proceedings or the doing by the company of anything to enable him to avoid incurring such expenditure where all other directors are being offered substantially the same arrangements; (v) where the company or any of its subsidiary undertakings is offering securities in which offer the director is or may be entitled to participate as a holder of securities or in the underwriting or sub-underwriting of which the director is to participate; (vi) any contract in which he is interested by virtue of his interest in shares or debentures or other securities of the company or by reason of any other interest in or through the company; (vii) any contract concerning any other company (not being a company in which the director has a Relevant Interest) in which he is interested directly or indirectly whether as an officer, shareholder, creditor or otherwise howsoever; (viii) any contract concerning the adoption, modification or operation of a pension fund, superannuation or similar scheme or retirement, death or disability benefits scheme or employees’ share scheme which relates both to directors and employees of the company or of any of its subsidiary undertakings and does not provide in respect of any director as such any privilege or advantage not accorded to the employees to which the fund or scheme relates; (ix) any contract for the benefit of employees of the company or of any of its subsidiary undertakings under which he benefits in a similar manner to the employees and which does not accord to any director as such any privilege or advantage not accorded to the employees to whom the contract relates; and (x) any contract for the purchase or maintenance of insurance against any liability for, or for the benefit of, any director or directors or for, or for the benefit of, persons who include directors. (C) A company shall be deemed to be one in which a director has a “Relevant Interest” if and so long as (but only if and so long as) he is to his knowledge (either directly or indirectly) the holder of or beneficially interested in one per cent. or more of any class of the equity share capital of that company (calculated exclusive of any shares of that class in that company held as treasury shares) or of the voting rights available to members of that company. In relation to an alternate director, an interest of his 42


 
appointor shall be treated as an interest of the alternate director without prejudice to any interest which the alternate director has otherwise. (D) Where a company in which a director has a Relevant Interest is interested in a contract, he also shall be deemed interested in that contract. (E) If any question shall arise at any meeting of the board as to the interest of a director (other than the chairman of the meeting) in a contract and whether it is likely to give rise to a conflict of interest or as to the entitlement of any director (other than the chairman of the meeting) to vote or be counted in the quorum and the question is not resolved by his voluntarily agreeing to abstain from voting or not to be counted in the quorum, the question shall be referred to the chairman of the meeting and his ruling in relation to the director concerned shall be conclusive except in a case where the nature or extent of the director’s interest (so far as it is known to him) has not been fairly disclosed to the board. If any question shall arise in respect of the chairman of the meeting, the question shall be decided by a resolution of the board (for which purpose the chairman of the meeting shall be counted in the quorum but shall not vote on the matter) and the resolution shall be conclusive except in a case where the nature or extent of the interest of the chairman of the meeting (so far as it is known to him) has not been fairly disclosed to the board. (F) Subject to these articles, the board may also cause any voting power conferred by the shares in any other company held or owned by the company or any power of appointment to be exercised in such manner in all respects as it thinks fit, including the exercise of the voting power or power of appointment in favour of the appointment of the directors or any of them as directors or officers of the other company, or in favour of the payment of remuneration to the directors or officers of the other company. Subject to these articles, a director may also vote on and be counted in the quorum in relation to any of such matters. 95. General (A) References in articles 91 to 94 and in this article to: (i) a contract include references to any proposed contract and to any transaction or arrangement or proposed transaction or arrangement whether or not constituting a contract; and (ii) a conflict of interest includes a conflict of interest and duty and a conflict of duties. (B) The company may by ordinary resolution suspend or relax the provisions of articles 91 to 94 to any extent or ratify any contract not properly authorised by reason of a contravention of any of the provisions of articles 91 to 94. 43


 
Powers and Duties of the Board 96. General Powers of Company Vested in Board Subject to these articles and to any directions given by the company in general meeting by special resolution, the business of the company shall be managed by the board which may exercise all the powers of the company whether relating to the management of the business of the company or not. No alteration of these articles and no special resolution shall invalidate any prior act of the board which would have been valid if that alteration had not been made or that resolution had not been passed. The powers given by this article shall not be limited by any special power given to the board by any other article 97. Borrowing Powers (A) The board may exercise all the powers of the company to borrow money and to mortgage or charge all or any part of the undertaking, property and assets (present and future) and uncalled capital of the company, to issue debentures, debenture stock and other securities and to give security, whether outright or as collateral security, for any debt, liability or obligation of the company or of any third party. (B) The board shall restrict the borrowings of the company and exercise all voting and other rights or powers of control exercisable by the company in relation to its subsidiaries so as to secure (but as regards its subsidiaries only in so far as by the exercise of the rights or powers of control the board can secure) that the aggregate principal amount from time to time outstanding of all net external borrowings by the company and its subsidiaries shall not at any time without the previous sanction of an ordinary resolution of the company exceed an amount equal to two times the adjusted capital and reserves. For the purposes of this paragraph of this article: (i) “the adjusted capital and reserves” means the aggregate from time to time of: (a) the amount paid up or credited as paid up on the issued share capital of the company (including any shares held as treasury shares); (b) the amount standing to the credit of the reserves of the group, including any share premium account, capital redemption reserve and credit balance on profit and loss account; and (c) an amount of £1,562,000,000 representing goodwill arising on acquisitions prior to 1 July 1998 of subsidiaries, related companies and businesses which remained within the group at 30 June 2004 and which has been written off against share capital and reserves, (d) and (b) above as shown by the then latest audited balance sheet of the group but after: 44


 
(e) deducting from the aggregate amount any debit balance on profit and loss account subsisting at the date of that audited balance sheet except to the extent that a deduction has already been made on that account; (f) excluding the effects on the reserves of the group in that audited balance sheet of the recognition of any post employment net assets or net liabilities reflected in accordance with any applicable accounting standards; and (g) making such adjustments as may be appropriate to reflect any variation in the amount of the paid up share capital, share premium account, capital redemption reserve or other reserve since the date of that audited balance sheet. If any issue or proposed issue of shares by the company for cash has been or becomes unconditionally underwritten, then those shares shall be deemed to have been issued and the amount (including any premium) of the subscription moneys payable in respect thereof shall (provided such subscription moneys are payable not later than three months after the date of allotment) be deemed to have been paid up on the date when those shares become unconditionally underwritten but only to the extent of the underwriters’ liability to the company in respect of the subscription moneys; (ii) “net external borrowings” means external borrowings less: (a) cash at bank and liquid resources; and (b) any other assets which would be included in short term investments, in each case as shown in a consolidated balance sheet of the group prepared on the date of the relevant calculation in accordance with the principles with which the then latest audited balance sheet of the group was prepared; (iii) “external borrowings” does not include: (a) borrowings owing by one member of the group to another member of the group; (b) borrowings incurred by any member of the group for the purpose of repaying within six months of the borrowing the whole or any part of any borrowings of that or any other member of the group outstanding at the relevant time, pending their application for that purpose within that period; (c) borrowings incurred by any member of the group for the purpose of financing any contract in respect of which any part of the price receivable under the contract by that or any other member of the group is guaranteed or insured by the Export Credits Guarantee Department 45


 
or by any other governmental department or agency fulfilling a similar function, up to an amount equal to that part of the price receivable under the contract which is so guaranteed or insured; (d) borrowings of, or amounts secured on assets of, an undertaking which became a member of the group after the date as at which the latest audited balance sheet was prepared, to the extent their amount does not exceed their amount immediately after it became such a member; or (e) the minority proportion of moneys borrowed by a partly-owned member of the group and not owing to another member of the group; (iv) when the aggregate principal amount of borrowings required to be taken into account on any particular date is being ascertained, any particular borrowing then outstanding which is denominated or repayable in a currency other than sterling shall be notionally converted into sterling at the rate of exchange prevailing in London on the last business day before that date or, if it would result in a lower figure, at the rate of exchange prevailing in London on the last business day six months before that date and so that for these purposes the rate of exchange shall be taken as the spot rate in London recommended by a London clearing bank, selected by the board, as being the most appropriate rate for the purchase by the company of the currency in question for sterling on the day in question; (v) if the amount of the adjusted capital and reserves is being calculated in connection with a transaction involving a company becoming or ceasing to be a member of the group, the amount is to be calculated as if the transaction had already occurred; (vi) “audited balance sheet” means the audited balance sheet of the company prepared for the purposes of the Companies Acts for a financial year unless an audited consolidated balance sheet dealing with the state of affairs of the group required to be dealt with in group accounts has been prepared for those purposes for the same financial year, in which case it means that audited consolidated balance sheet, and in that case all references to reserves and profit and loss account shall be deemed to be references to consolidated reserves and consolidated profit and loss account respectively; (vii) the company may from time to time change the accounting convention on which the audited balance sheet is based provided that any new convention adopted complies with the requirements of the Companies Acts; if the company should prepare its primary audited balance sheet on the basis of one convention, but a supplementary audited balance sheet on the basis of another, the primary audited balance sheet shall be taken as the audited balance sheet; 46


 
(viii) “the group” means the company, its subsidiaries and any other entity the accounts of which are required to be consolidated with the accounts of the company and its subsidiaries; (ix) “the minority proportion” means a proportion equal to the proportion of the issued share capital of a partly-owned member of the group which is not attributable to a member of the group; and (x) a certificate or report by the auditors as to the amount of the adjusted capital and reserves or the amount of any borrowings or to the effect that the limit imposed by this article has not been or will not be exceeded at any particular time or times shall be conclusive evidence of that amount or of that fact. 98. Agents (A) The board can appoint anyone as the company’s attorney by granting a power of attorney or by authorising them in some other way. Attorneys can either be appointed directly by the board or the board can give someone else the power to select attorneys. The board or the persons who are authorised by it to select attorneys can decide on the purposes, powers, authorities and discretions of attorneys. But they cannot give an attorney any power, authority or discretion which the board does not have under these articles. (B) The board can decide how long a power of attorney will last for and attach any conditions to it. The power of attorney can include any provisions which the board decides on for the protection and convenience of anybody dealing with the attorney. The power of attorney can allow the attorney to grant any or all of his power, authority or discretion to any other person. (C) The board can: (i) delegate any of its authority, powers or discretions to any manager or agent of the company; (ii) allow managers or agents to delegate to another person; (iii) remove any people it has appointed in any of these ways; and (iv) cancel or change anything that it has delegated, although this will not affect anybody who acts in good faith who has not had any notice of any cancellation or change. Any appointment or delegation by the board which is referred to in this article can be on any conditions decided on by the board. (D) The ability of the board to delegate under this article applies to all its powers and is not limited because certain articles refer to powers being exercised by the board or by a committee authorised by the board while other articles do not. 47


 
(E) Without prejudice to any powers of delegation granted to the directors elsewhere under these articles, the board may make such arrangements as it thinks fit for the management and transaction of the company’s affairs in the United Kingdom, the Republic of Ireland and elsewhere, and may for that purpose appoint local boards, managers and agents and delegate to them upon such terms and conditions as the board thinks fit any of the powers of the board (other than the power to borrow and make calls) with power to sub-delegate, and may authorise them to fill any vacancies in their number or to act notwithstanding any vacancies. 99. Delegation to Individual Directors The board may entrust to and confer upon any director any of its powers, authorities and discretions (with power to sub-delegate) upon such terms and conditions and with such restrictions as it thinks fit, and either collaterally with, or to the exclusion of, its own powers, authorities and discretions and may from time to time revoke or vary all or any of them but no person dealing in good faith and without notice of the revocation or variation shall be affected by it. The power to delegate contained in this article shall be effective in relation to the powers, authorities and discretions of the board generally and shall not be limited by the fact that in certain articles, but not in others, express reference is made to particular powers, authorities or discretions being exercised by the board or by a committee authorised by the board. 100. Branch Registers The board may direct the company to keep, in any part of the world outside the United Kingdom in which the company transacts business, a branch register or registers of members resident in such territory, and the board may (subject to the provisions of the Companies Acts) make and vary such regulations as it thinks fit regarding the keeping of any such register or registers, provided that if there are in issue any uncertificated shares such regulations shall be consistent with the uncertificated securities rules. 101. Provision for Employees The board may exercise any power conferred by the Companies Acts to make provision for the benefit of persons employed or formerly employed by the company or any of its subsidiaries in connection with the cessation or the transfer to any person of the whole or part of the undertaking of the company or that subsidiary. Proceedings of the Board 102. Board Meetings The board may meet for the despatch of business, adjourn and otherwise regulate its meetings as it thinks fit. A meeting of the board may be called on reasonable notice by (and shall be so called by the secretary at the requisition of) any of the following: (A) the chairman or the joint chairmen (or either of them); (B) the vice chairman or the joint vice chairmen (or either of them); 48


 
(C) the deputy chairman or the joint deputy chairmen (or either of them); (D) the chief executive; (E) the managing director (or any joint managing director); or (F) any two directors. 103. Notice of Board Meetings Notice of a board meeting shall be deemed to be properly given to a director if it is given to him personally or by word of mouth or sent in writing to him at his last known address or any other address given by him to the company for this purpose. A director may waive his entitlement to notice of any meeting either prospectively or retrospectively and any retrospective waiver shall not affect the validity of the meeting or of any business conducted at the meeting. 104. Quorum The quorum necessary for the transaction of the business of the board may be fixed by the board but shall not be less than three. Subject to the provisions of these articles, any director who ceases to be a director at a board meeting may continue to be present and to act as a director and be counted in the quorum until the termination of the board meeting if no other director objects and if otherwise a quorum of directors would not be present. 105. Directors below Minimum through Vacancies The continuing directors or a sole continuing director may act notwithstanding any vacancy in their number but, if and so long as the number of directors is reduced below the minimum number fixed by or in accordance with these articles or is below the number fixed by or in accordance with these articles as the quorum or there is only one continuing director, the continuing directors or director may act for the purpose of filling vacancies or of summoning general meetings of the company but not for any other purpose. If there are no directors or director able or willing to act, then any two members (excluding any member holding shares as treasury shares) may summon a general meeting for the purpose of appointing directors. 106. Appointment of Chairman, Vice-Chairman and Deputy Chairman The board may appoint a chairman or joint chairmen and, if it thinks fit, a vice-chairman or joint vice- chairmen and a joint deputy chairman or deputy chairmen of its meetings and determine the period for which they respectively are to hold office. If there are joint chairmen at any time, they shall, unless otherwise determined by the board, chair alternate meetings of the board. If no chairman, vice- chairman or deputy chairman is appointed, or none is present within five minutes after the time fixed for holding any meeting, the directors present may choose one of their number to act as chairman of the meeting. If more than one person is appointed as vice-chairman or deputy chairman, and a dispute arises as to which of them shall be chairman the directors present shall determine which person is to act as chairman. 49


 
107. Competence of Meetings A meeting of the board at which a quorum is present shall be competent to exercise all the powers, authorities and discretions vested in or exercisable by the board. 108. Voting Questions arising at any meeting shall be determined by a majority of votes. In the case of an equality of votes the chairman of the meeting shall have a second or casting vote. 109. Delegation to Committees (A) The board may delegate any of its powers, authorities and discretions (with power to sub-delegate) for such time, on such terms and subject to such conditions as it thinks fit to any committee, consisting of such person or persons (whether a member or members of its body or not) as it thinks fit. Any committee so formed may exercise its powers to sub-delegate by sub delegating to any person or persons (whether or not a member of the board or of the committee). (B) Any committee so formed shall, in the exercise of the powers, authorities and discretions so delegated, conform to any regulations which may be imposed on it by the board. The meetings and proceedings of any committee consisting of three or more members shall be governed by the provisions contained in these articles for regulating the meetings and proceedings of the board so far as the same are applicable and are not superseded by any regulations imposed by the board. (C) The power to delegate contained in this article shall be effective in relation to the powers, authorities and discretions of the board generally and shall not be limited by the fact that in certain articles, but not in others, express reference is made to particular powers, authorities or discretions being exercised by the board or by a committee authorised by the board. 110. Participation in Meetings All or any of the members of the board may participate in a meeting of the board by means of a conference telephone or any communication equipment which allows all persons participating in the meeting to speak to and hear each other. A person so participating shall be deemed to be present in person at the meeting and shall be entitled to vote and be counted in a quorum accordingly. 111. Resolution in Writing A resolution in writing signed by a majority of the directors who are at the relevant time entitled to receive notice of a meeting of the board or a committee of the board and who would be entitled to vote on the resolution at a meeting of the board or a meeting of a committee of the board (if that number is sufficient to constitute a quorum) shall be as valid and effectual as a resolution passed at a meeting of the board (or, as the case may be, of that committee) properly called and constituted. The resolution may be contained in one document or in several documents in like form each signed by one or more of the directors concerned. 50


 
112. Validity of Acts of Board or Committee All acts done by the board or by any committee or sub-committee of the board or by any person acting as a director or member of a committee or sub-committee shall, notwithstanding that it is afterwards discovered that there was some defect in the appointment of any member of the board or committee or sub-committee or person so acting or that they or any of them were disqualified from holding office or had vacated office or were not entitled to vote, be as valid as if each such member or person had been properly appointed and was qualified and had continued to be a director or member of the committee or subcommittee and had been entitled to vote. 113. Authentication of Documents (A) Any director or the secretary or any person appointed by the board for the purpose, has the power to authenticate any documents affecting the constitution of the company and any resolutions passed by the company or the board or any committee of the board and any books, records, documents and accounts relating to the business of the company, and to certify copies or extracts as true copies or extracts. Where any books, records, documents or accounts are elsewhere than at the office, the officer or local manager of the company having custody of such books, records, documents or accounts is deemed to be a person appointed by the board for these purposes. (B) A document purporting to be a copy of a resolution, or an extract from the minutes of a meeting of the company or of the board or of any committee, which is certified as such in accordance with article 113(A) is conclusive evidence in favour of all persons dealing with the company on the faith of the document that the resolution has been duly passed or, as the case may be, that the extract is a true and accurate record of proceedings at a duly constituted meeting. Seals 114. Use of Seals The board shall provide for the custody of every seal of the company. A seal shall only be used by the authority of the board or of a committee of the board authorised by the board in that behalf. Subject as otherwise provided in these articles, and to any resolution of the board or committee of the board dispensing with the requirement for counter-signature on any occasion, any instrument to which the common seal is applied shall be signed by at least one director and the secretary, or by at least two directors or by one director in the presence of a witness who attests the signature or by such other person or persons as the board may approve. Any instrument to which an official seal is applied need not, unless the board otherwise decides or the law otherwise requires, be signed by any person. Dividends and Other Payments 115. Declaration of Dividends by Company The company may by ordinary resolution from time to time declare dividends in accordance with the respective rights of the members, but no dividend shall exceed the amount recommended by the board. 51


 
116. Payment of Interim and Fixed Dividends by Board The board may pay such interim dividends as appear to the board to be justified by the financial position of the company and may also pay any dividend payable at a fixed rate at intervals settled by the board whenever the financial position of the company, in the opinion of the board, justifies its payment. If the board acts in good faith, it shall not incur any liability to the holders of any shares for any loss they may suffer in consequence of the payment of an interim or fixed dividend on any other class of shares ranking pari passu with or after those shares. 117. Calculation and Currency of Dividends Except in so far as the rights attaching to, or the terms of issue of, any share otherwise provide: (i) all dividends shall be declared and paid according to the amounts paid up on the share in respect of which the dividend is paid, but no amount paid up on a share in advance of calls shall be treated for the purposes of this article as paid up on the share; (ii) all dividends shall be apportioned and paid pro rata according to the amounts paid up on the share during any portion or portions of the period in respect of which the dividend is paid; and (iii) dividends may be declared or paid in any currency. The board shall decide, in accordance with article 118, the basis of conversion for any currency conversions that may be required and how any costs involved are to be met. 118. Payment of Dividends in Foreign Currencies (A) The board may in its discretion make provisions to enable depositaries and/or members to receive dividends declared or paid in one currency or currencies in another currency or currencies. For the purposes of the calculation of the amount receivable in respect of any dividend, the rate of exchange to be used to determine the foreign exchange currency equivalent of any sum payable as a dividend shall be such market rate selected by the board as they shall consider appropriate ruling at the close of business in London on the date which is the business day last preceding: (i) in the case of a dividend to be declared by the company in (i) general meeting, the date on which the board publicly announced its intention to recommend that dividend, and (ii) in the case of any other dividend, the date on which the board (ii) publicly announces its intention to pay that dividend. (B) Where an approved depositary has elected or agreed to receive dividends in a foreign currency, the board may in its discretion approve the entering into of arrangements with the approved depositary to enable payment of the dividend in such foreign currency for value on the date on which the relevant dividend is paid, or on such other date as the board may determine. 52


 
119. Amounts Due on Shares may be Deducted from Dividends The board may deduct from any dividend or other moneys payable to a member by the company on or in respect of any shares all sums of money (if any) presently payable by him to the company on account of calls or otherwise in respect of shares of the company. Sums so deducted can be used to pay amounts owing to the company in respect of the shares. 120. No Interest on Dividends Subject to the rights attaching to, or the terms of issue of, any shares, no dividend or other moneys payable by the company on or in respect of any share shall bear interest against the company. 121. Payment Procedure (A) Where a dividend or other sum which is a distribution is payable in respect of a share, it may, subject to article 121(B), be paid by one or more of the following means: (i) transfer to a bank or building society account specified by the distribution recipient either in writing or as the directors may otherwise decide; (ii) sending a cheque made payable to the distribution recipient by post to the distribution recipient at the distribution recipient’s registered address (if the distribution recipient is a holder of the share), or (in any other case) to an address specified by the distribution recipient either in writing or as the directors may otherwise decide; (iii) sending a cheque made payable to such person by post to such person at such address as the distribution recipient has specified either in writing or as the directors may otherwise decide; (iv) by means of a relevant system in respect of shares in uncertificated form in such manner as may be consistent with the facilities and requirements of the relevant system or as the directors may otherwise decide; or (v) by any electronic or other means as the directors may decide, to an account, or in accordance with the details, specified by the distribution recipient either in writing or as the directors may otherwise decide. (B) In respect of the payment of any dividend or other sum which is a distribution, the directors may decide, and notify distribution recipients, that: (i) one or more of the means described in paragraph (A) will be used for payment and a distribution recipient may elect to receive the payment by one of the means so notified in the manner prescribed by the directors; (ii) one or more of such means will be used for the payment unless a distribution recipient elects otherwise in the manner prescribed by the directors; or 53


 
(iii) one or more of such means will be used for the payment and that distribution recipients will not be able to elect otherwise. The directors may for this purpose decide that different methods of payment may apply to different distribution recipients or groups of distribution recipients. (C) Payment of any dividend or other sum which is a distribution is made at the risk of the distribution recipient. The company is not responsible for a payment which is lost or delayed. Payment, in accordance with these articles, of any cheque by the bank upon which it is drawn, or the transfer of funds by any means, or (in respect of shares in uncertificated form) the making of payment by means of a relevant system, shall be a good discharge to the company. (D) In the event that: (i) a distribution recipient does not specify an address, or does not specify an account of a type prescribed by the directors, or other details necessary in order to make a payment of a dividend or other distribution by the means by which the directors have decided in accordance with this article that a payment is to be made, or by which the distribution recipient has elected to receive payment, and such address or details are necessary in order for the company to make the relevant payment in accordance with such decision or election; or (ii) if payment cannot be made by the company using the details provided by the distribution recipient, then the dividend or other distribution shall be treated as unclaimed for the purposes of these articles. (E) In the articles, “the distribution recipient” means, in respect of a share in respect of which a dividend or other sum is payable: (i) the holder of the share; or (ii) if the share has two or more joint holders, whichever of them is named first in the register of members; or (iii) if the holder is no longer entitled to the share by reason of death or bankruptcy, or otherwise by operation of law, the transmittee. 122. Uncashed Dividends The company may cease to send any cheque, warrant or similar financial instrument through the post or to employ any other means of payment, including payment by means of a relevant system, for any dividend payable on any shares in the company which is normally paid in that manner on those shares if in respect of at least two consecutive dividends payable on those shares the cheques, warrants or similar financial instruments have been returned undelivered or remain uncashed during or at the end of the period for which the same are valid or that means of payment has failed. In addition, the company may cease to send any cheque, warrant or similar financial instrument through the post or may cease to employ any other means of payment if, in respect of one dividend payable on those shares, the 54


 
cheque, warrant or similar financial instrument has been returned undelivered or remains uncashed during or at the end of the period for which the same is valid or that means of payment has failed and reasonable enquiries have failed to establish any new postal address or account of the holder. Subject to the provisions of these articles, the company must recommence sending cheques, warrants or similar financial instruments or employing such other means in respect of dividends payable on those shares if the holder or person entitled by transmission requests such recommencement in writing. 123. Forfeiture of Unclaimed Dividends All dividends or other sums payable on or in respect of any shares which remain unclaimed may be invested or otherwise made use of by the board for the benefit of the company until claimed. Any dividend or other sum unclaimed after a period of 12 years from the date when it was declared or became due for payment shall be forfeited and shall revert to the company unless the board decides otherwise and the payment by the board of any unclaimed dividend or other sum payable on or in respect of a share into a separate account shall not constitute the company a trustee in respect of it. 124. Dividends Not in Cash Any general meeting declaring a dividend may, upon the recommendation of the board, by ordinary resolution direct that it shall be satisfied wholly or partly by the distribution of assets, and in particular of paid up shares or debentures of any other company, and where any difficulty arises in regard to the distribution the board may settle it as it thinks expedient, and in particular may authorise any person to sell and transfer any fractions or may ignore fractions altogether, and may fix the value for distribution purposes of any assets or any part thereof to be distributed and may determine that cash shall be paid to any members upon the footing of the value so fixed in order to secure equality of distribution and may vest any assets to be distributed in trustees as may seem expedient to the board. 125. Dividend Reinvestment Plans The board may from time to time make available to members the opportunity to participate in a dividend reinvestment plan or similar scheme. Capitalisation of Reserves 126. Power to Capitalise Reserves and Funds The company may, upon the recommendation of the board, at any time and from time to time pass an ordinary resolution to the effect that it is desirable to capitalise all or any part of any amount standing to the credit of any reserve or fund (including the profit and loss account) at the relevant time whether or not the same is available for distribution and accordingly that the amount to be capitalised be set free for distribution among the members or any class of members who would be entitled to it if it were distributed by way of dividend and in the same proportions, on the footing that it is applied either in or towards paying up the amounts unpaid at the relevant time on any shares in the company held by those members respectively or in paying up in full unissued shares, debentures or other obligations of the company to be allotted and distributed credited as fully paid up among those members, or partly in one way and partly in the other, but so that, for the purposes of this article: 55


 
(i) a share premium account and a capital redemption reserve, and any reserve or fund representing unrealised profits, may be applied only in paying up in full unissued shares of the company; and (ii) where the amount capitalised is applied in paying up in full unissued shares, the company will also be entitled to participate in the relevant distribution in relation to any shares of the relevant class held by it as treasury shares and the proportionate entitlement of the relevant class of members to the distribution will be calculated accordingly. The board may authorise any person to enter into an agreement with the company on behalf of the persons entitled to participate in the distribution and the agreement shall be binding on those persons. 127. Settlement of Difficulties in Distribution Where any difficulty arises in regard to any distribution of any capitalised reserve or fund the board may settle the matter as it thinks expedient and in particular may authorise any person to sell and transfer any fractions or may resolve that the distribution should be as nearly as may be practicable in the correct proportion but not exactly so or may ignore fractions altogether, and may determine that cash payments shall be made to any members in order to adjust the rights of all parties, as may seem expedient to the board. Record Dates 128. Power to Choose Any Record Date Notwithstanding any other provision of these articles, the company or the board may fix any date as the record date for any dividend, distribution, allotment or issue and such record date may be on or at any time before or after any date on which the dividend, distribution, allotment or issue is declared, paid or made. The power to fix any such record date shall include the power to fix a time on the chosen date. Records and Summary Financial Statements 129. Inspection of Records No member in his capacity as such shall have any right of inspecting any accounting record or book or document of the company except as conferred by law, ordered by a court of competent jurisdiction or authorised by the board or by ordinary resolution of the company. 130. Summary Financial Statements The company may send summary financial statements to members of the company instead of copies of its full accounts and reports and for the purposes of this article sending includes using electronic means and by making it available on a website and notifying the member of its availability. Service of Notices and Documents 56


 
131. Service of Notices (A) Any notice, document (including a share certificate) or other information may be served on or sent or delivered to any member by the company either personally or by sending it through the post addressed to the member at his registered address or by leaving it at that address addressed to the member or by means of a relevant system or, where appropriate, by sending or supplying it in electronic form to an address notified by the member concerned to the company for that purpose or, where appropriate, by making it available on a website and notifying the member of its availability in accordance with this article or by any other means authorised in writing by the member concerned. In the case of joint holders of a share, service, sending or delivery of any notice, document or other information on or to one of the joint holders shall for all purposes be deemed a sufficient service on or sending or delivery to all the joint holders. (B) In the case of joint holders of a share, anything to be agreed or specified by the holder of a share in relation to any notice, document or other information to be sent or supplied to the holder may be agreed or specified by any one of the joint holders and (in the case of agreement or specification by more than one of the joint holders) the agreement or specification of the senior holder shall be accepted to the exclusion of that of the other joint holders and, for this purpose, seniority shall be determined by the order in which the names appear in the register of members in respect of the joint holding. (C) The company may at any time and in its sole discretion choose to serve, send or supply notices, documents or other information in hard copy form alone to some or all members. 132. Record Date for Service Any notice, document or other information may be served, sent or delivered by the company by reference to the register as it stands at any time not more than 21 days before the date of service, sending or delivery. No change in the register after that time shall invalidate that service, sending or delivery. Where any notice or document is served on or sent or delivered to any person in respect of a share in accordance with these articles, no person deriving any title or interest in that share shall be entitled to any further service, sending or delivery of that notice or document. 133. Members Resident Abroad or on branch registers (A) Any member whose registered address is not within the United Kingdom or the Republic of Ireland and who gives to the company a postal address within the United Kingdom or the Republic of Ireland at which notices, documents or other information may be served upon, or delivered to, him shall be entitled to have notices, documents or other information served on or sent or delivered to him at that address or, where appropriate, by making them available on a website and notifying the holder at that address. Any member whose registered address is not within the United Kingdom or the Republic of Ireland and who gives to the company an address for the purposes of communications by electronic means may, subject to these articles, have notices, documents or other information sent to him at that address or, where appropriate, by making them available on a website and notifying the holder at that address. 57


 
Otherwise, a member whose registered address is not within the United Kingdom or the Republic of Ireland shall not be entitled to receive any notice, document or other information from the company. (B) For a member registered on a branch register, notices, documents or other information can be posted or despatched in the United Kingdom or in the country where the branch register is kept. 134. Service of Notice on Person Entitled by Transmission A person who is entitled by transmission to a share, upon supplying the company with a postal address within the United Kingdom or the Republic of Ireland for the service of notices shall be entitled to have served upon or delivered to him at such address any notice, document or other information to which he would have been entitled if he were the holder of that share or, where applicable, may be notified at that address of the availability of the notice, document or other information on a website. Subject to these articles, a person who is entitled by transmission to a share, upon supplying the company with an address for the purposes of communications by electronic means for the service of notices may have sent to him at such address any notice, document or other information to which he would have been entitled if he were the holder of that share or, where applicable, may be notified at that address of the availability of the notice, document or other information on a website. In either case, such service, sending or delivery shall for all purposes be deemed a sufficient service, sending or delivery of such notice, document or other information on all persons interested (whether jointly with or as claimants through or under him) in the share. Otherwise, any notice, document or other information served on or sent or delivered to any member pursuant to these articles shall, notwithstanding that the member is then dead or bankrupt or that any other event giving rise to the transmission of the share by operation of law has occurred and whether or not the company has notice of the death, bankruptcy or other event, be deemed to have been properly served, sent or delivered in respect of any share registered in the name of that member as sole or joint holder. 135. When Notice Deemed Served Any notice, document or other information, if sent by the company by post, shall be deemed to have been received on the day following that on which it was put in the post if first class post was used or 72 hours after it was posted if first class post was not used and, in proving service or delivery, it shall be sufficient to prove that the notice, document or other information was properly addressed, prepaid and put in the post. Any notice, document or other information not sent by post but left by the company at a registered address or at an address (other than an address for the purposes of communications by electronic means) notified to the company in accordance with these articles by a person who is entitled by transmission to a share shall be deemed to have been received on the day it was so left. Any notice, document or other information served or delivered by the company by means of a relevant system shall be deemed to have been received when the company or any sponsoring system-participant acting on its behalf sends the issuer-instruction relating to the notice, document or other information. Any notice or document sent by the company using electronic means shall be deemed to have been received on the day following that on which it was sent notwithstanding that the company subsequently sends a hard copy of such notice, document or information by post. Any notice, document or other information made available on a website shall be deemed to have been received on the day on which the notice, document or other information was first made available on the website or, if later, when a notice of availability is deemed to have been served, sent or supplied pursuant to this article. In proving that a 58


 
notice, document or other information sent or supplied by electronic means was given, sent or supplied, it shall be sufficient to prove that it was properly addressed. Any notice or document served, sent or delivered by the company by any other means authorised in writing by the member concerned shall be deemed to have been received when the company has carried out the action it has been authorised to take for that purpose. 136. Notice When Post Not Available If there is a suspension or curtailment of postal services within the United Kingdom or the Republic of Ireland or some part of the United Kingdom or the Republic of Ireland, the company need only give notice of a general meeting to those members with whom the company can communicate by electronic means and who have provided the company with an address for this purpose. The company shall also advertise the notice in at least one leading national daily newspaper published in the United Kingdom and in one leading national daily newspaper published in the Republic of Ireland and make it available on its website from the date of such advertisement until the conclusion of the meeting or any adjournment thereof. If at least seven clear days prior to the meeting the sending of notices by post in hard copy form has again become generally possible, the company shall send confirmatory copies of the notice by post to the persons who would otherwise receive the notice in hard copy form. 137. Members Present Deemed to Have Received Notice Any member present, either in person or by proxy, at any general meeting of the company or of the holders of any class of shares in the company shall for all purposes be deemed to have received due notice of that meeting and of the purposes for which the meeting was called. 138. Power to Stop Sending Notices or Other Documents. Subject to the Companies Acts, if on two consecutive occasions a notice or other document sent to a member has been returned undelivered, such member shall not thereafter be entitled to receive notices or documents from the company until he shall have communicated with the company and supplied to the company (or its agent) a new registered address, or a postal address within the United Kingdom or the Republic of Ireland for the service of notices and documents, or shall have informed the company, in such manner as may be specified by the company, of an address for the service of notices and documents in electronic form. For these purposes: (i) a notice or document sent by post shall be treated as returned undelivered if the notice or document is sent back to the company (or its agents), and a notice or document sent in electronic form shall be treated as returned undelivered if the company (or its agents) receives notification that the notice or document was not delivered to the address to which it was sent; and (ii) references to a document include references to any cheque, warrant or similar financial instrument, but nothing in this article shall entitle the company to cease (or refuse to recommence) sending any cheque, warrant or similar financial instrument for any dividend, unless it is otherwise entitled under these articles to do so. Destruction of Documents 59


 
139. Presumptions Where Documents Destroyed If the company destroys or deletes: (i) any share certificate which has been cancelled at any time after a period of one year has elapsed from the date of cancellation; or (ii) any instruction concerning the payment of dividends or other moneys in respect of any share or any notification of change of name or address at any time after a period of two years has elapsed from the date the instruction or notification was recorded by the company; or (iii) any instrument of transfer of shares or operator-instruction for the transfer of shares which has been registered by the company at any time after a period of six years has elapsed from the date of registration; or (iv) any other document on the basis of which any entry is made in the register at any time after a period of six years has elapsed from the date the entry was first made in the register in respect of it, and the company destroys or deletes the document or instruction in good faith and without express notice that its preservation was relevant to a claim, it shall be presumed irrebuttably in favour of the company that every share certificate so destroyed was a valid certificate and was properly cancelled, that every instrument of transfer or Operator-instruction so destroyed or deleted was a valid and effective instrument of transfer or instruction and was properly registered and that every other document so destroyed was a valid and effective document and that any particulars of it which are recorded in the books or records of the company were correctly recorded. If the documents relate to uncertificated shares, the company must comply with any requirements of the uncertificated securities rules which limit its ability to destroy these documents. Nothing contained in this article shall be construed as imposing upon the company any liability which, but for this article, would not exist or by reason only of the destruction of any document of the kind mentioned above before the relevant period mentioned in this article has elapsed or of the fact that any other condition precedent to its destruction mentioned above has not been fulfilled. References in this article to the destruction of any document include references to its disposal in any manner. Indemnity 140. Indemnity of Directors To the extent permitted by the Companies Acts, the company may indemnify any director of the company or of any associated company against any liability and may purchase and maintain for any director of the company or of any associated company insurance against any liability. No director of the company or of any associated company shall be accountable to the company or the members for any benefit provided pursuant to this article and the receipt of any such benefit shall not disqualify any person from being or becoming a director of the company. 60


 
Exhibit 2.4 DESCRIPTION OF SECURITIES REGISTERED UNDER SECTION 12 OF THE EXCHANGE ACT As of 30 June 2019 Diageo plc. (“Diageo,” the “Company,” “we,” “us,” and “our”) had the following series of securities registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act: Name of each exchange on which Title of each class Trading symbol(s) registered American Depositary Shares DEO New York Stock Exchange 101 (i) Ordinary shares of 28 /108 pence each New York Stock Exchange 2.875% Guaranteed Notes due 2022 DEO/22 New York Stock Exchange 8.000% Guaranteed Notes due 2022 DEO/22A New York Stock Exchange 7.450% Guaranteed Notes due 2035 DEO/35 New York Stock Exchange 4.250% Guaranteed Notes due 2042 DEO/42 New York Stock Exchange (i) Not for trading, but only in connection with the registration of American Depositary Shares representing such ordinary shares, pursuant to the requirements of the Securities and Exchange Commission. Capitalized terms used but not defined herein have the meanings given to them in Diageo’s annual report on Form 20-F for the fiscal year ended 30 June 2019. ORDINARY SHARES The following description of our ordinary shares is a summary and does not purport to be complete. It is subject to and qualified in its entirety by Diageo’s articles of association (as adopted by special resolution at the Annual General Meeting on 20 September 2018) and by the Companies Act 1985 and the Companies Act 2006 and any other applicable English law concerning companies, as amended from time to time. A copy of Diageo’s articles of association is filed as an exhibit to Diageo’s annual report on Form 20-F for the fiscal year ended 30 June 2019, as Exhibit 1.1. General 101 As at 30 June 2019 there were 2,600,942,652 ordinary shares of 28 /108 pence each in issue with a nominal value of £753 million. Our ordinary shares are listed on the London Stock Exchange (LSE) and on the Dublin and Paris Stock Exchanges. Diageo ADSs (as further described below), representing four Diageo ordinary shares each, are listed on the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE) under the symbol “DEO”. All of Diageo’s ordinary shares are fully paid. Accordingly, no further contribution of capital may be required by Diageo from the holders of such shares. Diageo’s ordinary shares are represented in certificated form and also in uncertificated form under “CREST”. CREST is an electronic settlement system in the United Kingdom which enables Diageo’s ordinary shares to be evidenced other than by a physical certificate and transferred electronically rather than by delivery of a written stock transfer form. Diageo’s ordinary shares: • may be represented by certificates in registered form issued (subject to the terms of issue of the shares) following issuance of the shares by Diageo or receipt of a form of transfer (bearing


 
evidence of payment of the appropriate stamp duty) by The Registrar, Diageo plc, Edinburgh Park, 5 Lochside Way, Edinburgh EHI2 9DT; or • may be in uncertificated form with the relevant CREST member account being credited with the ordinary shares issued or transferred. Under English law, persons who are neither residents nor nationals of the United Kingdom may freely hold, vote and transfer Diageo ordinary shares in the same manner and under the same terms as UK residents or nationals. Dividend rights Holders of Diageo’s ordinary shares may, by ordinary resolution, declare dividends but may not declare dividends in excess of the amount recommended by the directors. The directors may also pay interim dividends or fixed rate dividends. No dividend may be paid other than out of profits available for distribution. All of Diageo’s ordinary shares rank equally for dividends, but the Board may withhold payment of all or any part of any dividends or other monies payable in respect of Diageo’s shares from a person with a 0.25% interest (as defined in Diageo’s articles of association) if such a person has been served with a restriction notice (as defined in Diageo’s articles of association) after failure to provide Diageo with information concerning interests in those shares required to be provided under the Companies Acts. Dividends may be paid in currencies other than sterling and such dividends will be calculated using an appropriate market exchange rate as determined by the directors in accordance with Diageo’s articles of association. If a dividend has not been claimed, the directors may invest the dividend or use it in some other way for the benefit of Diageo until the dividend is claimed. If the dividend remains unclaimed for 12 years after the date such dividend was declared or became due for payment, it will be forfeited and will revert to Diageo (unless the directors decide otherwise). Diageo may stop sending cheques, warrants or similar financial instruments in payment of dividends by post in respect of any shares or may cease to employ any other means for payment of dividends if either (a) at least two consecutive payments have remained uncashed or are returned undelivered or that means of payment has failed, or (b) one payment remains uncashed or is returned undelivered or that means of payment has failed and reasonable enquiries have failed to establish any new postal address or account of the holder. Diageo must resume sending dividend cheques, warrants or similar financial instruments or employing that means of payment if the holder requests such resumption in writing. Diageo’s articles of association permit payment or satisfaction of a dividend wholly or partly by distribution of specific assets, including fully paid shares or debentures of any other company. Such action must be directed by the general meeting which declared the dividend and upon the recommendation of the directors. Voting rights Voting on any resolution at any general meeting of the company is by a show of hands unless a poll is duly demanded. On a show of hands, (a) every shareholder who is present in person at a general meeting, and every proxy appointed by any one shareholder and present at a general meeting, has/have one vote regardless of the number of shares held by the shareholder (or, subject to (b), represented by the proxy), and (b) every proxy present at a general meeting who has been appointed by more than one shareholder has one vote regardless of the number of shareholders who have appointed him or the number of shares held by those shareholders, unless he has been instructed to vote for a resolution by one or more shareholders and to vote against the resolution by one or more shareholders, in which case he has one 2


 
vote for and one vote against the resolution. On a poll, every shareholder who is present in person or by proxy has one vote for every share held by that shareholder, but a shareholder or proxy entitled to more than one vote need not cast all his votes or cast them all in the same way (the deadline for exercising voting rights by proxy is set out in the form of proxy). A poll may be demanded by any of the following: • the chairman of the general meeting; • at least three shareholders entitled to vote on the relevant resolution and present in person or by proxy at the meeting; • any shareholder or shareholders present in person or by proxy and representing in the aggregate not less than one-tenth of the total voting rights of all shareholders entitled to vote on the relevant resolution; or • any shareholder or shareholders present in person or by proxy and holding shares conferring a right to vote on the relevant resolution on which there have been paid up sums in the aggregate equal to not less than one-tenth of the total sum paid up on all the shares conferring that right. Diageo’s articles of association and the Companies Acts provide for matters to be transacted at general meetings of Diageo by the proposing and passing of two kinds of resolutions: • ordinary resolutions, which include resolutions for the election, re-election and removal of directors, the declaration of final dividends, the appointment and re-appointment of the external auditor, the remuneration report and remuneration policy, the increase of authorised share capital, and the grant of authority to allot shares; and • special resolutions, which include resolutions for the amendment of Diageo’s articles of association, resolutions relating to the disapplication of pre-emption rights, and resolutions modifying the rights of any class of Diageo’s shares at a meeting of the holders of such class. An ordinary resolution requires the affirmative vote of a simple majority of the votes cast by those entitled to vote at a meeting at which there is a quorum in order to be passed. Special resolutions require the affirmative vote of not less than three-quarters of the votes cast by those entitled to vote at a meeting at which there is a quorum in order to be passed. The necessary quorum for a meeting of Diageo is a minimum of two shareholders present in person or by proxy and entitled to vote. A shareholder is not entitled to vote at any general meeting or class meeting in respect of any share held by him if he has been served with a restriction notice (as defined in Diageo’s articles of association) after failure to provide Diageo with information concerning interests in those shares required to be provided under the Companies Acts. Directors Diageo’s articles of association provide for a Board of Directors, consisting (unless otherwise determined by an ordinary resolution of shareholders) of not fewer than three directors and not more than 25 directors, in which all powers to manage the business and affairs of Diageo are vested. Directors may be elected by the members in a general meeting or appointed by Diageo’s Board. At each annual general meeting, the following are required to retire and are then reconsidered for election/re-election, assuming they wish to stand for election/re-election: any director who has been appointed by Diageo’s Board since the last Annual General Meeting; any director who has been in office during the two previous general meetings and did not retire at either of them; and any director who has been in office, other than in an 3


 
executive position, for a continuous period of nine years or more at the date of the meeting. There is no age limit requirement in respect of directors. Directors may also be removed before the expiration of their term of office in accordance with the provisions of the Companies Acts. Liquidation rights In the event of the liquidation of Diageo, after payment of all liabilities and deductions taking priority in accordance with English law, the balance of assets available for distribution will be distributed among the holders of ordinary shares according to the amounts paid up on the shares held by them. Pre-emption rights and new issues of shares While holders of ordinary shares have no pre-emptive rights under Diageo’s articles of association, the ability of the directors to cause Diageo to issue shares, securities convertible into shares or rights to shares, otherwise than pursuant to an employee share scheme, is restricted. Under the Companies Acts, the directors of a company are, with certain exceptions, unable to allot any equity securities without express authorisation, which may be contained in a company’s articles of association or given by its shareholders in a general meeting, but which in either event cannot last for more than five years. Under the Companies Acts, Diageo may also not allot shares for cash (otherwise than pursuant to an employee share scheme) without first making an offer to existing shareholders to allot such shares to them on the same or more favourable terms in proportion to their respective shareholdings, unless this requirement is waived by a special resolution of the shareholders. Disclosure of interests in Diageo’s shares There are no provisions in Diageo’s articles of association whereby persons acquiring, holding or disposing of a certain percentage of Diageo’s shares are required to make disclosure of their ownership percentage, although there are such requirements under the Companies Acts. The basic disclosure requirement under Part 6 of the Financial Services and Markets Act 2000 and Rule 5 of the Disclosure Guidance and Transparency Rules made by the Financial Conduct Authority (successor to the UK Financial Services Authority) imposes a statutory obligation on a person to notify Diageo and the Financial Conduct Authority of the percentage of the voting rights in Diageo he directly or indirectly holds or controls, or has rights over, through his direct or indirect holding of certain financial instruments, if the percentage of those voting rights: • reaches, exceeds or falls below 3% and/or any subsequent whole percentage figure as a result of an acquisition or disposal of shares or financial instruments; or • reaches, exceeds or falls below any such threshold as a result of any change in the breakdown or number of voting rights attached to shares in Diageo. The Disclosure Guidance and Transparency Rules set out in detail the circumstances in which an obligation of disclosure will arise, as well as certain exemptions from those obligations for specified persons. Under section 793 of the Companies Act 2006, Diageo may, by notice in writing, require a person that Diageo knows or has reasonable cause to believe is or was during the three years preceding the date of notice interested in Diageo’s shares to indicate whether or not that is the case and, if that person does or did hold an interest in Diageo’s shares, to provide certain information as set out in that Act. 4


 
Article 19 of the EU Market Abuse Regulation (2014/596) further requires persons discharging managerial responsibilities within Diageo (and their persons closely associated) to notify Diageo of transactions conducted on their own account in Diageo shares or derivatives or certain financial instruments relating to Diageo shares. The City Code on Takeovers and Mergers also imposes strict disclosure requirements with regard to dealings in the securities of an offeror or offeree company on all parties to a takeover and also on their respective associates during the course of an offer period. Variation of rights If, at any time, Diageo’s share capital is divided into different classes of shares, the rights attached to any class of shares may be varied, subject to the provisions of the Companies Acts, either with the consent in writing of the holders of not less than three-quarters in nominal value of the issued shares of that class or upon the adoption of a special resolution passed at a separate meeting of the holders of the shares of that class. At every such separate meeting, all of the provisions of Diageo’s articles of association relating to proceedings at a general meeting apply, except that (a) the quorum is to be the number of persons (which must be at least two) who hold or represent by proxy not less than one-third in nominal value of the issued shares of the class (excluding any shares of that class held as treasury shares) or, if such quorum is not present on an adjourned meeting, one person who holds shares of the class regardless of the number of shares he holds, (b) any holder of shares of the class who is present in person or by proxy may demand a poll, and (c) each shareholder present in person or by proxy and entitled to vote will have one vote per share held in that particular class in the event a poll is taken. Class rights are deemed not to have been varied by the creation or issue of new shares ranking equally with or subsequent to that class of shares in all respects or by the reduction of the capital paid up on such shares or by the purchase or redemption by Diageo of its own shares, in each case in accordance with the Companies Acts and Diageo’s articles of association. Repurchase of shares Subject to authorisation by shareholder resolution, Diageo may purchase its own shares in accordance with the Companies Acts. Any shares which have been bought back may be held as treasury shares or, if not so held, must be cancelled immediately upon completion of the purchase, thereby reducing the amount of Diageo’s issued share capital. Diageo currently has shareholder authority to buy back up to 246,118,306 ordinary shares during the period up to the next Annual General Meeting. The minimum 101 price which must be paid for such shares is 28 /108 pence and the maximum price is the higher of (a) 5% above the average market value of Diageo’s ordinary shares for the five business days immediately preceding the day on which that ordinary share is contracted to be purchased and (b) the higher of the price of the last independent trade and the highest current independent purchase bid on the trading venue where the purchase is carried out. Restrictions on transfers of shares The Board may decline to register a transfer of a certificated Diageo share unless the instrument of transfer (a) is duly stamped or certified or otherwise shown to the satisfaction of the Board to be exempt from stamp duty and is accompanied by the relevant share certificate and such other evidence of the right 5


 
to transfer as the Board may reasonably require, (b) is in respect of only one class of share and (c) if to joint transferees, is in favour of not more than four such transferees. Registration of a transfer of an uncertificated share may be refused in the circumstances set out in the uncertificated securities rules (as defined in Diageo’s articles of association) and where, in the case of a transfer to joint holders, the number of joint holders to whom the uncertificated share is to be transferred exceeds four. The Board may decline to register a transfer of any of Diageo’s certificated shares by a person with a 0.25% interest (as defined in Diageo’s articles of association) if such a person has been served with a restriction notice (as defined in Diageo’s articles of association) after failure to provide Diageo with information concerning interests in those shares required to be provided under the Companies Acts, unless the transfer is shown to the Board to be pursuant to an arm’s length sale (as defined in Diageo’s articles of association). Substantive shareholder voting rights The company’s substantial shareholders do not have different voting rights. 6


 
AMERICAN DEPOSITARY SHARES General The ordinary shares of Diageo may be issued in the form of American depositary shares, or ADSs. Each Diageo ADS represents four ordinary shares of Diageo. Citibank, N.A. is the depositary with respect to Diageo’s ADSs, which are evidenced by American depositary receipts, or ADRs. Each ADS represents an ownership interest in four ordinary shares deposited with the custodian, as agent of the depositary, under the Deposit Agreement dated 14 February 2013 between Diageo, the Depositary and owners and beneficiaries of the ADRs (the “Deposit Agreement”). Each ADS also represents any other securities, cash or other property which may be held by Citibank, N.A. as depositary. The principal executive office of Citibank, N.A. and the office at which the ADRs will be administered is currently located at 388 Greenwich Street, New York, New York 10013, United States. Citibank, N.A. is a national banking association organized under the laws of the United States. The custodian will be Citibank, N.A. (London Branch) and its duties will be administered from its principal London office, currently located at 25 Molesworth Street, Lewisham, London SE13 7EX, United Kingdom. You may hold ADSs either directly or indirectly through your broker or other financial institution. If you hold ADSs directly, by having an ADS registered in your name on the books of the depositary, you are an ADR holder. If you hold the ADSs through your broker or financial institution nominee, you must rely on the procedures of such broker or financial institution to assert the rights of an ADR holder described in this section. You should consult with your broker or financial institution to find out what those procedures are. Diageo will not treat ADR holders as shareholders and ADR holders will not have shareholder rights. English law governs shareholder rights. The depositary will be the holder of the ordinary shares underlying your ADSs. As a holder of ADRs, you will have ADR holder rights, which are set out in the Deposit Agreement. The Deposit Agreement also sets out the rights and obligations of the depositary. The following is a summary of the material terms of the Deposit Agreement. Because it is a summary, it does not contain all the information that may be important to you. For more complete information, you should read the entire form of Deposit Agreement and the form of ADR, which contain the terms of the ADSs. Please refer to Exhibit 99.A on Form F-6 (File No. 333-186400) filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on 1 February 2013). Copies of the Deposit Agreement are also available for inspection at the offices of the depositary. Share Dividends and Other Distributions Diageo may make various types of distributions with respect to its securities. The depositary has agreed to pay to you the cash dividends or other distributions it or the custodian receives on ordinary shares or other deposited securities, after deducting its fees and expenses. You will receive these distributions in proportion to the number of underlying ordinary shares that your ADSs represent. Except as stated below, to the extent the depositary is legally permitted it will deliver such distributions to ADR holders in proportion to their interests in the following manner: 7


 
• Cash. Upon receiving notice from Diageo that Diageo intends to distribute a cash dividend or other cash distribution, the depositary will establish a record date for such distribution. As promptly as practicable following the receipt of a cash dividend or other cash distribution from Diageo, the depositary will: (i) if at the time of receipt thereof any amounts received in a foreign currency can, in the judgment of the depositary, be converted on a practicable basis into U.S. dollars transferable into the United States, promptly convert or cause to be converted such cash dividend or cash distributions into U.S. dollars, (ii) if applicable, establish a record date for the distribution and (iii) distribute promptly such U.S. dollar amount, net of applicable fees, charges and expenses of the depositary and taxes withheld. The depositary shall distribute only such amount as can be distributed without attributing to any ADR holder a fraction of one cent. Any such fractional amounts shall be rounded to the nearest whole cent and so distributed to ADR holders entitled thereto. If the depositary cannot reasonably make such conversion or obtain any governmental approval or license necessary for the conversion, the depositary will hold any unconvertible foreign currency for your account without liability for any interest or, upon request, will distribute the foreign currency to you. If exchange rates fluctuate during a time when the depositary cannot convert a foreign currency, you may lose some or all of the value of the distribution. • Shares. Upon receiving notice from Diageo that Diageo intends to distribute a share dividend or free distribution of ordinary shares, the depositary will establish a record date for such distribution. The depositary will then either (i) deliver additional ADSs representing such ordinary shares, or (ii) if additional ADSs are not so distributed, take all actions necessary so that each ADS issued and outstanding after the ADS record date shall, to the extent permissible by law, thenceforth also represent rights and interests in the additional ordinary shares distributed, in each case net of applicable fees, charges and expenses of the depositary and taxes withheld. Only whole ADSs will be issued. Any ordinary shares which would result in fractional ADSs will be sold and the net proceeds will be distributed to the ADR holders entitled to them. • Rights to receive additional shares. Upon receiving notice from Diageo that Diageo intends to distribute rights to subscribe for additional ordinary shares or other rights and that Diageo wishes such rights to be made available to holders of ADSs, the depositary shall, after consultation with Diageo, have discretion as to the procedure for making such rights available to any ADR holders or in disposing of such rights on behalf of any ADR holders and making, as promptly as practicable, the net proceeds available to such ADR holders. If, by the terms of the offering of rights or for any other reason, the depositary may not either make such rights available to any ADR holders or dispose of such rights on behalf of any ADR holders and make the net proceeds available to such ADR holders, then the depositary shall allow such rights to lapse. If the depositary determines in its reasonable discretion that it is not lawful or practicable to make such rights available to all or certain ADR holders, if Diageo does not furnish such evidence or if the depositary determines it is not lawful or practicable to distribute such rights to all or some of the registered holders, the depositary may: • distribute such rights only to the holders to whom the depositary has determined such distribution is lawful and practicable; • if practicable, sell rights in proportion to the number of ADSs held by registered holders to whom the depositary has determined it may not lawfully or practicably make such rights available and distribute the net proceeds as cash; or 8


 
• allow rights in proportion to the number of ADSs held by registered holders to whom the depositary has determined it may not lawfully or practicably make such rights available to lapse, in which case such registered holders will receive nothing. Diageo has no obligation to file a registration statement under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, in order to make any rights available to ADR holders. • Other Distributions. Upon receiving notice from Diageo that Diageo intends to distribute securities or property other than those described above and that Diageo wishes such rights to be made available to holders of ADSs, the depositary may distribute such securities or property in any manner it deems equitable and practicable. To the extent the depositary deems distribution of such securities or property not to be practicable, the depositary may, after consultation with Diageo, adopt any method that it reasonably deems to be equitable and practical, including but not limited to the sale of such securities or property and distribution of any net proceeds in the same way that cash is distributed. The depositary may choose any practical method of distribution for any specific ADR holder, including the distribution of securities or property, or it may retain such items, without paying interest on or investing them, on behalf of the ADR holder as deposited property. There can be no assurances that the depositary will be able to convert any currency at a specified exchange rate or sell any property, rights, shares or other securities at a specified price, nor that any of such transactions can be completed within a specified time period. Deposit, Withdrawal and Cancellation The depositary will deliver ADSs if you or your broker deposit ordinary shares or evidence of rights to receive ordinary shares with the custodian. In the case of the ADSs to be issued under a prospectus supplement, Diageo may arrange with the underwriters named therein to deposit such ordinary shares if and as provided in the prospectus supplement. Ordinary shares deposited with the custodian must also be accompanied by certain documents, including (a) in the case of certificated shares, instruments showing that such ordinary shares have been properly transferred or endorsed and (b) in the case of book-entry shares, confirmation of book-entry transfer and recordation, in each case to the person on whose behalf the deposit is being made. The custodian will hold all deposited ordinary shares for the account of the depositary. ADR holders thus have no direct ownership interest in the ordinary shares and have only such rights as are contained in the Deposit Agreement. The deposited shares and any other securities, property or cash received by the depositary or the custodian and held under the Deposit Agreement are referred to as deposited property. Upon each deposit of ordinary shares, receipt of related delivery documentation and compliance with the other provisions of the Deposit Agreement, including the payment of the fees and charges of the depositary and any taxes or other fees or charges owing, the depositary will issue and deliver ADSs in the name of the person entitled thereto and, if applicable, issue ADRs evidencing the number of ADSs to which such person is entitled. ADRs will be delivered at the depositary’s principal office. The depositary will make arrangements for the acceptance of ADSs for book-entry settlement through The Depository Trust Company, or DTC. All ADSs held through DTC will be registered in the name of 9


 
Cede & Co., the nominee for DTC. Unless issued as uncertificated ADSs, the ADSs registered in the name of Cede & Co. will be evidenced by one or more receipt(s) in the form of a “Balance Certificate,” which will provide that it represents the aggregate number of ADSs from time to time indicated in the records of the depositary as being issued to DTC hereunder and that the aggregate number of ADSs represented thereby may from time to time be increased or decreased by making adjustments on such records of the depositary and of DTC or Cede & Co. When you turn in your ADSs (and, if applicable, the ADRs evidencing the ADSs) at the depositary’s office, the depositary will, upon payment of certain applicable fees, charges and taxes, and upon receipt of proper instructions, deliver the underlying ordinary shares to you. At your risk, expense and request, the depositary will deliver (to the extent permitted by law) deposited property at the depositary’s principal office. The depositary may restrict the withdrawal of deposited securities only in connection with: • temporary delays caused by closing Diageo’s transfer books or those of the depositary or the deposit of ordinary shares in connection with voting at a shareholders’ meeting, or the payment of dividends; • the payment of fees, taxes and similar charges; or • compliance with any U.S. or foreign laws or governmental regulations relating to the ADSs or to the withdrawal of deposited securities. This right of withdrawal may not be limited by any other provision of the Deposit Agreement. Voting Rights If you are an ADR holder and the depositary asks you to provide it with voting instructions, you may instruct the depositary how to exercise the voting rights for the ordinary shares which underlie your ADRs. After receiving voting materials from Diageo, the depositary will, if Diageo asks it to, notify the ADR holders of any shareholder meeting or solicitation of consents for proxies. This notice will describe how you may, subject to English law and the provisions of Diageo’s articles of association, instruct the depositary to exercise the voting rights for the ordinary shares which underlie your ADSs. For instructions to be valid, the depositary must receive them on or before the date specified. The depositary will try, as far as practical, subject to English law and the provisions of Diageo’s articles of association, to vote or to have its agents vote the shares or other deposited securities as you instruct. The depositary will not vote or attempt to exercise the right to vote that attaches to the shares or other deposited securities, other than in accordance with your instructions or deemed instructions. If the depositary does not receive instructions from you on or before the specified date and voting is by poll, the depositary will deem you to have instructed it to give a discretionary proxy to a person designated by Diageo to vote such deposited securities. However, we cannot assure you that you will receive our voting materials in time for you to give the depositary instructions to vote any deposited securities. In addition, the depositary and its agents are not responsible for failing to carry out voting instructions to vote the deposited securities, if, for example, the instructions are not received in time to vote the amount of the deposited securities or if English or other applicable laws prohibit such voting. Notwithstanding anything contained in the Deposit Agreement or any ADR, the depositary may, to the extent not prohibited by law or regulations, or by the requirements of the stock exchange on which the ADSs are listed, in lieu of distribution of the materials provided to the depositary in connection with any meeting of, or solicitation of consents or proxies from, holders of deposited securities, distribute to ADR 10


 
holders a notice that provides ADR holders with, or otherwise publicizes to ADR holders, instructions on how to retrieve such materials or receive such materials upon request (i.e., by reference to a website containing the materials for retrieval or a contact for requesting copies of the materials). Notwithstanding anything else contained in the Deposit Agreement or any ADR, the depositary shall not have any obligation to take any action with respect to any meeting, or solicitation of consents or proxies, of holders of deposited securities if the taking of such action would violate applicable U.S. laws. Diageo has agreed to take any and all actions reasonably necessary and as permitted by English law to enable ADR holders and beneficial owners to exercise the voting rights accruing to the deposited securities. Reports and Other Communications The depositary will make available for inspection by ADR holders any reports and communications from Diageo that are both received by the depositary as holder of deposited property and made generally available by Diageo to the holders of deposited property. Upon the request of Diageo, the depositary will send to you copies of reports furnished by Diageo pursuant to the Deposit Agreement. Reclassifications, Recapitalizations and Mergers If Diageo takes actions that affect the deposited securities, including any change in par value, split-up, consolidation or other reclassification of deposited securities or any recapitalization, reorganization, merger, consolidation, sale of assets or other similar action, then the depositary may, and will if Diageo asks it to: • distribute additional or amended ADRs; • distribute cash, securities or other property it has received in connection with such actions; or • sell any securities or property received and distribute the proceeds as cash. If the depositary does not choose any of the above options, any of the cash, securities or other property it receives will constitute part of the deposited property and each ADS will then represent a proportionate interest in such property. Amendment and Termination Diageo may agree with the depositary to amend the Deposit Agreement and the ADSs without your consent for any reason. ADR holders must be given at least 30 days’ notice of any amendment that imposes or increases any fees or charges (except for taxes and other charges specifically payable by ADR holders under the Deposit Agreement), or affects any substantial existing right of ADR holders. If an ADR holder continues to hold ADRs when an amendment has become effective such ADR holder is deemed to agree to such amendment. No amendment will impair your right to surrender your ADSs and receive the underlying securities except to comply with mandatory provisions of applicable law. The depositary will terminate the Deposit Agreement if Diageo asks it to do so. The depositary may also terminate the Deposit Agreement if the depositary has told Diageo that it would like to resign and Diageo has not appointed a new depositary bank within 180 days. In either case, the depositary must notify you at least 90 days before termination. After termination, the depositary’s only responsibility will be (i) to advise you that the Deposit Agreement is terminated, (ii) to collect distributions on the deposited securities (iii) to sell rights and other property, and (iv) to deliver ordinary shares and other deposited 11


 
securities upon cancellation of the ADRs. At any time from the termination date, the depositary may sell the deposited property which remains and hold the net proceeds of such sales and any other cash it is holding under the Deposit Agreement, without liability for interest, for the pro rata benefit of ADR holders who have not yet surrendered their ADRs. After making such sale, the depositary shall have no obligations except to account for such proceeds and other cash. The depositary will not be required to invest such proceeds or pay interest on them. Limitations on Obligations and Liability to ADR Holders The Deposit Agreement expressly limits the obligations and liability of the depositary, Diageo and their respective agents. Neither Diageo nor the depositary assumes any obligation nor shall either of them be subject to any liability under the Deposit Agreement to any ADR holder, except that they each agree to perform their respective obligations specifically set forth in the Deposit Agreement without negligence or bad faith. Neither Diageo nor the depositary will be liable if: • law, regulation, the provisions of or governing any deposited securities, act of God, war or other circumstance beyond its control shall prevent, delay or subject to any civil or criminal penalty any act which the Deposit Agreement or the ADRs provide shall be done or performed by it; • it exercises or fails to exercise discretion permitted under the Deposit Agreement or the ADR; • it performs its obligations specifically set forth in the Deposit Agreement without negligence or bad faith; or • it takes any action or inaction by it in reliance upon the advice of or information from legal counsel, accountants, any person presenting ordinary shares for deposit, any registered holder of ADRs, or any other person believed by it to be competent to give such advice or information. In the Deposit Agreement, Diageo agrees to indemnify Citibank, N.A. for acting as depositary, except for losses caused by Citibank, N.A.’s own negligence or bad faith, and Citibank, N.A. agrees to indemnify Diageo for losses resulting from its negligence or bad faith. The depositary will not be responsible for failing to carry out instructions to vote the deposited securities or for the manner in which the deposited securities are voted or the effect of the vote. The depositary may own and deal in deposited securities and in ADSs. Neither Diageo nor the depositary nor any of their respective directors, employees, agents or affiliates shall incur any liability for any consequential or punitive damages for any breach of the terms of the Deposit Agreement. Books of Depositary The depositary or its agent will maintain a register for the registration, registration of transfer, combination and split-up of ADSs and, if applicable, ADRs evidencing such ADSs. You may inspect such records at such office during regular business hours, but solely for the purpose of communicating with other holders in the interest of business matters relating to the Deposit Agreement. The depositary will maintain facilities to record and process the issuance, cancellation, combination, split- up and transfer of ADSs. These facilities may be closed from time to time when the depositary considers it expedient to do so. 12


 
DEBT SECURITIES Each series of guaranteed notes listed on the New York Stock Exchange and set forth on the cover page to Diageo’s annual report on Form 20-F for the fiscal year ended 30 June 2019 has been issued by Diageo Investment Corporation (formerly known as Grand Metropolitan Investment Corporation) (“Diageo Investment”) and guaranteed by Diageo (such guarantees were assumed in connection with the merger of Diageo (formerly known as Guinness plc) with prior guarantor Grand Metropolitan Public Limited Company in 1997). Each of these series of notes and related guarantees was issued pursuant to an effective registration statement and a related prospectus and prospectus supplement (if applicable) setting forth the terms of the relevant series of notes and related guarantees. The following table sets forth the dates of the registration statements, dates of the base prospectuses and dates of issuance for each relevant series of notes (the “Notes”). Registration Date of Base Series Statement Prospectus Date of Issuance 2.875% Guaranteed Notes due 2022 333-179426 February 8, 2012 May 11, 2012 8.000% Guaranteed Notes due 2022 33-51274 September 11, 1992 September 21, 1992 7.450% Guaranteed Notes due 2035 33-76754/33-84710 October 5, 1994 April 26, 1995 4.250% Guaranteed Notes due 2042 333-179426 February 8, 2012 May 11, 2012 The following description of our Notes is a summary and does not purport to be complete and is qualified in its entirety by the full terms of the Notes. Pursuant to an Agreement of Resignation, Appointment and Acceptance dated 16 October 2007 by and among Diageo, Diageo Capital plc, Diageo Finance BV, Diageo Investment, The Bank of New York and Citibank NA, The Bank of New York Mellon has become the successor trustee to Citibank NA under Diageo’s indentures dated 3 August 1998, 8 December 2003 and 1 June 1999. A. 2.875% Guaranteed Notes due 2022 and 4.250% Guaranteed Notes due 2042. Prospectus Supplement: DESCRIPTION OF NOTES General The 2.875% Guaranteed Notes due 2022 (“2022 notes”) were issued in an aggregate principal amount of $1,000,000,000, will bear interest at 2.875% per annum and will mature on May 11, 2022. The 4.250% Guaranteed Notes due 2042 (“2042 notes”) were issued in an aggregate principal amount of $500,000,000, will bear interest at 4.250% per annum and will mature on May 11, 2042. The regular record dates for the notes will be April 27 and October 27 of each year. The 2022 notes and the 2042 notes were issued pursuant to the Indenture dated as of 1 June 1999 (the “Indenture”) among Diageo Investment, Diageo (the “Guarantor”) and The Bank of New York Mellon, by succession, as trustee. References to “indenture” in this section shall mean the Indenture as defined above and references to “trustee” shall mean the Bank of New York Mellon with its address of principal executive offices at One Wall Street, New York, NY 10286. 13


 
If any scheduled interest payment date is not a business day, we will pay interest on the next business day, but interest on that payment will not accrue during the period from and after the scheduled interest payment date. If the scheduled maturity date or date of redemption or repayment is not a business day, we may pay interest and principal and premium, if any, on the next succeeding business day, but interest on that payment will not accrue during the period from and after the scheduled maturity date or date of redemption or repayment. A “business day” means any day, other than a Saturday or Sunday, that is not a day on which banking institutions are authorized or required by law or regulation to close in New York City or in the City of London. The 2022 notes and the 2042 notes will be the unsecured and unsubordinated indebtedness of Diageo Investment and will rank equally with all of its other unsecured and unsubordinated indebtedness from time to time outstanding. Diageo will unconditionally guarantee on an unsubordinated basis the due and punctual payment of the principal of, premium, if any, and interest on the notes, including any additional amounts, when and as any such payments become due and payable, whether at maturity, upon redemption or declaration of acceleration, or otherwise. The guarantee of the notes will be unsecured and unsubordinated indebtedness of Diageo and will rank equally with all of its other unsecured and unsubordinated indebtedness from time to time outstanding. Because Diageo is a holding company, the guarantee will effectively rank junior to any indebtedness of its subsidiaries. The principal corporate trust office of the trustee in the City of New York is designated as the principal paying agent. We may at any time designate additional paying agents or rescind the designation of paying agents or approve a change in the office through which any paying agent acts. Tax Redemption In the event of various tax law changes after the date of this prospectus supplement and other limited circumstances that require us to pay additional amounts, as described in the base prospectus under “Description of Debt Securities and Guarantees—Payment of Additional Amounts”, we may call all, but not less than all, of the applicable series of notes for redemption. This means we may repay them early. You have no right to require us to call the notes. We discuss our ability to redeem the notes in greater detail under “Description of Debt Securities and Guarantees— Special Situations—Optional Tax Redemption” in the base prospectus and this prospectus supplement. If we call the notes, we must pay you 100% of their principal amount. We will also pay you accrued interest and any additional amounts due on the date fixed for redemption. Notes will stop bearing interest on the redemption date, even if you do not collect your money. We will give notice to DTC of any redemption we propose to make at least 30 days, but not more than 60 days, before the redemption date. Notice by DTC to participating institutions and by these participants to street name holders of indirect interests in the notes will be made according to arrangements among them and may be subject to statutory or regulatory requirements. Optional Make-Whole Redemption 14


 
We have the right to redeem any series of the notes, in whole or in part, at any time and from time to time at a redemption price equal to the greater of (1) 100% of the principal amount of such notes plus accrued interest to the date of redemption and (2) as determined by the quotation agent, the sum of the present values of the remaining scheduled payments of principal and interest on such notes (excluding any portion of such payments of interest accrued as of the date of redemption) discounted to the redemption date on a semi-annual basis (assuming a 360-day year consisting of twelve 30-day months) at the adjusted treasury rate, plus 20 basis points for the 2022 notes and 20 basis points for the 2042 notes and, in each case, accrued interest to the date of redemption. Adjusted treasury rate means, with respect to any redemption date, the rate per year equal to the semi-annual equivalent yield to maturity of the comparable treasury issue, assuming a price for the comparable treasury issue (expressed as a percentage of its principal amount) equal to the comparable treasury price for such redemption date. Comparable treasury issue means the United States Treasury security selected by the quotation agent as being the most recently issued United States Treasury note or bond as displayed by Bloomberg LP (or any successor service) on screens PX1 through PX8 (or any other screens as may replace such screens on such service) that has a remaining term comparable to the remaining term of the notes to be redeemed. Comparable treasury price means, with respect to any redemption date, the average of the reference treasury dealer quotations for such redemption date after excluding the highest and lowest such reference treasury dealer quotations. Quotation agent means the reference treasury dealer appointed by the trustee after consultation with us. Reference treasury dealer means any primary U.S. government securities dealer in or their affiliates and their respective successors in the United States selected by the trustee after consultation with us. Reference treasury dealer quotations means with respect to each reference treasury dealer and any redemption date, the average, as determined by the trustee, of the bid and ask prices for the comparable treasury issue (expressed as a percentage of its principal amount) quoted in writing to the trustee by five reference treasury dealers at 3:30 p.m. Eastern Standard Time on the third business day preceding such redemption date. Base Prospectus: DESCRIPTION OF DEBT SECURITIES AND GUARANTEES The trustee has two main roles: • First, it can enforce your rights against us if we default. There are some limitations on the extent to which the trustee acts on your behalf, described under “—Default and Related Matters— Events of Default—Remedies If an Event of Default Occurs”; and • Second, the trustee performs administrative duties for us, such as sending you interest payments, transferring your debt securities to a new buyer if you sell and sending you notices. Diageo acts as the guarantor of the guaranteed debt securities issued under the Diageo Investment indenture. The guarantees are described under “—Guarantees”. 15


 
We may issue the debt securities as original issue discount securities, which are debt securities that are offered and sold at a substantial discount to their stated principal amount. (Section 101) The debt securities may also be issued as indexed securities or securities denominated in foreign currencies or currency units, as described in more detail in the prospectus supplement relating to any such debt securities. Some Definitions. We have defined some of the terms that we use frequently in this section of the prospectus: A “business day” means any day, other than a Saturday or Sunday, (a) that is neither a legal holiday nor a day on which banking institutions are authorized or required by law or regulation to close (x) in The City of New York or (y) for debt securities denominated in a specified currency other than U.S. dollars or euro, in the principal financial center of the country of the specified currency, and (b) for debt securities denominated in euro, that is also a day on which the Trans-European Automated Real-time Gross Settlement Express Transfer System, which is commonly referred to as “TARGET 2”, is operating; provided that with respect to LIBOR debt securities, the day is also a London banking day. An “interest payment date” for any debt security means a date on which, under the terms of that debt security, regularly scheduled interest is payable. “London banking day” means any day on which dealings in deposits in the relevant index currency are transacted in the London interbank market. “Principal financial center” means, unless we specify otherwise in the applicable prospectus supplement, the capital city of the country of the specified currency, except that with respect to Australian dollars, Canadian dollars, South African rand and Swiss francs, the principal financial center will be Sydney and Melbourne, Toronto, Johannesburg and Zurich, respectively. Fixed Rate Debt Securities Each fixed rate debt security will bear interest from the date of issuance at the annual rate stated on its face until the principal is paid or made available for payment. How Interest Is Calculated. Interest on fixed rate debt securities will be computed on the basis of a 360-day year of twelve 30-day months. How Interest Accrues. Interest on fixed rate debt securities will accrue from and including the most recent interest payment date to which interest has been paid or duly provided for, or, if no interest has been paid or duly provided for, from and including the issue date or any other date specified in the prospectus supplement on which interest begins to accrue. Interest will accrue to but excluding the next interest payment date, or, if earlier, the date on which the principal has been paid or duly made available for payment, except as described below under “—If a Payment Date Is Not a Business Day”. When Interest Is Paid. Payments of interest on fixed rate debt securities will be made on the interest payment dates specified in the applicable prospectus supplement. However, if the first interest payment date is less than 15 days after the date of issuance, interest will not be paid on the first interest payment date, but will be paid on the second interest payment date. Amount of Interest Payable. Interest payments for fixed rate debt securities will include accrued interest from and including the date of issue or from and including the last date in respect of which 16


 
interest has been paid, as the case may be, to but excluding the relevant interest payment date or date of maturity or earlier redemption or repayment, as the case may be. If a Payment Date Is Not a Business Day. If any scheduled interest payment date is not a business day, we will pay interest on the next business day, but interest on that payment will not accrue during the period from and after the scheduled interest payment date. If the scheduled maturity date or date of redemption or repayment is not a business day, we may pay interest and principal and premium, if any, on the next succeeding business day, but interest on that payment will not accrue during the period from and after the scheduled maturity date or date of redemption or repayment. Amortizing Debt Securities. A fixed rate debt security may pay a level amount in respect of both interest and principal amortized over the life of the debt security. Payments of principal and interest on amortizing debt securities will be made on the interest payment dates specified in the applicable prospectus supplement, and at maturity or upon any earlier redemption or repayment. Payments on amortizing debt securities will be applied first to interest due and payable and then to the reduction of the unpaid principal amount. We will provide to the original purchaser, and will furnish to subsequent holders upon request to us, a table setting forth repayment information for each amortizing debt security. Guarantees Diageo will fully and unconditionally guarantee the payment of the principal of, premium, if any, and interest on the guaranteed debt securities, including any additional amounts which may be payable by Diageo Investment in respect of its debt securities, as described under “—Payment of Additional Amounts”. Diageo guarantees the payment of such amounts when such amounts become due and payable, whether at the stated maturity of the debt securities, by declaration or acceleration, call for redemption or otherwise. Additional Mechanics Exchange and Transfer You may have your debt securities broken into more debt securities of smaller denominations or combined into fewer debt securities of larger denominations, as long as the total principal amount is not changed. (Section 305) This is called an exchange. You may exchange or transfer registered debt securities at the office of the trustee. The trustee acts as our agent for registering debt securities in the names of holders and transferring registered debt securities. We may change this appointment to another entity or perform the service ourselves. The entity performing the role of maintaining the list of registered holders is called the security registrar. It will also register transfers of the registered debt securities. However, you may not exchange registered debt securities for bearer debt securities. (Section 305) You will not be required to pay a service charge to transfer or exchange debt securities, but you may be required to pay for any tax or other governmental charge associated with the exchange or transfer. The transfer or exchange of a registered debt security will only be made if the security registrar is satisfied with your proof of ownership. (Section 305) If we have designated additional transfer agents, they are named in the prospectus supplement. We may cancel the designation of any particular transfer agent. We may also approve a change in the office through which any transfer agent acts. (Section 1002) 17


 
If the debt securities are redeemable and we redeem less than all of the debt securities of a particular series, we may block the transfer or exchange of debt securities during a specified period of time in order to freeze the list of holders to prepare the mailing. The period begins 15 days before the day we mail the notice of redemption and ends on the day of that mailing. We may also refuse to register transfers or exchanges of debt securities selected for redemption. However, we will continue to permit transfers and exchanges of the unredeemed portion of any security being partially redeemed. (Section 305) Payment and Paying Agents We will pay interest to you if you are a direct holder listed in the trustee’s records at the close of business on a particular day in advance of each due date for interest, even if you no longer own the security on the interest due date. That particular day, usually about two weeks in advance of the interest due date, is called the regular record date and is stated in the prospectus supplement. (Section 307) We will pay interest, principal and any other money due on the registered debt securities at the corporate trust office of the trustee in New York City. You must make arrangements to have your payments picked up at or wired from that office. We may also choose to pay interest by mailing checks. Interest on global securities will be paid to the holder thereof by wire transfer of same-day funds. Holders buying and selling debt securities must work out between them how to compensate for the fact that we will pay all the interest for an interest period to the one who is the registered holder on the regular record date. The most common manner is to adjust the sales price of the debt securities to pro rate interest fairly between buyer and seller. This pro rated interest amount is called accrued interest. Street name and other indirect holders should consult their banks or brokers for information on how they will receive payments. We may also arrange for additional payment offices, and may cancel or change these offices, including our use of the trustee’s corporate trust office. These offices are called paying agents. We may also choose to act as our own paying agent. We must notify you of changes in the paying agents for any particular series of debt securities. (Section 1002) Although we anticipate making payments of principal, premium, if any, and interest, if any, on most debt securities in U.S. dollars, some debt securities may be payable in foreign currencies as specified in the applicable prospectus supplement. Currently, few facilities exist in the United States to convert U.S. dollars into foreign currencies and vice versa. In addition, most U.S. banks do not offer non-U.S. dollar denominated checking or savings account facilities. Accordingly, unless alternative arrangements are made, we will pay principal, premium, if any, and interest, if any, on debt securities that are payable in a foreign currency to an account at a bank outside the United States, which, in the case of a debt security payable in euro, will be made by credit or transfer to a euro account specified by the payee in a country for which the euro is the lawful currency. Payments in U.S. Dollars for Debt Securities Denominated in a Foreign Currency The exchange rate agent will convert the specified currency into U.S. dollars for holders who elect to receive payments in U.S. dollars and for beneficial owners of book-entry debt securities that do not follow the procedures we have described immediately above. The holders or beneficial owners of debt securities will pay all currency exchange costs by deductions from the amounts payable on the debt securities. Unavailability of Foreign Currency 18


 
The relevant specified currency may not be available to us for making payments of principal of, premium, if any, or interest, if any, on any debt security. This could occur due to the imposition of exchange controls or other circumstances beyond our control or if the specified currency is no longer used by the government of the country issuing that currency or by public institutions within the international banking community for the settlement of transactions. If the specified currency is unavailable, we may satisfy our obligations to holders of the debt securities by making those payments on the date of payment in U.S. dollars on the basis of the noon buying rate in The City of New York for cable transfers of the currency or currencies in which a payment on any debt security was to be made, published by the Federal Reserve Bank of New York on the then-most recent day on which that bank has quoted that rate, which we refer to as the “market exchange rate”. If that rate of exchange is not then available or is not published for a particular payment currency, the exchange rate agent will determine the market exchange rate at its sole, reasonable discretion. These provisions do not apply if a specified currency is unavailable because it has been replaced by the euro. If the euro has been substituted for a specified currency, we may at our option, or will, if required by applicable law, without the consent of the holders of the affected debt securities, pay the principal of, premium, if any, or interest, if any, on any debt security denominated in the specified currency in euro instead of the specified currency, in conformity with legally applicable measures taken pursuant to, or by virtue of, the treaty establishing the European Community, as amended by the treaty on European Union and as it may be amended further from time to time. Any payment made in U.S. dollars or in euro as described above where the required payment is in an unavailable specified currency will not constitute an event of default. Special Situations Mergers and Similar Events We are generally permitted to consolidate or merge with another company or firm. We are also permitted to sell or lease substantially all of our assets to another firm or to buy or lease substantially all of the assets of another firm. However, we may not take any of these actions unless all the following conditions are met: • Where Diageo Investment merges out of existence or sells or leases its assets, the other firm may not be organized under a foreign country’s laws (that is, it must be a corporation, partnership or trust organized under the laws of a U.S. state or the District of Columbia or under U.S. federal law) and it must assume the obligations on the debt securities. • The merger, sale or lease of assets or other transaction must not cause a default on the debt securities, and we must not already be in default. For purposes of this no-default test, a default would include an event of default that has occurred and not been cured, as described later under “—Default and Related Matters—Events of Default—What is An Event of Default?” A default for this purpose would also include any event that would be an event of default if the requirements for giving us default notice or our default having to exist for a specific period of time were disregarded. • It is possible that the merger, sale or lease of assets or other transaction would cause some of our property to become subject to a mortgage or other legal mechanism giving lenders preferential rights in that property over other lenders or over our general creditors if we fail to pay them back. We have promised to limit these preferential rights on our property, called liens, as discussed later under “—Covenants—Restrictions on Liens”. If a merger or other transaction would create 19


 
any liens on our property, we must comply with that covenant. We would do this either by deciding that the liens were permitted, or by following the requirements of the covenant to grant an equivalent or higher-ranking lien on the same property to you and the other direct holders of the debt securities. (Section 801) Modification and Waiver There are three types of changes we can make to the indenture and the debt securities. Changes Requiring Your Approval. First, there are changes that cannot be made to your debt securities without your specific approval. Following is a list of those types of changes: • change the stated maturity of the principal or interest on a debt security; • reduce any amounts due on a debt security; • change any obligation of Diageo or Diageo Investment to pay additional amounts described later under “—Payment of Additional Amounts” of the base prospectus; • reduce the amount of principal payable upon acceleration of the maturity of a debt security following a default; • change the place or currency of payment on a debt security; • impair any of the conversion or exchange rights of your debt security; • impair your right to sue for payment, conversion or exchange; • reduce the percentage of holders of debt securities whose consent is needed to modify or amend the indentures; • reduce the percentage of holders of debt securities whose consent is needed to waive compliance with various provisions of the indentures or to waive various defaults; • modify any other aspect of the provisions dealing with modification and waiver of the indenture; and • change the obligations of the guarantor that relate to payment of principal, premium and interest, sinking fund payments and conversion rights. (Section 902) Changes Requiring a Majority Vote. The second type of change to the indentures and the debt securities is the kind that requires a vote in favor by holders of debt securities owning a majority of the principal amount of the particular series affected. Most changes fall into this category, except for clarifying changes and other changes that would not adversely affect holders of the debt securities in any material respect. The same vote would be required for us to obtain a waiver of all or part of the covenants described below, or a waiver of a past default. However, we cannot obtain a waiver of a payment default or any other aspect of the indentures or the debt securities listed in the first category described previously under “—Changes Requiring Your Approval” unless we obtain your individual consent to the waiver. (Section 513) 20


 
Changes Not Requiring Approval. The third type of change does not require any vote by holders of debt securities. This type is limited to clarifications and other changes that would not adversely affect holders of the debt securities in any material respect. (Section 901) Further Details Concerning Voting. When taking a vote, we will use the following rules to decide how much principal amount to attribute to a security: • For original issue discount securities, we will use the principal amount that would be due and payable on the voting date if the maturity of the debt securities were accelerated to that date because of a default. • For debt securities whose principal amount is not known (for example, because it is based on an index), we will use a special rule for that security described in the prospectus supplement. • For debt securities denominated in one or more foreign currencies or currency units, we will use the U.S. dollar equivalent. • Debt securities will not be considered outstanding, and therefore not eligible to vote, if we have deposited or set aside in trust for you money for their payment or redemption. Debt securities will also not be eligible to vote if they have been fully defeased as described under “—Covenants— Defeasance and Discharge”. (Section 101) • We will generally be entitled to set any day as a record date for the purpose of determining the holders of outstanding debt securities that are entitled to vote or take other action under the indenture. In limited circumstances, the trustee will be entitled to set a record date for action by holders. If we or the trustee set a record date for a vote or other action to be taken by holders of a particular series, that vote or action may be taken only by persons who are holders of outstanding debt securities of that series on the record date and must be taken within 180 days following the record date or another period that we may specify (or as the trustee may specify, if it set the record date). We may shorten or lengthen (but not beyond 180 days) this period from time to time. (Section 104) Street name and other indirect holders should consult their banks or brokers for information on how approval may be granted or denied if we week to change the indenture or the debt securities or request a waiver. Optional Tax Redemption We may have the option to redeem the debt securities in the two situations described below. The redemption price for the debt securities, other than original issue discount debt securities, will be equal to the principal amount of the debt securities being redeemed plus accrued interest and any additional amounts due on the date fixed for redemption. The redemption price for original issue discount debt securities will be specified in the prospectus supplement for such securities. Furthermore, we must give you between 30 and 60 days’ notice before redeeming the debt securities. The first situation is where, as a result of a change in, execution of or amendment to any laws or treaties or the official application or interpretation of any laws or treaties, either: 21


 
• Diageo or, in the case of debt securities issued by Diageo Investment, Diageo Investment would be required to pay additional amounts as described later under “—Payment of Additional Amounts” in the base prospectus; or • Diageo or any of its subsidiaries would have to deduct or withhold tax on any payment to any of the issuers to enable them to make a payment of principal or interest on a debt security. This applies only in the case of changes, executions or amendments that occur on or after the date specified in the prospectus supplement for the applicable series of debt securities and in the jurisdiction where Diageo or Diageo Investment is incorporated. If Diageo or Diageo Investment is succeeded by another entity, the applicable jurisdiction will be the jurisdiction in which such successor entity is organized, and the applicable date will be the date the entity became a successor. We would not have the option to redeem in this case if we could have avoided the payment of additional amounts or the deduction or withholding by using reasonable measures available to us. The second situation is where a person located outside of the United States into which Diageo or Diageo Investment is merged or to whom it has conveyed, transferred or leased its property is required to pay an additional amount. If Diageo is the issuer of the debt securities, such a person must also be located outside England and Wales. We would have the option to redeem the debt securities even if we are required to pay additional amounts immediately after the merger, conveyance, transfer or lease. We are not required to use reasonable measures to avoid the obligation to pay additional amounts in this situation. Conversion or Exchange The debt securities may be convertible into or exchangeable for Diageo’s ordinary shares or preference shares or other securities of Diageo or securities of other issuers if the prospectus supplement so provides. If the debt securities are convertible or exchangeable, the prospectus supplement will include provisions as to whether conversion or exchange is mandatory, at your option or at our option. The prospectus supplement would also include provisions regarding the adjustment of the number of securities to be received by you upon conversion or exchange. Covenants Restrictions on Liens Some of Diageo’s property may be subject to a mortgage or other legal mechanism that gives our lenders preferential rights in that property over other lenders, including you and the other direct holders of the debt securities, or over our general creditors if we fail to pay them back. These preferential rights are called liens. Diageo promises that it and its restricted subsidiaries, which are described further below, will not become obligated on any new debt for borrowed money that is secured by a lien on any of its principal properties, which are described further below, or on any shares of stock of any of its restricted subsidiaries, unless it grants an equivalent or higher-ranking lien on the same property to you and the other direct holders of the debt securities. Diageo does not need to comply with this restriction if the amount of all debt that would be secured by liens on its principal properties, which are described further later, and the shares of stock of Diageo’s restricted subsidiaries, excluding the debt secured by the liens that are listed later, is less than 15% of Diageo’s consolidated shareholders’ equity. (Section 1009) 22


 
This restriction on liens applies, with certain exceptions, to liens for borrowed money. For example, several liens imposed by operation of law, such as liens to secure statutory obligations for taxes or workers’ compensation benefits, or liens we create to secure obligations to pay legal judgments or surety bonds, are not covered by this restriction. This restriction on liens also does not apply to debt secured by a number of different types of liens, and we can disregard this debt when we calculate the limits imposed by this restriction. These types of liens include, among others, the following: • any lien existing on or before the date of the applicable indenture; • any lien arising by operation of law and not securing amounts more than ninety days overdue or otherwise being contested in good faith; • any lien on a principal property, shares or stock of any restricted subsidiary, which becomes a restricted subsidiary after the date of the applicable indenture, arising prior to the date of the restricted subsidiary’s becoming a restricted subsidiary, provided that such lien was not created in contemplation of such restricted subsidiary’s becoming a restricted subsidiary; • any lien over any principal property, or documents of title thereto, shares or stock of any restricted subsidiary that Diageo or any restricted subsidiary acquired as security for, or for indebtedness incurred, to finance all or part of the price of its acquisition, development, redevelopment, modification or improvement; • any lien over any principal property, or documents of title thereto, shares or stock of any restricted subsidiary that Diageo or any restricted subsidiary acquired subject to the lien; • any lien to secure indebtedness for borrowed money incurred in connection with a specifically identifiable project where the lien relates to a principal property involved in the project and that Diageo or any restricted subsidiary acquired after the date of the applicable indenture and the recourse of the creditors relating to the indebtedness is limited to the project and principal property; • any lien securing indebtedness of Diageo or any restricted subsidiary for borrowed money incurred in connection with the financing of accounts receivable; • any lien incurred or deposits made in the ordinary course of business; • any lien on a principal property of Diageo or any restricted subsidiary in favor of the U.S. federal or any state government or the UK or any EU government or any instrumentality of any of them, securing the obligations of Diageo or any restricted subsidiary as a result of any contract; • any lien securing industrial revenue, development or similar bonds issued by or for the benefit of Diageo or any of its restricted subsidiaries, provided that the industrial revenue, development or similar bonds are non-recourse to Diageo or the restricted subsidiary; and • any extension, renewal or replacement or successive extensions, renewals or replacements, as a whole or in part, of any lien included earlier in this list. Restrictions on Sales and Leasebacks Diageo promises that neither it nor any of its restricted subsidiaries will enter into any sale and leaseback transaction involving a principal property unless we comply with this covenant. A sale and leaseback transaction is an arrangement between us or a restricted subsidiary and a bank, insurance company or other lender or investor where Diageo or the restricted subsidiary leases a property that Diageo or the restricted subsidiary has owned for more than six months and has sold to a lender or investor or to any person to whom the lender or investor has advanced funds on the security of the principal property. Diageo can comply with this covenant in either of two different ways. First, Diageo will be in compliance if it or its restricted subsidiary could grant a lien on the principal property in an amount equal 23


 
to the indebtedness attributable to the sale and leaseback transaction without being required to grant an equivalent or higher-ranking lien to you and the other direct holders of the debt securities under the restriction on liens described above. Second, Diageo can comply if it invests an amount equal to at least the net proceeds of the sale of the principal property that it or its restricted subsidiary leases in the transaction or the fair value of that property, whichever is greater. This amount must be invested in any principal property or used to retire indebtedness for money that it or its restricted subsidiaries borrowed, incurred or assumed and that either has a maturity of 12 months or more from the date of incurrence of the indebtedness or has a maturity of less than 12 months from that date but is by its terms renewable or extendible beyond 12 months from that date at the option of the borrower, within one year of the transaction. (Section 1010) This restriction on sales and leasebacks does not apply to any sale and leaseback transaction that is between Diageo and one of its subsidiaries, or between one of Diageo’s restricted subsidiaries and either Diageo or one of Diageo’s other subsidiaries. It also does not apply to any lease with a term, including renewals, of three years or less. As used here, principal property means a building or other structure or facility, and the land on which it sits and its associated fixtures that are located in the United States or the United Kingdom and Diageo or a restricted subsidiary owns or leases. The gross book value of the property must exceed 2% of Diageo’s consolidated shareholders’ equity. Any property or portion of any property is not a principal property if Diageo’s board of directors: • does not view it as materially important to the total business conducted by Diageo and its subsidiaries as an entirety; or • does not view any portion of the property as materially important for the use of the property. (Section 101) Diageo and its subsidiaries have no principal properties as of the date hereof. As used here, restricted subsidiary means any subsidiary that has two characteristics. First, its assets and operations are substantially located within the United States or the United Kingdom. Second, it owns a principal property. However, a restricted subsidiary does not include two types of subsidiaries. It does not include a subsidiary that is primarily engaged in leasing or in financing installment receivables or a subsidiary that primarily acts to finance the operations of Diageo and its consolidated subsidiaries. (Section 101) Default and Related Matters Ranking The debt securities are not secured by any of our property or assets. Accordingly, your ownership of debt securities means you are one of our unsecured creditors. The debt securities are not subordinated to any of the relevant issuer’s other debt obligations and therefore they rank equally with all of the relevant issuer’s other unsecured and unsubordinated indebtedness. Events of Default You will have special rights if an event of default occurs and is not cured, as described later in this subsection. 24


 
What Is an Event of Default? The term event of default means any of the following: • We do not pay the principal or any premium on a debt security on its due date and, in the case of technical or administrative difficulties, only if such failure to pay persists for more than five days. • We do not pay interest on a debt security within 30 days of its due date. • We do not deposit any sinking fund payment on its due date. • We remain in breach of a covenant described beginning on page 13 or any other term of the indentures for 90 days after we receive a notice of default stating we are in breach. The notice must be sent by either the trustee or holders of 10% of the principal amount of debt securities of the affected series. • We file for bankruptcy or certain other events in bankruptcy, insolvency or reorganization occur. • There is a default in the conversion or exchange of any convertible or exchangeable securities of the series in question and this default continues for 90 days after we receive a notice of default. • Any other event of default described in the prospectus supplement occurs. (Section 501) Remedies If an Event of Default Occurs. If an event of default has occurred and has not been cured, the trustee or the holders of 25% in principal amount of the debt securities of the affected series may declare the entire principal amount of all the debt securities of that series to be due and immediately payable. This is called a declaration of acceleration of maturity. A declaration of acceleration of maturity may be canceled by the holders of at least a majority in principal amount of the debt securities of the affected series if certain conditions are met. (Section 502) Except in cases of default, where the trustee has some special duties, the trustee is not required to take any action under the indenture at the request of any holders unless the holders offer the trustee reasonable protection from expenses and liability. This protection is called an indemnity. (Section 603) If reasonable indemnity is provided, the holders of a majority in principal amount of the outstanding debt securities of the relevant series may direct the time, method and place of conducting any lawsuit or other formal legal action seeking any remedy available to the trustee. These majority holders may also direct the trustee in performing any other action under the indenture. (Section 512) Before you bypass the trustee and bring your own lawsuit or other formal legal action or take other steps to enforce your rights or protect your interests relating to the debt securities, the following must occur: • You must give the trustee written notice that an event of default has occurred and remains uncured. • The holders of 25% in principal amount of all outstanding debt securities of the relevant series must make a written request that the trustee take action because of the default, and must offer reasonable indemnity to the trustee against the cost and other liabilities of taking that action. • The trustee must have not taken action for 60 days after receipt of the above notice and offer of indemnity and no direction inconsistent with the request described above may have been given to the trustee during such 60-day period by the holders of a majority in principal amount of the outstanding debt securities of the relevant series. (Section 507) Street name and other indirect holders should consult their banks or brokers for information on how to give notice or direction to or make a request of the trustee and to make or cancel a declaration of acceleration. 25


 
We will furnish to the trustee every year a written statement of certain of our officers and directors certifying that, to their knowledge, we are in compliance with the indenture and the debt securities, or else specifying any default. (Section 1005) Regarding the Trustee If an event of default occurs, or an event that would be an event of default if the requirements for giving us default notice or our default having to exist for a specific period of time were disregarded occurs, the trustee may be considered to have a conflicting interest with respect to the debt securities or the applicable indenture for purposes of the Trust Indenture Act of 1939. In that case, the trustee may be required to resign as trustee under the applicable indenture and we would be required to appoint a successor trustee. 26


 
B. 8.000% Guaranteed Notes due 2022 DESCRIPTION OF NOTES, DEBENTURES AND GUARANTEES General The 8.000% Guaranteed Debentures due 2022 (“2022 notes” or “Securities”) were issued in an aggregate principal amount of $300,000,000, will bear interest at 8.000% per annum and will mature on September 15, 2022. The 2022 notes were issued pursuant to the Indenture dated as of 15 August 1991 (the “Indenture”) among Diageo Investment, Diageo (the “Guarantor”) and The Bank of New York Mellon, by succession, as trustee. References to “indenture” in this section shall mean the Indenture as defined above and references to “trustee” shall mean the Bank of New York Mellon with its address of principal executive offices at One Wall Street, New York, NY 10286. The currency in which the payment of the principal of or any premium or interest of the 2022 notes shall be payable is US dollars. The principal corporate trust office of the trustee in the City of New York is designated as the principal paying agent. We may at any time designate additional paying agents or rescind the designation of paying agents or approve a change in the office through which any paying agent acts. The Debentures The 2022 notes will be limited to $300,000,000 aggregate principal amount and will mature on September 15, 2022. The Debentures may not be redeemed prior to maturity except under the circumstances described under “Optional Tax Redemption”. The Guarantees The Guarantor will unconditionally guarantee the due and punctual payment of the principal of and interest on the Securities (and the payment of additional amounts described under “Payment of Additional Amounts”) when and as the same shall become due and payable, whether at Stated Maturity, by declaration of acceleration, call for redemption or otherwise. The Guarantees will be unsecured obligations of the Guarantor. (Sections 205 and 1004). Optional Tax Redemption The 2022 notes may be redeemed at the option of the Issuer or the Guarantor, in whole but not in part, upon not less than 30 nor more than 60 days notice given as provided in the Indenture, at any time at a Redemption Price equal to the principal amount thereof plus accrued interest to the date fixed for redemption if, as a result of any change in or amendment to the laws or any regulations or rulings promulgated thereunder of the jurisdiction (or of any political subdivision or taxing authority thereof or therein) in which the Guarantor is incorporated or any change in the official application or interpretation of such laws, regulations or rulings, or any change in the official application or interpretation of, or any execution of or amendment to, any treaty or treaties affecting taxation to which such jurisdiction (or such 27


 
political subdivision or taxing authority) is a party, which change, execution or amendment becomes effective on or after the date of this Prospectus, (i) the Guarantor is or would be required on the next succeeding Interest Payment Date to pay additional amounts with respect to the 2022 notes or the Guarantees, respectively, as described under “Payment of Additional Amounts”, or (ii) the Guarantor or any Subsidiary of the Guarantor is or would be required to deduct or withhold tax on any payment to the Issuer to enable the Issuer to make any payment of principal or interest in respect of the 2022 notes and, in each case, the payment of such additional amounts in the case of (i) above or such deduction or withholding in the case of (ii) above cannot be avoided by the use of any reasonable measures available to the Issuer, the Guarantor or the Subsidiary. (Sections 1104 and 1108). The 2022 notes may also be redeemed in whole but not in part upon not less than 30 nor more than 60 days’ notice given as provided in the Indenture at any time at a Redemption Price equal to the principal amount thereof plus accrued interest to the date fixed for redemption if the Person formed by a consolidation of the Guarantor or into which the Guarantor is merged or to which the Guarantor conveys, transfers or leases its properties and assets substantially as an entirety is required to pay additional amounts in respect of any tax, assessment or governmental charge imposed on any Holder or required to be withheld or deducted from any payment to such Holder as a consequence of such consolidation, merger, conveyance, transfer or lease. See “Consolidation, Merger and Sale of Assets”. (Sections 801 and 1108). The Issuer or the Guarantor, as the case may be, will also pay, or make available for payment, to Holders on the Redemption Date any additional amounts (as described under ·’Payment of Additional Amounts” in the base prospectus) resulting from the payment of such Redemption Price. (Sections 1004, 1104 and 1108). Limitation on Liens The Indenture provides that so long as the 2022 notes are Outstanding, the Guarantor will not, and the Guarantor will procure that no Restricted Subsidiary will, create or permit to subsist any Encumbrance on the whole or any part of any Principal Property or upon any shares or stock of any Restricted Subsidiary to secure any present or future indebtedness for borrowed money without making, or causing such Restricted Subsidiary to make, effective provision whereby the 2022 notes (together with, if the Guarantor shall so determine, any other indebtedness of the Guarantor or such Restricted Subsidiary then existing or thereafter created which is not subordinate to the 2022 notes) will be secured equally and ratably with (or, at the option of the Guarantor or such Restricted Subsidiary, prior to) such indebtedness for borrowed money, so long as such indebtedness for borrowed money will be so secured. However, such limitation will not apply to: (a) any Encumbrance subsisting on or prior to the date of the Indenture; (b) any Encumbrance arising by operation of law and not securing amounts more than 90 days overdue or otherwise being contested in good faith; (c) judgment Encumbrances not giving rise to an Event of Default; (d) any Encumbrance subsisting over a Principal Property, shares or stock of any Restricted Subsidiary (which becomes a Restricted Subsidiary after the date of the Indenture) prior to the date of such Restricted Subsidiary becoming a Restricted Subsidiary, provided that such Encumbrance was not created in contemplation of such Restricted Subsidiary becoming a Restricted Subsidiary; (e) any Encumbrance over any Principal Property (or documents of title thereto), shares or stock of any Restricted Subsidiary acquired by the Guarantor or any Restricted Subsidiary as security for, or for indebtedness incurred, to finance all or part of the price of its acquisition, development, redevelopment, modification or improvement; (f) any Encumbrance over any Principal Property (or documents of title thereto), shares or stock of any Restricted Subsidiary which is acquired by the Guarantor or any Restricted Subsidiary subject to such Encumbrance; (g) any Encumbrance to secure indebtedness for borrowed money incurred in connection with a specifically identifiable project where the Encumbrance relates to a Principal 28


 
Property involved in such project and acquired by the Guarantor or any Restricted Subsidiary after the date of the Indenture and the recourse of the creditors in respect of such indebtedness is limited lo such project and Principal Property; (h) any Encumbrance arising solely by operation of law over any credit balance or cash held in any account with a financial institution; (i) rights of financial institutions to offset credit balances in connection with the operation of cash management programs established for the benefit of the Guarantor and/or any Restricted Subsidiary; (j) any Encumbrance securing indebtedness of the Guarantor or any Restricted Subsidiary for borrowed money incurred in connection with the financing of accounts receivable; (k) any Encumbrance incurred or deposits made in the ordinary course of business, including, but not limited to, (i) any mechanics’, materialmen’s, carriers’, workmen’s, vendors’ or other like Encumbrances, (ii) any Encumbrances securing amounts in connection with workers· compensation, unemployment insurance and other types of social security, and (iii) any easements, rights-of-way, restrictions and other similar charges; (I) any Encumbrance upon specific items of inventory or other goods and proceeds of the Guarantor or any Restricted Subsidiary securing the Guarantor’s or any such Restricted Subsidiary’s obligations in respect of bankers· acceptances issued or created for the account of such person to facilitate the purchase, shipment or storage of such inventory or other goods; (m) any Encumbrance incurred or deposits made securing the performance of tenders, bids, leases, statutory obligations, surety and appeal bonds, government contracts, performance and return-of-money bonds and other obligations of like nature incurred in the ordinary course of business; (n) any Encumbrance on any Principal Property of the Guarantor or any Restricted Subsidiary in favor of the Federal Government of the United States or the government of any Stale thereof, or the government of the United Kingdom, or the European Communities, or any instrumentality of any of them, securing the obligations of the Guarantor or any Restricted Subsidiary pursuant to any contract or payments owed to such entity pursuant to applicable laws, rules, regulations or statutes; (o) any Encumbrance securing taxes or assessments or other applicable governmental charges or levies; (p) any Encumbrance securing industrial revenue, development or similar bonds issued by or for the benefit of the Guarantor or any of its Principal Subsidiaries, provided that such industrial revenue, development or similar bonds are nonrecourse to the Guarantor or such Restricted Subsidiary; (q) any extension, renewal or replacement (or successive extensions, renewals or replacements), as a whole or in part, of any Encumbrance referred to in (a) to (p), inclusive, for amounts not exceeding the principal amount of the borrowed money secured by the Encumbrance so extended, renewed or replaced, provided that such extension, renewal or replacement Encumbrance is limited to all or a part of the same Principal Property, shares or stock of the Restricted Subsidiary that secured the Encumbrance extended, renewed or replaced (plus improvements on such Principal Property); and (r) Encumbrances in favor of the Guarantor or any subsidiary of the Guarantor. Notwithstanding the foregoing, the Guarantor or any Restricted Subsidiary may create or permit to subsist Encumbrances over any Principal Property, shares or stock of any of the Restricted Subsidiaries so long as the aggregate amount of indebtedness for borrowed money secured by all such Encumbrances (excluding therefrom the amount of the indebtedness secured by Encumbrances set forth in clauses (a) through (r), inclusive, above) does not exceed 15% of the consolidated shareholders’ equity of the Guarantor. (Section 1009). Definitions of Certain Terms. For the purposes of the above provisions and the provisions under “Limitation on Sales and Leasebacks” below, the term “Restricted Subsidiary” means any Subsidiary (i)substantially all of the physical properties of which are located, or substantially all the operations of which are conducted, within the United States or the United Kingdom and (ii) which owns a Principal Property. The term “Restricted Subsidiary” does not include any Subsidiary which is principally engaged in leasing or in financing instalment receivables or which is principally engaged in financing the operations of the Guarantor and its consolidated Subsidiaries. Additionally, the term “Principal Property” means any building, structure or other facility, together with the land upon which it is erected and fixtures comprising a part thereof, located in the United States or the United Kingdom, owned or leased by the 29


 
Guarantor or any Restricted Subsidiary, the gross book value (without deduction of any depreciation reserves) of which on the date as of which the determination is being made exceeds 2% of consolidated shareholders’ equity of the Guarantor, other than (i) any such building, structure or other facility or portion thereof which, in the opinion of the Board of Directors of the Guarantor, is not of material importance to the total business conducted by the Guarantor and its Subsidiaries as an entirety or (ii) any portion of any such property which, in the opinion of the Board of Directors of the Guarantor, is not of material importance to the use or operation of such property. (Section 101). Currently the Group has no Principal Properties. Limitation on Sales and Leasebacks The Indenture also provides that so long as the 2022 notes are Outstanding, the Guarantor will not, and the Guarantor will procure that no Restricted Subsidiary will, enter into any arrangement with any bank, insurance company or other lender or investor (not including the Guarantor or any Subsidiary), or to which any such lender or investor is a party, providing for the leasing by the Guarantor or a Restricted Subsidiary for a period, including renewals, in excess of three years of any Principal Property which has been owned by the Guarantor or a Restricted Subsidiary for more than six months and which has been or is to be sold or transferred by the Guarantor or any Restricted Subsidiary to such lender or investor or to any person to whom funds have been or are to be advanced by such lender or investor on the security of such Principal Property (herein referred to as a “sale and leaseback transaction”) unless either: (a) The Guarantor or such Restricted Subsidiary could create indebtedness secured by an Encumbrance (pursuant to the provisions governing limitations on liens discussed above) on the Principal Property to be leased back in an amount equal to the indebtedness attributable to such sale and leaseback transaction without equally and ratably securing the 2022 notes; or (b) the Guarantor, within one year after the sale or transfer will have been made by the Guarantor or a Restricted Subsidiary, applies an amount equal to the greater of (i) the net proceeds of the sale of the Principal Property sold and leased back pursuant to such arrangement or (ii) the fair market value of the Principal Property so sold and leased back at the time of entering into such arrangement (as determined by any two Directors of the Guarantor) to the retirement of indebtedness for money borrowed, incurred or assumed by the Guarantor or any Restricted Subsidiary which by its terms matures at, or is extendible or renewable at the option of the obliger to, a date more than 12 months after the date of incurring, assuming or guaranteeing such indebted· ness or (ii) to investment in any Principal Property. (Section 1010). Events of Default The following events will constitute Events of Default under the Indenture with respect to the 2022 notes: (a) failure to pay any interest or additional interest on the 2022 notes when due, continued for 30 days; (b) failure to pay principal of the 2022 notes when due; (c) failure to perform any other covenant of the Issuer or the Guarantor in the Indenture (other than a covenant included in the Indenture solely for the benefit of another series of securities), continued for 90 days after written notice as provided in the Indenture; and (d) certain events in bankruptcy, insolvency or reorganization involving the Issuer or the Guarantor. (Section 501). Subject to the provisions of the Indenture relating to the duties of the Trustee in case an Event of Default shall occur and be continuing, the Trustee will be under no obligation to exercise any of its rights or powers under the Indenture at the request or direction of any of the Holders unless such Holders shall have offered to the Trustee reasonable indemnity. (Section 603). Subject to such provisions 30


 
for the indemnification of the Trustee, the Holders of a majority in aggregate principal amount of the Outstanding 2022 notes will have the right to direct the time, method and place of conducting any proceeding for any remedy available to the Trustee or exercising any trust or power conferred on the Trustee. (Section 512). If an Event of Default with respect to the 2022 notes shall occur and be continuing, either the Trustee or the Holders of at least 25% in aggregate principal amount of the Outstanding 2022 notes by notice as provided in the Indenture may declare the principal amount of all of the Outstanding 2022 notes to be due and payable immediately. At any time after such declaration of acceleration has been made, but before a judgment or decree for payment of money has been obtained by the Trustee, the Holders of a majority in aggregate principal amount of the Outstanding 2022 notes, under certain circumstances, may rescind and annul such declaration. (Section 502). For information as to waiver of defaults, see “Modification and Waiver”. No Holder of 2022 notes will have any right to institute any proceeding with respect to the Indenture, the 2022 notes, the Guarantees or for any remedy thereunder, unless such Holder shall have previously given to the Trustee written notice of a continuing Event of Default and unless also the Holders of at least 25% in aggregate principal amount of the Outstanding 2022 notes shall have made written request, and offered reasonable indemnity, to the Trustee to institute such proceedings as trustee, and the Trustee shall not have received from the Holders of a majority in aggregate principal amount of the Outstanding 2022 notes, a direction inconsistent with such request and the Trustee shall have failed to institute such proceeding within 60 days. (Section 507). However, such limitations do not apply to a suit instituted by a Holder of the 2022 notes for the enforcement of payment of the principal or interest on the 2022 notes on or after the respective due dates. (Section 508). The Issuer and the Guarantor will be required to furnish to the Trustee annually a statement as to the performance by them of certain of their obligations under the Indenture and as to any default in such performance. (Section 704). Modification and Waiver Modification and amendments of the Indenture with respect to any series of the 2022 notes may be made by the Issuer, the Guarantor and the Trustee with the consent of the Holders of not less than a majority in aggregate principal amount of the Outstanding 2022 notes of that series; provided, however, that no such modification or amendment may, without the consent of the Holder of each Outstanding 2022 notes of such series, (a) change the Stated Maturity of the principal of, or any instalment of interest on 2022 notes, (b) reduce the principal amount of, premium, if any, or interest on 2022 notes, (c) change any obligations of the Guarantor to pay additional amounts, (d) change any Place of Payment where, or the coin or currency in which, the 2022 notes or any premium or interest thereon is payable, (e) impair the right to institute suit for the enforcement of any payment on or with respect to any security or guarantee of such series, (f) reduce the percentage in principal amount of Outstanding 2022 notes required for modification or amendment of the Indenture or tor waiver of compliance with certain provisions of the Indenture or the waiver of certain defaults, (g) reduce the requirements contained in the Indenture for quorum or voting, (h) change any obligation of the Issuer or the Guarantor to maintain an office or agency in the places and for the purposes required by the Indenture or (i) modify or affect in any manner adverse to the interests of the Holders of the 2022 notes the terms and conditions of the obligations of the Guarantor regarding the due and punctual payment of the principal thereof, premium, it any, and interest thereon or any sinking fund payments with respect to the 2022 notes. (Section 902). 31


 
The Indenture may also be modified or amended without the consent of the Holders, among other things, (1) to evidence the succession of another Person to the Issuer or the Guarantor, (2) to add to the covenants of the Issuer or the Guarantor for the benefit of Holders of 2022 notes or to surrender any power conferred upon the Issuer or the Guarantor, (3) to add any Events of Default, (4) to permit or facilitate the issuance of 2022 notes in bearer or uncertificated form, (5) to secure the 2022 notes, (6) to provide for successor or additional trustees, or (7) to cure any ambiguity, to correct or supplement any provision which may be inconsistent with any other provision or to make any other provisions with respect to matters or questions arising under the Indenture, provided such action shall not adversely affect the interests of Holders of 2022 notes in any material respect. (Section 901). The Holders of not less than a majority in aggregate principal amount of the Outstanding 2022 notes may waive any past default under the Indenture with respect to that series, except a default (a) in the payment of principal of, premium, if any, or any interest on 2022 notes or (b) in respect of a covenant or provision of the Indenture which cannot be modified or amended without the consent of the Holder of each Outstanding 2022 notes. (Section 513). Consolidation, Merger and Sale of Assets The Issuer or the Guarantor, without the consent of the Holders as set forth above, may consolidate with, or merge into, or transfer or lease their respective assets substantially as an entirety to, in the case of the Issuer, any Person organized under the laws of the United States, any State thereof or the District of Columbia, and, in the case of the Guarantor, any Person, provided that (i) any successor Person assumes the Issuer’s obligations on the 2022 notes or the Guarantor’s obligations on the Guarantees, (ii) after giving effect to the transaction, no event which, after notice or lapse of time would become an Event of Default, shall have occurred and be continuing and (iii) certain other conditions (including payment of additional amounts, if any, resulting therefrom by any Person succeeding the Guarantor who is not organized under the laws of the United States, any State thereof or the District of Columbia) are met. (Article Eight). The Guarantor or any of its Subsidiaries may, subject to certain restrictions, assume the obligations of the Issuer under the 2022 notes without the consent of the Holders of the 2022 notes. (Section 803). Such an assumption might be deemed for United States Federal income tax purposes to be an exchange of the 2022 notes by the holders thereof for new securities, resulting in recognition of taxable gain or loss for such purposes and possibly certain other adverse tax consequences. Consent to Service The Indenture provides that the Guarantor irrevocably designates CT Corporation System as its authorized agent for service of process in any legal action or proceeding arising out of or relating to the Indenture, the Securities or the Guarantees brought in any Federal or State court in the Borough of Manhattan, the City of New York, New York and irrevocably submits to the non-exclusive jurisdiction of such courts. (Section 115). 32


 
C. 7.450% Guaranteed Notes due 2035 Prospectus Supplement: DESCRIPTION OF SECURITIES General The 7.450% Guaranteed Notes due 2035 (“Securities”) were issued in an aggregate principal amount of $400,000,000, will bear interest at 7.450% per annum and will mature on 15 April 2035. The 2035 notes were issued pursuant to the Indenture dated as of 11 May 1994, as amended and restated by the second supplemental indenture dated 22 September 1994 (the “Indenture”) among Diageo Investment, Diageo (the “Guarantor”) and The Bank of New York Mellon, by succession, as trustee. References to “indenture” in this section shall mean the Indenture as defined above and references to “trustee” shall mean the Bank of New York Mellon with its address of principal executive offices at One Wall Street, New York, NY 10286. Payment and Settlement Interest on the Securities will be payable from April 26, 1995 or from the most recent Interest Payment Date to which interest has been paid or duly provided for, semi-annually in arrears on April 15 and October 15 in each year (each an “Interest Payment Date”), commencing October 15, 1995, at the rate of 7.45% per annum, until the principal thereof is paid or made available for payment. The interest so payable, and punctually paid or duly provided for, on any Interest Payment Date will, as provided in the Indenture, be paid to the Person in whose name the Security (or one or more Predecessor Securities) is registered at the close of business on the Regular Record Date for such interest, which shall be April 1 or October 1 (whether or not a Business Day), as the case may be, next preceding such Interest Payment Date. Any such interest not so punctually paid or duly provided for will forthwith cease to be payable to the Holder on such Regular Record Date and may either be paid to the Person in whose name the Security (or one or more Predecessor Securities) is registered at the close of business on a Special Record Date for the payment of such Defaulted Interest to be fixed by the Trustee, notice whereof shall be given to Holders of the Securities not less than 10 days prior to such Special Record Date, or be paid at any time in any other lawful manner not inconsistent with the requirements of any securities exchange on which the Securities may be listed, and upon such notice as may be required by such exchange, as provided in the Indenture. Settlement for the Securities will be made in same-day funds. All payments of principal and interest will be made by the Issuer in same-day funds. The Securities will trade in Same-Day Funds Settlement System of the Depositary until maturity, and secondary market trading activity for the Securities will therefore settle in same-day funds. Redemption of the Securities at the Option of the Holders The Securities will be redeemable at the option of each of the holders on April 15, 2005, at a Redemption Price equal to the principal amount of the Securities, plus accrued interest to the date of redemption. To exercise this option, a Holder must deliver a notice of exercise of the redemption option to the Issuer at the Corporate Trust Office of the Trustee or such other location of which the Issuer shall notify the Holder no earlier than February 15, 2005 and no later than March 15, 2005. Any such notice of exercise of the redemption option shall be irrevocable. The redemption option may be exercised by the Holder for less 33


 
than the entire principal amount of the Securities held by such Holder, so long as the principal amount that is to be redeemed is equal to $1,000 or an integral multiple of $1,000. All questions as to the validity, form, eligibility (including time of receipt) and acceptance of any Security for redemption will be determined by the Issuer, whose determination will be final and binding. Owners of beneficial interests in Global Securities must exercise their rights to the redemption option through the procedures of DTC. See “Book-Entry System”. Redemption of the Securities at the Option of the Issuer or the Guarantor In the event of certain tax law changes requiring the payment of additional amounts which become effective on or after April 26, 1995 (or in the case of an assumption of obligations of the Issuer under the Securities by the Guarantor or one of its Subsidiaries, which become effective on or after the date of such assumption), the Securities may be redeemed at the option of the Issuer or the Guarantor, in whole but not in part, as provided in the Indenture, at a Redemption Price equal to the principal amount thereof plus accrued interest to the date fixed for redemption. The Securities may also be redeemed at the option of the Guarantor, if the person formed by a consolidation of the Guarantor or into which the Guarantor is merged or to which the Guarantor conveys, transfers or leases its properties and assets substantially as an entirety is required to pay additional amounts as a consequence of such consolidation, merger, conveyance, transfer or lease. See “Description of Debt Securities and Guarantees — Optional Tax Redemption” in the Prospectus. Sinking Fund The provisions of Article 12 of the Indenture will not apply to the Securities. Base Prospectus: DESCRIPTION OF DEBT SECURITIES AND GUARANTEES Provisions Applicable to Both Senior and Subordinated Debt Securities General The Indentures provide that Debt Securities may be issued severally by each of the Issuers thereunder without limitation as to aggregate principal amount from time to time in one or more series. (Section 301). The Debt Securities are to mature on such dates and to bear interest at such rates and to have such terms and provisions not inconsistent with the Indenture as the applicable Issuer may determine. The Debt Securities will be unsecured obligations of the applicable Issuer and will be unconditionally guaranteed by the Guarantor (on a subordinated basis in the case of Subordinated Debt Securities) as to payment of principal, premium (if any) and interest thereon. Reference is made to the Applicable Prospectus Supplement for the following terms of the series of Debt Securities being offered thereby: (i) the Issuer of such Debt Securities, (ii) the specific designation of such Debt Securities; (iii) the aggregate principal amount of such Debt Securities; (iv) the date on which such Debt Securities will mature; (v) the rate per annum at which such Debt Securities will bear interest, if any, or the manner of calculation thereof; (vi) the times at which any such interest will be payable; (vii) any provision relating to the redemption of such Debt Securities (in addition to those described below); (viii) any provisions for sinking fund payments or analogous provisions; (ix) whether such Debt Securities will be in bearer form (which may or may not be registerable as to principal) with interest coupons, if any, or in fully registered 34


 
form or both, and restrictions on the exchange of one form for another; (x) whether such Debt Securities will be Senior Debt Securities or Subordinated Debt Securities; and (xi) any other specific terms of such Debt Securities. Unless otherwise indicated in the Applicable Prospectus Supplement, principal, premium (if any) and interest (if any) on the Debt Securities will be payable, and transfers of the Debt Securities will be registrable, at the office or agency of the applicable Issuer maintained for that purpose in the Borough of Manhattan, The City of New York, New York, provided that payment of interest may be made at the option of the Issuer by check (drawn upon a bank in The City of New York, New York) mailed to the address of the person entitled thereto as it appears in the Security Register. (Sections 301, 305, 307 and 1002). Unless otherwise indicated in the Applicable Prospectus Supplement, the Debt Securities will be issued only in fully registered form in denominations of $1,000 and integral multiples thereof (Sections 301 and 302). No service charge will be made for any registration of transfer or exchange of Debt Securities, but the applicable Issuer may require payment of a sum sufficient to cover any tax or other governmental charge that may be imposed in connection therewith. (Section 305). The Applicable Prospectus Supplement will contain a description of certain United States selling restrictions, and any other special provisions, relating to Debt Securities issued in bearer form. Some of the Debt Securities may be issued as Original Issue Discount Securities (bearing no interest or bearing interest at a rate which at the time of issuance is below market rates) to be sold at a substantial discount below their stated principal amount. For special United States Federal income tax considerations applicable to discounted Debt Securities, see “Taxation — United States — United States Holders — Original Issue Discount” herein. Some of the Debt Securities may be denominated and payments thereon may be made in currencies other than US dollars or composite currencies (including European Currency Units (“ECUs”)). A summary of any special considerations applicable to Debt Securities denominated and paid in currencies other than US dollars or paid in composite currencies (including ECUs) will be described in the Applicable Prospectus Supplement. In the case of a Debt Security denominated in a foreign currency, a state court in the State of New York rendering a judgment on such Debt Security would be required under Section 27 of the New York Judiciary Law to render such judgment in the foreign currency in which the Debt Security is denominated, and such judgment would be converted into United States dollars at the exchange rate prevailing on the date of entry of the judgment. The Indentures do not provide for any debt covenants that would afford the Holders of Debt Securities any protection in the event of a highly leveraged transaction or a change in control of any Issuer or the Guarantor. Ranking and Holding Company Structure Because the Guarantor is a holding company, its rights and the rights of its creditors, including the Holders of the Debt Securities, to participate in the distribution of the assets of any subsidiary upon such subsidiary’s liquidation or recapitalization will be subject to the prior claims of such subsidiary’s creditors except to the extent that the Guarantor may itself be a creditor with recognized claims against such subsidiary. As a holding company, the Guarantor is dependent upon dividends from, and repayment of amounts receivable from, its subsidiaries for cash to meet its operating expenses and to pay dividends to its shareholders. The Debt Securities will be unsecured obligations of the Guarantor. 35


 
The Guarantees The Guarantor will unconditionally guarantee (on a subordinated basis in the case of Subordinated Debt Securities) the due and punctual payment of the principal of, premium (if any) and interest on the Debt Securities, including any additional amounts that the Dutch Issuer is obligated to pay as described under “Payment of Additional Amounts” in the base prospectus, when and as the same shall become due and payable as described in the Applicable Prospectus Supplement, whether at Stated Maturity, by declaration of acceleration, call for redemption or otherwise. The Guarantees will be unsecured obligations of the Guarantor. (Sections 205 and 1004). Optional Tax Redemption The Debt Securities may be redeemed at the option of the applicable Issuer or the Guarantor, in whole but not in part, upon not less than 30 nor more than 60 days’ notice given as provided in each Indenture, at any time (except in the case of Debt Securities that have a variable rate of interest, which may be redeemed on any Interest Payment Date) at a Redemption Price equal to the principal amount thereof plus accrued interest to the date fixed for redemption (except in the case of Original Issue Discount Securities, which may be redeemed at the Redemption Price specified by the terms of such Securities) if, as a result of any change in or amendment to the laws or any regulations or rulings promulgated thereunder of the jurisdiction (or of any political subdivision or taxing authority thereof or therein) in which the Guarantor or, in the case of Debt Securities issued by the Dutch Issuer, the Dutch Issuer (or the successor thereto) or the Guarantor, is incorporated or any change in the official application or interpretation of such laws, regulations or rulings, or any change in the official application or interpretation of, or any execution of or amendment to, any treaty or treaties affecting taxation to which such jurisdiction (or such political subdivision or taxing authority) is a party, which change, execution or amendment becomes effective on or after the date specified for such series in the Applicable Prospectus Supplement (or in the case of an assumption of obligations of an Issuer under the Debt Securities by the Guarantor or its Subsidiaries pursuant to Section 803 of each Indenture, the date of such assumption), (i) the Guarantor or, in the case of Debt Securities issued by the Dutch Issuer, the Dutch Issuer or the Guarantor, as the case may be, is or would be required on the next succeeding Interest Payment Date to pay additional amounts with respect to the Guarantees or such Debt Securities, as the case may be, as described under “— Payment of Additional Amounts”, or (ii) the Guarantor or any Subsidiary of the Guarantor is or would be required to deduct or withhold tax on any payment to the applicable Issuer to enable such Issuer to make any payment of principal or interest in respect of the Debt Securities of any series and, in each case, the payment of such additional amounts in the case of (i) above or such deduction or withholding in the case of (ii) above cannot be avoided by the use of any reasonable measures available to the applicable Issuer, the Guarantor or the Subsidiary. The applicable Issuer or the Guarantor shall deliver to the Trustee an Officer’s Certificate to the effect that such circumstances exist. (Sections 1104 and 1108). The Debt Securities of each series may also be redeemed by the applicable Issuer, in whole but not in part, upon not less than 30 nor more than 60 days’ notice given as provided in each Indenture at any time (except in the case of Debt Securities that have a variable rate of interest, which may be redeemed on any Interest Payment Date) at a Redemption Price equal to the principal amount thereof plus accrued interest to the date fixed for redemption (except in the case of Original Issue Discount Securities, which may be redeemed at the Redemption Price specified by the terms of such Securities) if the Person formed by a consolidation of the Guarantor or into which the Guarantor is merged or to which the Guarantor conveys, transfers or leases its properties and assets substantially as an entirety is required to pay additional amounts in respect of any tax, assessment or governmental charge imposed on any Holder or required to be withheld or deducted from any payment to such Holder as a consequence of such consolidation, 36


 
merger, conveyance, transferor lease, See “— Consolidation, Merger and Sale of Assets” below. (Sections 801, 1104 and 1108). Such optional tax redemption may apply to individual issuances of Debt Securities by a particular Issuer, but under no circumstances may an Issuer redeem only part of an individual issuance. The applicable Issuer or the Guarantor, as the case may be, will also pay, or make available for payment, to Holders on the Redemption Date any additional amounts (as described under “— Payment of Additional Amounts”) resulting from the payment of such Redemption Price. (Section 1004, 1104 and 1108). Reference is made to the Applicable Prospectus Supplement relating to each series of Debt Securities which are Original Issue Discount Securities for the particular provisions relating to redemption of such Original Issue Discount Securities. Events of Default Unless otherwise specified in the Applicable Prospectus Supplement, the following events will constitute Events of Default under each Indenture with respect to Debt Securities of any series issued thereunder: (a) failure to pay any interest or additional amounts of interest on any Debt Security of that series when due, continued for 30 days; (b) failure to pay principal of any Debt Security of that series when due; (c) failure to perform any other covenant of the applicable Issuer or the Guarantor in such Indenture (other than a covenant included in such Indenture solely for the benefit of a series of Debt Securities other than that series), continued for 90 days after written notice as provided in such Indenture; and (d) certain events in bankruptcy, insolvency or reorganization involving the applicable Issuer or the Guarantor. (Section 501). Subject to the provisions of each Indenture relating to the duties of the Trustee thereunder in case an Event of Default shall occur and be continuing, such Trustee will be under no obligation to exercise any of its rights or powers under such Indenture at the request or direction of any of the Holders unless such Holders shall have offered to such Trustee reasonable indemnity. (Section 603). Subject to such provisions for the indemnification of the Trustees, the Holders of a majority in aggregate principal amount of the Outstanding Debt Securities of any series will have the right to direct the time, method and place of conducting any proceeding for any remedy available to the Trustee under the applicable Indenture or exercising any trust or power conferred on such Trustee. (Section 512). If an Event of Default with respect to Securities of any series shall occur and be continuing, either the Trustee under the applicable Indenture or the Holders of at least 25% in aggregate principal amount of the Outstanding Debt Securities of that series by notice as provided in such Indenture may declare the principal amount of all of the Outstanding Debt Securities of that series, and any interest accrued thereon, to be due and payable immediately. At any time after such declaration of acceleration has been made, but before a judgment or decree for payment of money has been obtained by such Trustee, the Holders of a majority in aggregate principal amount of the Outstanding Debt Securities of that series, under certain circumstances, may rescind and annul such declaration (Section 502). For information as to waiver of defaults, see “Modification and Waiver”. No Holder of any Debt Security will have any right to institute any proceeding with respect to the Indenture under which such Debt Security was issued, the Debt Securities issued thereunder, the related Guarantees or for any remedy thereunder, unless such Holder shall have previously given to the Trustee under such Indenture written notice of a continuing Event of Default and unless also the Holders of at least 25% in aggregate principal amount of the Outstanding Debt Securities of the same series shall have made written request, and offered reasonable indemnity, to such Trustee to institute such proceedings as 37


 
trustee, and such Trustee shall not have received from the Holders of a majority in aggregate principal amount of the Outstanding Debt Securities, a direction inconsistent with such request and shall have failed to institute such proceeding within 60 days. (Section 507). However, such limitations do not apply to a suit instituted by a Holder of a Debt Security for the enforcement of payment of the principal or interest on such Debt Security on or after the respective due dates. (Section 508). Each Issuer and the Guarantor will be required to furnish to each Trustee annually a statement as to the performance by them of certain of their obligations under the applicable Indenture and as to any default in such performance. (Section 704). Modification and Waiver Modification and amendments of each Indenture with respect to any series of Debt Securities issued thereunder may be made by the applicable Issuer, the Guarantor and the Trustee under such Indenture with the consent of the Holders of not less than a majority in aggregate principal amount of the Outstanding Debt Securities of that series; provided, however, that no such modification or amendment may, without the consent of the Holder of each Outstanding Debt Security of such series, (a) change the Stated Maturity of the principal of, or any instalment of interest on, any Debt Security of such series, (b) reduce the principal amount of, premium, if any, or interest on any Debt Security of such series, (c) change any obligations of the Guarantor to pay additional amounts, (d) change any Place of Payment where, or the coin or currency in which, the Debt Securities of such series or any premium or interest thereon is payable, (e) impair the right to institute suit for the enforcement of any payment on or with respect to any Debt Security or Guarantee of such series, (f) reduce the percentage in principal amount of Outstanding Debt Securities of such series required for modification or amendment of such Indenture or for waiver of compliance with certain provisions of such Indenture or the waiver of certain defaults, (g) reduce the requirements contained in such Indenture for quorum or voting, (h) change any obligation of the applicable Issuer or the Guarantor to maintain an office or agency in the places and for the purposes required by such Indenture, (i) modify or affect in any manner adverse to the interest of the Holders of the Debt Securities of such series the terms and conditions of the obligations of the Guarantor regarding the due and punctual payment of the principal thereon, premium, if any, and interest thereon or any sinking fund payments with respect to the Debt Securities of such series, or (j) in the case of a series of Subordinated Debt Securities, modify the provisions of the Subordinated Indenture with respect to the subordination of such Debt Securities or the Guarantees thereof (the “Subordinated Guarantees”) in a manner adverse to the Holders. (Section 902). Each Indenture may also be modified or amended without the consent of Holders, among other things, (a) to evidence the succession of another Person to any of the Issuers or the Guarantor, (b) to add to the covenants of any of the Issuers or the Guarantor for the benefit of Holders of all or any series of Debt Securities or to surrender any power conferred upon any of the Issuers or the Guarantor, (c) to add any Events of Default, (d) to permit or facilitate the issuance of Debt Securities in bearer or uncertificated form, (e), in the case of the Senior Indenture, to secure the Senior Debt Securities, (f) to provide for successor or additional trustees, or (g) to cure any ambiguity, to correct or implement any provision which may be inconsistent with any other provision or to make any other provisions with respect to matters or questions arising under the Indenture, provided such action shall not adversely affect the interests of Holders of Debt Securities of any series issued under such Indenture in any material respect. (Section 901). The Holders of a majority in aggregate principal amount of the Outstanding Debt Securities of any series under each Indenture may waive compliance by the Issuer of such Debt Securities with certain restrictive provisions of the applicable Indenture. (Section 1011 of the Senior Indenture and Section 1009 of the Subordinated Indenture). The Holders of not less than a majority in aggregate principal amount of 38


 
the Outstanding Debt Securities of any series may waive any past default under the Indenture with respect to that series, except a default (a) in the payment of principal of, premium, if any, or any interest on any Security of such series or (b) in respect of a covenant or provision of such Indenture which cannot be modified or amended without the consent of the Holder of each Outstanding Debt Security of that series. (Section 513). Consolidation, Merger and Sale of Assets Any of the Issuers or the Guarantor, without the consent of the Holders of the Debt Securities, may consolidate with, or merge into, or transfer or lease their respective assets substantially as an entirety to, in the case of a US Issuer, any Person organized under the laws of the United States, any State thereof or the District of Columbia, in the case of the Guarantor or the Dutch Issuer, any corporation, partnership or trust, provided that (i) any successor corporation, partnership or trust assumes the applicable Issuer’s obligations on the Debt Securities or the Guarantor’s obligations on the Guarantees, (ii) after giving effect to the transaction, no event which, after notice or lapse of time, would become an Event of Default, shall have occurred and be continuing and (iii) certain other conditions (including payment of additional amounts, if any, resulting therefrom by any corporation, partnership or trust succeeding the Guarantor or the Dutch Issuer who is not organized under the laws of the United States, any State thereof or the District of Columbia) are met. (Article Eight). The Guarantor or any of its Subsidiaries may, subject to certain restrictions, assume the obligations of any of the Issuers under the Debt Securities of any series without the consent of the Holders of such Debt Securities. (Section 803). Such assumption might be deemed for United States Federal income tax purposes to be an exchange of Debt Securities by the holders thereof, for new securities resulting in recognition of taxable gain or loss for such purposes and possibly certain other adverse tax consequences. Holders should consult their own tax advisors regarding the United States Federal, state and local income tax consequences of such an assumption. Consent to Service Each Indenture provides that each of the Guarantor and the Dutch Issuer irrevocably designates GMIC as its authorized agent for service of process in any legal action or proceeding arising out of or relating to such Indenture, the Debt Securities issued thereunder or the Guarantees relating thereto brought in any Federal or State court in the Borough of Manhattan, the City of New York, State of New York and irrevocably submits to the non-exclusive jurisdiction of such courts. (Section 115). Provisions Applicable Solely to Senior Debt Securities General Senior Debt Securities will be issued under the Senior Indenture and will rank pari passu with all other unsecured and unsubordinated indebtedness of the applicable Issuer and the Guarantor. Limitations on Liens The Senior Indenture provides that so long as any of the Senior Debt Securities are Outstanding, the Guarantor will not, and the Guarantor will procure that no Restricted Subsidiary will, create or permit to subsist any Encumbrance on the whole or any part of any Principal Property or upon any shares or stock of any Restricted Subsidiary to secure any present or future indebtedness for borrowed money without making, or causing such Restricted Subsidiary to make, effective provisions whereby the Senior Debt 39


 
Securities (together with, if the Guarantor shall so determine, any other indebtedness of the Guarantor or such Restricted Subsidiary then existing or thereafter created which is not subordinate to the Senior Debt Securities) will be secured equally and ratably with (or, at the option of the Guarantor or such Restricted Subsidiary, prior to) such indebtedness for borrowed money, so long as such indebtedness for borrowed money will be so secured. However, such limitations will not apply to: (a) any Encumbrance subsisting on or prior to the date of the Senior Indenture; (b) any Encumbrance arising by operation of law and not securing amounts more than 90 days overdue or otherwise being contested in good faith; (c) judgment Encumbrances not giving rise to an Event of Default; (d) any Encumbrance subsisting over a Principal Property, shares or stock of any Restricted Subsidiary (which becomes a Restricted Subsidiary after the date of the Senior Indenture) prior to the date of such Restricted Subsidiary becoming a Restricted Subsidiary, provided that such Encumbrance was not created in contemplation of such Restricted Subsidiary becoming a Restricted Subsidiary; (e) any Encumbrance over any Principal Property (or documents of title thereto), shares or stock of any Restricted Subsidiary acquired by the Guarantor or any Restricted Subsidiary as security for, or for indebtedness incurred, to finance all or part of the price of its acquisition, development, redevelopment, modification or improvement; (f) any Encumbrance over any Principal Property (or documents of title thereto), shares or stock of any Restricted Subsidiary which is acquired by the Guarantor or any Restricted Subsidiary subject to such Encumbrance; (g) any Encumbrance to secure indebtedness for borrowed money incurred in connection with a specifically identifiable project where the Encumbrance relates to a Principal Property involved in such project and acquired by the Guarantor or any Restricted Subsidiary after the date of the Senior Indenture and the recourse of the creditors in respect of such indebtedness is limited to such project and Principal Property; (h) any Encumbrance arising solely by operation of law over any credit balance or cash held in any account with a financial institution; (i) rights of financial institutions to offset credit balances in connection with the operation of cash management programs established for the benefit of the Guarantor and/or any Restricted Subsidiary or in connection with the issuance of letters of credit for the benefit of the Guarantor and/or any Restricted Subsidiary; (j) any Encumbrance securing indebtedness of the Guarantor or any Restricted Subsidiary for borrowed money incurred in connection with the financing of accounts receivable; (k) any Encumbrance incurred or deposits made in the ordinary course of business, including, but not limited to, (i) any mechanics’, materialmen’s, carriers’, workmen’s, vendors’ or other like Encumbrances, (ii) any Encumbrances securing amounts in connection with workers’ compensation, unemployment insurance and other types of social security, and (iii) any easements, rights-of-way, restrictions and other similar charges; (I) any Encumbrance upon specific items of inventory or other goods and proceeds of the Guarantor or any Restricted Subsidiary securing the Guarantor’s or any such Restricted Subsidiary’s obligations in respect of bankers’ acceptances issued or created for the account of such person to facilitate the purchase, shipment or storage of such inventory or other goods; (m) any Encumbrance incurred or deposits made securing the performance of tenders, bids, leases, statutory obligations, surety and appeal bonds, government contracts, performance and return-of-money bonds and other obligations of like nature incurred in the ordinary course of business; (n) any Encumbrance on any Principal Property of the Guarantor or any Restricted Subsidiary in favor of the Federal Government of the United States or the government of any State thereof, or the government of the United Kingdom, or the European Union, or any instrumentality of any of them, securing the obligations of the Guarantor or any Restricted Subsidiary pursuant to any contract or payments owed to such entity pursuant to applicable laws, rules, regulations or statutes; (o) any Encumbrance securing taxes or assessments or other applicable governmental charges or levies; (p) any Encumbrance securing industrial revenue, development or similar bonds issued by or for the benefit of the Guarantor or any of its Restricted Subsidiaries, provided that such industrial revenue, development or similar bonds are nonrecourse to the Guarantor or such Restricted Subsidiary; (q) any extension, renewal or replacement (or successive extensions, renewals or replacements), as a whole or in part, of any Encumbrances referred to in (a) to (p) inclusive, for amounts not exceeding the principal amount of the borrowed money secured by the Encumbrance so extended, renewed or replaced, provided that such extension, renewal or replacement Encumbrance is limited to all 40


 
or a part of the same Principal Property, shares or stock of the Restricted Subsidiary that secured the Encumbrance extended, renewed or replaced (plus improvements on such Principal Property); and (r) Encumbrances in favor of the Guarantor or any subsidiary of the Guarantor. Notwithstanding the foregoing, the Guarantor or any Restricted Subsidiary may create or permit to subsist Encumbrances over any Principal Property, shares or stock of any of the Restricted Subsidiaries so long as the aggregate amount of indebtedness for borrowed money secured by all such Encumbrances (excluding therefrom the amount of the indebtedness secured by Encumbrances set forth in clauses (a) through (r), inclusive, above) does not exceed 15% of the Consolidated Shareholders Equity of the Guarantor. (Section 1009). Definitions of Certain Terms. For the purposes of the above provisions and the provisions under “Limitations on Sales and Leasebacks” below, the term “Restricted Subsidiary” means any Subsidiary (i) substantially all of the physical properties of which are located, or substantially all the operations of which are conducted, within the United States or the United Kingdom and (ii) which owns a Principal Property. The term “Restricted Subsidiary” does not include any Subsidiary which is principally engaged in leasing or in financing instalment receivables or which is principally engaged in financing the operations of the Guarantor and its consolidated Subsidiaries. Additionally, the term “Principal Property” means any building, structure or other facility, together with the land upon which it is erected and fixtures comprising a part thereof, located in the United States or the United Kingdom, owned or leased by the Guarantor or any Restricted Subsidiary, the gross book value (without deduction of any depreciation reserves) of which on the date as of which the determination is being made exceeds 2% of Consolidated Shareholders’ Equity of the Guarantor, other than (i) any such building, structure or other facility or portion thereof which, in the opinion of the Board of Directors of the Guarantor, is not of material importance to the total business conducted by the Guarantor and its Subsidiaries as an entirety or (ii) any portion of any such property which, in the opinion of the Board of Directors of the Guarantor, is not of material importance to the use or operation of such property. (Section 101). The Group currently has no Principal Properties. Limitations on Sales and Leasebacks The Senior Indenture also provides that so long as any of the Senior Debt Securities are Outstanding, the Guarantor will not, and the Guarantor will procure that no Restricted Subsidiary will, enter into any arrangement with any bank, insurance company or other lender or investor (not including the Guarantor or any Subsidiary), or to which any such lender or investor is a party, providing for the leasing by the Guarantor or a Restricted Subsidiary for a period, including renewals, in excess of three years of any Principal Property which has been owned by the Guarantor or a Restricted Subsidiary for more than six months and which has been or is to be sold or transferred by the Guarantor or any Restricted Subsidiary to such lender or investor or to any person to whom funds have been or are to be advanced by such lender or investor on the security of such Principal Property (herein referred to as a “sale and leaseback transaction”) unless either: (a) the Guarantor or such Restricted Subsidiary could create indebtedness secured by an Encumbrance (pursuant to the provisions governing limitations on liens as discussed above) on the Principal Property to be leased back in an amount equal to the indebtedness attributable to such sale and leaseback transaction without equally and ratably securing the Debt Securities; or (b) the Guarantor, within one year after the sale or transfer will have been made by the Guarantor or a Restricted Subsidiary, applies an amount equal to the greater of (i) the net proceeds of the sale of the Principal Property sold and leased back pursuant to such arrangement 41


 
or (ii) the fair market value of the Principal Property so sold and leased back at the time of entering into such arrangement (as determined by any two Directors of the Guarantor) to (A) the retirement of indebtedness for money borrowed, incurred or assumed by the Guarantor or any Restricted Subsidiary which by its terms matures at, or is extendible or renewable at the option of the obligor to, a date more than 12 months after the date of incurring, assuming or guaranteeing such indebtedness or (B) investment in any Principal Property. (Section 1010). 42


 


Exhibit 12.1

I, Ivan Menezes, certify that:

1.
I have reviewed this annual report on Form 20-F of Diageo plc;

2.
Based on my knowledge, this report does not contain any untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state a material fact necessary to make the statements made, in light of the circumstances under which such statements were made, not misleading with respect to the period covered by this report;

3.
Based on my knowledge, the financial statements, and other financial information included in this report, fairly present in all material respects the financial condition, results of operations and cash flows of the company as of, and for, the periods presented in this report;

4.
The company’s other certifying officer(s) and I are responsible for establishing and maintaining disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e)) and internal control over financial reporting (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(f) and 15d-15(f)) for the company and have:

(a) Designed such disclosure controls and procedures, or caused such disclosure controls and procedures to be designed under our supervision, to ensure that material information relating to the company, including its consolidated subsidiaries, is made known to us by others within those entities, particularly during the period in which this report is being prepared;

(b) Designed such internal control over financial reporting, or caused such internal control over financial reporting to be designed under our supervision, to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles;

(c) Evaluated the effectiveness of the company’s disclosure controls and procedures and presented in this report our conclusions about the effectiveness of the disclosure controls and procedures, as of the end of the period covered by this report based on such evaluation; and

(d) Disclosed in this report any change in the company’s internal control over financial reporting that occurred during the period covered by the annual report that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, the company’s internal control over financial reporting; and

5.
The company’s other certifying officer(s) and I have disclosed, based on our most recent evaluation of internal control over financial reporting, to the company’s auditors and the audit committee of the company’s board of directors (or persons performing the equivalent functions):

(a) All significant deficiencies and material weaknesses in the design or operation of internal control over financial reporting which are reasonably likely to adversely affect the company’s ability to record, process, summarize and report financial information; and

(b) Any fraud, whether or not material, that involves management or other employees who have a significant role in the company’s internal control over financial reporting.


Date: 5 August 2019

/s/ I Menezes
Name: I Menezes
Title: Chief Executive
(Principal Executive Officer)




Exhibit 12.2

I, Kathryn Mikells, certify that:

1.
I have reviewed this annual report on Form 20-F of Diageo plc;

2.
Based on my knowledge, this report does not contain any untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state a material fact necessary to make the statements made, in light of the circumstances under which such statements were made, not misleading with respect to the period covered by this report;

3.
Based on my knowledge, the financial statements, and other financial information included in this report, fairly present in all material respects the financial condition, results of operations and cash flows of the company as of, and for, the periods presented in this report;

4.
The company’s other certifying officer(s) and I are responsible for establishing and maintaining disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e)) and internal control over financial reporting (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(f) and 15d-15(f)) for the company and have:

(a) Designed such disclosure controls and procedures, or caused such disclosure controls and procedures to be designed under our supervision, to ensure that material information relating to the company, including its consolidated subsidiaries, is made known to us by others within those entities, particularly during the period in which this report is being prepared

(b) Designed such internal control over financial reporting, or caused such internal control over financial reporting to be designed under our supervision, to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles;

(c) Evaluated the effectiveness of the company’s disclosure controls and procedures and presented in this report our conclusions about the effectiveness of the disclosure controls and procedures, as of the end of the period covered by this report based on such evaluation; and

(d) Disclosed in this report any change in the company’s internal control over financial reporting that occurred during the period covered by the annual report that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, the company’s internal control over financial reporting; and

5.
The company’s other certifying officer(s) and I have disclosed, based on our most recent evaluation of internal control over financial reporting, to the company’s auditors and the audit committee of the company’s board of directors (or persons performing the equivalent functions):

(a) All significant deficiencies and material weaknesses in the design or operation of internal control over financial reporting which are reasonably likely to adversely affect the company’s ability to record, process, summarize and report financial information; and

(b) Any fraud, whether or not material, that involves management or other employees who have a significant role in the company’s internal control over financial reporting.


Date: 5 August 2019

/s/ K Mikells
Name: K Mikells
Title: Chief Financial Officer
(Principal Financial Officer)




Exhibit 13.1

Certification

Pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002

(Subsections (a) and (b) of Section 1350, Chapter 63 of Title 18, United States Code)

Pursuant to section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 (subsections (a) and (b) of section 1350, chapter 63 of title 18, United States Code), the undersigned officer of Diageo plc, a public limited company incorporated under the laws of England and Wales (the ‘Company’), hereby certifies, to such officer’s knowledge, that:

The Annual Report on Form 20-F for the year ended 30 June 2019 (the ‘Report’) of the Company fully complies with the requirements of section 13(a) or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 and information contained in the Report fairly presents, in all material respects, the financial condition and results of operations of the Company.


Date: 5 August 2019

/s/ I Menezes
Name: I Menezes
Title: Chief Executive
(Principal Executive Officer)


The foregoing certification is being furnished solely pursuant to section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 (subsections (a) and (b) of section 1350, chapter 63 of title 18, United States Code) and is not being filed as part of the Report or as a separate disclosure document.




Exhibit 13.2

Certification

Pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002

(Subsections (a) and (b) of Section 1350, Chapter 63 of Title 18, United States Code)

Pursuant to section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 (subsections (a) and (b) of section 1350, chapter 63 of title 18, United States Code), the undersigned officer of Diageo plc, a public limited company incorporated under the laws of England and Wales (the ‘Company’), hereby certifies, to such officer’s knowledge, that:

The Annual Report on Form 20-F for the year ended 30 June 2019 (the ‘Report’) of the Company fully complies with the
requirements of section 13(a) or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 and information contained in the Report fairly presents,
in all material respects, the financial condition and results of operations of the Company.


Date: 5 August 2019

/s/ K Mikells
Name: K Mikells
Title: Chief Financial Officer
(Principal Financial Officer)


The foregoing certification is being furnished solely pursuant to section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 (subsections (a) and (b) of section 1350, chapter 63 of title 18, United States Code) and is not being filed as part of the Report or as a separate disclosure document.




Exhibit 15.1

Consent of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm

We hereby consent to the incorporation by reference in the Registration Statements on Form F-3 of Diageo plc (No. 333-224340), Diageo Capital plc (No. 333-224340-01) and Diageo Investment Corporation (No. 333-224340-02) and Form S-8 of Diageo plc (No. 333-223071, 333-153481, 333-154338, 333-162490, 333-169934, 333-182315, 333-206290) of our report dated 5 August 2019 relating to the financial statements and the effectiveness of internal control over financial reporting, which appears in this Form 20-F. We also consent to the reference to us under the heading “Historical Information”.


/s/ PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP
London, United Kingdom
5 August 2019