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ASOS Plc Annual Report and Accounts 2024
STRATEGIC REPORT GOVERNANCE REPORT FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
02
ASOS PLC
ANNUAL REPORT AND ACCOUNTS 2024
Our mission is to be
the worlds number
one fashion destination
for fashion-loving
20-somethings.
We are customer-first
Our behaviours
We are in it together
We are honest and transparent
We bring our authentic self
to work
We inspire
We move fast and innovate
at speed
We keep it simple and lead
with data
We take ownership and aim
for excellence
Our values
Creative
Deliver
We challenge each other
(with kindness)
We aim high
Brave
Authentic
MEN
TS
m
e
r
-
r
s
t
rs
W
e
at
W
e
wit
W
e
for
ASOS PLC
ANNUAL REPORT AND ACCOUNTS 2024
03
STRATEGIC REPORT
02 Our mission, values and behaviours
03 Contents
04 ASOS brands and labels
06 Partner brands
08 2024 highlights
09 Chair’s statement
10 Chief Executive Officer’s statement
12 Business model
14 Strategic review
18 Our people
22 Stakeholder engagement
28 Fashion with Integrity
34 Task Force on Climate-related
Financial Disclosures
46 Streamlined Energy & Carbon Reporting
54 Key performance indicators
56 Financial review
62 Risk management at ASOS
64 Principal risks and opportunities
70 Long-term viability statement
GOVERNANCE REPORT
72 Board of Directors
76 Management Committee
78 Corporate Governance Report
90 Nomination Committee Report
94 Sustainability Committee Report
96 Audit Committee Report
102 Directors’ Remuneration Report
104 Annual Report on Remuneration
116 Directors’ Report
119 Non-financial and sustainability
informationstatement
120 Statement of Directors’ responsibilities
FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
122 Independent Auditors’ Report to the
members of ASOS Plc
130 Consolidated Income Statement
131 Consolidated Statement of
Comprehensive Income
132 Consolidated Balance Sheet
133 Consolidated Statement of Changes in Equity
134 Consolidated Cash Flow Statement
135 Notes to the Consolidated Financial
Statements
180 Company Balance Sheet
181 Company Statement of Changes in Equity
182 Notes to the Company Financial Statements
186 Related Undertakings of the ASOS Group
188 Alternative Performance Measures (APMs)
194 Company Information
195 Shareholder Information
We believe in a world where you have the
freedom to explore andexpress yourself
without judgement, no matter who you are
or where youre from. That is why our purpose
is to give fashion-loving 20-somethings the
confidence to be whoever they want to be.
STRATEGIC REPORT GOVERNANCE REPORT FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
04
ASOS PLC
ANNUAL REPORT AND ACCOUNTS 2024
ASOS brands
and labels
Our largest in-house brand,
designed and sold exclusively
for ASOS.com. Serving up all the
major trends of the season for
our fashion-loving 20-somethings,
this is the go-to destination for
your fashion fix. We create
trends, head to toe looks and
the ultimate pieces for your
wardrobe.
As our in-house premium brand,
we create timeless essentials
andunique occasion pieces with
afeminine slant. From the perfect
white tee to floor-sweeping
showstoppers, everything is
designed, draped and pattern cut
in-house. Elevated but accessible
too, in sizes 4-30. It’s all in the
detail. Bold embellishments,
hand-painted prints, clean lines,
premium fabrics. Craftsmanship
and considered design run
through every piece.
Asos Luxe is serving elevated
glam looks for those “standout
moments. Whether it’s a
birthday outfit or a poolside
look – ASOS Luxe is the
go-to brand for making a
showstopping entrance.
ASOS PLC
ANNUAL REPORT AND ACCOUNTS 2024
05
Leading fashion authority. Iconic
brands deeply rooted in fashion
and culture alike. The creative
direction ensures the brand
heritage is cherished and evolved
into the new era, remaining
relevant to our customers.
Miss Selfridge is about embracing your
vibe with effortless feminine dreamy
casual silhouettes, designed for a new
generation. Soft girl meets blends of
heritage boho with a fresh girl next
door aesthetic. We take the latest
trends and make them fun, wearable
and a representation of you.
Weekend Collective is the brand that
personifies off-duty glam leisurewear.
Our range of quality everyday
essentials are perfect for the “it”
girl of today, focusing on signature
logo branded pieces.
A brand for the coming of age,
created for a new generation,
pioneered for everyone. Collusion
is diverse, authentic, fashion
creditable and is competitively
priced, delivering good quality.
At the heart of the brand is
inclusivity.
4505 is our in-house activewear
brand that covers your everyday
uniform of workout essentials
across studio, gym, run and
winter sports. Inspired by the
latest workout trends and
culture,our fashion forward
active product is designed for
functionality, performance,
andversatility – it’s everything
you need to keep you motivated,
looking great, and feeling great on
your wellness and fitness journey.
Throwing it back to past eras, inspired
by nostalgia, encouraging individualism
and creativity. Each piece is created
to be loved, worn and worn again, filling
your wardrobe with eclectic favourites
and forever pieces.
STRATEGIC REPORT GOVERNANCE REPORT FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
06
ASOS PLC
ANNUAL REPORT AND ACCOUNTS 2024
Partner brands
ASOS PLC
ANNUAL REPORT AND ACCOUNTS 2024
07
Face + Body
STRATEGIC REPORT GOVERNANCE REPORT FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
08
ASOS PLC
ANNUAL REPORT AND ACCOUNTS 2024
Revenue
£2.9bn
2023: £3.5bn
Operating (loss)
331.9m)
2023: (£248.5m)
2024
highlights
67.2m
2023: 83.7m
Total orders
2023: £40.33
Net average basket value
£41.07
2023: 2.7bn
2.3bn
Total visits
We invested in impactful marketing activity
including our first-ever ASOS pop-up shop,
as well as brand partner and ASOS Media
Group initiatives with the likes of adidas,
Nike, On Running, and Sol de Janeiro.
Plus, we’ve grown our gifted influencer
base to c.1,500 influencers across
the UK, US and EU – all helping us grow
our connection with our customers.
We rolled out AI tools to improve productivity
and efficiency across the business – including
better demand forecasting, data-driven
decision-making, and testing a customer-
facing AI Stylist – all adding to our use of AI
for the billions of product recommendations
we deliver to our customers every day.
We enhanced our customer experience
with improvements to sizing, how we display
products, and greater use of videos and
360 imagery. We reduced our returns
rate,while continuing to make free returns
available to all customers in all our core
markets subject to our fair use policy.
Reaching our
community of
fashion lovers
We launched our new Buy the Look feature, allowing customers
to shop for entire outfits curated by ASOS in one click. Over
124,000 Looks have been created to date, with c.14 million
unique visitors to ASOS interacting with the feature since
itlaunched, driving higher basket size and value.
Building a destination for style
Our Test & React programme, which brings
product from design to site in less than three
weeks, met its FY24 target with over 10%
of own-brand sales. We introduced over
50new partner brands including customer
favourites like Veja, TALA, Hugo Blue, Murci,
and Laneige. Plus, we’ve expanded Partner
Fulfils to reach c.5% of Gross Merchandise
Value across c.100 brands, bringing customers
even greater breadth and depth of products,
fulfilled directly by our brand partners.
Delivering the best product
Using data and AI
Reducing cost to serve
m
pact
f
ul marketing activity
s
t-ever ASOS p
op-
up
sho
p,
partner and A
SOS
Media
s
with the likes o
f
adidas,
g
, and Sol de Janeiro.
w
n our gi
f
ted in
uencer
influencers across
E
U – all helpin
g
us
g
row
w
i
t
h
ou
r
custo
m
e
r
s.
£80.1m
Adjusted EBITDA
1
2023: £124.5m
1 Adjusted EBITDA is an alternative
performance measure. Refer to pages 188 to
193 for reconciliation to statutory measures.
19.6m
2023: 23.3m
Active customers
ASOS PLC
ANNUAL REPORT AND ACCOUNTS 2024
09
FY24 was about delivering on the next stage of ASOS’ Driving Change
agenda, and accelerating the transition to becoming a faster, more
agile, and more profitable business. Some of these changes
haveimpacted revenue growth in the short-term, but we have made
considerable progress towards becoming a business that can deliver
sustainably profitable growth in the future.
A detailed analysis of our performance in the year is contained in
the following pages, but I am pleased that ASOS has delivered on
its profitability and strategic targets for the year.
Notably:
Delivering positive adjusted EBITDA of £80.1m, and reaching a
second half adjusted EBITDA margin of 6.9%, despite significant
volume de-leverage.
Reducing the cost to serve through fundamental efciency
improvements, particularly across both our fixed and variable
warehousing and distribution costs.
Reducing stock levels by c.30% since the start of the year as a result
of more disciplined buying and strong clearance through ASOS.com
and third-party channels.
Further embedding a faster stock model and improving speed to
market, including achieving our target of scaling Test & React to
>10% of own-brand sales, bringing product from design to site within
three weeks.
Scaling flexible models to bring customers even greater breadth and
depth of products, including doubling our flexible fulfilment business
to c.5% of third-party GMV
1
across c.100 brands.
Reviewing and revising our approach to Fashion with Integrity to
ensure we’re aligning with the latest best practice, focusing on
the right issues, and preparing the business for future regulation.
Strengthening our balance sheet by improving our financial flexibility
through our re-financing and demonstrating our efficient and
disciplined capital allocation with the recent Topshop and Topman
joint venture
2
in early FY25.
Chair’s
statement
”FY24 was about delivering on the
next stage of ASOS’ Driving Change
agenda, and accelerating the transition
to becoming a faster, more agile,
and more profitable business.
Jørgen Lindemann
Chair
Reinvigorating our company leadership, both at the Management
Committee and Board levels.
I would like to thank our ASOSers for their hard work and passion
which are the driving force behind the considerable progress ASOS
has made over the last 12 months, and our shareholders for their
support. I would also like to take this opportunity to thank Mai Fyfield
who stepped down from the Board on 7 February 2024 and welcome
the new Board members who have joined us during the year.
More details on our Board changes are included on pages 90 to 91.
Our Right to Win comes from leveraging our unique capabilities –
having the best product, providing a destination for style, having
a compelling and distinct brand, offering competitive convenience,
andall underpinned by disciplined capital allocation. Having the best
product is at the heart of this flywheel and, following two years
of significant focus and hard work, we leave FY24 with stock in the
best position it has been in many years. At the same time, we’ve
fundamentally improved the foundations of our business to be able
to deliver sustainably profitable growth. This transition away from our
old operating model while scaling our new commercial model has been
our greatest challenge over the last two years, but it now represents
our greatest opportunity. Fashion has the power to excite and inspire,
and into FY25, we look forward to providing our c.20m customers with
a market-leading destination for style.
Jørgen Lindemann
Chair
5 November 2024
1 Gross Merchandise Value.
2 The arrangement with Heartland, whilst referred to as a joint venture throughout
thisreport, will be accounted for as an associate, as detailed in Note 30 of the
FinancialStatements.
This journey of rebuilding ASOS started two years ago. In previous
letters, I’ve described some of the challenges facing the business and
some of the actions we’re taking to build ourselves back faster, more
agile, and better able to serve our fashion-loving 20-something
customers. We know that by having the most exciting product, by
focusing on inspiration over transaction, by providing an exciting
customer journey enabled by a fast and agile operation, we can build
asustainable, profitable business and return to growth.
From the start of this journey, we’ve been determined to take the
‘medicine’ required and face our problems head on, even when it has
been painful or unpopular. I’d like to describe that journey – what
we’vedone as well as what’s next – and why I’m more confident than
ever that we’re on the right path to be the number one destination
forfashion-loving 20-somethings.
What have we achieved so far?
Since October 2022, with our Driving Change agenda, we were
determined to make ASOS a healthy business ensuring that our
operations were efcient and effective, and that all our efforts were
creating value for our customers, our brand partners, our ASOSers and
our shareholders. Internally, I spoke about this as a two-step plan: starting
with ‘Back to Basics’, which was about bringing stability and laying solid
foundations both operationally and financially, and ‘Back to Fashion’ which
is focused on recapturing the hearts and minds of our target customers.
ASOS needed time to cleanse and rebuild – such a transformation could
only be built over a disciplined revision of everything we do, bringing
arefreshed level of rigour to each process in our value creation chain.
Onlythen would we be in a position to grow again.
At the core of this process has been the transformation of our stock
model and we can be proud that today our stock is in the strongest
position it has been for many years. Two years ago, we had far too
much inventory – c.£1bn for c.£4bn of sales, with a very large intake of
new inventory arriving over the following year. We faced the problem
head on and cut intake dramatically, we restructured the way that we
buy, we prioritised speed and net realised margin, we incubated new
commercial models like Test & React, which we have scaled to over 10%
of our own brand mix, and scaled our flexible fulfilment models –
Partner Fulfils and ASOS Fulfilment Services – to c.5% of partner
brand Gross Merchandise Value (GMV).
We have reduced stock levels by c.50% over the last two years, and
completely refreshed our offering now with c.80% of fashion stock
being product that has been on site for less than six months. We’ve also
fundamentally restructured the way we buy and manage our inventory
so that we never find ourselves back in such a heavily overstocked
position. At the same time, we’ve cut our over-reliance on discounting
and built a business focused on selling the best fashion at full-price.
This has helped us attract exciting new brands for our customers like
Arket, Laneige and Veja, all joining in recent months.
We have cleansed our logistics operation, rationalising excess space to
increase efficiency, rebuilding our processes with increased visibility
and speed to bring our customers a better experience. Over the last
two years we have improved our missed customer delivery promise
byhalving the share of parcels delivered late. We transformed our
performance marketing model, removing inefcient spend to increase
return on advertising spend (ROAS) by +18% in Q4.
We rethought the economics of our international markets last year
and all of our markets now deliver a positive contribution profit, with
dedicated efforts in North America to restore profitability. In order
toachieve this, we had to make changes to our propositions targeted
at unprofitable customers and revenues. This resulted in a shrinking
ofthe business, but was the right decision so that we can build from
thestrongest possible foundations.
We also continued the evolution of our leadership team to prepare for
the next phase of our journey. We welcomed Anthony Ben Sadoun as
Executive Vice President (EVP) Digital Product in February, Dave
Murray as Chief Financial Officer in April, and Ras Vaghjiani as EVP of
People Experience in July. We also welcomed Rishi Sharma as Interim
General Counsel and Company Secretary in May (Emma Whyte is on
maternity leave) and Hugh Williams as Interim EVP Technology in June.
Chief Executive
Ofcers statement
“From the start of this journey, we’ve been
determined to take the ‘medicine’ required and
face our problems head on, even when it has been
painful or unpopular. I’d like to describe that
journey – what we’ve done aswell as whats next
– and why I’m more confident than ever that were
on the right path to be the number one destination
forfashion-loving 20-somethings.
CEO
José Antonio Ramos Calamonte
GOVERNANCE REPORTSTRATEGIC REPORT FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
10
ASOS PLC
ANNUAL REPORT AND ACCOUNTS 2024
In recent months, we have seen signs that the changes we have
implemented are starting to bear fruit. We have seen a consistent
evolution on Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) with 24% growth in
sales of new product over the last 3 months from 6% higher stock,
30% faster stock turn, and variable contribution margin up c.4ppts.
InSeptember, we also delivered a major milestone in this journey with
the strengthening of our balance sheet through the formation of a
Topshop Topman joint venture and our successful refinancing, bringing
to ASOS the right level of balance sheet flexibilityto complete this
journey.
What’s next?
As we enter FY25, we now feel that the major blocks of our foundations
are largely built. While we will maintain our obsession with operational
efficiency and speed, our focus shifts to relentlessly improving on the
pillars of our “Right to Win” – the best & most relevant product, being
adestination for style, delivering an engaging customer journey and
competitive convenience. Clearly, the logical consequence of completing
this journey will be to bring the company back to revenue growth, but
thismust be sustainable, profitable growth. In the past, ASOS’ growth
was built over an ambitious geographic expansion, with a wide base of
customers globally, but a relatively small share of wallet. In my opinion,
the future growth of ASOS should be built over different pillars – with
agreater focus on share of wallet from our core customers in our
coremarkets.
Our ultimate goal is to delight our customers so much that they give us
more of their time, love, and fashion spend. We believe this is the best
way to build a good economic business and cannot be delivered through
a solitary action, but by putting customers at the heart of everything we
do. Internally, we now talk about our growth strategy by planting seeds.
We want to model bamboo, with strong roots that first grow deep
andallow the plant to then grow sustainably for many years, and stay
strong. These seeds can be something as small as a new feature on our
site such as Buy the Look (which 14m customers engaged with last year)
orthe addition of an exciting new brand. And we have begun to develop
aculture of innovation, instilling in our teams the desire to plant seeds,
minimising risk by testing before committing.
We have already begun planting the seeds that will underpin the next
chapter of our transformation. Test & React transforms our own brand
model to ensure we are the first place that customers can access the
best product. Our shift from performance marketing to social media &
influencer marketing, which we’ve already scaled to working with c.1,500
influencers per month over the last year, ensures we can communicate
our fashion message efficiently and consistently off-site as well as
on-site. We’re excited to re-launch Topshop.com which will provide
customers a destination for the brand beyond the current ASOS
ecosystem. Following the appointment of our first EVP of Digital Product,
we have also begun transforming our Technology and Digital Product
models, simplifying our structure, reorganising into smaller, autonomous
units aligned to customer focus areas. We’re adding 100 software
engineers, increasing our capacity by 25% to empower faster innovation
of our on-site customer experience with the cost off-set through the
simplification of our structure.
Understandably, we will be asked by analysts or investors, “when will
ASOS grow again?” so I wanted to share my framing here. At ASOS
wehave to focus on the inputs – which for the last two years has been
weighted towards taking the painful medicine of reducing stock, exiting
unprofitable activities and the disciplined revision of everything we do.
As we move into Phase 2 of our journey, the year ahead and beyond
willbe increasingly weighted towards taking actions that delight our
customers to win more of their time, love and fashion spend. However,
from experience we know that exactly when that results in growth
inrevenue is not something we should try to manage. We could, for
example, decide to grow next month by re-engaging promotional
marketing or discounting product, but that would not be in the long-term
interests of the business. We want to spend our time and energy building
experiences that deserve for our customers to say “wow”. We will do
things in the right way and we’re going to be patient. We have already
seen the green shoots in the performance of our new stock in recent
months, providing confirmation that we have taken the right action
forour customers.
While there is still work to do, I am energised by the progress we have
made so far and am excited for the next stage of our journey. I am
absolutely convinced that ASOS can grow again, that we have
something incredibly unique to offer our customers, and that we now
have the right team, the right foundations and the necessary rigour,
passion and the energy to do so.
José Antonio Ramos Calamonte
Chief Executive Officer
5 November 2024
11
ASOS PLC
ANNUAL REPORT AND ACCOUNTS 2024
Business model
Operational excellence
in all parts of our business, from buying and managing stock
through the value chain to our products arriving with our
customers, all underpinned by our commitment to Fashion
with Integrity.
Our tech and data
with continuous innovation at the right level of cost.
Our international model
which efficiently allocates capital to generate the best returns
from our overseas operations, influencing decisions such as
the degree of localisation in the assortment to the level of
investment in marketing in non-UK markets.
Our people, culture and values
with a refreshed leadership team, a strong Board and disruptive
mindset at all levels of the business, and a focus on driving positive
change, diversity, equity and inclusion forall our people.
Disciplined capital allocation
Our distinct model is enabled by disciplined allocation of capital with a focus on four key areas:
Our proposition is unique in the world of mass market fashion, set apart from peers by the combination of our
strategic priorities:
Our right to
win
The best and most
relevant product
from both exclusive own brands manufactured
to strong ethical standards, and a curated
assortment from selected partner brands
which resonate with our target audience.




A compelling and
distinctbrand
famous for fashion, with widespread recognition,
a clear point of difference, and a high level of
engagement with our customers.
A destination for style
with items from different brands styled into
outfits, in context, and in our differentiated
visual language.
Competitive convenience
offering a delivery, returns and payment
experience at least comparable with our best
competitors.
5
ASOS is a leading global destination
for fashion-loving 20-somethings,
with 20m active customers
in over 200 markets worldwide.
GOVERNANCE REPORTSTRATEGIC REPORT FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
12
ASOS PLC
ANNUAL REPORT AND ACCOUNTS 2024
13
Stakeholder engagement on pages 22 to 27.
Financial review on pages 56 to 61.
Creating stakeholder value
Delivering on our right to win creates value for our stakeholders.
Our Customers
Our Shareholders
who benefit from access to quality fashion at an attractive
price, a market-leading selection of brands and inspirational,
targeted styling.
who will benefit from a focus on delivering profitable
growthand sustainable cash generation through the
efficientallocation ofcapital.
Our ASOSers Our Communities
who are empowered to contribute, learn, and grow through
our open and entrepreneurial culture.
both through our work on human rights and modern slavery
inpartnership with NGOs and unions in our sourcing countries,
and through the ASOS Foundation and long-term charity
partnerships aimed at breaking down barriers for young
people by instilling confidence and unlocking talent.
Our Suppliers
with whom we collaborate to foster trusted, mutually
beneficial partnerships over the long term and support
incontinuous improvement to meet our FWI standards.
Our Brand Partners
a
who gain access to a large, global and often hard-to-reach
customer base as well as the flexibility to work with us under
arange of different models, including our direct-to-consumer
offering, and the opportunity to work and learn from other
brands on sustainability and ethical trade.
13
ASOS PLC
ANNUAL REPORT AND ACCOUNTS 2024
Strategic review
Our mission is to be the number one destination
for fashion-loving 20-somethings. We know that
by having the most exciting product, by focusing
on inspiration over transaction and by providing
anexciting customer journey enabled by a fast
and agile operation, we canbuild a sustainable,
profitable business and return to growth.
What have we achieved?
ASOS is unequivocally a faster, more agile and
more efficient business than when we started
our Driving Change transformation two years
ago. This has been made possible by a
significant effort from ASOSers to deliver
against our strategic priorities.
1. Product is in a great place, through
disciplined stock management and
anobsession with speed
Our mission is to be the world’s number
onefashion destination for fashion-loving
20-somethings. Having the best product
isat the core of our flywheel. We want to
delight our customers with the hottest and
freshest products and brands, at the right
price, delivered in a reliable and consistent
way - great products lead to positive
customer experiences and inspire loyalty.
We can drive better unit economics from
selling full-price products, and a better
return on marketing investment when
directing people to the best product.
Themore efficient we get, the better
theexperience we are able to deliver.
At the core of this process has been the
transformation of our stock model and the
transition to our new commercial model.
Wecan be proud that today our stock
position is in the strongest position it has
been for many years. At the beginning of our
transformation, our stock levels had more
than doubled to over £1bn due to Covid-
related disruption and poor commercial
practices which led to the build-up of old
andaged stock. Over the last two years,
wehave reduced stock levels by c.50% to
£520m and c.80% of our current fashion
stockholding is in product that has been
onsite for less than six months.
This hasn’t been an easy journey, and we
have operated through ‘peak pain’ over FY23
and FY24 as we’ve cleared through high
levels of excess aged inventory built up
under our old operating model, reduced
ourintake of new and exciting product and
shifted to a model ofclearing through any
underperforming stockas we go. During the
second half of the year, we began testing
the removal of the remaining old stock on
oursite to see how it would affect customer
engagement and sales. The trial was a
success:sell through of new stock increased
dramatically, conversion rates improved,
and we almost halved discounting on site.
InQ4, we decided to permanently remove
the remaining excess stock from site, which
we subsequently wrote-down and will clear
through alternative channels. This write-
down mainly relates to stock over 12months
old, andmeans that we finished FY24 with a
more compelling customer proposition and
the right level of newness toexcite our
customers again. The results are clear. Over
the last 3 months (July-September) sales of
newness increased 24% year-on-year (YoY)
with only 6% more stock, turning 30%
faster, and with c.4ppts higher variable
contribution margin.
Our new commercial model ensures this
build-up of old inventory never happens
again. We have significantly improved our
speed tomarket (the lead time between
buying andselling stock), meaning we can
make better choices on our intake. We
focus on selling the best fashion at
full-price and clearing through any
underperforming stock in-season,
improving gross margin, avoiding deeper
discounts, releasing cash to invest innew
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ASOS PLC
ANNUAL REPORT AND ACCOUNTS 2024
15
15
15
1
15
15
15
5
1515
15
15
15
1
15
15
15
5
5
1
1
5
15
stock, and ensuring a better customer
experience by presenting more fresh and
relevant product.
Our market-leading Test & React model is
fundamental to our new commercial model,
bringing product from design to site within
three weeks, ensuring our own brands
always offer the most exciting product and
set the trends for our fashion-loving
customers. Having developed the model
during FY23, wehave now successfully
scaled to more than10% of our own-brand
sales mix at the end of FY24 and remain on
track to scale to 30% over the mid-term.
We test product before ‘reacting’ and
committing to volume. When we do commit,
given the speed to market, we typically
aimto hold just three weeks ofstock,
supporting a cleaner stock profile. Despite
the higher sourcing costs that small batch
sizes incur, the high customer demand and
full-price mix means the product generates
higher gross margin.
Our obsession with speed spans our entire
portfolio, and is indicative of an evolution in
our broader culture. The development of
flexible fulfilment models, Partner Fulfils and
ASOS Fulfilment Services (‘AFS’), enable us
to be more agile in how we collaborate with
our third party brands while bringing our
customers increased width (i.e. expanding
the product range available on the ASOS
platform) and depth (i.e. allowing us to
continue fulfilling orders on our bestsellers
when our wholesale stock is depleted). As
planned, we successfully doubled the share
of third-party GMV to c.5% and the number
of brands using flexible fulfilment to c.100
over FY24.
2. We’re faster and more agile, after
reducing our cost to serve, removing
waste and improving our use of data
It is critical that we invest in the areas
thatmatter most to our customers.
Wehave simplified processes and removed
wasted time and cost to reinvest into
productive commercial activities. This has
laid the foundations for future growth
without sacrificing margins – in other
words, to be able to deliver sustainable,
profitablegrowth.
While there are many initiatives driving
improvement, it is worth highlighting our
progress in two particular areas – our
logistics operations and customer returns
– which helped improve our distribution and
warehousing cost ratios by a combined
c.2ppts YoY, despite volume deleverage.
In logistics, we have undertaken a
significant transformation rationalising
excess space and re-building our processes
with increased visibility and speed to
bringour customers a better experience.
This was driven by a range of initiatives,
reflecting our shift in business culture
prioritising continuous improvements,
suchas:
Improved customer experience: Through
better use of granular and near-time data
to identify trends and patterns in our
delivery experience, we have halved the
percentage of orders that were missing our
customer delivery promise over the last
eighteen months, significantly improving
our customer experience while reducing
our costs.
Warehouse optimisation: We lowered
ourvariable warehousing costs through
increased automation, reducing our labour
cost per unit by c.10%, whilst the reduction
in stock levels has enabled the consolidation
of our warehouse infrastructure, reducing
fixed costs by c.25%.
Delivery cost efficiencies: Through
optimising our delivery partners and
renegotiating contracted rates, we have
lowered our variable delivery costs. The
cessation of split orders from our two UK
distribution centres in H1 FY23, alongside
improved rates from carriers, has further
reduced our distribution costs.
Minimising unnecessary returns remains
acentral focus for ASOS. During our rapid
expansion period, we focused on reducing
thefriction in the returns process to
maximise the customer experience. More
recently, we have turned our attention to
lowering the returns rate and eliminating
needless pain points for our customers. This
has involved making improvements to our
size and fit and how clothing and accessories
are displayed onproduct pages, including
greater use of videos and 360 imagery as
well as introducing AI to better understand
and address reasons for returns, creating a
feedback loop for improvement. As an
e-commerce business, weunderstand that
there is such a thing as ‘good returns’ that
enhance the customer experience, and
wecontinue to offer free returns to all
customers in our core markets. For
customers with an exceptionally high
returnsrate, this is now subject to keeping
to a minimum net order threshold.
There is still work to do in this area, but we
have been pleased to see these initiatives
begin to have a positive impact for our
customers, reducing our underlying returns
rate by more than 1ppt YoY.
ASOS PLC
ANNUAL REPORT AND ACCOUNTS 2024
Strategic review continued
3. We’re better placed to deliver great
customer experiences
In the past, ASOS built its growth through an
ambitious geographic expansion. This
created a wide base of customers globally,
but with a relatively small share of wallet.
The growth engine of the coming years will
be our core customers in our core markets.
This means strengthening our relationship
with customers, bringing more engagement
and excitement totake a greater share of
wallet and greater penetration of our core
demographic.
In the UK, we have our highest brand
awareness, our greatest penetration of our
core demographic and our highest share of
wallet. On average our UK customers spend
£214 per annum at ASOS and our returning
customers (i.e. excluding customers
acquired during the year) shop on average
seven times per annum. In the initial stages
of our transformation, we saw two clear
headwinds to order frequency and churn:
i)reduction in intake to clear through excess
stock carried forward, meaning less new
andexciting product; ii) heightened levels of
clearance which detracted from the overall
experience and attracted non-core ASOS
shoppers making one-off purchases to take
advantage of discounts being offered.
Outside the UK, our brand awareness is
significantly lower as is our order frequency
and average customer spend. In these
markets we have also undertaken a more
significant rebalancing of the customer
proposition to invest in the areas that really
matter to our customers. This has meant
ashift away from differentiating through
our delivery and returns proposition and
into product and inspiration. This journey
will take time to bear fruit, but we believe
by creating win-win relationships with our
customers we can both improve our
profitability and grow.
These headwinds also made our marketing
investment less efcient during this
transition, driving traffic towards a
sub-optimal customer experience.
However, we made significant optimisations
in our performance media model, allowing
us to reduce investment year-on-year while
delivering a net positive impact on variable
contribution generated through
performance channels. We were able to
identify and remove the tail of inefficient
spend from paid search, social and affiliate
channels leading to an increase in media
return on advertising spend (ROAS) at
Group level of +18% in Q4.
Concurrently, we have rebalanced our
marketing investment towards brand
marketing. In order to build lasting, engaged
relationships with our core customers we
need to deliver consistent brand messaging
both on-and-off-site. Having tested a
variety of marketing approaches earlier in
the year, including full funnel campaigns, we
found our always-on influencer programme
to be the most effective and efficient, which
following successful testing, we scaled to
working with c.1,500 influencers per month
by the end of the year. This meant we spent
less than the £30m incremental brand
budget initially planned.
In recent months, we have also seen
improved customer engagement. As we
have removed clearance stock from our site,
increased newness and rolled out our social
media and influencer marketing programme,
we have seen improving customer
reactivations and retention. As we
haveimproved the reliability of our
deliveryproposition, we have also seen
improvements in our corresponding Net
Promoter Scores (NPS) which demonstrates
the focus on strengthening our core
customer proposition.
Underpinned by efficient and disciplined
capital allocation
Our strategy is underpinned by efficient
capital allocation, allowing us to invest
behindour strengths in a disciplined way,
andrelentlessly removing waste to invest
intoopportunity. At the beginning of FY25
weannounced three key updates which
significantly increased our balance sheet
strength and financial flexibility:
i) TSTM JV: In October 2024, we formed
ajoint venture (JV)
1
with Heartland A/S
thatpurchased the Topshop and Topman
brands, with Heartland taking a 75% stake
for £135m cash consideration. Through the
JV, we continue to be part of the brands’
future potential while improving the
efficiency of our capital allocation today.
We will explore new opportunities, both
online and offline, to bring the best of TSTM
to customers globally, providing an exciting
growth avenue. Through either partner or
owned stores, we will strive to return TSTM
to the high street and, within the next six
months, will re-launch Topshop.com, giving
the brand an opportunity to further expand
its customer base.
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ASOS PLC
ANNUAL REPORT AND ACCOUNTS 2024
17
ii) Convertible bond re-financing: We
successfully extended our maturity profile
while reducing our net debt through the
placement of convertible bonds due 2028
and concurrent repurchase of outstanding
convertible bonds due 2026 at a discount
to par. This was funded, in part, by the sale
of a majority stake in TSTM, demonstrating
our focus on efcient capital allocation.
iii) Bantry Bay re-financing: We also announced
an amendment and extension of our existing
facilities agreement with Bantry Bay Capital
to May 2027, with an option for a 12 month
extension. As part of the amendment,
weswitched £50m of term loan into a
revolving facility to effectively reduce
ourblended interest rate as we improve
ourfinancial flexibility.
During the year we also continued the evolution
of our leadership team to prepare for the next
Phase of our journey. We welcomed Anthony
Ben Sadoun as our first EVP Digital Product
inFebruary, Dave Murray as CFO in April,
andRas Vaghjiani as EVP of People Experience
in July. We also welcomed Rishi Sharma
asInterim General Counsel and Company
Secretary in May (Emma Whyte is on maternity
leave), and Hugh Williams as Interim EVP
Technology in June.
Where are we going?
The last two years have necessarily been
focused on putting the right foundations in
place. As we enter FY25, we now feel that
themajor blocks of our foundations are
largely in place. While we will maintain our
obsession with operational efficiency and
speed, our focus now shifts to relentlessly
improving on the pillars of our Right to Win –
the best & most relevant product, being
adestination for style, delivering an
engagingcustomer journey, and competitive
convenience – in order to delight our
customers so much that they give us more
oftheir time, love and fashion spend.
We believe that delighting our customers
isthe best way to build a good economic
business. Delighting customers is not
delivered through a solitary action, but by
putting customers at the heart of everything
we do. Internally, we now talk about our
growth strategy by planting seeds. We want
to model bamboo, with strong roots that first
grow deep and allow the plant to then grow
sustainably for many years, and stay strong.
These ‘seeds’ can be something as small as a
new feature on our site such as ‘Buy the Look
(which 14m customers engaged with last
year)or the addition of an exciting new brand.
We have also begun to cultivate a culture of
innovation, instilling in our teams the desire to
plant seeds, minimising risk by testing before
committing. We have already begun to plant
many of the seeds across our four pillars
thatwill underpin the next chapter of our
transformation:
1. Best & most relevant product: While Test
& React has been pivotal to improving
inventory management, it also transforms
our fashion offering, ensuring we are the
first place that customers can access the
best product. With the support of AI, we
willfurther scale Test & React from 10%
to20% of own-brand sales over FY25.
Wesuccessfully tested AFS with our first
brand over FY24 and will expand further in
FY25. We recently appointed a new Partner
Brands Director, Shazmeen Malik, to lead
our partner brand team and will create a
brand acquisition team to focus on bringing
exciting new partners to our platform
following the launch of Arket, Veja and
Mango Man.
2. Destination for style: Following the
appointment of Anthony Ben Sadoun, our
first EVP of Digital Product, we have begun
to transform our Technology and Digital
Product models, reorganising into smaller,
autonomous units aligned to customer
focus areas. We’re adding 100 software
engineers, increasing our capacity by 25%
to empower faster innovation of our on-site
customer experience with the cost off-set
through the simplification of our structure.
3. Engaging customer journey: We have
improved the efficiency of our marketing
activity through the optimisation of our
performance marketing model and already
begun deploying these savings into our
social media and influencer marketing
tocommunicate our fashion message
efficiently and consistently off-site as well
as on-site. Over Q4, we have seen a 14%
increase in our earned media value and will
continue to scale our programme over the
next 12 months. We will also test incentives
to improve customer loyalty, including the
launch of a new loyalty programme in H2.
Finally, the launch of Topshop.com will
provide the brand a destination for
customers beyond the current ASOS
ecosystem.
4. Competitive convenience: Our work on
size and fit and the use of AI to learn from
our customer experience has had a positive
impact on our underlying returns rate. We
will continue to improve the convenience of
our customer experience by tackling the
causes of unnecessary returns.
Our goal is to build a business that delights
customers so much that they give us more of
their time, love and fashion spend. We know that
by having the most exciting product, by focusing
on inspiration over transaction, and by providing
an exciting customer journey, enabled by a fast
and agile operation, we can build a sustainable,
profitable business and return to growth.
Ourbusiness model affords us competitive
advantages in these areas, which has been core
to our success. However, we must continue
torelentlessly improve across each of them.
Whilethere is still work to do, we are motivated
by the progress we have made so far and
areexcited for the next stage of our journey.
Wehave something incredibly unique to offer
our customers, and now have the right team,
the right foundations and the necessary rigour,
passion and the energy to do so.
1 The arrangement with Heartland, whilst referred to as
ajoint venture throughout this report, will be accounted
for as an associate, as detailed in Note 30 of the
FinancialStatements.
ASOS PLC
ANNUAL REPORT AND ACCOUNTS 2024
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ASOS PLC
ANNUAL REPORT AND ACCOUNTS 2024
Our people
Great work doesnt happen by chance. It takes
facts and data to help us make decisions with
conviction. It’s about doing what we say and
owning what we do until it’s done, and using data
to bring everyone on the journey with us. Its a
strategy that allows us to create an ASOS thats
built for future success.
Learning
In October 2023, we rebranded learning and
development activities under Learning@ASOS
for a refreshed learning experience that
was relevant, accessible, inclusive and engaging.
Learning@ASOS includes a wide range of
activities and programmes, such as our ASOS
Develops learning events, which we run twice
ayear for all ASOSers. Our April 2024 edition
spanned three days and included 80 sessions
across six sites.
One of our focus areas over the year was to
increase our expertise in using data. As well
asdelivering 19 Data Apprenticeships, we
upskilled over 1,200 ASOSers on tools such as
Excel, Power Bi, and SQL, covering everything
from planning and governing to gaining
insights and storytelling with data.
To help drive innovation, productivity, and
efficiencies, we launched an internal Work
Smarter campaign, delivering learning content
on new and existing tools within AI, automation,
and virtual workshop tooling across Microsoft
and Miro. We also delivered over 70 sessions
inCommercial Tech, AI & Data Science,
Customer Experience, and Core Services to
140 engineers, including several cycles of the
eight-module “Software Crafters” training,
teaching software development best practices
and further enhancing technical knowledge
across our teams. To keep the knowledge of
our Tech teams up to the minute, stand-alone
Tech Develops sessions were run monthly by
the Tech team to share new skills and learning,
sponsored by our Executive Vice President
-Technology.
New learning to support new systems
roll-outs, processes, or business issues
isalways key to support our day-to-day
operations. Over the year we ran learning
programmes for ASOSers and key partners
on Intake, Product Lifecycle Management,
Customer Care, Returns, and more.
In December 2023, we launched
our leadership curriculum, Liberating
Leaders, and our development curriculum,
Liberating Self, providing a mix of personal,
career and business skills development.
Wesaw over 350 ASOSers take part in the
foundation programme, Self-Leadership,
which was highly successful: those taking
partgave it an effectiveness rating of 97%,
and we saw a significant shift in competence
and confidence in their development
mindset,helping them to identify potential
development blockers.
We also run business skills sessions every six
weeks, giving all ASOSers a great foundational
learning on what they need to do their jobs well.
This curriculum is reviewed annually in line with
our ASOS-wide Skills Gap employee survey.
Finally, we launched our new learning
management system, Thrive, in July 2024
providing a platform that is much more
modern, accessible and relevant. This new
system now provides a far more personal
learning experience for ASOSers enabling
learning to be part of their day-to-day.
ASOS PLC
ANNUAL REPORT AND ACCOUNTS 2024
19
Apprenticeships
FY24 saw the launch of our route-to-hire
programmes, providing a much-needed access
point for young adults and those who face
barriers to work to begin their careers. Our 13
new hires joining us under this programme did
so through a variety of pathways including
creative, commercial, business administration,
and finance. They joined the 566 ASOSers
wehave enrolled on the programme since
2017,and the 130 currently studying across
15apprenticeship standards.
This year we enhanced our offering for
emerging talent by creating opportunities to
experience more of ASOS, from getting hands
on in our supply chain operations through to
understanding life in studios. This combined
with workplace application of learning and
study towards recognised qualifications
increased our apprenticeship completion rate.
We’re passionate about recognising success
and raising the profile of apprenticeships
across the UK. In the year, we hosted our
biggest National Apprenticeship Week
celebration to date, attended by our CEO,
José, recognising and celebrating our
apprentices’ achievements.
Our commitment in this area was recognised
inJuly 2024 as we were listed 79th in the
Best100 Apprenticeship Employers by Rate My
Apprenticeship. Our position was based on the
reviews and experiences of our apprentices
and it was the first time we’ve appeared in
these rankings. Over 3,500 employers are on
the platform, with only 100 being shortlisted,
demonstrating the quality of our delivery and
success in this space. We’re the only online
fashion retailer to make the list.
We believe in the power of apprenticeships
tounlock potential and build future capability.
We’ve pledged to invest further in this space
by continuing to create new opportunities
andprovide education for all, supporting the
growth of lifelong skills for our ASOSers.
Attracting and retaining
amazing people
We have continued to focus on retaining
high-performing talent. Our internal-first
approach provides our people with a platform
to grow and develop in their career and we’ve
seen a 5% rise in internal moves from the
previous financial year. We piloted our first
internal talent event, Shape Your Career,
where over 1,600 of our people registered
andattended a range of talks and coaching
sessions with the objective to empower
career development. We also delivered
workshops on the ASOS behaviours and values
across teams, reaching over 2,000 ASOSers
to further embed and embrace our culture.
A key part of our attraction and retention
strategy is to engage and attract diverse,
international talent. We developed our existing
partnerships this year to enable us to connect
with and inspire diverse talent communities.
Our internal Talent Acquisition team and
Diversity, Equity & Inclusion team collaborated
to ensure ASOS is an inclusive employer of
choice, bringing to life our brand purpose –
giving potential hires the confidence to be
whoever they want to be. We’ve upskilled
ourexisting people leaders on best practices
inhiring, and we’ve continued to add to our
interview committee, through which individuals
can volunteer to take part in interviews and
help ensure a diverse interview panel.
Celebrating success
July saw the return of the “ASOS Aces”
Annual Awards ceremony, celebrating
success across the business. We introduced
a total of 11 award categories geared to
individuals that over the financial year
demonstrated our values and behaviours,
exhibited strong leadership and delivered
results successfully as a team. All employees
could nominate any ASOSer under categories
such as, “Leader of the Year”, “Customer
Champion”, “Authentic”, “Brave”, “Team
of the Year”, and “Ace of Aces. Over 850
nominations were received over 10 working
days, with finalists shortlisted by a community
of ASOSers and winners determined by
the Management Committee. ASOSers
from around the world gathered for the
celebratory event in our London HQ,
which was a great success.
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20
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ANNUAL REPORT AND ACCOUNTS 2024
Diversity, Equity & Inclusion (DEI)
Over FY24, we invested time and resource
into strengthening the foundation of our DEI
networks with a redesign and relaunch, adding
two new networks: Fertility & Baby Loss and
Women’s+. Our nine DEI networks now have
full core operational teams, including Chair
and Co-Chair positions, alongside an
allocated budget and clear targets that align
to our central strategic focus as a business
todrive change. Key activities carried out
bythese groups since their refresh include
campaigns in recognition of International
Women’s Day, Mental Health Awareness
Week, Pride Month, and more. Our newest
network, Fertility & Baby Loss, has already
made a significant impact by inputting into
crucial policy work and improvements.
We’re dedicated to enhancing our policies and
benefits to support ASOSers, and we’ve
recently enhanced our parental leave policy.
We’ll continue to review our overall offering.
We’re committed to inclusive hiring practices
where interview panels must have diverse
representation, supported by an Interview
Committee made up of ASOSers from
underrepresented groups. Hiring managers
receive Hiring @ ASOS training, with learnings
about how to run an inclusive and equitable
process. Our external partners are crucial to
this work. We’ve signed up to the Race at
Work Charter and are working with The
Outsiders Perspective, who support people
from ethnically diverse backgrounds getting
into the fashion industry.
Our people continued
Celebrating Pride
In June 2024, our THEYSOSers (our internal LGBTQIA+
network) once again led ASOS’ representation for the Pride
inLondon and Belfast Pride parades. Additionally, our Studios
team conducted an internal shoot campaign in our HQ and
Leavesden offices, featuring around 50 ASOSers who are
members of the LGBTQIA+ community as part of our annual
Pride celebrations. We also launched an ASOS Design Pride
range created in collaboration with LGBTQIA+ artists and
insupport of Just Like Us, LGBTQIA+ young people’s charity.
20
ASOS PLC
ANNUAL REPORT AND ACCOUNTS 2024
21
Our THEYSOSers network for LGBTQIA+
inclusion is backed up by a partnership with
myGwork, the largest business community for
LGBTQIA+ professionals, where we advertise
jobs and have access to training and event
opportunities. This includes an Employee
Resource Group Workshop, delivered to our
network core teams, to set them up for success.
We are level 1 Disability Confident Committed
and are continuing to work with Scope to
attract talent by advertising all jobs on
its job board, to reach the disability and
neurodiversity community. We’ve also had
training delivered by Autism NI, our charity
partner in Belfast which has helped to train
an additional 26 ASOSers across different
site locations as Autism Champions.
Wellbeing and mental health are still a huge
focus for us. We’ve recently introduced Unum,
a new Employee Assistance Programme which
provides mental and physical health support.
We now have over 30 ASOSers trained to a
Mental Health First Aid standard, through
Mental Health England and Byrne-Dean. Our
Mental Health First Aiders support ASOSers
and work to break down the stigma about
mental health through our Reach Out Rep
community.
1 The gender data is taken from legal sex data disclosed by employees in out Workday people platform.
Thisdata is available for 100% of employees. We’re working towards being able to measure and report
ongender data more accurately through gender identity with internal DEI data disclosure campaigns.
2 Data includes both Emma Whyte, General Counsel and Company Secretary (maternity leave) and
RishiSharma, Interim General Counsel & Company Secretary.
3 Defined as “Head of” and above positions. Please see pages 92 to 93 of our Nomination Committee Report
for further information on our Senior Leaders’ diversity.
Female Male
Gender diversity
1
As at 1 September 2024
Senior Leadership
3
41% 59%
226 roles
All ASOSers 63% 37%
2,968
Management Committee 47% 53%
15 members
2
White Ethnically diverse Not specified
Ethnic diversity
As at 1 September 2024
Senior Leadership
3
80% 12% 8%
226 roles
All ASOSers
71% 24% 5%
2,968
Management Committee
53% 27% 20%
15 members
2
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ASOS PLC
ANNUAL REPORT AND ACCOUNTS 2024
Stakeholder
engagement
Our mission is to be
the world’s number
one destination
for fashion-loving
20-somethings.
Our key stakeholders play a fundamental
role in helping us achieve this mission, and
therefore strong stakeholder engagement is
pivotal in achieving our long-term objectives
and driving long-term value creation.
Details of how we engaged with our stakeholders,
considering the long-term goals for each,
are set out on pages 23 to 27 and 88 to 89.
How the Board considered our key
stakeholders in their principal decision-making
during the year can be found on page 86.
S.172(1) statement and stakeholder engagement
The Directors continue to ensure they act
in a way which is in good faith and most
likely to promote the success of the Group
over the long term for the benefit of
shareholders, and in doing so, also having
regard for the Group’s key stakeholders
and other matters set out in section 172(1)
(a) to (f) of the Companies Act 2006,
being:
the likely consequences of any decision
in the long term;
the interests of the Group’s employees;
the need to foster the Group’s business
relationships with suppliers, customers
and others;
the impact of the Group’s operations on
the community and the environment;
the desirability of the Group maintaining
a reputation for high standards
of business conduct; and
the need to act fairly as between
members of the Company.
The Board is accountable to its stakeholders
and understands the importance of
incorporating stakeholder considerations
into the Board discussions and
decision-making.
The Directors have identified the Group’s
keystakeholders to be our customers,
ASOSers, shareholders, suppliers and
communities. Each stakeholder group has
their own individual priorities, of which the
Directors are aware and have regard to.
These priorities are considered, where
appropriate, in the Board’s decision-making.
This is not only the right thing to do but
is also vital in achieving the Group’s
long-term objectives.
ASOS PLC
ANNUAL REPORT AND ACCOUNTS 2024
23
How ASOS engaged during the year
We invited customers to engage with ASOS
in real life through:
Our first pop-up store in London;
Curated fashion-focused events for our
Premier customers such as an ASOS
Design new season catwalk preview and
Face & Body days at our London HQ;
Our ASOS Media Group partners tapped
into ASOS’ engaged customer base to
invite brand superfans to various events
including a creative workshop with Nike.
Engaging with our customers
face-to-face helps us to gain a better
understanding of what they love about
ASOS, and how to build experiences
thatbetter meet their needs.
We continued to engage with customers
through various Net Promoter Score (NPS)
Customer Experience surveys – capturing
satisfaction data on our end-to-end journey
and post customer care interaction.
Ourend-to-end journey survey has now
expanded to include all four core markets
– UK, France, Germany, and US.
Our Customer Care team provides help for
customers and gathered feedback through
our Virtual Assistant and advisors across
c.6.5m contacts in FY24 to help improve the
shopping experience. Insights have been
shared with our Management Committee
through immersive Customer Experience
sessions and initiatives taken have resulted
in improvements in customer satisfaction,
NPS and customer resolution rates.
To further understand our customers, we
conducted bi-annual market surveys to
capture perceptions and behaviours across
core markets. We also conducted ad-hoc
surveying and focus groups to gain
additional insights to answer key business
questions.
We launched our As Seen on You user
generated content program on-site to
showcase our customers’ style choices
inaddition to expanding our influencer
programme on social media platforms
toact as further outfit inspiration for
customers.
Our design teams continue to use insights
from social and from our Test & React
products to lead on emerging trends
andstay in touch with customers.
How the Board engaged during
theyear
Throughout the year, our Board received
periodic updates on brand performance
and customer health metrics at Board
meetings and at the Board Strategy Day.
The Board tracks progress against actions
and initiatives in this area to improve
performance.
Why they are important
Our goal is to create and curate
products and experiences to inspire
fashion-loving 20-somethings. To stay
relevant to our 20-something audience,
it is essential we never lose touch with
what matters to them, whoever and
wherever they are. It’s vital we engage
frequently with our customers to
ensure we can provide them with what
they want, when they want it. Being in
regular contact with our customers
helps us to tailor our product offering
and content to stay relevant to our
customers, which is key to our
long-term success.
Our Customers
STRATEGIC REPORT GOVERNANCE REPORT FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
24
ASOS PLC
ANNUAL REPORT AND ACCOUNTS 2024
Stakeholder engagement continued
Our ASOSers
Why they are important
We’re determined to create an
employee experience like no other,
where our ASOSers can be whoever
they want to be. An experience that
ASOSers love, where they learn,
collaborate, embrace change, and can
be authentic, brave, creative and
deliver ineverything they do. Where
ASOSers can push boundaries,
challenge expectations andhelp drive
our journey to becoming the world’s
number one destination for fashion-
loving 20-somethings and, ultimately,
our long-term success.
How ASOS engaged during the year
We received feedback through our bi-annual
ASOS Vibe employee engagement survey
which helped us to identify key focus areas
for improvements. A full ASOS Townhall was
held to share the ASOS Vibe results with
immediate quick wins and a wider action
planto act on the feedback received.
We continued to work with our employee
forum, the Voices Network, on both a
company-wide and a functional level,
providing a platform for two-way
conversations and amplifying ASOSers
voices to Senior Leaders.
We refreshed and rolled out ASOS’ Values
and Behaviours and embedded these
across the business through functional
workshops with every ASOSer, with teams
drawing up a manifesto of how they will
embody the Values and Behaviours.
Members of the Management Committee
hosted Leaders Connect sessions with the
leadership community, focusing on key
strategic moments throughout the year.
We continued to strengthen digital internal
communications, with “The Edit” weekly
newsletter sent direct to all ASOSers, and
a Management Committee Weekly Update
published on Viva Engage by a different
leader each week, sharing highlights
ofdiscussions at the Management
Committee, personal reflections,
and key business updates.
How the Board engaged
during theyear
Our CEO, José Antonio Ramos Calamonte,
hosted regular townhall meetings, supported
by the Management Committee, connecting
with ASOSers on our strategic goals, providing
organisational and company updates, and
offering an opportunity forlive Q&A. Townhalls
were streamed toenable all ASOSers to join
regardless oftheir location, and recorded for
anyone not able to attend live.
Our recently appointed CFO, Dave Murray,
hosted two CFO Townhalls with his team,
which will continue on a quarterly basis.
At one of the CFO Townhalls, Dave Murray
hosted a fireside chat with Natasja Laheij,
ourSenior Independent Director and Audit
Committee Chair. Natasja shared her insights
of being a senior leader in the Finance industry
and ASOSers were invited to ask questions.
In April 2024, we held our first “Meet the
Board” event, where José Antonio Ramos
Calamonte held a fireside chat style session
with William Barker, in conversation about
William’s career and his thoughts on our
strategy, focusing on waste elimination and
Test & React. A significant proportion of the
event was dedicated to ASOSers’ Q&A.
In July 2024, our CEO hosted another
“Meet the Board” session with Jose Manuel
Martínez Gutrrez. This was a live session
that focused on Jose Manuel’s career
inretail, including his reflections on the
industry and how it has evolved over the
years. They also discussed what it means
tobe a leader in fashion, and what growth
anddevelopment may mean other than
linear career paths.
In April 2024, Jørgen Lindemann, in his
capacity as designated employee
engagement representative, and Christine
Ierakidis, Reward and DEI Director, met with
our employee representative group, the
Voices Network, to discuss Executive pay
and remuneration. Key views were fed back
fromthe representatives, which were in
turnfed back to the Board by Jørgen at
thenext Board meeting.
Our Board received updates on employee
engagement and action planning
throughout the year, following a Vibe pulse
survey in October and a full Vibe survey
inApril. Key actions highlighted included
changes to performance management
practice, improved family leave provision,
and updates to the staff discount benefit.
Several of our Directors conducted site visits
outside of HQ in London. In January 2024,
José Antonio Ramos Calamonte visited our
USfulfilment centre in Atlanta, Georgia;
inOctober 2023, José Antonio Ramos
Calamonte, JoseManuel Martínez Gutiérrez,
Wei Gao and William Barker visited our
fulfilment centre in Barnsley, U.K; in June
2024, JoséAntonio Ramos Calamonte, Dave
Murray and Jose Manuel Martínez Gutrrez
conducted a tour of ourfulfilment centre
inBerlin, Germany andour returns centre
inPoznan, Poland. During site visits, our
Directors received a tour and meet with our
ASOSers to better understand the ways of
working and the culture at each location.
ASOS PLC
ANNUAL REPORT AND ACCOUNTS 2024
25
How ASOS engaged during the year
We held meetings with institutional
investors and analysts meetings following
release of our full-year and half-year
results, hosted by the CEO, Interim CFO
and the Investor Relations team.
Our Board members and/or our Investor
Relations team held further meetings with
major shareholders throughout the year
asand when required.
Throughout the year, all shareholders
havean opportunity to ask questions or
represent their views at any time through
the dedicated Investor Enquiries email
address.
How the Board engaged
during theyear
In September 2023, Mai Fyfield, in her role
as Remuneration Committee Chair at that
time, conducted a shareholder consultation
to seek their views on how we proposed to
implement the Directors’ Remuneration
Policy in FY24.
Christine Cross, Remuneration Committee
Chair, led a shareholder consultation
process in July 2024 to gauge investor
sentiment regarding the introduction of
anew Value Creation Plan, as detailed
further on page 103.
Our Board received feedback from our
corporate brokers and Investor Relations
team regarding market reaction and
investor views after announcements
androadshows.
Our Investor Relations team provided
theBoard with a market update at each
scheduled Board meeting, which includes
shareholder feedback as and when
appropriate.
Following any investor engagement by
aBoard member, that Board member
provides shareholder feedback at Board
meetings.
Our shareholders have an opportunity to ask
questions or represent their views formally to
the Board at the Annual General Meeting.
How ASOS engaged during the year
In November, we hosted our supplier
conference at our London HQ. Over 40
suppliers from around the world joined us
todiscuss our strategy and plans for the
future. It was a great opportunity for our
suppliers to hear from key stakeholders
from across the business and engage in
round table discussions where they could
share their experiences and feedback.
Throughout the year, we collaborated with
our suppliers as part of our speed to market
initiatives, reviewing all our processes to
identify and remove inefficiencies.
We maintained ongoing communications
with our suppliers through direct
engagement and our regular supplier
newsletters.
We continued to engage with existing
keybrands to maintain solid relationships
and onboarded new brands to enhance
ouroffering.
Our dedicated Human Rights team
operates globally to manage region-
specific social risks in our supply chain.
Over the year, we carried out audits of 485
sites supplying ASOS, ensuring corrective
action plans were developed to address
anyissues within factories.
We extended our partnership with
GoodWeave International from India to
Bangladesh. GoodWeave is a non-profit
organisation that promotes transparency
in global supply chains.
For our brand partners, we launched
theFashion with Integity Learning Hub, a
comprehensive learning resource centre,
offering targeted learning opportunities,
guidance, and resources on various topics
including the importance of clear policy,
transparency, auditing and corrective
action planning, and how to identify and
remediate modern slavery related risks.
Developed with input from our critical
friends, Anti-Slavery International, the
hubaims to support our brand partners in
developing and implementing best practice
in the management of their supply chains.
In May, the Fast Forward audit initiative
launched the Brand Associate programme,
anew initiative designed specifically for
UK small and medium-sized brands with a
turnover under £36m. The Brand Associate
programme is a collaborative effort
between Fast Forward, ASOS, and other
brands, aimed at addressing the challenges
that SMEs encounter. It seeks to provide
a comprehensive solution by offering a
step-by-step journey for brands to enhance
their knowledge and understanding around
decent working conditions and how
businesses can operate on a level playing
field with accountability and transparency.
How the Board engaged
during theyear
Through our Sustainability Committee,
theBoard monitors the way we manage
oursupply chain to ensure we continue to
operate responsibly in line with our Fashion
with Integrity commitments.
Our Board received updates on our supply
chain network and brand partnerships.
Our Board reviewed our supply chain
challenges and opportunities.
Why they are important
A key objective for the Board is to
create value for shareholders. Our
mission, purpose, values and strategy
strive to deliver long-term, profitable
growth for our shareholders.
Our Shareholders
Why they are important
Maintaining close working relationships
and open dialogue with our suppliers
and brand partners is key to offering
our customers the best fashion.
Our Suppliers
STRATEGIC REPORT GOVERNANCE REPORT FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
26
ASOS PLC
ANNUAL REPORT AND ACCOUNTS 2024
How ASOS engaged during the year
To celebrate Pride, our THEYSOSers (our
internal LGBTQIA+ network) once again
ledASOS’ representation for the Pride
inLondon and Belfast Pride parades. Our
Studios team also facilitated an internal
shoot campaign in HQ and Leavesden
offices, featuring around 50 ASOSers who
are members of the LGBTQIA+ community.
Why they are important
Operating responsibly in everything we
do is not just incredibly important to
our business and our people, it is also
key to driving positive outcomes for
thecommunities in which we operate.
From the way we manage our supply
chain, to how we address environmental
challenges such as plastic waste, it all
matters. We want to be a force for
good, so we can support the people
who support us. That’s why we’ve
continued to actively engage with local
communities and charities – helping
drive positive change.
Our Communities
Stakeholder engagement continued
The ASOS Foundation
was established as
a charity in 2013
with the aim to open
doors, remove barriers
and help young people
change their lives for
the better.
The ASOS Foundation (“The Foundation”)
invests in high impact projects which focus on
instilling confidence and unlocking talent, and
utilises our expertise in fashion and technology
to create life changing interventions for young
people. Since 2013, The Foundation has
donated c.£7.5m and has built impactful,
strategic partnerships with charitable
organisations who are playing a key role in
breaking down barriers faced by young people.
The Foundation works in collaboration with
long-term trusted partners who help us
ensure that funding is used appropriately,
effectively, and sustainably, and ultimately
reaches the young people who rely on their
support the most. The Trustees visit projects
funded by The Foundation and meet with the
partners, community stakeholders and young
people supported by these programmes.
The Foundation also engages directly with young
people at a grass roots level and maximise the
benefits of sharing skills and expertise from our
corporate funder, ASOS.com Limited. All of The
Foundation’s internal fundraising activities and
initiatives aredelivered directly by ASOS’
Corporate Responsibility team.
The Trustees review fundraising activities on
acase-by-case basis, and only approve events
which support The Foundation’s strategy
andare in keeping with its values, ethics and
reputation. In FY24, ASOS.com Limited donated
£300,000 to The Foundation. Throughout the
year, external fundraising events included a gala
dinner and a golf event. Funds generated from
ASOS office sample sales, personal training
sessions and beauty treatments are also
donated to The Foundation.
We relaunched Give a Day Away, our
employee volunteering scheme, which offers
ASOSers one day of paid volunteering a year.
We highlighted a range of opportunities,
including some ASOS Foundation partners,
resulting in 70 ASOSers using their day
tosupport charitable initiatives.
We continued our partnership with
(Fashion) Minority Report to support
theprofessional development of young
creatives across theUK.
26
ASOS PLC
ANNUAL REPORT AND ACCOUNTS 2024
Foundation
ASOS PLC
ANNUAL REPORT AND ACCOUNTS 2024
27
After celebrating our £2m milestone with
Centrepoint last year, The Foundation
committed another £240,000 to the
expansion of the helpline, their main
homelessness prevention tool and where the
ASOS partnership began. By developing the
helpline’s capacity and raising awareness
ofit amongst young people, Centrepoint
canmeet the rising demand for support and
reduce the number of young people facing
homelessness in the UK.
The Foundation continued to partner with
charities to provide infrastructure, training
and support to enable underprivileged
young people to reach their potential in the
UK, Kenya and India.
The Foundation delivered its second year
ofpartnership with East London Fashion
Education charity Caramel Rock. The
funding enabled 43 young people to access
a BTEC fashion course as well as additional
guidance to help them break into the
industry. Eight ASOSers have been actively
involved in mentoring Caramel Rock
students this year.
In Barnsley, The Foundation continued our
partnership with OnSide, a national youth
charity determined to make sure that all
young people have the opportunity to shine,
committing £1.5m to support the building
and operational costs of a state-of-the-art
youth centre for young people aged 8-19.
The centre aims to be a safe and
aspirational place for young people, with
first class sports, arts, performance and
enterprise facilities. The public opening is
scheduled for 2025.
The Foundation celebrated its 14th year with
the Prince’s Trust as we empowered young
people with essential STEM skills and insights
into tech. Through the Prince’s Trust, The
Foundation invested £180,000 in digital
skillsfor underrepresented youth in high
deprivation areas and delivered multiple
insight days across our offices in London
andBelfast, reaching 51 young people and
introducing them to the world of tech and
what a career in the sector could look like.
The Foundation celebrated another impactful
year with its international partner Udayan
Care, which has continued to nurture and
care for orphaned children in India, with
74children being supported in the five homes
that The Foundation is funding. Alongside
theprovision of education, wellbeing support
and entertainment, we also invested in
maintenance projects to ensure the living
environments are a standard the young
people can be proud of.
The Foundation also continued its support
of the Soko Community Trust inKenya,
which provides training and women’s
empowerment in local schools.
TheFoundations funding ensured the local
community received training on Menstrual
Hygiene Management, helping young
women to manage their menstrual cycle
without stigma or embarrassment.
How the Board engaged
during theyear
The Board received an update on the work
of The Foundation from Nick Robertson,
Chair of the The Foundation.
The Board keeps up to date with the
progress against community projects
delivered by The Foundation through
theSustainability Committee.
Nick Robertson visited one of OnSide’s
youth centres in London in his capacity as
Trustee and Chair of The Foundation. Nick
was able to see first-hand the great work
that the charity is doing with the support
ofThe Foundation.
STRATEGIC REPORT GOVERNANCE REPORT FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
28
ANNUAL REPORT AND ACCOUNTS 2024
Fashion
with
Integrity
STRATEGIC REPORT GOVERNANCE REPORT FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
28
ASOS PLC
ANNUAL REPORT AND ACCOUNTS 2024
Progress update:
our strategic pillars
Fashion with Integrity
(FWI) is our strategy for
managing sustainability
and corporate
responsibility at ASOS.
As disclosed in last years annual report, our
focus in FY24 has been on reviewing and, where
necessary, revising our FWI goals and targets.
We’re pleased to have now published our
updated FWI Strategy, available on asosplc.
com/fashion-with-integrity/. To inform our
review of the Strategy, during the period
wecompleted a new impact materiality
assessment to ensure that our focus aligns to
the areas where we have the biggest impact.
Read our updated Fashion with Integrity
Strategy.
We’ve integrated our annual FWI Progress
Update with our annual report this period.
Aswith our last FWI Progress Update, we’ve
reported in reference to Sustainability
Accounting Standards Board (SASB) and
Global Reporting Index (GRI) metrics. We
continue to monitor the developments of
sustainability reporting standards in the UK
and EU in preparation for future reporting
requirements.
An explanation of our FWI Strategy, our
targets and commitments, definitions, and
methodologies is available on our plc site at
asosplc.com/fashion-with-integrity/.
We’ve set a mixture of targets and commitments
against each of our FWI pillars. Where relevant, we’ve
set measurable, data-led targets, backed by clear
methodologies, and operational roadmaps to help us
achieve our aims. It’s not always appropriate to set
data-led targets, for example when considering
progress on human rights. When that’s the case we’ve
set clear commitments instead. As with our targets,
these commitments are supported by operational
plans and interim milestones which we’ll be using to
measure and report against our progress.
Targets relating to the volume and proportion
ofsustainable materials used and our Scope 3.1a
emissions data are based on a series of
documented estimates and assumptions, such as
product weight and overall composition. More
detail is available at asosplc.com/fashion-with-
integrity/.
We have conducted sensitivity analysis on our
estimates and assumptions to determine the risk
ofpotential errors in our reported figures. This work
identified that no reasonable possible change in
ourestimates and assumptions would result in
ourreported figures changing by 5% or more
(ourESG materiality based on the SBTi’s triggered
recalculation criteria thresholds). As a result, we do
not consider these estimates or assumptions to be
materially sensitive.
ASOS PLC ANNUAL REPORT AND ACCOUNTS 2024
29
Emissions (tCO
2
e)
Category FY24 FY23
% change
YoY
% change vs
baseline
FY22 baseline
(restated)
FY22
(previously
reported)
Scope 1 Fugitive Emissions 366 372 -2% -34% 557 N/A
Natural Gas 2,416 2,695 -10% -33% 3,608 3,351
Scope 2 Electricity (Market Based) 2,372 2,259 +5% +6% 2,232 2,860
Electricity (Location Based) 9,125 8,743 +4% -10% 10,096 11,497
Scope 3
3.1a Purchased Goods for
resale (Products and Packaging)
766,749 896,023 -14% -37% 1,224,272 913,108
ASOS own-brands and labels 340,485 375,532 -9% -38% 548,438 332,757
Partner brands 426,264 520,491 -18% -37% 675,834 580,351
3.1b Purchased Goods and Services not
for-resale
43,439 51,322 -15% -57% 101,963 23,015
3.2 Capital Goods 34,288 48,464 -29% -35% 52,598 53,780
3.3 Energy-Related Activities
Not in Scopes 1 and 2
4,843 4,291 +13% 0% 4,863 3,609
3.4 Upstream Transportation and Distribution 206,792 308,596 -33% -51% 422,036 349,979
3.5 Waste (Operations) 11,800 13,424 -12% -8% 12,757 519
3.6 Business Travel 2,025 1,242 +63% +46% 1,383 1,535
3.7 Employee Commuting 1,324 1,439 -8% -44% 2,367 9,869
3.8 Upstream Leased Assets 23 23 0% -8% 25 N/A
3.9 Downstream Transportation and
Distribution
1,622 3,550 -54% N/A 0 N/A
3.11 Use of Sold Products 90,981 110,585 -18% -30% 130,639 349,125
3.12 End-of-Life of Sold Products 43,665 51,634 -15% -31% 63,138 27,958
Total 1,212,705 1,495,920 -19% -40% 2,022,438 1,738,708
Plan et
Target
By FY27, procure 100% renewable
electricity across the ASOS estate.
FY24 performance: 82.2%
FY23 performance: 80.3%
YoY (year on year) change: +1.9ppts
Target
By FY30, reduce the absolute emissions
generated by the manufacture of ASOS
own-brands and labels products by 42%
compared to a FY22 baseline.
FY24 performance: -38%
FY23 performance: -32%
YoY change: -6ppts
Climate & Nature
Greenhouse gas inventory
Target
By FY30, ensure 90% of emissions
generated by brand partner products
sold on ASOS come from brands who
have set science-based targets.
FY24 performance: 67.4%
FY23 performance: 60.3%
YoY change: +7.1ppts
Target
By FY50, reduce 90% of the absolute
emissions generated by our entire value
chain compared to a FY22 baseline.
FY24 performance: -41%
FY23 performance: -27%
YoY change: -14ppts
Our emissions have fallen significantly in FY24
against our FY22 baseline. We see two main
drivers of this trend: first, the work we
delivered to become a more efcient
business, including reducing our stock intake
and prioritising speed to market; and second,
a reduction in the number of customer orders
over the same period. As the business returns
to growth over the medium term, we expect
stock intake and customer orders to increase
from FY24 volumes. Our challenge is to
decouple this volume growth from our
emissions footprint.
We’ve updated our carbon calculation
methodology in partnership with a third-party
provider. This has resulted in a restatement of
our FY22 carbon emissions figures, originally
published in our FWI FY22 Progress Update
and our FY23 Annual Report. Our restated
FY22 footprint below is +16% higher than
previously reported. Our previously reported
emissions are disclosed below for comparison
purposes. More detail on our restatement is
available in our FWI Strategy Update on
asosplc.com/fashion-with-integrity/.
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30
ASOS PLC
ANNUAL REPORT AND ACCOUNTS 2024
Material Tonnes acquired
% of overall mix
(to nearest .1%) % of material more sustainable
1
Cotton 6,069 49.5% 49% Better Cotton
2
,
4% recycled, 1% organic
Polyester 3,790 30.9% 13% recycled
Man-made cellulosic fibres (MMCFs) 1,039 8.5% 33% more sustainable
Acrylic 520 4.3% 0%
Nylon 371 3.0% 1% recycled
Other (including elastane, linen,
polyurethane, wool, leather, and suede)
467 3.8% 0%
Total 12,257 100.0% 34%
Progress update:
our strategic pillars
continued
Commitment
Increase our use of more sustainable
materials in our ASOS own brand
clothing products. Each year, we’ll
set a target for the proportion of the
materials in our products that we’d
liketo be more sustainable, and report
back on our progress.
FY24 achievement: 34%
FY25 minimum target: 45%
To increase uptake of sustainable materials
we’ve started to set seasonal targets for
each product category across our three main
fibres (cotton, polyester, and man-made
cellulosic fibres).
We’ve also enhanced engagement with our
key suppliers on materials. Our top suppliers
are now set KPIs and scored on their use of
more sustainable materials. This is supported
by individual supplier meetings, enabling us to
monitor their sustainable materials
capabilities and usage.
1 Defined broadly as a material whose production has on average a lower environmental impact than the production of the conventional form of that material.
For a full definition and a list of the materials and certifications we accept, head to page 54 of our Fashion with Integrity Strategy Update on asosplc.com/
fashion-with-integrity/.
2 Although Better Cotton is not physically traceable to end product and operates on a mass balance system, the movement of Better Cotton through the supply
chain is tracked by a system of credits which ensures that, for every 1kg of Better Cotton that ASOS sources, an equivalent amount of raw cotton is being grown
somewhere in the world using Better Cotton Production Principles. Read more about the mass balance system at bettercotton.org/massbalance.
Product
All material calculations below, except Better
Cotton
2
, are based on our internal tonnage
methodology, which uses a series of
documented estimates and assumptions, such
as product weight and overall composition.
More detail is available at asosplc.com/
fashion-with-integrity/.
We have conducted sensitivity analysis on our
estimates and assumptions to determine the
risk of potential errors in our reported figures.
This work identified that no reasonable
possible change in our estimates and
assumptions would result in our reported
figures changing by 5% or more (our ESG
materiality based on the SBTi’s triggered
recalculation criteria thresholds). As a result,
we do not consider these estimates or
assumptions to be materially sensitive.
Commitment
Test and introduce innovative packaging
materials and solutions, reducing
overall usage where appropriate. By
FY26, we’ll increase recycled content in
mailing and garment bags to a minimum
of 95%.
Our mailing bags currently contain at least
80% post-consumer recycled material, and
our garment bags (for ASOS own-brands and
labels) contain at least 90% post-consumer
recycled material. We use Low Density
Polyethylene in our garment and mailing bags.
This is certified to Recycled Claim Standard
(RCS) or Global Recycled Standard (GRS)
orISO 14021.
Projects delivered this period include a
three-month staff trial of paper mailing bags
for ASOS staff orders. We’ve also switched
tolinerless labels in our UK returns centre,
estimated to reduce general waste
collections at the site by approximately
30metric tonnes per year. Working with
ourpartners, we capture approximately
400metric tonnes of plastic waste per
yearwithin our supply chain for recycling.
Raw Materials
ASOS PLC ANNUAL REPORT AND ACCOUNTS 2024
31
Commitment
Train the manufacturers of our ASOS
own brand clothing products on our
ASOS Circular Design Strategies. By
FY27, we’ll have launched a phased
training programme prioritising
suppliers based on their level of
business with ASOS.
Over the period, we worked closely with five
key suppliers and delivered bespoke training
on circular design, which was instrumental in
developing the capability of these suppliers.
This has directly informed our new
commitment to train our supply base on
circular design.
We also tested a new circular design tool,
developed in collaboration with the Centre
forSustainable Fashion in 2023. The tool
walksour internal product development
teams through a step-by-step process to
develop a product that adheres to our
circular design techniques, with the ambition
that this can be used to scale up our circular
design assortment.
Commitment
Facilitate recovery programmes to keep
products in use at their highest value.
By FY27, we’ll pilot or launch new
circular business models across resale,
rental, takeback, and repair.
Our focus this period has been on scaling our
rental proposition with Hirestreet. Over the
period we added over 2,000 new products to
the platform from ASOS DESIGN, ASOS LUXE,
and ASOS EDITION. The top 10 styles have
each been rented an average of 110 times,
while the most popular dress style has been
rented over 176 times.
Design & Production Use & Recovery
STRATEGIC REPORT GOVERNANCE REPORT FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
32
ASOS PLC
ANNUAL REPORT AND ACCOUNTS 2024
Progress update:
our strategic pillars
continued
Commitment
Implement our human rights strategy
to enhance the human rights of workers
across our value chain.
1. Develop a modern slavery strategy
for Goods Not For Resale (GNFR)
suppliers and a toolkit for suppliers,
factories, partner brands and
non-stock partners.
We’ve started working with Anti-Slavery
International to develop a programme of
work relating to GNFR. It will cover key risk
areas across our supply chain, our head
office operations, our procurement
practices, and our key strategic partners.
Activities delivered so far include:
Revising a self-assessment questionnaire to
identify human rights risks in our third-
party operated fulfilment centres. We have
also developed a Warehousing Social
Standard to support the SAQ rollout.
Reviewing human rights risks associated
with land transport and shipping activities
linked to ASOS, and identifying a partner
tosupport with due diligence in this area.
Developing interview questions and tools to
assess human rights risks within our head
office operations, with a focus on security
and cleaning contractors.
Launching a new partnership with Unseen,
allowing us to gain visibility of trends in
modern slavery, access opportunities for
collaboration, and receive advice, guidance
and monitoring on safeguarding for any
cases linked to ASOS.
People
2. Renew Global Framework Agreement
(GFA) with IndustriALL Global Trade
Union.
We have an ongoing GFA with IndustriALL
Global Union, signed in 2017. This
agreement provides a robust framework
for protecting and strengthening the rights
of workers within our global supply chain
and highlights the importance of freedom
of association and collective bargaining
infostering positive industrial relations.
Wehave opened conversations with
IndustriALL regarding a renewal of
ourGFA.
3. Develop a methodology to collect
wage data during audits.
Work on this strand will commence in FY25.
4. Develop and pilot a Gender
Programme at factory level to
empower women workers in our
supply chain.
During the period we started the pilot
phase of an innovative women’s
empowerment initiative in two factories in
Morocco, in collaboration with our
programme partner, Mobilising for Rights
Associates (MRA). The programme is
dedicated to fostering an environment
where women can thrive and assert their
rights, with a focus on creating sustainable
and meaningful change by helping to
establish women’s committees in garment
supplier factories. The committees, formed
by freely elected women workers and
representatives from independent women’s
rights organisations, serve as a support
mechanism for women workers, facilitating
their empowerment and promoting their
rights.
Commitment
Maintain and build our foundation of
effective own-brand and partner brand
due diligence.
1. Review and enhance current due
diligence mechanisms and introduce
a global grievance channel structure
with the aim of maximum accessibility,
transparency, confidentiality, and
enhanced remedy for workers.
If the pilot initiative for establishing women’s
committees in factories proves successful,
we’ll review our supply chain to select
another strategically appropriate region
and begin to scale the model accordingly.
This will serve as a grievance mechanism
that is easily accessible to all workers,
ensuring their concerns can be addressed
promptly and effectively.
2. Ensure that partner brands sold on
our platform are committed to
transparency.
This period we’ve continued to engage with
brand partners to ask them to disclose
their factory lists, either to us, on their
own website, or preferably through the
Open Supply Hub. As of August 2024,
85% of apparel and footwear brands have
shared their lists with us directly or publicly,
aligning with the Transparency Pledge. New
brands being onboarded are required to
provide us with evidence of their Ethical
Trade Policy, Modern Slavery Statement,
Restricted Substances List, and animal
welfare policy, and how these have been
applied in their supply chain.
Human Rights
ASOS PLC ANNUAL REPORT AND ACCOUNTS 2024
33
Commitment
Implement our external Diversity, Equity
& Inclusion strategy to drive a safer
society for women, girls, and LGBTQIA+
people; create fairer economic
opportunity for global majority
creatives; and ensure an inclusive
product offering for customers with
disabilities and neurodiversity.
1. Establish new charitable partnerships
delivering change for those of
marginalised gender identities and
sexual orientations.
We’ve selected two partners to support
our work in this area. First, Beyond Equality,
a UK-based charity engaging men in the UK
in working towards gender justice,
preventing gender-based violence, and
creating a safer and more equitable
society. Second, Just Like Us, a UK-based
charity focused on preventing bullying,
creating safe spaces and building allyship
for LGBTQIA+ young people. In June 2024
we launched an ASOS Design Pride range
created in collaboration with LGBTQIA+
artists, in support of Just Like Us.
2. Develop a plan and process to support
and grow our network of global
majority-owned brand partners,
including scaling our annual incubator
programme.
Working with our partner the (Fashion)
Minority Report, we’ve delivered our annual
incubator programme for global majority-
owned brands. The cohort of six brands
received a senior industry mentor, a
programme of workshops and panel talks
covering key topics in the industry, and a
press event to showcase their brand and
products. Two of the six brands received
additional opportunities, including a grant
of £20k each to upscale their business, and
support developing a new range to be
stocked on ASOS in FY25.
We’ve also finalised our approach to
support the collection of data on global-
majority owned brands on ASOS. In FY25,
our brand partners will be able to disclose
whether they are global majority-owned in
our onboarding process and in our annual
ASOS Self-Assessment Questionnaire
(SAQ).
3. Launch the rst ASOS Design adaptive
collection.
We’ve established an internal working
group for the ASOS Design adaptive
collection and have selected a disability
inclusion consultancy to support with its
development.
Target
By FY30, achieve 50% female and 15%
ethnically diverse representation
across our senior leadership team.
1
FY24 performance:
Female: 41%
Ethnically diverse: 12%
FY23 performance:
Female: 42%
Ethnically diverse: 11%
1 Defined as “Head of” and above positions. Please
see pages 92 to 93 of our Nomination Committee
Report for further information on our Senior
Leadership diversity.
Diversity, Equity & Inclusion
STRATEGIC REPORT GOVERNANCE REPORT FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
34
ASOS PLC
ANNUAL REPORT AND ACCOUNTS 2024
Task Force on
Climate-related Financial
Disclosures (TCFD)
We recognise our
role in addressing
climate change
and reducing
our environmental
impact.
As we face the tangible effects of global
warming, we understand that this could
influence our operations, strategic decisions,
and financial planning. Since 2010, our Fashion
with Integrity (FWI) programme has defined our
approach to sustainability and corporate
responsibility. This financial period, we’ve
updated our FWI Strategy to better position us
for compliance with emerging sustainability
legislation as it applies to ASOS. Additional
information on our FWI Strategy can be found
on page 28 to 33.
We actively assess and monitor our climate risks
to ensure we have the right controls in the right
places and that these are working effectively.
We’ve established targets to reduce both our
impact on the planet, and the risk of climate
change on our business. Maintaining
transparency in tracking our progress and
providing clear climate-related disclosures is
crucial for earning and retaining the trust of our
stakeholders. We’re fully supportive of the Task
Force on Climate-Related Financial Disclosures
(TCFD) recommendations and their role in
improving the credibility and comparability of
corporate climate reporting.
TCFD Guidance – 11 Disclosure Recommendations
Recommendation Description Consistency Pages
Governance
a) Describe the Board’s oversight of
climate-related risks and opportunities.
36
b) Describe management’s role in
assessing and managing climate-
related risks and opportunities.
36
Strategy
a) Describe the climate-related risks and
opportunities the organisation has
identified over the short, medium, and
long term.
36 to 43
b) Describe the impact of climate-related
risks and opportunities on the
organisations businesses, strategy,
and financial planning.
36 to 43
c) Describe the resilience of the
organisation’s strategy, taking into
consideration different climate-related
scenarios, including a 2°C
or lower scenario.
36 to 43
Risk
Management
a) Describe the organisations processes
for identifying and assessing climate-
related risks.
37
b) Describe the organisations processes
for managing climate-related risks.
37
c) Describe how processes for identifying,
assessing, and managing climate-
related risks are integrated into the
organisation’s overall risk management.
37
Metrics and
Targets
a) Disclose the metrics used by the
organisation to assess climate-related
risks and opportunities in line with its
strategy and risk management process.
37 to 38
b) Disclose Scope 1, Scope 2, and, if
appropriate, Scope 3 greenhouse gas
(GHG) emissions, and the related risks.
37 to 38
c) Describe the targets used by the
organisation to manage climate-
related risks and opportunities and
performance against targets.
37 to 38
Key
Full
Partial – as we have not reported certain metrics or
targets outlined in the TCFD Guidance as explained
within our Consistency Statement on page 35.
ASOS PLC ANNUAL REPORT AND ACCOUNTS 2024
35
Consistency Statement
Our climate-related financial disclosures below
are set out with reference to Sections 1 – 4
ofthe TCFD ‘Recommended Disclosures’
fromchapter ‘C. Guidance for All Sectors’
within the TCFD’s publication, ‘Implementing
the Recommendations of the Task Force on
Climate-related Financial Disclosures (2021)’
(referred to here as the ‘TCFD Guidance’).
Wehave achieved consistency with nine of
11Recommended Disclosures and partial
consistency with Metrics and Targets
recommended disclosures a) and c). We are
onlypartially consistent here as we have not
reported certain metrics or targets outlined
inTables A1.1 and 1.2 of the TCFD Guidance
formeasuring and/or managing our climate
related risks and opportunities. We have also
not disclosed certain specific cross-industry
climate-related category metrics or targets
relating to Transition Risks, Physical Risks,
Climate-Related Opportunities, Capital
Deployment, Internal Carbon Pricing
orRemuneration (shown in Table A2.1 of the
TCFD Guidance).
We have made good progress in the period
against our plan towards full consistency
whichwe set out in our FY23 Annual Report.
Since then we have:
Improved our understanding of our
climate-related risks and opportunities
through refreshing our deep dive scenario
analysis.
Finalised and published updates to our FWI
Strategy including updating certain metrics
and targets.
Continued to embed our new commercial
model (improved speed to market and
reducing stockholding and product volumes),
and enhanced our understanding of the
impact this has on the metrics needed for
monitoring and managing our climate-
related risk and opportunities.
We are improving our processes, systems,
andcontrols under business activities, including
those working towards future compliance
withnew control reporting obligations under
the Corporate Governance Code (2024).
These willenable better monitoring and
reporting ofthe remaining metrics and targets
we need for full conformance. We are still
working towards full consistency with the
recommended disclosures for our FY25 Annual
Report. Inmaking this Consistency Statement,
we consider that these disclosures meet the
requirements of LR 9.8.6 (8) (UK Listing Rules).
PLC Board
Holds accountability for the long-term success of the Group and oversight of all
risks and opportunities. The Board has delegated oversight of certain ESG matters
to the Sustainability Committee and receives updates from the Committee
following each meeting.
Sustainability
Committee
Audit
Committee
Remuneration
Committee
Our Sustainability
Committee shapes and
provides governance over
our FWI Strategy and
related activities. It is
chaired by an Independent
Non-executive Director
and meets at least
bi-annually.
Our Audit Committee
oversees and ensures the
appropriateness of our
governance, risk
management, and external
reporting. It is chaired by an
Independent Non-executive
Director and meets
quarterly.
Our Remuneration
Committee oversees the
remuneration of our Senior
Leaders including approving
any ESG related targets
within bonus and share
schemes. Itis chaired by an
Independent Non-executive
Director and meets at
leastquarterly.
Management Committee
Weekly meeting of our senior leadership including our CEO and CFO. Holds day-to-day
responsibility for the management of climate-related risks and opportunities.
FWI Steering Committee Governance Working Group (GWG)
Cross-functional management team
responsible for providing oversight for
all FWI activities including monitoring
the implementation and maintenance
of appropriate environmental and
social controls. Chaired by our Senior
Vice President (SVP) Operations and
reports to the Management Committee
and the Sustainability Committee.
Meets bi-monthly to ensure effective
oversight, management, and accountability
of key governance processes, procedures,
and controls across ASOS. Chaired by
our General Counsel & Company Secretary
and reports to the Management Committee
and the Audit Committee.
FWI Supporting Working Groups Governance
Cross-functional groups responsible
for delivering and supporting
operational delivery in related areas
(risk, operations, and reporting).
Cross-functional teams responsible for
delivering and supporting operational
delivery in related areas.
Planet* Product* People*
Climate & Nature
Raw materials
Design & Production
Use & Recovery
Human Rights
Diversity, Equity
& Inclusion
* The three pillars are set out in our FWI Strategy – further details are available on pages
28 to 33.
STRATEGIC REPORT GOVERNANCE REPORT FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
36
ASOS PLC
ANNUAL REPORT AND ACCOUNTS 2024
Task Force on Climate-related
Financial Disclosures (TCFD)
continued
Section 1: Governance – Disclose
the organisations governance
around climate-related risks
and opportunities.
a) Describe the Board’s oversight of
climate-related risks and opportunities.
b) Describe management’s role in assessing
and managing climate-related risks and
opportunities.
Board oversight
PLC Board: Climate change risks and
opportunities continue to be a key part of our
strategic agenda and are identified and
monitored as one of our principal risks (see
page 68). Our Board has established a
dedicated Sustainability Committee to provide
oversight of ESG matters and ensure the
effective implementation of our FWI Strategy.
Activities relating to climate change this period
have been focused around reviewing, and where
necessary revising, our FWI goals and targets,
and developing related operational plans.
Further details are provided in the FWI Section
on pages 28 to 33, and information on the
activities of our Committees are set out below.
Sustainability Committee: Our Sustainability
Committee oversees how we manage ESG at
ASOS, with focus areas including:
ESG Strategy Oversight: Overseeing
ourESG Strategy (our FWI Strategy) and
ensuring alignment with our wider strategy
and business model. The Sustainability
Committee has driven a refresh of our
FWIStrategy and related goals this
financialperiod.
FWI Strategy Execution, ESG Practices,
and Monitoring: Providing oversight on the
execution of the updated FWI Strategy and
monitoring our progress against targets and
KPIs, with a focus on ESG risk management.
This includes overseeing key policies and
programmes essential for FWI Strategy
implementation, reviewing practices and
initiatives to ensure they remain effective,
and tracking progress against our goals.
Stakeholder Communication: Ensuring
allstakeholders receive appropriate and
accurate information about our ESG
activities, overseeing how our updated FWI
Strategy is communicated to stakeholders.
Regulatory Compliance: Monitoring
relevant legal and regulatory requirements
toensure ASOS’ compliance, working in
conjunction with the Board, Audit Committee,
and Management Committee.
Remuneration Recommendations: Offering
recommendations to the Remuneration
Committee on ESG-specific targets for
senior management incentive packages.
Our Sustainability Committee is comprised of
three Independent Non-executive Directors and
one Non-Independent Non-executive Director.
A detailed overview of the skills, qualifications,
and experience of its members are available in
the Board biographies on pages 72 to 75.
Meeting twice a year as a minimum, the
Sustainability Committee provides feedback
tothe Board on climate-related risks,
opportunities, issues, and activities after each
meeting. Details of the actions taken by the
Sustainability Committee in the period are
shown in our Sustainability Committee Report
on pages 94 to 95.
Audit Committee: Our Audit Committee
ensures the appropriateness of our governance,
risk management, and external reporting and is
formed of Independent Non-executive Directors
See our Audit Committee Report on pages 96
to101 for further details. Their activities include
providing oversight of our principal risks,
monitoring whether risks are being managed
within the Group’s risk appetite, and the
identification and assessment of the emerging
risks, including those relating to ESG.
Sustainability and Climate Change is identified
as one of our principal risks and is included within
this review process (see our Principal Risk Report
on page 68). The Audit Committee meets
quarterly and provides feedback to the Board
after each meeting.
Remuneration Committee: Our Remuneration
Committee meets four times a year and
assesses and oversees the potential
incorporation of ESG-related targets into
incentive and compensation structures.
Feedback is provided to the Board following
eachmeeting. The Remuneration Committee’s
composition, responsibilities and activities are
setout in the Remuneration Committee Chair’s
Statement on pages 102 to 103. See page 103 for
how FWI Strategy targets and activities may be
considered in relation to bonus awards in FY25.
Role of management
Management Committee: Responsibility for
day-to-day management of our risk profile sits
with our Management Committee, which
includes our CEO and CFO. A formal review
ofour principal and functional risks, including
those relating to climate change, is conducted
by management twice a year. The resulting
updated principal risk profile is approved by
theCommittee before being reviewed by our
Audit Committee and Board. Our CFO is
accountable for ensuring effective risk
management processes are in place, supported
by our Head of Internal Audit & Risk. For more
details on our approach to risk management,
see pages 62 to 63.
FWI Steering Committee: We have
established a new FWI Steering Committee to
support our updated FWI programme by
managing and overseeing its progress and
activities. The FWI Steering Committee also
provides clear roles, responsibilities, and
communication channels for FWI topics and
ensures alignment with our objectives and
stakeholder expectations. Three working groups
support the FWI Steering Committee by
ensuring successful delivery of FWI initiatives,
and overseeing reporting and governance of
environmental and social risk management
practices. The FWI Steering Committee meets
monthly and reports to our Management
Committee and, where required, escalates
toand informs our Sustainability Committee,
Audit Committee, and Board.
Governance Working Group (GWG): Our GWG
is a management forum chaired by our General
Counsel & Company Secretary and is formed
of a cross-functional group of Senior Leaders,
including our CFO. The GWG ensures we are
disciplined in our approach to business and do the
right thing. This includes ensuring there is clear
accountability and effective management over
our key governance processes, procedures and
controls, and acting as an escalation point when
significant risks areidentified. The GWG reports
to our Management Committee and Audit
Committee on relevant topics as they arise.
Our Investor Relations team, Chief of Staff &
Strategy, CEO, and CFO are responsible for
ongoing engagement with investors, including
on matters relating to ESG topics.
Section 2: Strategy – Disclose
the actual and potential impacts
of climate-related risks and
opportunities on the organisations
businesses, strategy, and financial
planning, where such information
is material.
a) Describe the climate-related risks
andopportunities the organisation
hasidentified over the short, medium,
andlong term.
b) Describe the impact of climate-related
risks and opportunities on the
organisation’s business, strategy,
andfinancial planning.
c) Describe the resilience of the organisation’s
strategy, taking into consideration
different climate-related scenarios,
including a 2ºC or lower scenario.
Our approach to climate modelling
As part of our efforts to fully align with the
TCFD recommended disclosures, this year we
have, for the first time, presented our initial
quantified scenario analysis of climate-related
risks. As outlined in our methodology section
below, it is important to note that our initial
analysis has assessed unmitigated climate risks
arising from IPPC-defined climate emissions
pathway scenarios. This means that they
explore the potential impacts of climate on our
business without assuming the implementation
ASOS PLC ANNUAL REPORT AND ACCOUNTS 2024
37
of any additional mitigation efforts by us
orourstakeholders (e.g. governments or
industries) to reduce the likelihood of these risks
being realised. This approach provides a solid
first step and allows us to examine possible
worst-case effects of climate change on our
business and its operations.
Our modelling focuses on downside risks and is
based on our current product range, sourcing
strategy, and asset base, with no mitigation
or strategic response assumed to minimise
these risks. The financial values and potential
costs presented are quoted as ranges to
reflect the inherent uncertainties of
climate-related modelling, which relies heavily
on assumptions. These uncertainties are
driven by the rapidly evolving nature of
climate science, regulatory developments,
and technological advancements. See section
below for our methodology on determining
material financial impacts.
Our analysis is both initial and exploratory
innature and should not be considered a
forecast or prediction. Instead, it serves as
atool to test the resilience of our business
strategy under different potential future
climate conditions. The scenarios are based
on IPPC defined emissions pathways, providing
insights into the required reduction in GHG
emissions and changes in stakeholder
behaviour that would align with varying levels
of policy enforcement, ranging from minimal
regulation (resulting in temperature rises
above 4°C) to ambitious Paris Agreement
targets (1.5°C).
As with any forward-looking analysis, there
aresignificant uncertainties involved. The
assumptions underpinning this analysis are
based on IPCC emissions pathway scenarios,
regulatory landscapes, market conditions and
areas of our business model including our
supplier portfolio, all of which are subject to
rapid change. As a result, our scenarios cannot
capture the full range of potential future
developments, particularly as new data,
policies, and technological advancements
emerge. This analysis therefore represents a
snapshot of plausible futures under existing
assumptions and currently known information,
but it does not encompass the full breadth of
possible outcomes.
Given that this is our first year of conducting
quantified scenario analysis, we recognise that
this is an initial step in better understanding
our climate related risks and opportunities.
Over time, as we improve our systems and
visibility of our supply chain, we will incorporate
more refined data into our modeling, enabling
us to understand and report on increasingly
representative financial impacts of climate
change on our business. This iterative process
will ensure that our scenario analysis remains
arelevant and effective tool for strategic
decision-making in an uncertain climate future.
Methodology and Assumptions
The tables on pages 38 to 43 outline our
climate-related risks and opportunities,
theimpact they could have on our business
and on the delivery of our strategic goals,
splitbetween:
impacts are expected up to 2030 as
currently announced decarbonisation
legislation/regulations come into force.
Asa result, we assessed these over short
and medium time horizons.
Physical impacts: Climate change can
cause both shorter term changes and
longer term chronic shifts in weather
patterns, and so we assessed physical
impacts over short, medium, and long
termhorizons.
How we determined climate-related
risks and opportunities with a material/
significant impact
Identifying material topics :
To identify potential climate-related risks and
opportunities for further analysis we relied upon
the results of our qualitative impact materiality
assessment which we updated during the
period. The update considered topics from the
European Sustainability Reporting Standards
(ESRS) guidelines. The output was used to
identify topics which were considered material
by nature. These topics have been included
within our Transition and Physical risk area
disclosures below. For a full list of material topics
see our GRI Disclosures on pages 51 to 53.
Further details on the update to our qualitative
analysis can be found in our updated FWI
Strategy, which is available on our plc site at
asosplc.com/fashion-with-integrity.
Material financial impacts:
Our updated deep-dive modelling has enabled
us to better understand our potential risks and
opportunities, including the financial and other
impacts that they could have on our business
and our strategy. Inputs to the model included
certain key business information such as
financial estimates, market breakdowns, Tier 1
facility locations and volumes, raw materials
usage data, and greenhouse gas emissions
across Scopes 1, 2, and 3. Data used relating
tothe usage of sustainable materials and our
Scope 3.1a product emissions data are based
ona series of documented estimates and
assumptions, such as product weight and overall
composition. More detail is available at asosplc.
com/ fashion-with-integrity/.
We have conducted sensitivity analysis on our
estimates and assumptions to determine the
risk of potential errors in our reported figures.
This work identified that no reasonable possible
change in our estimates and assumptions would
result in our reported figures changing by 5% or
more (our ESG materiality based on the SBTi’s
triggered recalculation criteria thresholds).
As a result, we do not consider these estimates
or assumptions to be materially sensitive.
The assessment provided the estimated
potential annual financial impacts for each
qualitatively material area (defined above).
Financial impacts are the present value of
estimated future cash flows lost due to the
impact and time horizon assessed, averaged for
the number of years in the respective time
horizon (this is referred to as Annual Earning
Value at Risk (Annual EVAR)).
Transition risks and opportunities
Result from moving to a lower-carbon economy
and are caused by requirements to change
ourbusiness model or operations, market
sentiment, climate policy/legislation, the need
to update technology, and any reputational
impacts resulting from these areas.
Physical risks and opportunities
Result from the effects of climate change on
the environment and weather and are caused
by global warming, leading to more extreme
weather events such as drought, excessive
heat, wildfires, flooding, heavy precipitation,
and cyclones.
Our approach to identifying and
assessing the impact of climate-related
risks and opportunities.
During the period, we worked in partnership
withRisilience, a UK-based company, which uses
methodology and scenarios from its academic
partner, the University of Cambridge Centre
for Risk Studies, to refresh our deep dive
scenario analysis using the scenarios and
assumptions below.
The scenarios we analysed
We used three emissions pathway scenarios
(using the latest data published in the Sixth
Assessment Report from the Intergovernmental
Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) in 2022) to
identify and assess potential transition and
physical impacts:
1. No policies (>4
o
C by 2100) : Assumed
continued increases in energy consumption
and emissions until the end of the century
without decarbonisation policies. Included as
a reasonable worst-case emissions pathway
scenario as outlined by IPCC.
2. Announced policies (2.5
o
C by 2100):
Assumed currently published and drafted
commitments and objectives were issued
and met including countries’ Nationally
Determined Contributions (NDCs). Included
as a realistic emissions pathway scenario
based on current information, where all
known legislation has been enforced.
3. Paris Agreement Ambition (1.5
o
C by
2050): Assumed further urgent and radical
political responses made including swift
andsystemic overhaul of energy systems,
sweeping changes in society and more
investment in technological innovation in
order to meet the Paris Ambition. Included
as this is the only scenario aligning with the
Paris Agreement’s 1.5°C warming limit,
needed to avert the worst impacts of
climate change, as reported by the IPCC.
The time horizons we analysed
We used three different time horizons: (short
(0-5 years), medium (5-10 years) and long (up to
2040)) when assessing potential transition and
physical impacts as follows:
Transition impacts: Beyond a 5–10-year
time horizon transition impacts are highly
uncertain due to lack of visibility of future
policy and legislation and global market
trends. Our largest currently known
STRATEGIC REPORT GOVERNANCE REPORT FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
38
ASOS PLC
ANNUAL REPORT AND ACCOUNTS 2024
Transition Risks
Transition risk
area
Climate
scenario
Annual EVAR
1
m)
Potential impacts and risks to ASOS
2
Near-term
(5 Year)
Mid-term
(10 Year)
Market Awareness
Changing customer
preferences and
investor sentiment
(Revenue Reduction)
No Policy >4ºC 0-5 5-10
Revenue Impact: Growing interest in sustainable products
Growing interest in sustainable products and services could lead to
increased demand for products with lower environmental impacts. If
we were unable to react to this change in market demand or keep pace
with our competitors, this could lead to lost market share and impact
our financial performance.
Market Capitalisation Impact: Changes in investor behaviour
(not quantied)
If we did not transition to be a low-carbon business in a timely manner,
increased market awareness could drive investment to alternative
greener opportunities. Failure to meet our publicly stated sustainability
goals and/or disclosure requirements could also negatively impact
investor confidence. This could make access to financing more difficult
and impact our ability to deliver our strategy or increase our cost
of capital, resulting in higher financing costs, with an impact on our
financial performance.
If we were to continue to rely on fossil fuels this could lead to missing
our externally stated goals and affect stakeholder confidence in ASOS
and could impact on our financial performance.
Stated Policy
2.5ºC
15-20 20-25
Paris
Ambition
1.5ºC
25-30 35-40
Policy & Legal
Regulatory, compliance,
litigation costs, or
pricing of emissions
(Costs Increase)
No Policy >4ºC 0-5 0-5
Cost Impact: New legislation/regulation
Governments are increasing legislation and regulations to drive reductions
in greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. We must comply with upcoming UK,
EU, and US legislation including Product Mandates which will increase
labelling requirements and product scrutiny, and Enhanced Reporting
which will introduce additional reporting requirements. These emerging
requirements could significantly increase our compliance costs and
failure to meet them could result in fines. Related stakeholder litigation
could lead to increased costs through defending or settling claims and
associated negative publicity could affect customer sentiment, leading to
lost sales and market share. All of these things could impact our financial
performance.
The focus of this risk is in EU markets where several pieces of legislation
are expected to come in by 2030, including (but not limited to) the
Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive (CSRD), Extended Producer
Responsibility (EPR), Corporate Sustainability Due Dilligence Directive
(CS3D), and the Ecodesign for Sustainable Products Regulation (ESPR).
Cost Impact: Increases in carbon taxation
Governments are also looking at other routes including taxation to support
green goals. We are subject to certain existing GHG emissions taxes
including the EU's Emissions Trading System (EU ETS) emissions surcharge.
If taxation levels were to increase further this could lead to higher
operating costs and impact our financial performance.
Stated Policy
2.5ºC
0-5 0-5
Paris
Ambition
1.5ºC
5-10 5-10
Task Force on Climate-related
Financial Disclosures (TCFD)
continued
1 Annual EVAR is the present value of estimated future cash flows lost due to the impact under the time horizon being assessed, averaged for the number of years
in that time horizon.
2 In preparing the above disclosures we considered all climate-related risks and potential financial impacts set out in Tables A1.1 and A1.2 of the TCFD Guidance
but have only highlighted impacts and any aligned mitigations or strategic opportunities where these were relevant and applicable to our business model.
ASOS PLC ANNUAL REPORT AND ACCOUNTS 2024
39
Mitigating activities
2
Strategic opportunities
2
Revenue Impact: Growing interest in sustainable products
Product diversification: Our updated FWI Strategy (see pages 28 to 33 for further details)
includes targets for growing our more sustainable product offering through:
Piloting or launching new circular business models across resale, rental, takeback,
andrepair (page 31).
Training third-party suppliers on our ASOS Circular Design Strategies (page 31)
Increasing the use of sustainable materials across our whole own-brand product range
(page 30).
We also monitor the impacts of sustainability and climate change on market trends
through the governance forums outlined in Section 1 (see page 36) so we can adapt our
strategy andproduct lines to manage related risks.
Market Capitalisation Impact: Changes in investor behaviour
Continued investor engagement: Our Chair, CEO, CFO, Chief of Staff & Strategy, and
Investor Relations team already engage investors on topics including ESG (see also our
Corporate Governance Report on page 89). This ensures we continue to align to investor
sentiment and in future could enable us to adapt and evolve our strategy as needed to
ensure continued access to funding.
Meeting changes in market demand
With the right response and management,
a shift in market preferences towards
more sustainable products could provide
upside opportunities through increased
sales and market share gains, with resulting
improvements in financial performance.
Cost Impact: New legislation/regulation
Horizon scanning: We regularly monitor emerging legislation to identify and plan for
newrequirements early and avoid non-compliance. Early planning helps us to minimise
implementation costs where possible and identify the most cost-effective solutions
forcompliance.
Reporting controls: We have internal controls to manage risks associated with existing
external reporting requirements including policies, operating procedures, systemic and
manual controls and approaches for assurance/oversight of management information
(where needed).
Cost Impact: Increases in carbon taxation
Emissions reduction: Our updated FWI Strategy (see page 28 to 33 for further details)
includes targets for emissions reduction through changes to our product and packaging
materials and improving our energy efficiency across our direct operations. These
changes could reduce our risk of falling within scope of further emissions taxation or
reduce the financial impact if we did.
Other efficiency gains
Better understanding of our products and
processes gained whilst implementing upcoming
legislation/regulation could help us to identify
product (e.g. better pricing through consolidated
buying) or process efficiency opportunities which
could lower our operational costs.
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40
ASOS PLC
ANNUAL REPORT AND ACCOUNTS 2024
1 Annual EVAR is the present value of estimated future cash flows lost due to the impact under the time horizon being assessed, averaged for the number of years
inthat time horizon.
2 In preparing the above disclosures we considered all climate-related risks and potential financial impacts set out in Tables A1.1 and A1.2 of the TCFD Guidance but
have only highlighted impacts andany aligned mitigations or strategic opportunities where these were relevant and applicable to our business model.
Transition risk
area
Climate
scenario
Annual EVAR
1
m)
Potential impacts and risks to ASOS
2
Near-term
(5 Year)
Mid-term
(10 Year)
Social Awareness
Consumers engaging
in climate activism,
targeting individual
companies with
boycotts
(Revenue Reduction)
No Policy >4ºC 0-5 0-5
Revenue Impact: Awareness of sustainability activities
Increased awareness of climate change issues and company responses
could affect the behaviour of our customers and current orpotential
employees. Negative publicity resulting from a failure to meet our
sustainability targets or to effectively incorporate climate change
considerations into our decision making could lead to:
Our customers shopping elsewhere, resulting in lost sales and market
share, impacting our financial performance.
Our customers collectively taking action to boycott shopping with us,
resulting in lost sales, impacting our financial performance.
ASOS being less attractive to new or current talent, impacting our
ability to deliver our strategy or increasing our employment costs
if we were required to pay above market wages.
Stated Policy
2.5ºC
0-5 0-5
Paris
Ambition
1.5ºC
0-5 0-5
Technology
Investing in low-
emission technology
(Asset Impairment)
No Policy >4ºC 0-5 0-5
Asset Impairment: Investment in new lower carbon technology
Timely business investment in the right new technology will be needed
to reduce emissions and effectively track and demonstrate product
sustainability data.
Investing in inappropriate or ineffective technology could reduce the
capital we have available for other strategic priorities and impact our
financial performance if the return on investment was poor.
If we did not invest in technology early enough or at all we could be
unable to reduce our carbon emissions as quickly as competitors, or to
develop alternative low-carbon products as cost-effectively. This could
lead to lost market share and potential non-compliance with upcoming
regulation, impacting our financial performance.
Stated Policy
2.5ºC
0-5 0-5
Paris
Ambition
1.5ºC
0-5 0-5
Task Force on Climate-related
Financial Disclosures (TCFD)
continued
Transition Risks continued
ASOS PLC ANNUAL REPORT AND ACCOUNTS 2024
41
Mitigating activities
2
Strategic opportunities
2
Revenue Impact: Awareness of sustainability activities
FWI Strategy transparency: Our updated FWI Strategy sets out our targets and
commitments across Planet, Product, and People, while providing insight into any
challenges and limitations we face. Regular reporting on our progress will ensure our
stakeholders, including consumers and current/potential employees, remain informed.
Reporting controls: As noted above, we have internal controls in place to manage the risks
associated with external reporting and ensure our stakeholder communications remain
accurate.
Growing market share
Successful delivery against our targets and
commitments could provide upside opportunities
through increased sales and market share
gains with resulting improvements in financial
performance, and/or could enable us to attract
and retain our talent supporting quicker or more
effective delivery of our strategic goals.
Asset Impairment: Investment in new lower carbon technology
Investment appraisal: We have established processes and controls to assess the fit, timing,
and return of products/service/systems before we invest. We work closely with partners
to identify and assess climate-related technology solutions as these evolve. These
activities should ensure we can make timely investments in the right technology.
Horizon scanning: As noted above, we monitor emerging legislation to identify and plan
fornew requirements. This includes where we need new technology to ensure compliance.
Relevant system development projects are overseen by our FWI Steering Committee.
Having the right systems should enable us to comply with future regulations, including
reporting requirements.
Growing market share
Timely investment in the right technology to
support reductions in GHG emissions could
provide upside opportunities through increased
sales and market share gains, or help identify
other process efficiency opportunities, which
could lower our operational costs.
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42
ASOS PLC
ANNUAL REPORT AND ACCOUNTS 2024
Physical Risks
1 Annual EVAR is the present value of estimated future cash flows lost due to the impact under the time horizon being assessed, averaged for the number of years
in that time horizon.
2 In preparing the above disclosures we considered all climate-related risks and potential financial impacts set out in Tables A1.1 and A1.2 of the TCFD Guidance
but have only highlighted impacts and any aligned mitigations or strategic opportunities where these were relevant and applicable to our business model.
Task Force on Climate-related
Financial Disclosures (TCFD)
continued
Physical risk area
Climate
scenario
Annual EVAR
1
m)
Potential impacts and risks to ASOS
2
Near-
term
(5 Year)
Mid-term
(10 Year)
Long-
term
(2040)
Chronic Climate
Impacts
Longer-term effects
including heat
stress, changes in
precipitation, droughts,
sea level rises
(Revenue Reduction)
No Policy
>4ºC
0-5 0-5 0-5
Supply Chain
Revenue Impact: Reduced raw material availability
Water scarcity and resulting regulatory restrictions could affect
the availability of raw materials and our third-party suppliers’
production processes, resulting in increased production expenses
that impact our financial performance.
Our Tier 1 sourcing locations with the largest potential financial
impacts identified by our modelling were: Hangzhou, China;
Cairo, Egypt; Casablanca, Morocco; Rabat, Morocco; and Dhaka,
Bangladesh. These were not separately or jointly material.
Stated
Policy
2.5ºC
0-5 0-5 0-5
Paris
Ambition
1.5ºC
0-5 0-5 0-5
Acute Climate
Impacts
Weather events
including heatwaves,
storms, tornados,
floods, lightning,
wildfires
(Revenue Reduction)
No Policy
>4ºC
5-10 5-10 5-10
Own Operations
Revenue Impact: Issues with worker safety
Acute weather events could make working conditions unsafe
and ultimately lead to disruption and/or closure of our sites
oroperations and impact our financial performance.
Revenue Impact: Operational disruption
Acute weather events could disrupt, damage or destroy our key
leased logistics or office facilities and/or any owned inventory or
plant and equipment that they hold. Related damage, destruction
or the impact on our operations could lead to incremental costs
and impact our financial performance.
The largest potential financial impacts identified by our modelling
related to our UK operations (including logistics facilities in
Doncaster and Barnsley) and our fulfilment centre near Berlin,
Germany. However, these impacts were not separately or jointly
material.
Stated
Policy
2.5ºC
5-10 5-10 0-5
Paris
Ambition
1.5ºC
5-10 5-10 0-5
Supply Chain
Revenue Impact: Facilities disruption in our supply chain
More frequent and severe extreme weather (such as riverine
and surface water flooding) could disrupt, damage or destroy
our third-party suppliers’ sites or operations, increasing costs,
hindering our ability to obtain or distribute goods, and impacting
our financial performance.
Our supplier location with the largest potential financial impact
identified by our modelling was Hangzhou, China. This was not
individually material or material in combination with the impact
across our Tier 1 supply chain locations.
ASOS PLC ANNUAL REPORT AND ACCOUNTS 2024
43
Mitigating activities
2
Strategic opportunities
2
Revenue Impact: Reduced raw material availability
Managing exposure to water risks in our supply chain: We have carried out an analysis of
the water stress of our Tier 1 suppliers to assess the water scarcity risks and flooding risks
in our supply chain. We currently gather data on water use and water stress through the
Higg Index Facility Environmental Module (FEM) and the WWF Water Risk Filter. We intend
on using this data to set requirements for suppliers to develop flood and water scarcity
resilience plans.
Increasing our procurement of more sustainable materials: Aligned to our FWI targets,
we plan to increase our usage of more sustainable materials such as Better Cotton
or other certified sources such as Organic. See page 30 for further details.
Revenue Impact: Issues with worker safety
Health and safety management: We conduct annual air quality surveys at our key office
facilities that consider temperature. Early identification of any issues will enable us to
follow the most cost-effective response and avoid or manage the impact and costs of
operational or employee issues.
Revenue Impact: Operational disruption
Business continuity planning: Our business continuity framework includes regular risk
assessments. We maintain response plans for our key operational sites if they are
disrupted, irrespective of cause. Having an effective and understood response plan
in place will help us to minimise the cost and operational impacts of disruption, and its
impact on our financial performance.
Operational hardening
By completing site audits and/or external
sustainability assessments (e.g. BREEAM or
GRESB Certifications) we could identify and
remediate potential impacts of acute weather
events earlier, enabling us to follow the most
cost-effective response, and avoid or manage
the impact and costs of future operational or
employee issues.
See mitigating activities above for managing physical climate impacts in our
s
upply chain.
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44
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ANNUAL REPORT AND ACCOUNTS 2024
Section 3: Risk Management –
Disclose how the organisation
identifies, assesses, and manages
climate-related risks.
a) Describe the organisations processes
for identifying and assessing climate-
related risks.
b) Describe the organisation’s processes
for managing climate-related risks.
c) Describe how the processes for
identifying, assessing, and managing
climate-related risks are integrated
into the organisation’s overall risk
management.
Climate-related risks and opportunities
fallwithin the scope of our broader Risk
Management approach on pages 62 to 63.
This includes our processes for identifying,
assessing, and escalating risks where
appropriate and our defined measures of
impact and likelihood which are used for
assessing all types of risk.
We review and update our risk profile
biannually to identify any new risks and assess
the level of exposure, check progress with
mitigating actions, and determine whether
further mitigation activities are needed.
Through this process, we also scan the horizon
to identify and assess new potential risks
(including relating to legislation) before
theyemerge. As an additional assessment
during FY24, we have also used the results
ofour updated climate-related risk and
opportunity modelling (see Section 2 on
pages 36 to 43) to assess the completeness
of our recognised risks.
Our newly established FWI Risk Management
Working Group maintains oversight of
cross-functional climate-related risks and
opportunities that could impact our business.
Aligned to our wider risk management
processes, responsibility for risk reviews and
the management of risks remains with
Management Committee members and their
functional Senior Leaders. The review process
is supported by our Risk Management team.
Where risks are identified as outside of our
risk appetite, appropriate treatments are put
in place to either mitigate and control risk, or
the risk is accepted and monitored.
Treatments can include transferring risks
outside of our organisation, for example by
ensuring we have appropriate insurance. The
results of risk reviews are also used to monitor
for changes to the size or scope of our
principal risks.
This universal approach enables us to:
understand what our material risks are;
ensure assessments are comparable between
different types of risk; and drive the right
outcomes for avoiding, treating, or accepting
risks in line with our risk appetite. Through this
approach, Climate Change and Sustainability
has been identified as a principal risk
(seepage 68).
Section 4: Metrics and Targets –
Disclose the metrics and targets
used to assess and manage
relevant climate-related risks
andopportunities where such
information is material.
a) Disclose the metrics used by the
organisation to assess climate-related
risks and opportunities in line with its
strategy and risk management
process.
b) Disclose Scope 1, Scope 2, and if
appropriate, Scope 3 greenhouse gas
(GHG) emissions, and the related risks.
c) Describe the targets used by the
organisation to manage climate-
related risks and opportunities and
performance against targets.
As explained in our Consistency Statement on
page 35, the disclosures below are only
partially consistent with Section 4 Metrics
and Targets parts a) and c) of the TCFD
Guidance. We have made progress in the
period but some work remains to improve our
systems and processes to enable reporting on
remaining metrics and targets for assessing
and managing our climate-related risks and
opportunities, including recommended
metrics from Table A2.1 of the TCFD
Guidance. As reported in FY23, we are
working towards achieving full consistency for
our FY25 Annual Report.
Updating our deep-dive analysis in the period
has improved our understanding of our
climate-related risks and opportunities and
enabled us to consider which metrics and
targets are best placed to help us assess
andmanage them. The actions we need to
take to mitigate the risks identified through
our deep-dive analysis align to the targets
we’ve set in our updated FWI Strategy.
Over the period we also improved our GHG
emissions calculation methodology which has
enabled us to report a refreshed baseline and
has given us better insight into our progress
against our GHG targets. The updated
methodology also provided improved carbon
data that we used as an input for our
refreshed deep-dive analysis.
Our GHG emissions continue to be a key
metric we use to assess and manage our
climate-related risks and opportunities, as
emissions are driving global temperature
increases that are a key root cause of all
other impacts we have identified. Our Scope 1,
2, and 3 GHG emissions metrics for FY24 are
available on page 29 including a breakdown
ofthe sources of emissions within each Scope,
our methodology, and detail of our
assumptions used.
During the year we have developed our
updated decarbonisation strategy in
partnership with our carbon accounting
partner. Our next steps will be to consider and
reflect the Transition Plan Taskforce’s (TPT)
recommendations before we publish this
externally. The UK Government is consulting
on guidance for UK companies that will help
them disclose transition plans in alignment
with the TPT’s recommendations. This is
expected to form part of the forthcoming
Sustainability Reporting Standards (UK SRS)
as part of the delayed Sustainability
Disclosure Requirements (SDR) regime. We
are monitoring for further updates and will
publish our climate transition plan following
the finalisation of this guidance to ensure
wealign with its recommendations.
We have not obtained external assurance
over any of our metrics for the current or
previous financial periods disclosed. We are
developing our ESG assurance plans, including
considering which metrics to include for
assurance activities and the level of
assurance needed, taking into account the
timelines and requirements of the Corporate
Sustainability Reporting Directive (CSRD).
Task Force on Climate-related
Financial Disclosures (TCFD)
continued
ASOS PLC ANNUAL REPORT AND ACCOUNTS 2024
45
Which metrics do we measure Which risks or opportunities do these
metrics help us assess (size and movement)
Have we set targets and where
are we reporting our performance
GHG emissions (tCO
2
e across Scopes 1,
2 and 3 in our upstream and downstream
value chain).
Failure to deliver published sustainability goals.
1,
Non-compliance with decarbonisation legislation
or regulations.
2
Increased GHG emission taxation.
3
Lost market share and/or boycotts due to
negative publicity.
Failure to attract or retain strategically
important talent.
Yes
6
– see Planet pillar of our updated
FWI Strategy for our targets for
emission reductions from ASOS own
brand manufacturing, our partner brand
products and our entire value chain. This
is available at asosplc.com/fashion-with-
integrity/. Our latest performance is
shown in the FWI section on page 29.
Use of more sustainable direct materials
(% of total weight of ASOS own brand
clothing made up of more sustainable
materials).
Failure to deliver published sustainability goals.
1,
Shortage of direct (e.g. cotton) or indirect (e.g.
packaging) materials.
5
Increased taxation on less sustainable energy,
direct or indirect materials.
3
Lost market share due to not meeting demand
for more sustainable products and/or boycotts
due to negative publicity.
4
Failure to attract or retain strategically
important talent.
4
Yes
6
– see Product pillar of our updated
FWI Strategy for our targets for our
use of renewable electricity, more
sustainable materials, and packaging
recycled content. This is available at
asosplc.com/fashion-with-integrity/.
Our latest performance is shown in the
FWI section on page 30.
Use of more sustainable indirect materials
(% of total weight of mailing and garment
bags made up of recycled content).
Partner brands commitment to
decarbonisation (% of emissions from
partner brand products sold on asos.com
that were sourced from partners who
have set science-based targets).
Failure to deliver published sustainability goals.
1,
Lost market share due to not meeting demand
for more sustainable products.
1, 4
Yes
6
– see Planet pillar of our updated
FWI Strategy for our targets on
engagement with partner brands
relating to the Science-Based Targets
initiative (SBTi). This is available at
asosplc.com/fashion-with-integrity/.
Our latest performance is shown in the
FWI section on page 29.
New circular business models offered
(piloting or launching circular business
models across resale, rental, takeback and
repair and providing circularity training to
our suppliers).
Failure to deliver published sustainability goals.
1,
Lost market share due to not meeting demand
for more sustainable products and/or boycotts
due to negative publicity.
1, 4
Failure to attract or retain strategically
important talent.
4
Yes
6
– see Product pillar of our updated
FWI Strategy for our targets on circular
business models and providing circular
design training. This is available at
asosplc.com/fashion-with-integrity/.
Ourlatest performance is shown in the
FWI section on page 31.
Own-brand supply chain drought risk
(suppliers’ water stress scoring measured
by voluntary WWF Water Risk Filter or the
WRI Aqueduct Tool completion).
Lack of availability of raw materials and/or
third-party suppliers production processes
disruption
5
.
No – Although, this metric will be used
for target setting in our internal water
strategy which is currently under
development.
1 See Growing interest in sustainable products under the Market Awareness risk areas on pages 38 to 39.
2 See New legislation/regulation under the Policy & Legal risk area on pages 38 to 39.
3 See Increases in carbon taxation under the Policy & Legal risk area on pages 38 to 39.
4 See Awareness of sustainability activities under the Social Awareness risk area on pages 40 to 41.
5 See Reduced raw material availability under Chronic Climate Impacts on pages 42 to 43.
6 Our updated FWI Strategy is available at available at asosplc.com/fashion-with-integrity/ and contains further information on specific targets referenced in the
above table, including definition of stated terms, details of calculation methodologies and assumptions or estimates used.
STRATEGIC REPORT GOVERNANCE REPORT FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
46
ASOS PLC
ANNUAL REPORT AND ACCOUNTS 2024
Streamlined Energy
& Carbon Reporting
Unit of
measurement
UK Portion Total Global
FY24
FY23
(restated) % change
FY23
(previously
reported) FY24
FY23
(restated) % change
FY23
(previously
reported)
Energy Consumption:
used to calculate
emissions for gas
andelectricity
MWh 32,477 31,366 +4% 31,366 57,171 53,896 +6% 53,896
Scope 1: emissions from
combustion of gas
tCO
2
e1,5801,779
-11% 2,147 2,781 3,067 -9% 2,785
Location Based (LB)
Scope 2: emissions
frompurchased
electricity (LB)
tCO
2
e 5,183 5,071
+2% 4,065 9,125 8,743 +4% 10,770
Intensity Ratio – total
tCO
2
e/£m revenue (LB)
tCO
2
e/£m
revenue
3.15 2.46 +28% 3.82
Market Based (MB)
Scope 2: emissions
frompurchased
electricity (MB)
tCO
2
e 0 0 0 0 2,372 2,259 +5% 2,896
Intensity Ratio – total
tCO
2
e/£m revenue (MB)
tCO
2
e/£m
revenue
0.82 0.64 +29% 1.60
Quantification and reporting
methodology
In presenting the above data we have
followed the 2020 UK Government
Environmental Reporting Guidelines. We
have also used the Greenhouse Gas (GHG)
Reporting Protocol – Corporate Standard
(‘Operational Control’ boundary) and
applied a combination of resource-specific
emissions factors from the IPCC and
up-to-date country-specific grid data from
reliable third-party sources (e.g. ENTSO-E
for European Countries), IEA national
emissions factors, and tariff specific
emissions factors. Energy data is obtained
from a hierarchy of HH data, meter
readings, and invoices.
Energy Management Statement
We monitor our energy consumption via our
Energy Management System, which enables
us to measure the impact of energy saving
initiatives and ensure we’re improving
energy efciency across our direct
operations.
As part of Energy Savings Opportunity
Scheme (ESOS) Phase 3 requirements,
we’ve recently conducted energy and
carbon audits across sites under our direct
operational control in the UK and EU. We’ll
be developing an action plan, in line with the
UK Government’s Environment Agency
requirements, to implement identified
energy and carbon savings initiatives.
Our reporting period for energy and carbon emissions is aligned to our financial period, from 4 September 2023 to 1 September 2024.
During the period we have updated our carbon calculation methodology with support from a third-party provider. Although our underlying energy
data remains unchanged, due to the use of updated emissions factors, our FY23 Scope 1 and 2 emissions have been adjusted since they were
originally stated in our FY23 SECR disclosure. Below, we have restated these figures and disclosed our previously reported FY23 emissions in
italics for comparison purposes.
Greenhouse Gas Management
Statement
This period, we have been working to
improve our systems to enable us to report
Scope 3 emissions alongside our full year
results. Our Scope 1, 2, and 3 emissions
metrics for FY24 are available on page 29
including a breakdown of the sources of
emissions included within each Scope and
the methodology used.
In 2021, we achieved Science Based Targets
initiative (SBTi) validation for emissions
reduction targets set across Scopes 1, 2,
and 3. In line with guidance at the time,
these were intensity-based, meaning
ouremissions reduction targets
andperformance were calculated
proportionally to either financial or
operational metrics. Following the
ASOS PLC ANNUAL REPORT AND ACCOUNTS 2024
47
introduction of thesetargets, the SBTi
released the firstiteration of its Corporate
Net Zero Standard. This redefined
target-setting criteria, with a new focus on
long-term absolute emissions reductions
targets, excluding the use of carbon
offsetting or removals until a 90%
reduction in absolute emissions has been
secured.
This period we have reviewed our approach
and set new, near-term and long-term
absolute emissions reduction targets in
linewith this best practice. The updates to
our carbon reduction targets are aligned
tothe Paris Agreement’s 1.5 degree climate
change pathway and are:
By FY30, to reduce the absolute
emissions generated by the manufacture
of ASOS own-brands and labels products
by 42% compared to a FY22 baseline.
By FY30, to ensure 90% of emissions
generated by brand partner products
sold on ASOS come from brands who
have set science-based targets.
By FY50, to reduce 90% of the absolute
emissions generated by our entire value
chain compared to a FY22 baseline.
We are planning on submitting these
updated targets to the science-based
target initiative (SBTi) later this year for
validation. In addition to the above, we
haveset a target directly related to our
renewable electricity procurement:
By FY27, procure 100% renewable
electricity across the ASOS estate.
An explanation of our FWI Strategy, our
targets and commitments, definitions,
andmethodologies is available on our plc
siteat asosplc.com/fashion-with-integrity/.
For further detail on our progress against
thetargets detailed in this section, please
seepage 29.
STRATEGIC REPORT GOVERNANCE REPORT FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
48
ASOS PLC
ANNUAL REPORT AND ACCOUNTS 2024
Sustainable Accounting Standards Board
(SASB) Index
This is our second disclosure in reference to the Sustainable Accounting Standards Board (SASB) Standards, covering our FY24 period. We’re
following the work being done to align international sustainability reporting frameworks, driven by the International Sustainability Standards
Board (ISSB) of the IFRS (International Financial Reporting Standards) Foundation. In August 2022, the ISSB assumed responsibility for the SASB
Standards, and continues to encourage businesses to use the SASB Standards.
We’ve reported in reference to version 2023-06 of both the Apparel, accessories & footwear Standard, and the E-commerce Standard.
E-commerce
Code Metric Commentary
Hardware
Infrastructure
Energy &
Water
Management
CG-EC-
130a.1
(1) Total energy consumed, (2) percentage grid
electricity, and (3) percentage renewable
We don’t operate or own any data centres and don’t actively manage
or monitor energy and water usage of our partner sites.
CG-EC-
130a.2
(1) Total water withdrawn, (2) total water consumed;
percentage of each in regions with High or Extremely
High Baseline Water Stress
CG-EC-
130a.3
Discussion of the integration of environmental
considerations into strategic planning for data
centre needs
Data Privacy &
Advertising
Standards
CG-EC-
220a.1
Number of users whose information is used for
secondary purposes
Not disclosed
CG-EC-
220a.2
Description of policies and practices relating to
behavioural advertising and user privacy
Page 64
Data security
CG-EC-
230a.1
Description of approach to identifying and
addressing data security risks
Page 64
CG-EC-
230a.2
(1) Number of data breaches, (2) percentage
involving personally identifiable information (PII
(Personally Identifiable Information)), (3) number of
users affected
Not disclosed
Employee
Recruitment,
Inclusion &
Performance
CG-EC-
330a.1
Employee engagement as a percentage Our engagement score is 65 (Global 2023 benchmark: 74) based on a
79% response rate. This survey was completed in April 2024. This score
is an average of responses to the following two questions: ‘I would
recommend ASOS as a great place to work,’ and ‘How happy are you
working at ASOS?
We use Glint as an engagement survey platform. The questions asked
are a mixture of questions pulled from the Glint platform, as well as
some that are ASOS specific.
We ask questions on a variety of topics, including:
Adaptability & taking chances
Growth opportunity
Inclusive culture
Benefits & wellbeing
Functional leadership
Confidence in leadership
Reward
Belonging
Integrity, fair decisions, and
transparency
Collaboration
Priorities
Future success
Objectives
Development goals
Equity
Manager recommendation
Dynamic working
Brand and business
strategy
CG-EC-
330a.2
(1) Voluntary and (2) involuntary turnover rate for all
employees
Not disclosed
CG-EC-
330a.3
Percentage of gender and racial/ethnic group
representation for (1) management, (2) technical
staff, and (3) all other employees
Page 21 and see Ethnicity and Gender Pay Gap report on asosplc.com
CG-EC-
330a.4
Percentage of technical employees who are H-1B visa
holders
Not relevant
ASOS PLC ANNUAL REPORT AND ACCOUNTS 2024
49
Product
Packaging &
Distribution
CG-EC-
410a.1
Total greenhouse gas (GHG) footprint of product
shipments
Inter-warehouse transfers and outbound deliveries accounted for
167,778 tCO
2
e in FY24.
CG-EC-
410a.2
Discussion of strategies to reduce the environmental
impact of product delivery
We use third-party logistics providers for our outbound deliveries and
inter-warehouse transfers. Many providers have set individual
decarbonisation strategies and targets.
Activity
metrics
CG-EC-
000.A
Entity-defined measure of user activity Page 55.
CG-EC-
000.B
Data processing capacity, percentage outsourced In FY24, we used 58,370,589.08 kWh of power for our outsourced cloud
operations. Microsoft estimates this to be 958.7 tonnes of CO
2
e
emissions.
CG-EC-
000.C
Number of shipments Page 54
Apparel, Accessories & Footwear
Management
of chemicals in
products
CG-AA-
250a.1
Discussion of processes to maintain compliance with
restricted substances regulations
We’ve developed a Restricted Substance List (RSL), which outlines the
acceptable limits of potentially toxic or harmful substances which can
be present in finished products. This RSL has been developed to comply
with legislative and regulatory requirements of global trading
territories we sell within, including REACH and Proposition 65.
We require all vendors who supply materials and/or finished goods
tocomply with all local and international laws. All suppliers have access
to the ASOS Chemical Policy and RSL via the supplier extranet. These
are also publicly available on the ASOS plc website. Compliance with
the RSL is mandated through the terms and conditions agreed between
ASOS and our suppliers.
We provide support to help our suppliers risk assess products and
necessary chemicals on an ASOS Chemical website, available to our
suppliers as a mobile app; and educate them as part of our ACCT
(ASOS Certified Chemical Technologist) program.
Our process is for testing to be assessed on bulk components,
toensure the components are safe before the production starts.
Suppliers are trained on what components and chemicals are to be
tested, with additional support available through an ASOS Chemical
website and app.
All suppliers must show testing proof that the components meet our
RSL, focusing on five mandatory chemicals. The bulk component is to
betested by one of Bureau Veritas’ (BV) global labs. The test report or
certificate is to be uploaded to our system per style for the garment
technologist or the supplier-nominated ACCT to review.
We have an additional compliance check with our Due Diligence
testing program, carried out on high-risk components (focusing on
Lead, Cadmium, and Phthalates where relevant per component).
Under this program, garments are picked off the production line
and independently tested by BV.
If a supplier has an Oeko Tex Standard 100 certificate, then testing
through BV is exempted. Our suppliers can also select trims from the
ASOS Preferred Trim list.
As part of the chemical management strategy, we are a signatory
member of the Zero Discharge of Hazardous Chemicals (ZDHC)
Roadmap to Zero programme. Within our Chemical Policy we ask
suppliers to follow the ZDHC CMS (Chemical Management System)
andTIG (Technical Industry Guide) guidelines.
We work closely with our suppliers and mills to ensure hazardous
chemicals are identified through InCheck reports.
We’ve started mapping wet processing suppliers and onboarding them
to the ZDHC Roadmap to Zero Programme. This includes Performance
Incheck, to demonstrate ZDHC MRSL conformance of the facility’s CIL
(Chemical Inventory List) and ClearStream (wastewater testing) to
monitor the quality of the facility’s discharged wastewater.
CG-AA-
250a.2
Discussion of processes to assess and manage risks
and/or hazards associated with chemicals in
products
STRATEGIC REPORT GOVERNANCE REPORT FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
50
ASOS PLC
ANNUAL REPORT AND ACCOUNTS 2024
Environmental
Impacts in the
Supply Chain
CG-AA-
430a.1
Percentage of (1) Tier 1 supplier facilities and (2)
supplier facilities beyond Tier 1 in compliance with
wastewater discharge permits and/or contractual
agreement
We ask Tier 1 suppliers to voluntarily complete the Worldly Higg FEM to
enable us to monitor compliance. As not all suppliers complete the FEM,
we are not able to report an overall compliance rate. In calendar year
2023, we had no self-reported non-compliances on wastewater/
effluent discharges.
CG-AA-
430a.2
Percentage of (1) Tier 1 supplier facilities and (2)
supplier facilities beyond Tier 1 that have completed
the Worldly Higg Facility Environmental Module (FEM)
assessment or an equivalent environmental data
assessment
Tier 1 suppliers representing 58% of our FY24 intake volume completed
an FEM
Labour
Conditions in
the Supply
Chain
CG-AA-
430b.1
Percentage of (1) Tier 1 supplier facilities and (2)
supplier facilities beyond Tier 1 that have been
audited to a labour code of conduct, (3) percentage
of total audits conducted by a third-party auditor
1. 78% of our Tier 1 sites were audited between 1 September 2023
and31 August 2024.
2. 29% of our mapped sites beyond Tier 1 were audited between
1 September 2023 and 31 August 2024.
3. Not disclosed.
CG-AA-
430b.2
Priority non-conformance rate and associated
corrective action rate for suppliers’ labour code of
conduct audits
Not disclosed
CG-AA-
430b.3
Description of the greatest (1) labour and (2)
environmental, health, and safety risks in the supply
chain
See Modern Slavery Statement and page 5 of FWI Strategy Update
onasosplc.com/fashion-with-integrity/
Raw Materials
Sourcing
CG-AA-
440a.3
(1) List of priority raw materials; for each priority raw
material: (2) environmental or social factor(s) most
likely to threaten sourcing, (3) discussion on business
risks or opportunities associated with environmental
or social factors and (4) management strategy for
addressing business risks and opportunities
Pages 30, 42, 43, and 45
CG-AA-
440a.4
(1) Amount of priority raw materials purchased, by
material, and (2) amount of each priority raw material
that is certified to a third-party environmental or
social standard, by standard
Page 30
Activity
metrics
CG-AA-
000.A
Number of (1) Tier 1 suppliers and (2) suppliers beyond
Tier 1
471 sites mapped in Tier 1
395 sites mapped beyond Tier 1
Sustainable Accounting Standards Board
(SASB) Index
continued
ASOS PLC ANNUAL REPORT AND ACCOUNTS 2024
51
Global Reporting Initiative (GRI) disclosure
This is our second disclosure with reference to the GRI Standards. It covers our FY24 period.
GRI 1: Foundation 2021
GRI 2: General
Disclosures 2021
2-1 Organisational details Page 135
2-2 Entities included in the organisation’s
sustainability reporting
Sustainability reporting relates to the ASOS Group. More
details on subsidiaries are available on page 186
2-3 Reporting period, frequency and contact point This report covers our FY24 period, which runs from
4 September 2023 – 1 September 2024. We provide this report
annually. Key contact points are listed at asosplc.com
2-4 Restatements of information Pages 29 and 46 detail restatements relating to previously
reported carbon emissions
2-5 External assurance Page 44
2-6 Activities, value chain and other business
relationships
Information on ASOS and its brands can be found on pages 4 to
7. The list of markets we operate can be found on pages 57 and
58. See page 25 for more information on our engagement with
our suppliers, or read our modern slavery statement on
asosplc.com
2-7 Employees Page 21
2-8 Workers who are not employees See the Business Structure section of our latest Modern
Slavery Statement on asosplc.com
2-9 Governance structure and composition Pages 79, 82, and 83
2-10 Nomination and selection of the highest
governance body
Pages 90 to 93
2-11 Chair of the highest governance body Page 72
2-12 Role of the highest governance body in
overseeing the management of impacts
Pages 94 and 95
2-13 Delegation of responsibility for managing
impacts
Pages 83 and 94 to 97
2-14 Role of the highest governance body in
sustainability reporting
Pages 94 and 95
2-15 Conflicts of interest Page 84
2-16 Communication of critical concerns Pages 96 to 101
2-17 Collective knowledge of the highest governance
body
Pages 90 and 91
2-18 Evaluation of the performance of the highest
governance body
Pages 87 and 92
2-19 Remuneration policies Pages 104 to 107
2-20 Process to determine remuneration Pages 102 to 103
2-21 Annual total compensation ratio Page 114
2-22 Statement on sustainable development
strategy
Pages 3 and 4 of FWI Strategy Update on asosplc.com/
fashion-with-integrity/
2-23 Policy commitments Our policies can be found on asosplc.com/fashion-with-
integrity/
2-24 Embedding policy commitments We require our employees and partners to respect our policies
and Code of Conduct. For more information on how we engage
with suppliers, see page 25 and our Modern Slavery Statement
2-25 Processes to remediate negative impacts See Modern Slavery Statement on asosplc.com
STRATEGIC REPORT GOVERNANCE REPORT FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
52
ASOS PLC
ANNUAL REPORT AND ACCOUNTS 2024
2-26 Mechanisms for seeking advice and raising
concerns
Page 101 and Modern Slavery Statement on asosplc.com
(DueDiligence section)
2-27 Compliance with laws and regulations Page 95 for information on our engagement with the UK
Competition and Markets Authority
2-28 Membership associations
British Retail Consortium – Member
Textile Exchange – Member
Better Cotton– Member
Ellen MacArthur Foundation – Member
Textiles 2030 – Signatory
Cascale – Member
Inclusive Companies – Member
Disability Confident – Scheme member
Race at Work Charter (Business in the Community) – Signatory
A list of organisations and associations we work with as part of
our approach to modern slavery is available in our latest
Modern Slavery Statement on asosplc.com.
2-29 Approach to stakeholder engagement Pages 22 to 27
2-30 Collective bargaining agreements GXO employees working at ASOS’ UK sites operated by GXO
are covered by Collective Bargaining Agreements.
We have also signed a legally binding agreement to support
collective bargaining for workers in the garment and footwear
sector in Cambodia as part of the ACT (Action, Collaboration,
Transformation) process.
GRI 3: Material Topics
2021
3-1 Process to determine material topics Page 37 and also see pages 5 to 9 of FWI Strategy Update,
onasosplc.com/fashion-with-integrity/
3-2 List of material topics 3-3 Management of
material topics
Our ‘Critical’ and ‘Significant’ material topics and the actions
we take to manage these impacts are detailed below.
Climate change See GRI 201: Economic Performance 2016
Biodiversity GRI 101-2
Equal treatment and opportunities in the
supply chain
See pages 38 to 41 of FWI Strategy Update on asosplc.com/
fashion-with-integrity/
Resource use and waste See pages 25 to 36 of FWI Strategy Update on asosplc.com/
fashion-with-integrity/
See GRI 301: Materials 2016 and GRI 306: Waste 2020
Pollution See GRI 303: Water and Effluents 2018
Working conditions and work-related rights
in the supply chain
See GRI 401: Employment 2016
See Modern Slavery Statement and FWI Strategy Update
onasosplc.com/fashion-with-integrity/
Water See GRI 303-2
GRI 101: Biodiversity
2024
101-2 Management of biodiversity impacts See page 18 of FWI Strategy Update on asosplc.com/fashion-
with-integrity/
GRI 201: Economic
Performance 2016
201-2 Financial implications and other risks and
opportunities due to climate change
Pages 34 to 45
GRI 301: Materials 2016
301-1 Materials used by weight or volume Page 30
301-2 Recycled input materials used Page 30
GRI 303: Water and
Effluents 2018
303-2 Management of water discharge-related
impacts
Page 50
GRI disclosure continued
ASOS PLC ANNUAL REPORT AND ACCOUNTS 2024
53
GRI 305: Emissions 2016
305-1 Direct (Scope 1) GHG emissions Pages 29 and 46
305-2 Energy indirect (Scope 2) GHG emissions Pages 29 and 46
305-3 Other indirect (Scope 3) GHG emissions Page 29
305-4 GHG emissions intensity Page 46
305-5 Reduction of GHG emissions Page 29. Also see pages 17 to 23 of FWI Strategy Update
onasosplc.com/fashion-with-integrity/
305-6 Emissions of ozone-depleting substances
(ODS)
Not disclosed
305-7 Nitrogen oxides (NOx), sulfur oxides (SOx), and
other significant air emissions
Not disclosed
GRI 306: Waste 2020
306-1 Waste generation and significant waste-
related impacts
Page 30
306-2 Management of significant waste-related
impacts
Page 30
GRI 308: Supplier
Environmental
Assessment 2016
308-1 New suppliers that were screened using
environmental criteria
We included additional information requests into our new
supplier process this period. Prospective suppliers are now
required to provide information related to sources of energy,
carbon emissions, water use, and waste generation prior to
being onboarded as an ASOS supplier.
If onboarded, suppliers are then required to complete the Higg
FEM from the following calendar year, supporting ongoing
assessment and monitoring of their environmental performance
and impacts.
As part of our due diligence process for brand partners, we’ve
enhanced our self-assessment procedures by incorporating a
series of environmental disclosure and verification questions.
We now accept the Worldly Brand Retail Module (BRM) from
Cascale brand members as an alternative self-assessment,
which includes a comprehensive set of environmental and social
disclosure questions.
Our ASOS SAQ is designed to screen suppliers by requesting
detailed information on their environmental policies,
certifications, methods for monitoring environmental impact,
stakeholder engagement, and science-based targets. Brands
are required to complete the SAQ during onboarding and
annually thereafter, in line with our risk-based approach. We
also engage in regular in-person discussions with brands to
review their sustainability strategies and environmental data.
308-2 Negative environmental impacts in the supply
chain and actions taken
GRI 401: Employment
2016
401-1 New employee hires and employee turnover Pages 19 and 21
401-3 Parental leave Page 20
GRI 403: Occupational
Health and Safety 2018
403-7 Prevention and mitigation of occupational
health and safety impacts directly linked by business
relationships
We recognise and accept our obligations and duties to protect
the Health & Safety of all employees, contractors, and visitors
to any part of our business.
Our Global Health and Safety Policy covers ASOS’ global
operations at ASOS managed sites (e.g. offices) or sites
engaged to perform activity on behalf of ASOS e.g. Fulfilment
Centres and Returns Centres.
GRI 405: Diversity and
Equal Opportunity 2016
405-1 Diversity of governance bodies and employees Pages 21 and 92
405-2 Ratio of basic salary and remuneration of
women to men
See Ethnicity and Gender Pay Gap on asosplc.com
GRI 407: Freedom of
Association and
Collective Bargaining
2016
407-1 Operations and suppliers in which the right to
freedom of association and collective bargaining
may be at risk
See Modern Slavery Statement on asosplc.com
GRI 408: Child Labor 2016
408-1 Operations and suppliers at significant risk for
incidents of child labor
See Modern Slavery Statement on asosplc.com
GRI 409: Forced or
Compulsory Labor 2016
409-1 Operations and suppliers at significant risk for
incidents of forced or compulsory labor
See Modern Slavery Statement on asosplc.com
GRI 414: Supplier Social
Assessment 2016
414-1 New suppliers that were screened using social
criteria
See Modern Slavery Statement on asosplc.com
414-2 Negative social impacts in the supply chain and
actions taken
See Modern Slavery Statement on asosplc.com
Key financial measures
Revenue
Retail sales, delivery receipts
and other revenues from
continuing operations
£2.9bn
-16%
1
Adjusted
Gross Margin
2
Adjusted gross profit
as a percentage of
adjusted revenue
43.4%
£2,905.8m
£3,549.5m
2024
2023
43.4%
44.2%
2024
2023
Adjusted EBITDA
2
Adjusted earnings before
interest, tax, depreciation,
amortisation and impairments
£80.1m
Adjusted
EBITDA Margin
2
Adjusted EBITDA, as defined,
as a percentage of adjusted
revenue
2.8%
£80.1m
£124.5m
2024
2023
2.8%
3.5%
2024
2023
Key strategic measures
Active customers
Number of customers having
shopped in the last 12 financial
months as at the end of each
reporting period
19.6m
Total orders
Total orders placed
67.2m
19.6m
23.3m
2024
2023
67.2m
83.7m
2024
2023
Average order
frequency
Last 12 financial months
total orders divided by active
customers
3.4
Net ABV
Average basket value,
being total order value
after returns and discounts,
excluding VAT, divided by
total orders
£41.07
3.4
3.6
2024
2023
£41.07
£40.33
2024
2023
STRATEGIC REPORT GOVERNANCE REPORT FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
54
ASOS PLC
ANNUAL REPORT AND ACCOUNTS 2024
Key performance
indicators
Our key performance indicators help us measure
both the financial value we create for our
shareholders, and our strategic value, as we
grow our business and deliver our purpose.
Adjusted profit
before tax
2
-£126.0m
Diluted EPS
Profit after tax divided
by the weighted average
number of shares in issue
during the period, adjusted
for the effects of potentially
dilutive share options
-284.4p
-£126.0m
-£70.3m
2024
2023
-284.4p
-213.0p
2024
2023
Free cash flow
2
Free cash flow is net cash
generated from operating
activities, less payments
to acquire intangible and
tangible assets, payment
of the principal portion of
lease liabilities and net
interest expenses
£37.7m
Net debt
2
Net debt comprises cash
and cash equivalents less
any borrowings but excluding
outstanding lease liabilities
£297.1m
£37.7m
-£213.0m
2024
2023
£297.1m
£319.5m
2024
2023
Total visits
Number of visits to
ASOS.com via any device
2.3bn
1 Change in total sales on a like-for-like basis, adjusting for constant currency
and the impact of four additional trading days in FY23.
2 Alternative Performance Measure – see pages 188 to 193 for reconciliation
tostatutory measures.
2,252.4m
2,661.3m
2024
2023
Conversion
Percentage of visits that
convert into an order
3.0%
3.0%
3.1%
2024
2023
ASOS PLC
ANNUAL REPORT AND ACCOUNTS 2024
55
Our key financial measures have been chosen to show the core
business’ growth (Group revenue) and profitability (adjusted gross
margin, adjusted profit before tax and diluted EPS). Free cash flow
andnet debt provide an understanding of the business’ ability to
generate cash through its operations and its balance sheet strength
respectively. To provide increased focus on cash generation we have
replaced AEBIT with AEBITDA, removing the impact of non-cash
depreciation, amortisation and impairments from the core profit
measure. A number of these (where indicated) are Alternative
Performance Measures which should be considered in addition to,
andnot as a substitute for, IFRS measures. As they are not defined by
International Financial Reporting standards, they may not be directly
comparable with other companies’ Alternative Performance Measures.
Our key strategic measures have been chosen to provide insight on
theGroup’s customers for the reporting period, allowing users of the
accounts to determine historic and future trends. Orders, visits,
average order frequency and conversion all help to show how engaged
customers have been with ASOS’ proposition during the period, whilst
the number of active customers provides a view of how effectively the
Group has driven customer acquisition and managed churn during the
period. Net ABV is a function of average selling price (ASP) and average
basket size (ABS) and gives a view of order value before taking into
accounting operating costs.
STRATEGIC REPORT GOVERNANCE REPORT FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
56
ASOS PLC
ANNUAL REPORT AND ACCOUNTS 2024
Financial review
Revenue growth figures are expressed on a constant currency (CCY) or like-for-like (LFL) basis unless otherwise indicated.
1,2
Period to 1 September 2024
UK
£m
Europe
£m
US
£m
Rest of World
£m
Total reported
£m
Adjusting items
3
£m
Total adjusted
£m
Retail sales
,. . . .,. ,.
Income from
other services
. . ... (.) .
Total revenue ,. ,. . . ,. (.) ,.
Cost of sales (,.) .(,.)
Gross profit ,. . ,.
Distribution expenses (.) – (.)
Administrative expenses (.) . (.)
Other income . – .
EBITDA (.) . .
Depreciation, amortisation
and impairments
(.). (.)
Operating loss (.) . (.)
Finance income . .
Finance expense (.) . (.)
Loss before tax (.) . (.)
During the 52 weeks to 1 September 2024 (“the period”) the Group
realised an adjusted loss before tax of £126.0m as sales were impacted
by continued challenges in the market, including higher cost of living
pressures, and the volume impact of profit initiatives taken in FY23
under our Driving Change agenda, alongside new programmes
implemented in the current financial period.
As in the first half of the period, the focus of these changes continued
to be on improving stock-health and clearing aged inventory to improve
cash flow and provide an efcient, sustainable operating model into
future periods. While impacting top-line growth, these initiatives
simultaneously provided material, ongoing savings throughout our
costbase.
The reported loss before tax of £379.3m for the period includes
adjusting items totalling £253.3m. Property-related initiatives account
for £144.4m, including the mothballing of our Lichfield fulfilment
centre, as announced in our FY23 results. The majority of the
expenditure under this programme is the non-cash impairments
oftangible, intangible and right-of-use assets.
Outside of the Lichfield programme, other adjusting items include
£94.8m relating to exceptional stock write-off programmes. The
remaining £14.1m primarily relates to the amortisation of intangibles
associated with the Arcadia brands.
During the previous financial year we aligned our internal and external
reporting periods to increase reporting efciency. As a result of this
change the previous reporting period had four additional trading days
compared to the current financial year. The impact of this on Group
sales growth was c.1.4% and the associated profit and cash flow
impact is immaterial.
Adjusted EBITDA in FY24 is £80.1m, a reduction of £44.4m vs the
£124.5m achieved in FY23, primarily a product of the lower revenues
and increased discounting to clear aged stock, mitigated in part
by the strong progress made on reducing our cost to serve.
ASOS PLC
ANNUAL REPORT AND ACCOUNTS 2024
57
Revenue
KPIs
Period to
1 September
2024
Period to
3 September
2023 Change
Active customers (m)
6
19.6 23.3 (16%)
Average basket value
7
41.07 40.33 2%
Average basket value
CCY
8
41.21 40.33 2%
Average order
frequency
9
3.43 3.59 (4%)
Total shipped orders (m) 67.2 83.7 (20%)
Total visits (m) 2,252.4 2,661.3 (15%)
Conversion
10
3.0% 3.1% (10bps)
Total LFL sales declined by 16%
2
as a result of the continued impact
from annualising the actions taken during FY23 to improve profitability,
combined with challenging conditions across our key markets and
theimpact of a number of new initiatives focused on driving improved
profitability.
Active customers declined 16% year-on-year (YoY), continuing
trendsseen in previous periods as we focus on improving the
profitability of our customers. This changing dynamic is in part
evidenced by the increase in Average Basket Value (ABV) which rose
2% on a full-year basis.
In addition to the impact of lower active customers and general market
factors, visits performance was also impacted by changes to our
performance marketing approach in H2 FY24, with optimisations made
to the model allowing us to reduce investment whilst delivering a net
positive impact on variable contribution.
During H2 FY24 we introduced a net order threshold on free returns
for customers with excessive returns in France, Germany and the US.
This programme aims to improve profitability within a small group of
customers; it does however provide a small headwind in revenue,
as we make fewer, more profitable sales.
Performance by market
United Kingdom
UK KPIs Period to 1 September 2024
Total Sales -14% (-12% LFL)
Visits -14%
Orders -18%
Conversion -30bps
ABV +4% (+4% CCY)
Active Customers 7.0m (-13%)
Sales in the UK declined by 12% YoY
2
against a difficult consumer
backdrop as a result of the cost of living challenges which particularly
impacted the fashion retail sector.
Active customers were down 13% YoY, broadly tracking sales trends
based on the same factors. The lower demand in the market also
impacted visits throughout the period which were down 14% YoY. When
combined with a step-back on conversion this led to an 18% decline in
orders. In contrast ABV performed well, +4% YoY, indicating that profit
actions are positively influencing customer behaviour to underpin
basket economics.
At the beginning of H2 FY24 we saw similar YoY trends as during H1
however, as stock health improved, Q4 FY24 began to show a more
promising trajectory on revenue, demonstrating clear demand for
ourfull-price stock.
Europe
EU KPIs Period to 1 September 2024
Total Sales -14% (-13% LFL)
Visits -16%
Orders -17%
Conversion flat
ABV +4% (+5% CCY)
Active Customers 9.0m (-11%)
Visits were challenging in our European markets, down (16%) YoY with
weaker consumer demand, combined with tough competition and
continued promotional aggression in these markets.
Despite the impact on conversion from actions taken as part of our
Driving Change agenda as well as the new initiatives in FY24, conversion
remained resilient, flat YoY. This, combined with the improved ABV,
+5%YoY, led to some mitigation to the visit performance, with sales
declining by 13% YoY
2
.
STRATEGIC REPORT GOVERNANCE REPORT FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
58
ASOS PLC
ANNUAL REPORT AND ACCOUNTS 2024
Financial review continued
United States
US KPIs Period to 1 September 2024
Total Sales -32% (-28% LFL)
Visits -23%
Orders -31%
Conversion -20bps
ABV -3% (+1% CCY)
Active Customers 2.1m (-27%)
Total US sales fell by 28% YoY
2
, with H2 FY24 back by 33%, reflecting
the more restrained approach to paid media spend alongside the
continued market weakness and the strong competition bolstered by
high levels of promotional aggression, which combined led to a 23%
decline in visits.
Conversion declined 20bps YoY as a result of the wide-ranging actions
taken throughout FY23 to improve the region’s profitability, alongside
the introduction of a free returns threshold for some customers
towards the end of FY24.
Rest of World
RoW KPIs Period to 1 September 2024
Total Sales -29% (-30% LFL)
Visits -13%
Orders -38%
Conversion -40bps
ABV +7% (+5% CCY)
Active Customers 1.4m (-36%)
Rest of World (‘RoW’) sales fell by 30% YoY
2
reflecting the
annualisation of the widespread profitability measures outside our
core geographies which were implemented during FY23, including
priceincreases and changes to our delivery proposition. This has
primarily manifested in reduced conversion, 40bps back YoY, leading
toa reduction in orders of 38%.
ABV has continued to be strong in the period, up 7%, building on the
double-digit ABV increase already achieved last financial year.
Gross margin
Adjusted gross margin
3
fell 80bps YoY to 43.4%. Strong H2
performance (+120bps YoY) mitigated some of the declines reported
inH1, where increased discounting as part of our planned activities to
accelerate clearance of old and aged stock led to a 260bps decline vs
H1 FY23.
Building on the strategic trading decisions taken in H1 FY24 to improve
profitability we further optimised our discounting through H2,
improving the profitability of our best performing stock, whilst
continuing to clear through old and aged stock. As in H1 we have
achieved this in part through increased use of promo exclusions,
ensuring we protect fast-selling full price stock. At the beginning of Q4
we began testing suppression of some of our oldest stock; increasing
the full price mix and ensuring that we continued to target on-site
discounting to clearance lines that remained seasonally relevant
andinteresting to our consumers.
These tests demonstrated the significant gross-margin gains we
anticipate as part of our new operating model with H2 FY24 adjusted
gross margin c.640bps higher than H1.
Based on the success of these tests, a decision was taken at the end
ofthe period to recognise an exceptional stock-provision against this
stock. This will allow us to operate fully on the new operating model
from FY25 onwards – with the provision for stock cleared through
off-site channels established during the previous financial year.
Reported gross margin was 40.0% (110bps lower than FY23) with the
key difference vs adjusted gross margin being the impact of the stock
write-off programmes.
ASOS PLC
ANNUAL REPORT AND ACCOUNTS 2024
59
Operating expenses
Despite an overall volume decline, adjusted cost to serve fell to 40.7%
of sales demonstrating the significant progress in improving our
operating efficiencies and reducing fixed costs.
£m
Period to
1 September
2024
% of
sales
11
Period to
3 September
2023
% of
sales
Change
in £ value
Distribution
costs
(326.1) (11.3%) (429.7) (12.1%) 24.1%
Warehousing (311.1) (10.7%) (416.4) (11.8%) 25.3%
Marketing (190.5) (6.6%) (195.0) (5.5%) 2.3%
Other
operating
costs
(351.5) (12.1%) (400.4) (11.3%) 12.2%
Adj. cost to
serve (excl.
D&A)
(1,179.2) (40.7%)
(1,441.5) (40.8%) 18.2%
Depreciation
and
amortisation
(161.6) (5.6%)
(152.9) (4.3%) (5.7%)
Adj. operating
costs
(1,340.8) (46.2%) (1,594.4) (45.1%) 15.9%
Adjusting
items
3
(155.6) (5.3%) (115.1) (3.2%) (35.2%)
Total
operating
costs
(1,496.4) (51.5%) (1,709.5) (48.1%) 12.5%
Distribution costs at 11.3% of sales decreased by 80bps YoY. Lower
volumes provided a headwind, reducing the benefit from volume-based
rebates. However as a result of the optimisation of our UK fulfilment
operations in FY23 to avoid split orders and improved rates from
carriers, secured through consolidating volume into key strategic
partners in each region, we were successful in not only mitigating
thesecosts, but delivering a saving versus the previous year.
Warehouse costs as a percentage of sales decreased by 110bps
YoY to 10.7% despite the deleveraging of fixed costs from reduced
volumes. Initiatives from our Driving Change agenda in FY23 annualised
in the first half providing a strong start to the year and further
improvements in the efficiency across our fulfilment network,
combined with the benefits from reduced fixed costs following
theclosure of the Lichfield fulfilment centre and the Selby returns
centre, supported us to deliver cost reductions that outpaced
thevolume decline.
Marketing costs decreased by 2.3% YoY. However, as a result of
increased full-funnel marketing, the impact of volume deleverage
andan increase in the paid-visit mix, as a percentage of revenue,
itincreased 110bps YoY to 6.6%. Towards the end of the year
we made significant optimisations in our performance media model
which enables us to reduce investment while delivering an increased
variable contribution and supports further investment
in our full-funnel strategy.
As part of this strategy, we have scaled our influencer programme,
working with an average of c.1,500 influencers per month by the end
ofthe year.
Other operating costs fell by £48.9m or 12.2% YoY. The reduction
represents the continued benefits from right-sizing our fixed cost base
throughout FY23, alongside continued management focus on driving
profitability supported by controlling costs. Headcount was 3.5%
lower at the end of the period compared to FY23, and has now fallen
byc.14% vs the FY22 closing position. Transaction costs have reduced
by £17.3m both as a result of lower volumes as well as improved terms
with key payment providers. Technology spend reduced by £4.9m
despite inflationary pressure as a result of continued focus on driving
efficiency in this spend area.
Depreciation and amortisation costs (excluding adjusting items)
as a percentage of sales increased by 130bps YoY. In addition to the
deleveraging impact of lower revenue, the absolute depreciation
andamortisation charge increased, primarily as a result of the growth
in intangible assets including data services, operations systems and
improvements to web and payments platforms.
Interest
A finance expense (excluding adjusting items) of £56.5m was incurred
compared to £46.3m in FY23. This reflected rising interest rates
(SONIA remained at c.5.2% throughout the period, vs an average
ofc.3.7% in FY23) as well as a higher margin payable post the
May2023 refinancing.
Finance income of £12.0m includes interest earned on deposits at
financial institutions, an increase of £5.0m YoY. This increase was
primarily a result of the rising global interest rate environment,
seen in finance expenses; alongside improved efficiency in investing
excess cash deposits.
Taxation
The reported effective tax rate is 10.7% based on the reported loss
before tax of £379.3m. This is lower than the FY23 effective tax rate
of24.8% due to the effect of unrecognised deferred tax assets on
losses in the current period.
Earnings per share
Both basic and diluted loss per share were 284.4p (FY23: basic and
diluted loss per share of 213.0p). The higher loss per share is a function
of increased loss for the period of £338.7m (FY23: £223.1m). The
potentially convertible shares related to both the convertible bond
andASOS’ employee share schemes have been excluded from
thecalculation of diluted loss per share as they are anti-dilutive
for the period ended 1 September 2024.
STRATEGIC REPORT GOVERNANCE REPORT FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
60
ASOS PLC
ANNUAL REPORT AND ACCOUNTS 2024
Financial review continued
Free cash flow
£m
Period to
1 September
2024
Period to
3 September
2023
AEBITDA 80.1 124.5
Share-based payments and other
non-cash items included in AEBITDA
2.6 7.0
Cash impacting adjusting items (20.2) (53.4)
Income tax received 10.3 18.3
Decrease in inventory (excl. swo)
12
143.1 180.4
Decrease/(Increase) in other working
capital
13
12.1 (260.4)
Operating cash flow 228.0 16.4
Purchase of property, plant &
equipment and intangible assets
(133.5) (177.9)
Payment of lease liabilities (principal) (25.5) (22.4)
Interest received 11.3 4.5
Interest paid (42.6) (33.6)
Free cash flow 37.7 (213.0)
Issuance of equity
77.6
Proceeds from borrowings & RCF
drawdown
450.0
Repayment of borrowings (0.5) (251.7)
Refinancing fees
(30.8)
Cash flow 37.2 32.1
There was a free cash inflow
14
(before items relating to financing) of
£37.7m for the period, an improvement of £250.7m YoY with a further
reduction in inventory (excluding the impact of the exceptional stock
write-off) driving a £143.1m inflow (FY23: £180.4m) during the period.
Cash was used to fund capital investments of £133.5m, a reduction
of£44.4m (25.1%) YoY with spend lower across both intangible assets
and property, plant and equipment. This figure includes £17.1m of
spend in the period relating to the Lichfield fulfilment centre which
hassubsequently been impaired; excluding this, capital investment
would total £116.4m for the period.
Net debt, refinancing and liquidity
£m
Period to
1 September
2024
Period to
3 September
2023
Convertible Bond
(fair value of debt component)
478.1 464.4
Term Loan & RCF, including
accrued interest
190.2 184.8
Nordstrom loan 19.8 20.4
Put option liability
15
– 3.2
Borrowings 688.1 672.8
Cash & cash equivalents (391.0) (353.3)
Net debt
(excluding lease liabilities)
297.1 319.5
Excluding lease liabilities, net debt at 1 September 2024 was £297.1m,
areduction of £22.4m in the period, with the free cash inflow of £37.7m
partially offset by debt movements relating to the non-cash unwind
ofthe effective interest rate on the convertible bond, and the unwind
of capitalised fees on the term loan.
Cash and undrawn facilities totalled £408.2m at 1 September 2024
(FY23: £428.3m) and included cash and cash equivalents of £391.0m
(FY23: £353.3m). The strong progress on inventory in the period has
continued to reduce the available RCF under the Bantry Bay facility
to£17.2m which remains undrawn (FY23: £75.0m).
Post balance sheet events
On the 5 September 2024 we announced the sale of the Topshop
andTopman brands to a subsidiary of Heartland A/S, as well as a
refinancing programme resulting in the repurchase of £173.4m of
convertible bonds due 2026 and the exchange of £253.0m into new
convertible bonds due 2028. As a result of these transactions ASOS’
net debt position will reduce by c130m. Refer to note 30 of the
financial statements for more information.
ASOS PLC
ANNUAL REPORT AND ACCOUNTS 2024
61
Outlook and Guidance
In FY25, the benefits of our new commercial model will become
increasingly apparent. As such, we expect FY25 gross margin
improvement of at least 300 bps to more than 46% and adjusted
EBITDA
3
growth of at least 60% to £130m to £150m. While the TSTM
Joint Venture is expected to have a £10m to £20m negative adjusted
EBITDA impact in its first year of operation, it will be increasingly
EBITDA accretive over time. We expect FY25 free cash flow to be
broadly neutral, with capex of c.£130m and cash interest of c.£35m.
We will continue to focus on managing the inputs that will drive
sustainbly profitable revenue growth. Over H1 FY25, we expect a
continuation of current revenue trends - strong performance of new
intake offset by decline in sales of older stock from significantly lower
stockholding, resulting in an overall sales decline. For FY25, weexpect
revenue
2
to be within the current consensus range
16
. As a result of
thesignificantly higher mix of full-price sales and the decisive actions
taken to improve order economics, we areconfident in achieving
significant profit improvements in H1 FY25 and the full year, regardless
of revenue levels.
Our core focus remains sustainable, profitable growth. In the mid term
we continue to expect to generate adjusted EBITDA sustainably ahead
of capex, interest, tax and leases, with revenue growth and an adjusted
EBITDA margin of c.8%. Our new commercial model can drive
materially higher gross margin towards c.50% through higher
full-price sales mix and flexible stock models, which also benefit
ourinventory days. Our focus on efcient capital allocation will bring
our capex down to 3% to 4% of sales, over time, we anticipate that
ourimproving profitability and cash flow will also reduce our net debt
and interest levels.
Dave Murray
Chief Financial Officer
5 November 2024
Notes
1 Numbers throughout this section are subject to rounding.
2 Constant currency (CCY) sales includes retail sales, and income from
otherservices, adjusted for the impact of foreign exchange translation.
Like-for-like (LFL) sales reflect constant currency sales adjusted for the
impact of four additional trading days in FY23.
3 The adjusting items are explained in note 3 of the financial statements.
Reconciliations between statutory measures and their associated APMs
canbe found in pages 188 to 193.
4 Retail sales are internet sales recorded net of an appropriate deduction for
actual and expected returns, relevant vouchers, discounts and sales taxes.
5 Income from other services comprises of delivery receipt payments,
marketing services, commission on partner-fullled sales, revenue from
wholesale sales, and income from jobber and other clearance channels.
6 Active customers defined as having shopped in the last 12 financial months.
7 Average basket value is defined as adjusted net retail sales divided by shipped
orders.
8 Average basket value CCY is calculated as adjusted constant currency net
retail sales divided by shipped orders.
9 Average order frequency is calculated as total shipped orders in the last
12financial months divided by active customers.
10 Conversion is calculated as total shipped orders divided by total visits.
11 As a percentage of adjusted revenue for all lines other than ‘Total operating
costs’ which is expressed as a percentage of reported revenue.
12 Stock-write-offs associated with our Driving Change agenda, accounted
for a £130.0m reduction in inventory during FY23 and £104.6m in FY24.
13 Includes working capital movements associated with adjusting items;
abreakdown is included on page 191.
14 Free cash flow is net cash generated from operating activities, less payments
to acquire intangible and tangible assets, payment of the principal portion
oflease liabilities and net finance expenses.
15 Reclassified to other payables during FY24.
16 Revenue consensus as at 31st October 2024 of -9% to +6%, published
onwww.asosplc.com/investor-relations/analyst-consensus-estimates/
STRATEGIC REPORT GOVERNANCE REPORT FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
62
ASOS PLC
ANNUAL REPORT AND ACCOUNTS 2024
Risk management
at ASOS
Delivering our strategy will require us to
takethe right risks whilst protecting ASOS
and ourASOSers from unrewarded threats.
Toachieve this balance, we are guided
byourEnterprise Risk Management Policy
andStandard.
These documents apply to all parts of ASOS
and are designed for the needs of our fast
paced and rapidly changing business with
itsunique culture. They empower ASOSers
toconsciously take appropriate risks after
pausing and thinking about how and when
tomanage, control, mitigate, and escalate,
tokeep our risk exposure within appetite.
Our approach to risk management
We maintain a continual cycle of risk and
opportunity identification and response
throughout our day-to-day decision making
and operations. We understand that creating
a culture of risk awareness whilst remaining
opportunity-driven enables us to continue
tomove at pace in everything we do. Our
approach to risk management is categorised
by three phases of activity:
Protect: At its core, our risk management
approach seeks to protect our ASOSers and
ASOS’ established value. ‘Protect’ involves
managing today’s risks, including those
relating to compliance with laws, regulations,
our own processes and operations, and those
that could negatively impact our brand and
reputation.
Anticipate: The external environment
withinwhich we operate exposes us to a
rangeof continually evolving and changing
risks. We have limited ability to prevent some
of these risks from materialising including
regulatory change, conflict and civil unrest,
pandemics, and cyber-attacks. What we can
control is how prepared we are to respond in
the event they do occur. ‘Anticipate’ involves
identifying risks on our horizon and planning
how we would respond to minimise or mitigate
their impact if they occurred. Whilst external
risks may be threats to achieving our
strategic objectives, they can also present
significant opportunities as effective
responses can give us competitive advantage.
Grow: We continually innovate and improve
how we do things to remain competitive in our
markets. Success requires multiple strategic
decisions that accept taking proportionate
levels of risk for sustainable growth and
competitive advantage. ‘Grow’ involves
reliance on our ‘Protect’ & ‘Anticipate’
activities, using our knowledge and
understanding of our risks to manage them
inline with our risk appetite. ‘Grow’ is about
taking the right risks at the right time in the
right way.
Roles and responsibilities
Our Board, supported by our Audit
Committee, is accountable for ensuring that
we have an appropriate and effective risk
management and control framework, in line
Proactive and forward-thinking, with real insights and intelligence to inform decision-makers.
Focus on the right things, with effective and efficient control proportionate to the risk.
Take the right risks, at the
right time, in the right way.
Make great things happen.
Grow
sustainably for tomorrow
Look beyond today and
bring the outside in.
Build resilience and
beat the competition.
what is on the horizon
Anticipate
Establish the foundations to protect
against unrewarded threats.
Make it easy to manage risk.
today’s values
Protect
with the UK Corporate Governance Code
requirements. Our Board determines the
nature and the extent of risks we are
prepared to take in pursuit of delivering our
strategy by setting and approving changes
toASOS’ Risk Appetites. Our Management
Committee holds day-to-day accountability,
delegated by the Board, for implementing
andoperating effective risk management
andcontrol processes.
To help the Board achieve these objectives,
wehave captured our complete risk universe
in the ASOS Risk Taxonomy which forms part
of our Risk Management Standard. Each risk
captured in our risk registers is linked to a
Taxonomy category so risk information can
beaggregated, and risk appetites (see below)
shared with risk owners in an organised way.
Having a clear picture of our risk exposure
enables effective strategic decisions and
allocation of resources. Understanding
whatrisks may prevent us from achieving
ourstrategic goals and how we are going to
respond is key, underpinned by information
provided by ASOSers recording and
escalating risks in a consistent way.
ASOS PLC
ANNUAL REPORT AND ACCOUNTS 2024
63
R
i
s
k
T
a
x
o
n
o
m
y
R
i
s
k
A
p
p
e
t
i
t
e
Monitor & Review
Risk Identification
Risk Analysis
Risk TreatmentCommunicate
Protect
Anticipate Grow
Risk appetite
Our risk appetite is how much risk we are
willing to take or not take in pursuit of our
strategy, set separately for each different
risk category within our Risk Taxonomy.
Understanding our risk appetite helps us take
the right level of risk in taking advantage of
opportunities. This is at the heart of our risk
management approach. Our risk appetite has
been set by the Management Committee and
approved by the Board, enabling ASOSers to
take and avoid risk in line with their mandate.
Our risk appetites for each risk Taxonomy
category are set on a 3-point scale from
lowest to highest of: (i) risk averse, (ii)
balanced, and (iii) opportunity seeking.
Thisscale informs our desired approach for
assessing associated risks and opportunities
including for the related control environment,
assurance plans, offsetting and risk
treatment. Applying the scale requirements
provides a framework for our ASOSers
tooperate within.
Risk assurance
Assurance and oversight over our risk
management controls are guided by our risk
appetites as described above. Our approach
echoes the Three Lines of Defence model,
where day-to-day responsibility for risk
management lies with business risk owners
supported by control operators in the first
line. Our Risk Management team provides
second line guidance, oversight, and challenge
on risk management activities. They also
facilitate the risk management process to
provide insights and assurance to the Audit
Committee and Board. Internal Audit deliver
third line risk-based audits to provide
independent assurance over our key risks.
Emerging risks
As a global company our principal risks and
opportunities are created through the
complex nature of our operations, scale,
andambition, and we know that emerging
risks can change quickly and can be heavily
influenced by the macroeconomic
environment.
As we navigate these uncertainties and
changes, we continue to scan the horizon to
ensure that we identify emerging risks as soon
as possible and react early where needed to
either mitigate or take advantage of
opportunities.
Risk management enhancements in FY24
We continuously develop and improve our risk
management approach to ensure it remains
aligned with our objectives and is embedded
inthe way we do business. In this financial
period we rolled out our new Enterprise Risk
Management Policy which mandates roles
andresponsibilities of different ASOS groups,
helping to advance our Three Lines of Defence
approach. We also re-launched our risk
champions’ network to enhance functional
ownership for risk management and sharing
of risk information.
As well as for recognising our current risks
and actions needed, our risk management
approach is also used to identify, monitor,
andplan mitigations and/or responses for
ouremerging risks. Regular reviews of our
riskprofile throughout the year and outputs
from working groups and forums are used
toidentify emerging risks and opportunities
and drive further analysis and planning.
The focus of our discussions and analysis
during the period have been on the continuing
complex and challenging risk landscape,
including evolution of inflation and cost of
living crisis, evolving legislation in our markets,
particularly regarding sustainability and
climate change, strengthening of UK
Corporate Governance requirements,
impacts of global conflicts and evolving cyber
risks. We expect this to continue to impact
our supply chain, people, operations, and
customer behaviours as these events
progress and come into force.
Board, Audit
Committee
and Management
Committee
Top risks from
Company-wide basis
Management Committee Member
with their Senior Leaders
Top risks from divisional
or departmental basis
Risk & Control Owners
Individual risks and controls
Oversight and Strategy
Obtain assurance over key risks and controls
Com
pany-wide focus on top risks and opportunities
Set risk appetite – where to take risk, where to avoid risk
• A
llocate resources proportionate to exposure and appetite
Oversight and Execution
Departmental focus on top risks and opportunities
Make decisions in line with the ASOS’ risk appetite
Implement controls and mitigations proportionate
to exposure and appetite
Oversight and Management
Individual assessment of risk and controls
Manage risks within appetite
Escalate key risks and concerns
Our risk exposure aggregates up
Our risk appetite cascades down
STRATEGIC REPORT GOVERNANCE REPORT FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
64
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ANNUAL REPORT AND ACCOUNTS 2024
Principal risks
and opportunities
1 As outlined in our approach to risk management on pages 62 to 63 our Audit Committee and Board review and monitor our risk environment throughout the year,
to identify evolving threats and opportunities and to support continual improvement of our control environment.
Risk movement key
↑ Increased risk ↓ Decreased risk ↕ Stable  New risk
Link to our business model
The best and most
relevant product
1
A destination for
style
2
A compelling and
distinct brand
3
Competitive
convenience
4
Disciplined capital
allocation
5
1 Data breach 2 Cyber security incidents
Risk movement
Risk movement
Link to our business model
3
Link to our business model
2
Risk owner: General Counsel and Company Secretary
What’s the risk?
As an online retailer we have 19.6 million active customers worldwide
and employ thousands of ASOSers. We use certain confidential and/or
personal data for activities including processing orders, receiving
payments, engaging with our customers and for our internal
operations. Unauthorised access to, or the deliberate theft or
accidental loss of, confidential ASOS or personal data could cause
reputational damage and non-compliance with laws and/or regulations.
This could result in significant financial penalties, regulatory
investigation, and/or a loss of stakeholder confidence in ASOS.
Risk movement
No material changes identified in the period.
1
How do we manage the risk?
Privacy and information security control frameworks have been
defined and implemented by our independent Data Protection Officer
(DPO) and Chief Information Security Officer (CISO) who work
together closely to minimise the risk and impact of a data breach.
Policies, procedures, and response plans, processes for reporting
and assessing data incidents/breaches and security controls for
protecting confidential data and monitoring for its loss are in place
across the business.
Our Data Privacy team has processes in place to maintain visibility
of the collection, use and reuse of personal data, monitors for new
projects/contracts using personal data, and ensures training and
awareness activities are in place. Data protection training is
provided to all new ASOSers on joining and then at least annually,
and regular education campaigns are delivered through internal
communications.
Regular Data Privacy control internal audits are completed in line
with ASOS’ risk appetite, focusing on key areas of privacy risk
management across the Group.
Data protection and security assessments are embedded within our
procurement process for selecting, acquiring, and embedding new
assets, services, and partnerships. The Data Protection team reviews
all new contracts where goods or services involve personal data.
Risk owner: Executive Vice President - Technology
What’s the risk?
We place reliance on our platform and systems to operate and to
protect the sensitive data we hold. Malicious internal or external
activity such as successful malware infection, phishing attempt, or
ransomware or disruptive attack could lead to unauthorised access,
disclosure, loss, inappropriate use, or alteration of ASOS data and
information. These could result in a data breach, operational
disruption, non-compliance with regulations, and loss of stakeholder
confidence in ASOS.
Risk movement
No material changes identified in the period.
1
How do we manage the risk?
Our Cyber Security team implements and monitors controls and
tools to ensure our security and fraud prevention operations are
effective and efficient. A security strategy is in place to drive
delivery of ongoing enhancements.
We work with independent third-party security specialists to
complete periodic penetration testing across our network.
Access management controls, including multi-factor
authentication, increase our protection against accidental,
unauthorised or inappropriate access to our information,
applications and infrastructure.
An ongoing programme of cyber awareness campaigns is delivered
to improve ASOSers’ knowledge of cyber security management
approaches and requirements. Cyber awareness training is
provided to all new ASOSers on joining and then at least annually,
and regular education campaigns are delivered through internal
communications.
We maintain necessary response and recovery support,
approaches, technology, controls and playbooks to respond quickly
and effectively to cyber incidents.
ASOS PLC
ANNUAL REPORT AND ACCOUNTS 2024
65
3 Availability of technology services 4 Macroeconomic changes
Risk movement
Risk movement
Link to our business model
2
Link to our business model
5
Risk owner Executive Vice President - Technology
What’s the risk?
We rely on many different technical platforms and systems to support
our customer journey, including for our website and apps, fulfilment
and internal activities. Failure of these technology services could
impact our day-to-day operations, including how we process and fulfil
customer orders, and result in reduced customer proposition, lost
opportunity and lost stakeholder confidence in ASOS.
Risk movement
This risk has increased slightly from FY23 following some opportunities
to enhance resilience and compliance controls being identified through
our continual improvement activities in the period. Remediation work
has been scoped and is being progressed.
How do we manage the risk?
Our core operational processes and systems architecture are
engineered for high resilience and availability.
We are in the final phases of a programme to mature our capability
to recover and restore key systems and data following technology
disruption.
Our Reliability Engineering practice regularly reviews service
providers critical to our customer journey to ensures they have
thenecessary level of resilience in place.
All new suppliers go through rigorous selection and on-boarding
processes. Supplier performance is monitored on an ongoing basis
once they are onboard.
We have mature process for monitoring operational risks.
Risk owner Chief Financial Ofcer
What’s the risk?
Macroeconomic and geopolitical changes and uncertainty can
influence our business by impacting our ability to trade across borders,
changing the balance of global economics, influencing customer
behaviours, diminishing our customer proposition, and ultimately
impacting our financial performance and assessments.
Risk movement
During the financial period we have continued to monitor the following
environmental changes which have had direct and indirect impacts on
this risk:
Conflict, geopolitical tensions, and supply chain disruptions around
the world.
Potential geopolitical implications resulting from the high level
ofelections taking place around the world in 2024.
Increases in shipping delays and surcharges which have a wider
impact on the global economy as well as on our Supply Chain
Disruption principal risk (see page 66).
Whilst these environmental changes add to the risk, the relative size of
these events compared to existing and ongoing global challenges mean
risk scores have remained unchanged.
How do we manage the risk?
We monitor shifts in the macroeconomic environment to ensure we
are ready to react to minimise or mitigate current or future risks
wherever possible.
Our Management Committee and Commercial Committee model
and monitor supply and demand impacts from recession/inflation
cycles, geopolitical events and recently the cost of living crisis.
Impacts can include shifts in customer behaviours and market
dynamics and economic volatility (see also Market dynamics and
impact on our business principal risk on page 67).
Our sourcing and supply chain is diverse involving multiple suppliers
and locations to minimise over-reliance on any individual country,
supplier or brand. We can use our extensive network to pivot our
sourcing approach in response to capacity or capability challenges
or other disruptions.
We continue to strengthen our balance sheet, cash generation and
manage gearing to improve our resilience.
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66
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ANNUAL REPORT AND ACCOUNTS 2024
5 Foreign exchange rate exposure 6 Supply chain disruption
Risk movement
Risk movement
Link to our business model
5
Link to our business model
4
Risk owner Chief Financial Ofcer
What’s the risk?
We are a UK-based global online retailer sourcing products from
suppliers and selling products to customers across the world in
multiple currencies. These operational exposures to international
markets and currencies and reporting in pound sterling gives rise to
both a transaction and translation risk exposure. Movements in foreign
exchange rates could have an adverse impact on our financial
performance and profitability.
Risk movement
No material changes identified in the period.
1
How do we manage the risk?
We adapt and maintain a robust foreign exchange risk management
policy to appropriately manage the risks associated with our
business operating model.
Our foreign exchange risk management approach considers
emerging macroeconomic risks which could give rise to heightened
volatility in foreign exchange markets.
We maintain strong lead indicators, which helps protect us against
any adverse movements in foreign exchange rates.
We preserve profitability through capitalising on natural hedges
where possible and supplement them using foreign exchange
hedging instruments in line with our foreign exchange risk
management policy.
For more details on how we manage our foreign currency risk, see
page 167.
Risk owner Executive Vice President - Global Logistics & Supply Chain
What’s the risk?
Macroeconomic and geopolitical changes and uncertainty can
influence our business by impacting our ability to trade across borders,
changing the balance of global economics, influencing customer
behaviours, diminishing our customer proposition, and ultimately
impacting our financial performance and assessments.
Risk movement
Conflict, geopolitical tensions, and supply chain disruptions around the
world have caused supply chain cost increases and longer lead times.
Our Supply Chain team continued to work closely with carriers to find
the best possible solutions to mitigate the additional risk and where
possible delivered proactive approaches to avoid further issues.
How do we manage the risk?
We continuously monitor and forecast market demand and our
inventory availability to adjust and manage our intake.
Inbound shipments are tracked through our global Supply Chain
partner to identify issues and improve lead times whilst automation
of our fulfilment centres increases resilience, throughput capacity
and productivity.
We use multiple delivery methods, routes, ports, and carrier
strategies to minimise the possible impact of disruptions.
Ongoing relationship management with our carriers and suppliers
and an improved inbound platform ensure earlier warnings of
disruption and mitigation actions.
Our Supply Chain Business Continuity strategies and plans
continually evolve to enhance our ability to respond to incidents.
This includes incorporating lessons learnt from past events into our
operations and processes.
Principal risks and opportunities
continued
1 As outlined in our approach to risk management on pages 62 to 63, our Audit Committee and Board review and monitor our risk environment throughout the year,
to identify evolving threats and opportunities and to support continual improvement of our control environment.
ASOS PLC
ANNUAL REPORT AND ACCOUNTS 2024
67
7 Market dynamics and impact on our business 8 Ethical trade issues
Risk movement
Risk movement
Link to our business model
3
Link to our business model
1
Risk owner Chief of Staff & Strategy
What’s the risk?
The e-commerce market evolves rapidly and is highly competitive,
containing a mixture of large multi-brand marketplaces, fashion
brands, disruptive new entrants, re-sellers and online stores from
traditional store-based retailers. Failure to keep pace with the sector
in terms of proposition, relevance of ASOS brands and customer
awareness could impact customer behaviours and decrease our
market share, ultimately impacting our financial performance.
Risk movement
No material changes identified in the period.
1
How do we manage the risk?
We continuously gather market insights to monitor industry
dynamics and trends globally across both the online and offline
retail market.
We conduct regular strategic reviews to assess how our
proposition compares to industry competitors, and to monitor
shifts in changes to competitors’ propositions and strategies.
We test new products and concepts to ensure we remain innovative
and evolve alongside consumer behaviours and preferences.
Our strategy as a multi-brand platform focuses on having the right
brands and products on site, while diversifying our exposure to any
rapidly changing individual trends.
Our marketing strategy is reactive to changes in market dynamics
and focuses on keeping ASOS front of mind for customers as the
e-commerce market evolves.
Risk owner Executive Vice President - Product
What’s the risk?
We source our products through a diverse global network of third
parties and with this comes a responsibility for ensuring the workers in
our supply chain have a safe working environment in which their human
rights are respected and protected. Failure to ensure their rights
could result in us not meeting our own standards or external targets,
incorrect external reporting or product claims, and fines, litigation and
a loss stakeholder confidence in ASOS.
Risk movement
No material changes identified in the period.
1
How do we manage the risk?
Our contractual supplier policies and guidelines, which include the
ASOS Code of Conduct, align to the Ethical Trading Initiative base
code and International Labour Organization fundamental
conventions.
Our in-country and head ofce Human Rights teams and third-
party auditors monitor compliance with our human rights policies
and requirements through our audit programme and support
mitigation/remediation where we do identify risks/issues.
We work proactively to identify and remediate issues within our
supply chain and have access to support from our global
partnerships with Non-Governmental Organisations (NGOs) such
as Anti-Slavery International, the trade union IndustriALL Global
Union and in-country partnerships with local independent workers
rights organisations.
Our ASOSers annually complete mandatory training on identifying
and preventing Modern Slavery.
1 As outlined in our approach to risk management on pages 62 to 63, our Audit Committee and Board review and monitor our risk environment throughout the year,
to identify evolving threats and opportunities and to support continual improvement of our control environment.
STRATEGIC REPORT GOVERNANCE REPORT FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
68
ASOS PLC
ANNUAL REPORT AND ACCOUNTS 2024
9 Failure to comply with legislation or regulation 10 Sustainability and climate change
Risk movement
Risk movement
Link to our business model
3
Link to our business model
1
Risk owner General Counsel and Company Secretary
What’s the risk?
We operate across different markets and business sectors so are
subject to multiple and varying regulatory frameworks and legislation.
Unanticipated and/or complex emerging and existing regulations and
legislation (including over digital, product and consumer protection,
climate and environment, financial crime, corporate governance and
taxes) need effective responses and ongoing management to ensure
continued compliance. There are often significant costs associated
with understanding the individual requirements of each market and the
different business sectors, and for any operational changes that need
to be implemented to ensure we comply. Failing to comply could lead to
fines, litigation, business disruption through regulatory action and loss
in stakeholder confidence in ASOS.
Risk movement
The volume, breadth and complexity of new regulations and legislation
requiring consideration, planning or response continued to increase
during the year. This included key upcoming UK and EU requirements
over sustainability and climate change, additional UK Corporate
Governance Code obligations, and a new Corporate Criminal Offence
over Failure to Prevent Fraud. No material changes in our risk rating
were identified in the period as the changes are not yet enforceable
and work has been commenced and is being progressed to ensure
wewill be compliant when they are live.
How do we manage the risk?
Our Governance Working Group is a management forum which
monitors, reviews and manages business-wide governance risks
and ensures we are disciplined in our governance activities.
Regulatory/legislative horizon scanning activities are in place
to identify upcoming risks and required compliance activities
are maintained, including across compliance, legal and
ESG-related topics.
Clear policies and procedures are in place and regularly reviewed
and updated to ensure we comply with requirements.
Regular compliance training is completed by ASOSers. This includes
mandatory training for all new starters, annual compliance
passport refreshers for all and targeted specialist training for
individuals, to ensure they are aware of their responsibilities.
Risk owner Executive Vice President – Product
What’s the risk?
Managing our sustainability and impact on the planet is central to
ourpurpose and business model. We face both risks related to the
transition to a lower-carbon economy and the physical impacts of
climate change, throughout our own operations and supply chain.
These include changes in technology, market risks, and how our
response to climate change affects our reputation. Physical risks can
be event driven by (acute) or longer-term (chronic) shifts in climate
patterns. Failure to manage these risks effectively could impact our
financial performance through a loss of stakeholder confidence in
ASOS, reduced market share, increased costs, tax penalties or
potential operational disruption.
In our TCFD section on pages 34 to 45, we have presented a full
analysis of our climate-related transition and physical risks and
opportunities.
Risk movement
This risk has increased slightly following work in the period which
improved our understanding of the risk and activities to reach our
goals, including updating our materiality assessment (see page 34),
refreshing our climate-related risk and opportunity analysis (see
pages 38 to 43) and updating our FWI Strategy (see pages 28 to 33).
The volume and complexity of sustainability and climate-related
legislation also continued to grow and deadlines for announced
legislation became nearer, increasing the urgency and scale of
activities needed.
How do we manage the risk?
We have contractual policies and guidelines (e.g. the ASOS
Own-Brand Supplier Environmental Code of Conduct and the
Third-Party Brands Ethical Policy) to ensure our suppliers’ and
partners’ actions are aligned with the FWI Strategy goals.
Our Fashion with Integrity (FWI) programme and associated
governance structures manage our ESG-related risks and business
activities. Progress against relevant targets is monitored through
these forums and overseen by our Sustainability Committee
(see pages 94 to 95).
We regularly monitor our climate-related risks and opportunities
and completed an updated deep-dive modelling exercise during the
period which had provided improved insight on the impact and
financial implications of our physical and transition risks.
We use a number of systems to track environmental performance
of our own operations and our supply chain. Continuous system
and process improvements enable accurate measurement and
reporting of our environmental impact, and effective tracking
of our progress towards our FWI targets.
Principal risks and opportunities
continued
ASOS PLC
ANNUAL REPORT AND ACCOUNTS 2024
69
1 As outlined in our approach to risk management on pages 62 to 63, our Audit Committee and Board review and monitor our risk environment throughout the year,
to identify evolving threats and opportunities and to support continual improvement of our control environment.
11 Engagement, capability, and retention of talent 12 Strategic programmes fail to deliver
required outcome
Risk movement
Risk movement
Link to our business model
4
Link to our business model
1
Risk owner Executive Vice President – People
What’s the risk?
Our people are fundamental for successfully maintaining our
operations and delivering our strategic goals. Inability to retain and/or
keep talent with the relevant capabilities and calibre engaged due to
increased workloads, increased external progression opportunities,
and inflationary pressures on pay, could reduce our ability to achieve
our objectives and lead to a loss of institutional knowledge.
Risk movement
No material changes identified in the period.
1
How do we manage the risk?
We have embedded processes for assessing leadership capabilities
and behaviours, taking actions to retain top talent, and
understanding and addressing present and potential future
leadership gaps and progression needs.
We have renewed workstreams to amplify our employer proposition
around DEI, reward, development and culture.
Workforce planning and sourcing activities for both current
andfuture requirements.
We continue to assess and react to employee sentiment through
our regular engagement and culture surveys and resulting action
plans.
Further details on our activities in the period for attracting
and retaining talent are set out in the Our people section on
page 18 to 21.
Risk owner Senior Vice President – Operations
What’s the risk?
Successful transformational change through leveraging technology,
systems and processes to achieve our strategic objectives relies on
having the right capability, capacity and internal and external inputs.
If change is not delivered effectively it could lead to failed outcomes,
changes not being successfully embedded and challenges in delivering
our strategy, and as a result could cause business disruption and
delays, increased operating costs and lost opportunities.
Risk movement
No material changes identified in the period.
1
How do we manage the risk?
We have an established Programme Management Office overseen
by the SVP Operations that governs delivery of our strategic
programmes. Each programme has a set of aligned workstreams
with Management Committee sponsors and responsible leads.
A regular cadence of tracking and review activities is in place
including steering committees and regular meetings with sponsors
and leads to assess and manage progress, risks, dependencies
andimpacts.
Programme management tools are used to track progress,
benefits, and risk indicators, and provide visibility of project
readiness through delivery gates and programme health checks.
Regular updates on progress with strategic initiatives and
programmes including their key issues and risks are provided
to the Management Committee, ASOS Plc Board and its relevant
Committees.
During FY25, ASOS is undertaking a reorganisation of Tech Product
teams, focused on delivering change with a streamlined approach
to prioritisation and gaining business benefits at speed.
The Group’s prospects are assessed primarily through its strategic
planning process, which covers a period of five years, and is reviewed
by the Board with involvement throughout from both the CFO and
CEO. Whilst the Board reviews a five-year plan, the final two years
areindicative movements, with the initial three years considered an
appropriate time period for the Group’s long-term plan as it facilitates
an appropriate balance between the short-term characteristics of the
business, such as uncertain demand cycles and changing consumer
behaviour, and the need for longer term planning in relation to
financing, investment and supply chain planning.
The Group considers the following in the assessment of the strategic
planning cycle and the long-term assessment of the business:
The principal risks and opportunities associated with the Group,
and identification of new or changing emerging risks and how the
Group responds to these
Macroeconomic trends within the global economy, geopolitical
events, increasing costs, and market share
Changes in customer and competitor behaviour, driven particularly
by the potential wider consequences of reduced disposable income
(from increased interest rates and inflation); and scope for further
cost mitigation.
i. The assessment period:
ASOS continues to adopt a three-year assessment period to assess
the Group’s viability. The Board has determined that this assessment
period to 29 August 2027 is appropriate because:
The Group does not earn revenue from long-term contracts.
Therefore changes to the Group’s long-term plan are
predominantly as a result of changes to sales and cost assumptions
which are inherently more difficult to predict beyond three years.
Both have been stress-tested as part of the viability assessment.
This period is also consistent with the Group’s long-term planning
cycle as detailed above.
ii. Assessment of viability:
The assessment of the Group’s viability commenced with a review of
the liquidity headroom as at 1 September 2024, available through the
Group’s cash, cash equivalents and debt facilities, utilising a three-
year forward forecast (the base case). Sales growth rates utilised for
the first year of the base case reflect year-on-year declines of (5%) to
(10%), with subsequent periods thereafter returning to +5% to +15%
year-on-year growth. Improvements in adjusted gross margin of at
least 300bps vs FY24 are assumed during FY25 with up to a further
c200bps growth by the final year of the assessment.
The forecasted cash flows across the assessment period were tested
against the single covenant of positive liquidity.
During the assessment there are two financing arrangements which
mature:
£74m convertible bond issue maturing in April 2026, which the
Group does not expect to be exercised based on the conversion
price of £79.65. This is assumed to be repaid from cash reserves
atmaturity.
£275m debt facility with a specialist lender, comprising of a £150m
term loan, a £75m revolving credit facility (“RCF”), and a £50m
accordion option due for renewal in April 2027, with an option
toextend if certain conditions are met. The facility is also subject
toa springing maturity clause in the term loan facility in April 2026,
conditional upon forward projection of base case cashflows, which
was considered as part of the assessment and is not expected
to be triggered.
The Group also estimated the impact of severe but plausible downside
scenarios aligned to the Group’s principal risks and opportunities,
identifying the principal risks from pages 64 to 69 which could have
asignificant impact on the viability of the Group. These were then
stress-tested using a combined scenario where the below risks were
modelled as materialising over the three-year period. Available
mitigating actions were considered as part of the assessment.
These include deferring capital investment spend and enhancing cost
management practices in order to support a sufcient level of liquidity
headroom during the viability assessment period.
In the unlikely scenario of additional risks materialising, ASOS has
control measures in place and additional mitigations that in practice
would prevent or nullify the impact of any such occurrences.
Based on these assessments and other matters considered by the
Board, on the assumption that the term loan arrangement expiring
in2027 could be extended, the Directors confirm that they have
areasonable expectation that the Group will continue in operation
andmeet its liabilities as they fall due through the three-year viability
period ending 29 August 2027.
iii. Going concern:
The Directors considered it appropriate to adopt the going concern
basis in preparing the financial statements which are shown on
pages 121 to 185.
STRATEGIC REPORT GOVERNANCE REPORT FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
70
ASOS PLC
ANNUAL REPORT AND ACCOUNTS 2024
Long-term viability
statement
Scenario Associated
principal risk
Description
Macroeconomic
downturn and
loss of market
share
Macroeconomic
changes
Strategic
programmes fail
to deliver required
outcome
Market dynamics
and impact on our
business
The global market continues to be challenging following the continuation of geopolitical events in FY24.
Despite more encouraging indicators in recent months, sustained levels of high inflation and interest
rate increases have also impacted the ASOS customer demographic and reduced disposable income,
contributing to a contraction in consumer demand, driving like-for-like declines across the business.
Management have applied a downside scenario with suppressed trading due to the economic
uncertainty experienced during the last 24 months. The scenario reflects an uncertain consumer
outlook which reduces the projected annualised like-for-like sales growth contained within the base
case during the 3-year assessment period, resulting in Year 3 of the assessment being c.25% lower
than base case. The severe downturn in sales modelled reflects the volatile
and uncertain nature of the macroeconomic environment.
Gross margin
performance
Macroeconomic
changes
Strategic
programmes fail
to deliver required
outcome
Market dynamics
and impact on our
business
A degradation in gross margin of c.300-400bps vs the base case across the assessment period due to:
Increased discounting required to satisfy consumer spending habits if the challenging macro
economic impact was to worsen
Increased requirement for stock clearance to satisfy the parameters of the new stock operating
model, if sales were not to meet the base plan
Management has applied a downside scenario to reflect a potential increase in discounting and stock
clearance in the event of the macro economic environment not improving throughout the assessment
period. A downturn in the economy could result in both the consumer demand being geared towards
discounted product, but also a slower sell through of existing stock resulting in increased levels of
clearance being required.
Working capital
cash impact
Data breach
Cyber security
incidents
Market dynamics
and impact on our
business
An incremental average working capital outflow of c.£90m has been modelled, constituting an outflow
of cash in Year one of the assessment period. This would capture any potential impact of regulatory
fines or impacts in relation to potential data breaches, cyber security events or any other events
impacting the Group’s ongoing working capital.
Climate change Sustainability and
climate change
The risks posed by the global economy’s transition to a low-carbon model could potentially impact the
Group’s business. In particular, these risks may arise from changes in regulations and legislation,
increased requirements for low-carbon technologies, shifting customer preferences towards more
sustainable products, and potential changes in the availability of products due to disruptions within the
Groups supply chain.
The potential exposure to climate risks has been considered, in particular revenue declines that could
be experienced from disruptions to either supply chain or operations, as well as any market share loss in
a scenario where the Group fails to align to the expectations and requirements of legislators and
stakeholders. The potential impacts are in line with those disclosed within the Groups TCFD disclosures
on pages 34 to 45, noting that the scenarios represent unmitigated scenarios that do not reflect the
Group’s proactive risk management or strategic initiatives. The impacts are significantly below the
severe but plausible downsides already considered by the Group that takes into account all matters of
which the Group is currently aware, including climate-related impacts, and as a result, climate risks are
effectively encompassed within the scenarios already modelled. It is not considered therefore that
climate-related risks affect the Directors’ conclusion that there is reasonable expectation that the
Group will continue in operation and meet its liabilities as they fall due through the three-year viability
period ending 29 August 2027.
The Strategic report has been prepared in accordance with the requirements of the Companies Act 2006, has been approved and signed on
behalf of the Board.
Jose Antonio Ramos Calamonte
Chief Executive Officer
5 November 2024
ASOS PLC
ANNUAL REPORT AND ACCOUNTS 2024
71
STRATEGIC REPORT GOVERNANCE REPORT FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
José Antonio Ramos
Calamonte
Chief Executive Officer
Appointed: June 2022.
External Appointments: None.
Experience: José was appointed
Chief Executive Officer in June
2022. He joined ASOS in January
2021 as Chief Commercial
Officer, where he led the product
and trading strategy globally.
Prior to joining ASOS, José was
Chief Executive Officer at
Portuguese fashion company,
Salsa Jeans between 2019 and
2021. Before that, he led the
commercial strategy for
high-profile brands including
Esprit, Carrefour Spain and
Inditex.
Having started his career at
McKinsey & Company, José has
extensive multichannel
experience, having worked across
both online and physical fashion
retail, with expertise in trading,
merchandising, and
transformation.
José holds a Master’s degree in
Business Administration from MIT
Sloan School of Management.
Jørgen Lindemann
Chair
Appointed: Non-executive
Director in November 2021 and
Chair in August 2022.
External Appointments: CEO of
Viaplay Group and Board Member
of Vivino APS.
Experience: Jørgen has strong
experience of leading digital-first
businesses. He is currently CEO
of Viaplay Group, the Swedish-
based entertainment streaming
service.
rgen is the former President and
CEO of Modern Times Group
(MTG), the Swedish based digital
entertainments business, where he
worked from 1994 to 2020. He also
sat on the board of Zalando as a
Non-executive Director from 2016
to 2021. His other previous roles
include Kongregate, Non-executive
Director; DreamHack, Chair; Turtle
Entertainment, Chair; NOVA
Broadcasting Group, Chair; Reach
for Change, Board Member;
FTV Prima, Non-executive Director
and Co-Chair; CTC Media Inc,
Non-executive Director and
Co-Chair; and, most recently,
Chair of Miinto, the Danish-based
online fashion marketplace.
Committee key
Dave Murray
Chief Financial Ofcer
Appointed: April 2024.
External Appointments: None.
Experience: Dave is a Chartered
Accountant and has more than
20 years of experience across a
range of finance roles in the retail
and e-commerce industry. Prior
to joining ASOS, he was Chief
Financial Officer of Matches
Fashion and before that he was
Finance SVP at Farfetch. Prior
to Farfetch, Dave spent five
years at Amazon, most recently
as European finance director of
Amazon Logistics. Earlier in his
career, he spent a decade in
senior finance-based roles at
Sainsbury’s.
72
ASOS PLC
ANNUAL REPORT AND ACCOUNTS 2024
Committees
N
A
Audit Committee
S
Sustainability Committee
N
Nomination Committee
R
Remuneration Committee
Denotes Chair of
a Committee
Board of Directors
STRATEGIC REPORT GOVERNANCE REPORT FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
Natasja Laheij
Senior Independent Director
Appointed: April 2023.
External Appointments: Senior
Finance Director at Google EMEA,
Chair of Google Payments Limited
and Audit Chair of
Vandemoortele.
Experience: Natasja has more
than 25 years of experience in
international commercial and
financial management,
e-commerce, tech, consumer
electronics, telco and retail in B2C
and B2B environments through her
roles in Deloitte Australia, Sony
Ericsson, Apple and as CFO
Amazon Fashion Europe.
Wei Gao
Independent Non-executive
Director
Appointed: February 2023.
External Appointments:
Venture Partner at Madrona,
Chief Digital and Product Ofcer
at Re:Build Manufacturing and
Board Member at Phononic.
Experience: Wei has a wealth
of e-commerce and operating
experience, having worked in
various roles at Amazon over
16 years, latterly as Technical
Advisor to the CEO and Vice
President Grocery, Tech, Product
and Supply Chain. Most recently
Wei was Chief Operating Ofcer
of Hopin, the online events
platform, until July 2022.
Wei brings a depth of relevant
industry knowledge across
international commerce, business
transformation and data-driven
decision-making.
73
Christine Cross
Independent Non-executive
Director
Appointed: April 2024.
External Appointments: Senior
Advisor at Inverleith LLP, Advisor
at Interpath Advisory and
Independent Non-executive
Director at The Pollen Estate
Trustee Company Limited.
Experience: Christine has
more than 35 years’ experience
in global multi-channel retail,
initially at Tesco plc where she
spearheaded own-brand
development and reinvigorated
the clothing brand as Trading
Director. Christine has served
on the Boards of numerous listed,
private and PE-backed businesses
including Next plc (UK),
Woolworths plc (Australia), Sonae
plc (Portugal), Zooplus AG
(Germany) and Clipper Logistics
plc (UK). Most recently, she has
served on the Boards and was
Remuneration Committee Chair
of Hilton Food Group plc (UK) and
Coca Cola Europacific Partners
plc as well as acting as Board
Advisor to Unilever and River
Island.
Committees
A N R
Committees
A S N
Committees
A R
ASOS PLC
ANNUAL REPORT AND ACCOUNTS 2024
William Barker
Non-executive Director
Appointed: September 2023.
External Appointments: CEO
of Camelot Capital Partners LLC,
Executive Chairman of Tapi
Carpets & Floors Limited and
Synnovia Limited and Board
Member of Re:Build Manufacturing
LLC.
Experience: William is the founder
and CEO of Camelot Capital
Partners LLC, a California-based
investment management company
and has a wealth of retail and
commercial experience. William is
also the Executive Chairman of
Tapi Carpets & Floors, Executive
Chairman of Synnovia, a UK
manufacturing conglomerate
andis also a founding investor
andBoard Member of Re:Build
Manufacturing LLC. Previously
William was the Executive
Chairman of Life is Beautiful, a
music and entertainment festival in
the USA and was an advisor to Tony
Hsieh, the founder of Zappos.
Committees
N
Nick Robertson
Founder and Non-executive
Director
Appointed: Co-founded ASOS.
com Limited in 2000, and served
as its Chief Executive Ofcer
until September 2015, when he
became a Non-executive Director.
External Appointments:
Non-executive Director of AFCW
Plc and Gandys International
Limited.
Experience: Nick’s career began
in 1987 at the advertising agency
Young & Rubicam. In 1991, he
moved to Carat, the UK’s largest
media planning and buying
agency. In 1995, he co-founded
Entertainment Marketing Ltd, a
marketing services business. Nick
is Chair of the ASOS Foundation,
a registered charity funded by
ASOS which works to improve the
lives of young people in the UK
and overseas through long-term
partnerships with established
local charities. Nick was awarded
an OBE in 2011 for his
achievements in the world
of fashion retailing.
Jose Manuel Martínez
Gutiérrez
Independent Non-executive
Director
Appointed: April 2023.
External Appointments: CEO
and Executive Director of Bimba y
Lola and Independent Non-
executive Director of Ecoalf.
Experience: Jose Manuel has
more than 30 years of experience
in the retail and fashion industry,
initially as a Strategy Consultant
at McKinsey before moving into
leadership roles at international
fashion businesses. At Inditex, he
was Director of Distribution and
Operations, responsible for the
global product distribution model
of the group. He later served for
six years as CEO and Executive
Director of Esprit.
Anna Maria Rugarli
Independent Non-executive
Director
Appointed: June 2023.
External Appointments: Vice
President of Japan Tobacco
International, Executive Director
of Japan Tobacco International
SA and Non-executive Director
at Prada Group.
Experience: Anna Maria is a
sustainability and CSR expert
with more than 20 years of
experience working with leaders
in global apparel, including Nike
Inc. and VF Corporation. She has
specialised in creating innovative
strategies to address some of the
most pressing environmental and
social challenges faced by the
industry today, as well as
providing end-to-end oversight
through implementation and
roll-out.
Board of Directors continued
Committees
A S R
Committees
S
Committees
S
ASOS PLC
ANNUAL REPORT AND ACCOUNTS 2024
STRATEGIC REPORT FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
74
GOVERNANCE REPORT
Marie Gulin-Merle
Independent Non-executive
Director
Appointed: February 2023.
External Appointments: Global
Vice President of Ads Marketing
of Google and Advisor to the
Marketing Standards Board of
the General Assembly, a
company which focuses on
education and career
transformation.
Experience: Marie has more
than 20 years of experience
in marketing and digital
transformation, working in
technology and fashion. Prior
to joining Google in 2019, Marie
was Chief Marketing Officer of
Calvin Klein Inc and Chief Digital
Ofcer of its parent company,
PVH Corp. Marie also spent 17
years of her career at L’Oréal,
latterly as Group Chief Marketing
Officer USA, where she
successfully transformed the
company’s marketing functions.
Committees
S R
Rishi Sharma
Interim General Counsel
& Company Secretary
Appointed: May 2024.
External Appointments:
Non-executive Director at Classic
Motor Events Limited.
Experience: Rishi has over 20 years
legal and commercial experience,
having trained and qualified at
Freshfields and then practised at
Skadden, Arps. Rishi was most
recently Group General Counsel
and Company Secretary at Ted
Baker plc and has held a number
ofsenior roles in the retail and
technology sectors including
General Counsel and Company
Secretary at Purplebricks Group
plc and VP, Legal and Secretariat,
at InterContinental Hotels
Groupplc.
Emma Whyte
General Counsel & Company
Secretary
Appointed: March 2023.
(Maternity Leave).
External Appointments: None.
Experience: Emma is General
Counsel & Company Secretary,
leading ASOS’ Legal, Company
Secretarial, Data Protection and
Compliance teams. As Company
Secretary, Emma supports the
ASOS Plc Board and Committees.
Emma joined ASOS in 2021 as Group
Legal Director. Previously she was
the Associate General Counsel at
the Fung Group and Global Brands
Group Plc, and prior to that a senior
lawyer at Tesco Plc. Emma spent
five years at Slaughter and May,
where she qualified as a UK solicitor
in the Corporate team.
75
ASOS PLC
ANNUAL REPORT AND ACCOUNTS 2024
Management
Committee
José Antonio Ramos
Calamonte
Chief Executive Officer
See biography on page 72
Dave Murray
Chief Financial Ofcer
See biography on
page 72
Emma Whyte
General Counsel & Company
Secretary
See biography on
page 75
Rishi Sharma
Interim General Counsel &
Company Secretary
See biography on
page 75
Anthony Ben Sadoun
Executive Vice President - Digital
Product

Vanessa Spence
Executive Vice President –
Creative

Fiona Gaughan
Executive Vice President –
Commercial


Christoph Stark
Executive Vice President –
Global Logistics & Supply Chain
Hugh Williams
Interim Executive Vice President
- Technology

Michelle Wilson
Chief of Staff and Strategy

Dan Elton
Executive Vice President –
Customer
Sean Trend
Senior Vice President –
North America
Ras Vaghjiani
Executive Vice President –
People Experience

Jag Weatherley
Senior Vice President –
Operations

Elena Martínez Ortiz
Executive Vice President –
Product

 
STRATEGIC REPORT GOVERNANCE REPORT FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
76
ASOS PLC
ANNUAL REPORT AND ACCOUNTS 2024
77

Anthony joined ASOS in February 2024 and is responsible for
driving the digital product strategy and product management
across all verticals.
Before joining ASOS, Anthony was Chief Product Officer
and early stage partner at Kavak, Latin America’s leading
tech unicorn. Prior to this, Anthony was Chief Product Ofcer
at Linio, leading large scale e-commerce technologies.

Dan joined ASOS in March 2023 and is responsible for
customer experience and marketing across the business.
Dan was most recently Chief Customer Ofcer at Made.com,
where he was responsible for the end-to-end customer
experience. He also brings diverse experience in fashion and
sports from his time at Google, as well as in senior marketing
roles at both Sainsbury’s and Tesco.

Fiona, since 2014, has held positions at ASOS, including
Womenswear Merchandising Director, Senior Global
Commerce and Channels Director and her current role as
Executive Vice President Commercial. In her current capacity,
Fiona leads Global & Digital Trading, Planning, Pricing, Intake,
Wholesale, and Markets at ASOS. She oversees commercial
activities in all markets, aligning with ASOS’ strategic and
commercial objectives, both short-term and long-term.
Before joining ASOS, Fiona spent 14 years at Arcadia,
managing Merchandising and Branch Planning in various
product areas. She also serves on the Board of Governors for
the Fashion Retail Academy and Fashion Retail and Awards.

Elena joined ASOS in 2022 as ASOS Design Womenswear
Director before becoming Senior Product Director and now
Executive Vice President – Product. Elena is responsible for
the entire Product division including own brands such as ASOS
Design Womenswear, ASOS Design Menswear, Topshop,
Topman, Venture Brands and third-party Brands, Face + Body
and Sportswear.
Prior to joining ASOS, Elena built her career working at
Inditex for Stradivarius, in a multitude of roles which saw her
working in Barcelona and across Asia, setting up Sourcing
Representative offices in Shanghai, Dhaka and Delhi and
leading multi-disciplined teams of designers, buyers,
merchandisers, planners and technicians.

Vanessa joined ASOS in 2007 and has held a number of roles
relating to Design, Studios & Creative, developing a cohesive
look and feel to the ASOS ranges, trends and collaborations.
Having worked in fashion retail for over 20 years, Vanessa is
responsible for the creative direction of the ASOS brand.
Prior to joining ASOS, Vanessa held design roles at Arcadia
and Pepe Jeans. Vanessa sits on the Board of Governors for
the Fashion Retail Academy and Creative UK and joined the
Fashion Minority Alliance in 2020 as one of their resident
experts in Fashion Retail.

Christoph joined ASOS in January 2023 and leads the Supply
Chain, Logistics and Customer Care teams.
Christoph has over 15 years’ experience across fulfilment,
supply chain and logistics and has held Senior Leadership
roles in several high-profile international online retailers,
including serving as Vice President Logistics for fashion
retailer Zalando in Berlin, Germany, and Vice President
Global Fulfilment for Wayfair (home & living) in Boston, USA.

Sean joined ASOS in 2017 and is recently responsible for our
North America Operations. Previously Sean acted as a Senior
Director supporting the CEO in day-to-day operations as well
as running Insights, Analytics, Data Governance and several
strategic projects.
Prior to this role, Sean has had various roles in ASOS across
finance including, most recently, Director of Commercial
Finance, as well as other senior roles across Finance including
Financial Planning and Analysis and Financial Control. Before
ASOS Sean spent several years as Group Financial Controller
at CRUK and in Audit and Advisory at Deloitte.

Ras joined ASOS as Executive Vice President – People
Experience in July 2024, and leads ASOS’ Reward, DE&I,
Business Partnering, Learning and Development,
Talent and Shared Services teams.
Ras was previously Chief of Staff at De Beers Group,
and has held several senior roles in HR as well as in strategy,
corporate affairs and retail across the pharmaceutical,
mining and retail sectors.

Jag joined ASOS in 2012 and is currently Senior Vice President
– Operations. In her role, Jag is responsible for streamlining
strategic initiatives, overseeing programme management
and communicating objectives to departments, ensuring we
remain focused. Jag oversees the PMO, Transformation,
Change, Business Technical L&D Academy and Procurement
teams.
Prior to this, Jag has held a number of roles in the business,
starting as a Head of Merchandising in Womenswear for
both our own brands and our third-party brand partnerships,
before moving into the Operations, Change and
Transformation space in 2019. Prior to joining ASOS Jag was
a Merchandiser for Topshop where she started her career.

Hugh joined ASOS in June 2024 and is responsible for driving
the technology strategy, delivery, and operations globally,
encompassing all customer online experiences, data
platforms, supply chain, operational, and business systems.
Prior to ASOS, Hugh ran his own advisory firm where he has
worked with companies including Doordash, Moonpig, and
Ocado. He is also a co-founder of a charity, CS in Schools,
and a board member of three Australian charities. Hugh was
formerly a vice president in the US at Google and eBay and
held a senior role at Microsoft. He has a PhD in Computer
Science from RMIT University in Australia.

Michelle joined ASOS as Senior Director of Strategy &
Corporate Development in April 2023 before being appointed
Chief of Staff and Strategy and is responsible for Strategy,
Investor Relations and Communications.
Michelle joined ASOS from Berenberg Investment Bank, where
she led Retail and Ecommerce Equity Research before moving
into Investment Banking acting as board advisor to retail and
consumer businesses and most recently leading Berenberg’s
Corporate Finance team for Continental Europe. Previously
she held audit and mergers & acquisitions roles at EY.
ASOS PLC
ANNUAL REPORT AND ACCOUNTS 2024
Dear shareholder
I am pleased to present the Corporate Governance Report for the
period ended 1 September 2024. This report provides an overview of
how our Board works in practice, together with an explanation of
individual and Committees’ roles and responsibilities. This should be
read in conjunction with the compliance report on page 80, which
shows how the Company has complied with the UK Corporate
Governance Code 2018 (“Code”).
Governance
Maintaining appropriate standards of corporate governance is
essential for good management of the business. As a Board, we
recognise the need for ensuring an effective corporate governance
framework is in place to give our stakeholders the confidence that
thebusiness is being run effectively.
The Board welcomes the new Corporate Governance Code published
in January 2024 (“2024 Code”). Given the new provisions and the
internal changes needed in order to comply with certain provisions,
notably around the new controls requirements, we have decided to
take a phased approach to incorporating the 2024 Code and will
continue to report against the 2018 Code in this Annual Report.
Board activities
As a Board, we continued to focus on delivery against our Driving
Change agenda throughout the period and we have seen solid
strategic progress in FY24.
During the period, the Board supported management on the re-
financing and the competitive sales process that led to a joint venture
1
with a subsidiary of Heartland A/S, who purchased 75% of the Topshop
and Topman brands subsequent to year end, as announced on
5 September 2024. We are pleased that we have strengthened our
balance sheet and improved our financial flexibility to be able to deliver
sustainably profitable growth.
The Board engaged with the Management Committee on several
occasions throughout the period. Notably, a combined Board and
Management Committee strategy day was held in April 2024 where
key strategic and transformation initiatives were discussed.
In addition to the regular financial and operational reviews at each
Board meeting, deep dives into key topics were presented to the Board
by appropriate Management Committee members at Board meetings
on a rotational basis. The deep dives also assessed the risks and
opportunities inherent to each business area and important strategic
priorities are discussed and deliberated.
More information on our Board’s activities and principal decisions
throughout the period can be found on pages 85 to 86.
Leadership changes
There were several changes to the Board’s composition throughout
the period. As reported in last year’s Annual Report, we welcomed
William Barker to the Board as a Non-executive Director on
20 September 2023. Mai Fyfield stepped down from the Board and her
role as Senior Independent Director and Remuneration Committee
Chair following the conclusion of the Company’s Annual General
Meeting on 7 February 2024, and Natasja Laheij took over as Senior
Independent Director on the same date. Christine Cross was
appointed as Independent Non-executive Director and Remuneration
Committee Chair on 16 April 2024 and Dave Murray joined our Board
asExecutive Director and Chief Financial Officer on 29 April 2024.
Further details of our Board and Committee composition changes,
including information on the selection and appointment process, can
be found in the Nomination Committee Report on pages 90 to 93.
Biographies of the Board, including the Committees on which our
Non-executive Directors serve, can be found on pages 72 to 74.
Board evaluation
Last year we reported that, due to the Board and Leadership changes
throughout the period, we took the decision not to do a Board
evaluation prior to our FY23 year-end, to allow time for our new Board
members to embed into their roles and attend more meetings. As such,
we concluded our externally facilitated evaluation in H1 FY24 and I am
pleased to report that the consensus amongst the Board was that
there was a positive, engaged, collaborative and open dynamic.
Anumber of strengths were identified together with some
recommendations for focus areas.
The process and results of our external Board evaluation is explained
further on page 87.
Jørgen Lindemann
Chair
5 November 2024
Chair’s
Governance
statement
Corporate
Governance Report
STRATEGIC REPORT GOVERNANCE REPORT FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
78
ASOS PLC
ANNUAL REPORT AND ACCOUNTS 2024
79
Board composition
The Board is currently composed of an Independent Non-executive
Chair,a Chief Executive Officer (CEO) and a Chief Financial Officer (CFO)
who are Executive Directors and eight Non-executive Directors, six of
whom are considered to be independent. Nick Robertson, Founder and
Non-executive Director, is not considered to be independent under the
Code due to his former role as CEO of the Company. William Barker is
notconsidered to be independent under the Code due to his relationship
with Camelot Capital Partners LLC, which is a significant shareholder
ofthe Company.
Board diversity policy
We recognise the importance of diversity across our organisation and see
it as a key driver of business success. We are committed to creating an
inclusive culture where our ASOSers reflect the diversity of the customers
we serve. We are passionate about creating an environment where every
ASOSer is given the opportunity to contribute and use their talents, skills
and experiences to help make ASOS the world’s number one online
destination for fashion-loving 20-somethings.
As a Board, we expect this culture of diversity and inclusion to be clear
through setting the tone from the top, with the Board and Management
Committee championing our Diversity, Equity & Inclusion strategies in
support of ASOS’ commitments.
We believe that a diverse Board, with a broad range of skills, backgrounds,
knowledge and experience, is essential to maintaining Board effectiveness
and competitive advantage. When making new appointments to the
Board, suitably qualified applicants from a diverse pool will be considered
with no restrictions on protected characteristics such as age, gender,
sexual orientation, religion, ethnic background or other personal
attributes. All appointments are made on merit, taking into account
suitability for the role, together with the composition and balance of the
Board, to ensure that the Board and its Committees have the right mix of
skills, experience, independence and knowledge to perform effectively.
Female
Gender
Male
65
Ethnicity
10 1
White
Ethnically diverse
The Board supports the recommendations set out by the FTSE Women
Leaders Review and the Financial Conduct Authority on gender diversity
and the Parker Review on ethnicity diversity, and endeavours to maintain
adiverse and balanced Board.
When considering memberships of the Board’s Committees,
consideration is given to the diversity within each Committee in addition
toassessing the balance of skills and experience to leverage different
insights and perspectives. This will benefit decision-making within the
Committees and the Board as a whole and will, in turn, benefit the
Company’s shareholders and other stakeholders.
The Board, with the support of the Nomination Committee, will ensure
that procedures are in place to underpin this policy on Board diversity,
including in its to succession planning for senior management level, so as
tomaintain the correct balance and ensure ongoing progression.
Board diversity
ASOS PLC
ANNUAL REPORT AND ACCOUNTS 2024
1 The arrangement with Heartland, whilst referred to as a joint venture throughout this report, will be accounted for as an associate, as detailed in Note 30
of the Financial Statements.
Compliance with the UK Corporate Governance Code 2018
(continued)
1 Board Leadership and Company
Purpose
Page(s)
A
B
C
D
E
Effective Board
Purpose, values and culture
Governance framework
Stakeholder engagement
Workforce policies and practices
79 to 87
24, 84, 88
82 to 83
22 to 27,
88 to 89
18 to 21, 101,
117, 119
2 Division of Responsibilities
Page(s)
F
G
H
I
Role of the Chair
Independence
External commitments and conflicts
of interest
Board resources
82
79
84
80
3 Composition, Succession and
Evaluation
Page(s)
J
K
L
Appointments to the Board
Board skills, experience and knowledge
Annual Board evaluation
84, 90 to 93
72 to 75, 90 to
93
87, 92
4 Audit, Risk and Internal Control
Page(s)
M
N
O
External Auditor and Internal Auditor
Fair, balanced and understandable
review
Internal financial controls and risk
management
97, 100 to 101
97, 120
101
5 Remuneration
Page(s)
P
Q
R
Linking remuneration with purpose
and strategy
Remuneration Policy review
Performance outcomes in 2024
102 to 107
102 to 115
103, 109
How the Board operates
Board meetings
The Board held five scheduled Board meetings during the year plus a
dedicated Strategy Day in conjunction with the Management Committee.
Additional Board meetings were held in relation to projects as and
whenrequired.
The table on page 81 sets out attendance at all scheduled Board and
Committee meetings held during the financial period ended 1 September
2024. Directors are expected to attend all Board and relevant Committee
meetings, however certain pre-existing commitments meant that some
Directors could not join all meetings, as explained in the notes to the table.
Where possible, Board meetings are scheduled at least one year in
advance. When ad hoc meetings are scheduled, sometimes at short
noticefor time critical matters, it may not always be possible to ensure
attendance by the full Board. However, Board papers for the meeting are
shared with all Board members and any Board member who is not able
toattend is able to comment on matters to be discussed and is able
toreceive a full briefing from the Chair.
In conjunction with the Company Secretarial team, forward-looking
agendas are prepared for the Board and its Committees to ensure that
the Board discharges its duties on a timely basis throughout the year
taking into account strategy, forecast and budget planning and the
Company’s financial reporting cycle. The Chair meets with the CEO and
Company Secretary in advance of each Board meeting to agree the
agenda and papers for each meeting. Board and Committee meeting
packs are distributed well in advance of each meeting to allow appropriate
time to review the information to be discussed.
Compliance with the UK Corporate Governance Code 2018
(the “Code”)
Provision 17 of the Code states that a majority of members of the
Nomination Committee should be Independent Non-executive Directors.
Our Nomination Committee is comprised of our Chair, Jørgen Lindemann,
who was independent upon appointment, two independent Non-Executive
Directors, Wei Gao and Natasja Laheij, and one Non-Independent
Non-executive Director, William Barker. The Board believes that the
composition of the Nomination Committee adheres to Provision 17
of the Code as the Chair is deemed to continue to be independent.
Throughout the period to 1 September 2024, the Board considers that the
Company has applied all the principles and complied with all the provisions
of the UK Corporate Governance Code 2018.
Corporate Governance Report
continued
STRATEGIC REPORT GOVERNANCE REPORT FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
80
ASOS PLC
ANNUAL REPORT AND ACCOUNTS 2024
81
Board meetings Committee meetings Strategy day
Audit Remuneration Nomination Sustainability
Eligible to
attend
Scheduled
meetings
attended
Eligible
to
attend Attended
Eligible
to
attend Attended
Eligible
to
attend Attended
Eligible
to
attend Attended
Eligible
to
attend Attended
José Antonio
Ramos
Calamonte
/ /
David Murray / /
William Barker / / /
Christine Cross / / /
Mai Fyfield  / / / / /
Wei Gao / / / / /
Marie Gulin-
Merle
6
/ / / /
Natasja Laheij
7
/ / / / /
Jørgen
Lindemann
/ / /
Jose Manuel
Martínez
Gutiérrez
8
/ / / / /
Nick Robertson/ //
Anna Maria
Rugarli
/ //
1 Dave Murray was appointed to the Board on 29 April 2024.
2 William Barker was appointed to the Board on 20 September 2023 and joined the Nomination Committee on 7 February 2024.
3 Christine Cross was appointed as Independent Non-Executive Director, Chair of the Remuneration Committee and member of the Audit Committee
on 16 April 2024.
4 Mai Fyfield stepped down from the Board following conclusion of the Annual General Meeting on 7 February 2024. Mai did not attend the Nomination Committee
meeting held on 6 February and the Board meeting held on 7 February 2024 due to a diary clash. Mai did not receive an update following these meetings as she
ceased to be a Director following conclusion of the AGM on 7 February 2024 although she had access to the Board and Nomination Committee papers in advance
of the meetings.
5 Wei Gao was unable to attend one cycle of Board and Committee meetings in April 2024 due to pre-existing commitments, however a full briefing was given
to Wei following the meetings.
6 Marie Gulin-Merle was appointed to the Sustainability Committee on 7 February 2024.
7 Natasja Laheij was appointed to the Nomination Committee on 7 February 2024.
8 Jose Manuel Marnez Gutiérrez was appointed to the Remuneration Committee on 7 February 2024.
ASOS PLC
ANNUAL REPORT AND ACCOUNTS 2024
Corporate Governance Report
continued
Division of responsibilities
The Board is collectively
responsible for the long-term
sustainable success of the
Group by ensuring that ASOS,
its subsidiaries and all its
businesses are managed for
the long-term benefit of all
shareholders, while having
regard for our employees,
customers, suppliers, and our
operational impact on our
communities and the
environment. It sets the
Groups purpose, strategy
and values and is accountable
to shareholders for ensuring
that the Group is
appropriately managed and
achieves its objectives in a
way that is supported by the
right culture and behaviours.
The Board sets the Group’s
risk appetite, and reviews the
controls applied to operate
the business in line with that
appetite. It determines,
monitors and oversees risk
management processes,
financial controls and audit
processes to ensure ASOS
operates effectively and
sustainably in the long-term.
Chief Executive Officer
Responsible for the overall leadership of the Group, the effective management
of the Group’s businesses and day-to-day operations.
Implements and executes strategy and policies agreed by the Board.
Leads the management, development and succession planning of the Senior
Management team.
Ensures effective engagement and communications with the Group’s stakeholders.
Chair
Primarily responsible for the overall operation, leadership and governance of
the Board, while taking account of the interests of the Group’s stakeholders.
Responsible for running the business of the Board, sets the agenda and promotes
a culture of openness, debate and challenge among the Board.
Ensures the effectiveness of the Board with appropriate strategic focus
anddirection.
Ensures effective communication between our Executive and Non-executive
Directors and with our shareholders.
Senior Independent Director
Serves as an intermediary for the Non-executive Directors, where necessary.
Leads the Non-executive Directors’ performance appraisal of the Chair and is available
to meet with shareholders, if and when necessary, if they have any concerns about
thebusiness which have not been resolved through normal channels.
Non-executive Directors
Exercise independent judgement and constructively challenge the Executive Directors
and the Senior Management team, scrutinising performance against objectives.
Provide strategic guidance to the Company, utilising their wealth of knowledge, insight
and experience in their specialist areas.
Have a pivotal role in the appointment and removal of Executive Directors and
the Company’s corporate governance framework as a whole.
The
Board
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82
ASOS PLC
ANNUAL REPORT AND ACCOUNTS 2024
83
The Board has delegated specific responsibilities to the Board Committees: Audit, Nomination, Remuneration and Sustainability. The duties of each
Committee are set out in the Committees’ Terms of Reference, which are available on our website at asosplc.com. Details of each of the Committee’s
activities during the period are set out in the Committee reports on pages 90 to 115. Each Committee has access, at the cost of the Group, to the resources,
information and advice that it deems necessary to enable the Committee to discharge its duties.
Audit Committee
The Audit Committee’s principal
responsibilities areto:
Monitor the integrity of the
Groups financial statements in
relation to the Group’s financial
performance.
Provide advice to the Board
onwhether the Annual Report
isfair, balanced and
understandable.
Review the Groups accounting
policies, critical estimates and
significant judgements.
Review the effectiveness of the
external audit processes,
including monitoring the External
Auditor’s independence, and
report External Audit findings
tothe Board.
Monitor and review the
effectiveness of the Internal
Audit function.
Review the effectiveness of
theGroup’s internal controls,
including the process for the
evaluation, assessment and
management ofrisk.
Oversee the Group’s
whistleblowing, compliance,
security and fraud prevention
procedures.
More information on the
composition, responsibilities
andactivities of the Audit
Committee are set out in the
Audit Committee Report on
pages 96 to 101.
Nomination Committee
The Nomination Committees
principal responsibilities are to:
Monitor the structure, size and
composition of the Board and its
Committees.
Identify the balance of skills,
knowledge, diversity and
experience on the Board and
recommend new Board and/or
Committee members to the
Board as appropriate.
Review the time commitment
andindependence of the
Non-executive Directors,
including potential conflicts
ofinterest.
Oversee talent and succession
plans for Senior Leaders.
Ensure that an appropriate and
tailored induction is undertaken
by all new Board members.
Review the results of the Board
evaluation process.
Review the Company’s policy on
Diversity, Equity & Inclusion, it’s
objectives and linkage to the
Company’s strategy.
Review employee engagement
survey results and monitor
management’s action plan in
response to surveys.
Review the Company’s
recruitment and talent
management practices and
consider how these drive the
desired ASOS behaviours
andvalues.
More information on the
composition, responsibilities and
activities of the Nomination
Committee are set out
in the Nomination Committee
Report on pages 90 to 93.
Sustainability Committee
The Sustainability Committee’s
principal responsibilities are to:
Provide input and guidance to
theCompany’s FWI Strategy
including related targets
andKPIs.
Provide oversight of the
execution of the FWI Strategy
and monitor progress against
itstargets and KPIs, including
riskmanagement.
Provide oversight of the key
policies and programmes
required to implement the
FWIStrategy.
Provide advice and direction to
the Company’s management
onimplementation of the FWI
Strategy, the opportunities
andrisks to the Company’s
operations and reputation
Monitor how the Company’s
FWIStrategy is communicated
to all stakeholders, and how
it is received.
Monitor changes to the
sustainability regulatory
landscape and oversee how the
Company is preparing to meet
the requirements.
Review the practices and
initiatives of the Group relating
to sustainability matters to
ensure they remain effective.
Have oversight of the Company’s
Modern Slavery Statement.
Offer recommendations to the
ASOS Plc Remuneration
Committee on sustainability-
specific targets for executive
remuneration packages.
Monitor the internal and external
performance of the ASOS
Foundation and its partnerships.
More information on the
composition, responsibilities and
activities of the Sustainability
Committee are set out in the
Sustainability Committee Report
on pages 94 to 95.
Disclosure Committee
Assists the Board in discharging
obligations under the Market
Abuse Regulation and Listing Rules
with regard to the management
and disclosure of inside
information, and provides
oversight of the accuracy and
timeliness of the Group’s financial
and corporate disclosures, or any
other material information, as per
the regulatory framework.
Management Committee
The Board delegates responsibility for the day-to-day management of the Group to the Management
Committee. Led by the CEO, the Management Committee is collectively responsible for developing and
implementing the strategy, operational plans and budgets; monitoring overall operational and financial
performance; overseeing key risks; and management development.
Remuneration Committee
The Remuneration Committee’s
principal responsibilities are to:
Determine and recommend to
the Board the Group’s overall
Remuneration Policy and monitor
the ongoing effectiveness
ofthat Policy.
Determine and recommend to
the Board the remuneration of
the Executive Directors, the
Chair and other members of
theManagement Committee.
Monitor, review and approve
the levels and structure of
remuneration for other Senior
Leaders and employees.
Determine the headline targets
for any performance-related
bonus or pay schemes.
Determine specific targets and
objectives for any performance-
related bonus or pay schemes
for the Executive Directors and
the other members of the
Management Committee.
Review and approve any material
termination payment.
Review how employee incentives
support the Companys culture,
values and desired behaviours.
Ensure effective engagement
with the Company’s stakeholders
in relation to remuneration
policies and practices.
Review the Company’s
retirement benefit schemes.
More information on the
composition, responsibilities and
activities of the Remuneration
Committee are set out in the
Directors’ Remuneration Report
on pages 102 to 115, along with a
summary of our Remuneration
Policy and details of how that
Policy was implemented during
the period to 1 September 2024.
ASOS PLC
ANNUAL REPORT AND ACCOUNTS 2024
How the Board operates
Board meetings (continued)
Matters to be approved by the Board are constructively challenged
and decisions are taken democratically following discussion.
Anyactions arising from Board and Committee meetings are
recordedand then followed up by the person responsible.
Any concerns that a Director may have are noted in the minutes of
themeeting. Furthermore, if any Director were to resign and had not
had anyconcerns about the business, the Chair would engage with the
resigning Director and ensure that the Board receives feedback
of those concerns in the form of a letter addressed to the Chair.
During the year, the Chair periodically met with the Non-executive
Directors without the Executive Directors being present.
The Board has access to the advice and services of the Company
Secretarial team, including the General Counsel & Company
Secretary, who is responsible for ensuring that all Board procedures
have been complied with. The appointment and removal of the
Company Secretary is a matter reserved for the Board as a whole.
Individual Directors are also able to take independent legal and
financial advice at the Group’s expense when necessary, to support
the performance of their duties as Directors. The Directors are also
updated on the Group’s business areas and the regulatory and
industry-specific environments in which they operate by way of written
briefings and meetings with Senior Leaders and, where appropriate,
external parties. Appropriate training is also available to all Directors
to develop their knowledge and ensure they stay up to date on matters
for which they have responsibility as a Board member. Directors’
andOfficers’ Liability insurance is maintained for all Directors.
Time commitment
The Nomination Committee has primary responsibility for monitoring
time commitments of Directors and ensuring that each Non-executive
Director has the requisite time to discharge their duties as Directors
effectively. The Nomination Committee, led by the Chair, is satisfied
that all Non-executive Directors have sufficient time to commit to their
role on the Board. Any changes to the time commitments and interests
of its Directors are reported to and, where appropriate, agreed with
the rest of the Board. The Board is satisfied that the number of
external appointments held by each Director is appropriate and
noneof the Directors are considered to be over-boarded and each
hasthe requisite time to fulfil their obligations to the Company.
Board appointments and inductions
On the recommendation of the Nomination Committee, the Board
makes decisions regarding the appointment and removal of Directors
and there is a formal, rigorous and transparent procedure for
appointments. Each new Director receives a full, structured and
tailored induction. A comprehensive information pack is provided to
Directors during the onboarding process containing detailed
management information pack on the business, corporate governance
and compliance. Meetings are organised with other Board members,
relevant members of the Management Committee and external
advisors. Directors are also invited to a tour of the ASOS offices
and studios in London.
Succession planning
The Nomination Committee, and the Board as a whole, regularly
discuss succession planning for all Directors and Senior Leaders, taking
into account the challenges and opportunities facing the Company,
the leadership needs of the organisation and the skills and expertise
needed on the Board and in the Senior Leadership team in the future.
The work of the Nomination Committee for this area is described
indetail on pages 90 to 91.
Risk management and internal controls
The Board has overall responsibility for determining the nature and
extent of the significant risks the Group is willing to take in achieving its
strategic objectives, maintaining sound risk management and internal
control systems and commenting on such matters in line with the
Company’s reporting obligations. During the period the Board
conducted a robust assessment of the Group’s emerging and
principalrisks. Further information on the Group’s approach to risk
management and internal controls can be found on pages 62 to 63
and 101.
Conflicts of interest
Each Director has a duty to declare any potential conflict of interest
prior to appointment, and on an ongoing basis. We have effective
procedures in place to monitor and deal with any potential or actual
conflict of interest that could impair judgement. No Director would be
included in a discussion where there could be a conflict of interest. If a
conflict were to require approval this would be appropriately minuted,
together with the rationale behind the decision, and appropriate
records would be kept.
Board leadership and Company purpose
Our purpose, culture and strategy
The Board is responsible for setting ASOS’ vision, purpose and values,
as well as satisfying itself that there is an appropriate culture
throughout the Group to ensure the necessary resources are in place
to execute the Group’s vision – to be the world’s number one fashion
destination for fashion-loving 20-somethings – and to ultimately
deliver long-term growth of the Group and generate value for our
shareholders. In order to achieve this vision, we are focused on our
purpose to give our fashion-loving 20-somethings the confidence to be
whoever they want to be, as well as being guided by our values – to be
authentic, brave, creative and deliver in everything we do. The Group
isbuilt on an inclusive culture which encourages passion, enthusiasm
and development so ASOSers can bring their best selves to work.
Werecognise that it is our differences which make us stand out from
the crowd.
In January 2024 ASOS launched new “behaviours” which sit alongside
each of our values to show our commitments, that we’ve made as
a team, to live and breathe the ASOS behaviours day to day.
The Board acknowledges that it is accountable to stakeholders for
ensuring that the Group is appropriately managed and achieves
its objectives in a way that is supported by the right culture and
behaviours. The Board is responsible for ensuring that its activities
reflect the culture of the Group, set the tone from the top and drive
the right behaviours with our ASOSers.
The Board assesses culture in a variety of ways as detailed on pages 24
and 88.
Corporate Governance Report
continued
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84
ASOS PLC
ANNUAL REPORT AND ACCOUNTS 2024
85
Board activities
The main topics reviewed, monitored, considered, debated and approved by the Board during the period are outlined below. Meeting agendas
are agreed in advance by the Chair in conjunction with the CEO, CFO and Company Secretary to ensure the appropriate balance of standing
agenda items, strategic or functional deep dives and governance matters. The Board recognises the importance of weaving the views of its
keystakeholders into its deliberations and decision-making process, as well as promoting the long-term success of the Company, so this forms
akey part of the Board’s discussions.
Strategy
Reviewed and approved a proposal to accelerate the business towards the new commercial operating model
(see page 88 for further details).
Monitored progress against our Back to Fashion strategy.
Conducted a Board and Management Committee strategy day.
Considered options for a refinancing (see page 86 for further details).
Launched a competitive sale process for the Topshop and Topman brands following an initial unsolicited offer
for the brands (see page 86 for further details).
Conducted deep dives on the Company’s strategic priorities.
Financial and
operational
performance
Received detailed and transparent updates from the CEO and CFO at each scheduled meeting.
Monitored financial performance against budgets and forecasts and discussed any deviations from expectations
at each scheduled meeting.
Reviewed performance against the Group’s KPIs and strategic initiatives.
Received updates from Management Committee members regarding their respective areas.
Reviewed and approved the Group’s full and half-year results and the Annual Report and Accounts.
Reviewed and approved the Group budget.
Reviewed performance updates relating to technology infrastructure, technical capabilities, cyber and data
privacy.
People and culture
Received periodic leadership updates including key actions for succession planning for senior executives and
leaders within the Group.
Received an overview of the results of the ASOS Vibe employee engagement survey to understand the culture,
values and engagement levels within the Group.
Received feedback from the designated Non-executive Director for employee engagement on their experiences
meeting ASOSers.
Received feedback from other Board members following each of their interactions with ASOSers.
Reviewed progress made against our diversity KPIs as part of our Fashion with Integrity (FWI) Strategy.
Board and
Committee Matters
Approved appointments to the Board and the Board’s Committees.
Approved the appointment of Natasja Laheij as Senior Independent Director.
Governance and
risk
Reviewed and approved changes to the Terms of Reference of the Audit, Remuneration and Nomination
Committees.
Reviewed and approved the Company’s Modern Slavery Statement.
Reviewed the results of the Board and Committees’ external evaluation with a designated feedback session
from the Board evaluator, discussed recommendations and agreed key themes to focus on.
Received updates and recommendations from the Committee Chairs following each Committee meeting.
Received updates from the General Counsel & Company Secretary regarding legal, governance and compliance
matters at each meeting.
Reviewed the risk management framework and the Group’s principal risks, approved changes to risk appetite,
and discussed how these risks and opportunities should best be managed within the Group.
Received feedback and insights from the Chair gathered from meetings with the Company’s top shareholders.
Reviewed and approved a revised Delegation of Authorities.
Received briefings from the Company’s brokers and lawyers.
Markets
Reviewed reports from the Investor Relations team, containing market updates and shareholder feedback.
Assessed performance relative to peers.
Received reports on our target customers and considered customer acquisition models, the customer
experience and marketing campaigns.
Received an update on brand and customer health at the Board strategy day.
Considered geographical markets.
Fashion with
Integrity (FWI)
Oversight of FWI Strategy through our Sustainability Committee.
ASOS PLC
ANNUAL REPORT AND ACCOUNTS 2024
Principal decisions FY24
The table below sets out the key topics the Board discussed and debated during the period and identified how the Board considered its
stakeholders and their priorities during their discussions and decision-making.
Matter considered Deliberations Stakeholders
Lichfield
Fulfillment Centre
In October 2023, the Board approved the commencement of a process to sell or mothball the
Lichfield Fulfillment Centre following completion of the automation project in FY24. In reaching the
decision, the Board considered various options for the site. As the automation project was nearing
completion and capital had already been deployed or committed, it was agreed that the completion
of the automation project would make the site more desirable for prospective tenants or buyers.
The Board agreed that this would be the best outcome in order to reduce fixed operating costs and
right-size our supply chain network capacity.
Customers
ASOSers
Shareholders
Suppliers
Communities
Stock
management
Throughout the year, the Board received regular updates on stock levels and the performance of
the new operating model. After almost two years of clearing through excess stock built up under the
old commercial model, it was decided that an acceleration to the new commercial model would be
tested in Q4 through the removal of a proportion of aged stock from the on-site consumer view.
During the test, net sales improved and total realised markdown (TRM) reduced, resulting in
improved gross margins, further strengthening management’s view that a quicker transition to the
new operating model will facilitate improved short and long-term performance.
The Board approved a stock write-down of aged stock to facilitate the full transition to the new
operating model, recognised as a non-cash P&L cost excluded from adjusted profit before tax.
Further information is included within Note 3 of the Financial Statements. Going forward, clear
targets and milestones are in operation to prevent aged stock build.
ASOSers
Customers
Shareholders
Topshop and
Topman Joint
Venture
Following an initial unsolicited offer, ASOS entered into a competitive sales process during FY24 for
the Topshop and Topman (TSTM) brands. The Board approved the binding agreement with Heartland
A/S to form a new joint venture (JV)
1
to purchase the intellectual property of the TSTM brands, as
announced on 5 September 2024. The sale of the TSTM brands to the JV completed on 9 October
2024.
The Board received regular updates on the sales process, and unanimously agreed that the TSTM
JV entered into is in the best interest of ASOS shareholders as a whole, as well as customers, and
ASOSers, for a number of reasons, including: the transaction ensures that ASOS customers
continue to benefit from access to TSTM products, alongside ASOS’ own-brand and 900+ partner
brands; the sale of a 75% stake in the TSTM brands aligns with ASOS’ renewed focus on allocating
capital more efciently, thereby accelerating the core Back to Fashion strategy; the new JV brings
the opportunity to expand TSTM’s customer reach; and the sale proceeds would significantly
strengthen ASOS’ balance sheet, while retaining a stake in the TSTM brands (through the JV)
ensures ASOS can participate in the future growth potential of Topshop and Topman.
By virtue of Heartland A/S’s indirect shareholding in ASOS, the Board was advised by J.P. Morgan
Cazenove, acting in its capacity as sponsor in relation to the related party transaction, to consider
that the transaction is fair and reasonable as far as ASOS’ shareholders are concerned.
ASOSers
Customers
Shareholders
Suppliers
Re-financing
In August 2024, the Board approved a re-financing programme of ASOS’ convertible bonds and
Bantry Bay facilities, both of which subsequently completed in September 2024. The Board agreed
that the new capital structure would strengthen ASOS’ balance sheet and improve its financial
flexibility.
As announced on 5 September 2024, the re-financing involved three elements: (i) £253m Convertible
Bonds due 2028, fully funded by an exchange from the Convertible Bonds due 2026; (ii) £173.4m of
the Convertible Bonds due 2026 were accepted for repurchase (at a discount to par), and (iii) ASOS
amended and extended its existing facilities agreement with Bantry Bay Capital to May 2027 with an
option for a 12-month extension. Further information is included within Note 30 of the Financial
Statements.
The Board considered its stakeholder groups when approving the re-financing and concluded it was
in the best interests of the Company and would promote the success of the Company for the
benefit of its stakeholders over the long term.
ASOSers
Customers
Shareholders
Suppliers
Corporate Governance Report
continued
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86
ASOS PLC
ANNUAL REPORT AND ACCOUNTS 2024
87
Board evaluation
The Board recognises that regular evaluation and monitoring of
theBoard, its Committees and individual performance provides
opportunities for the Board to reflect on its activities, decision-making
and individual contributions.
As reported in last year’s Annual Report, ordinarily the Company would
have conducted an externally facilitated Board evaluation in FY23.
However, as five new Non-Executive Directors were onboarded
between February 2023 and July 2023, it was agreed that it was in the
best interests of the Company to delay the evaluation to allow the new
Non-Executive Directors to embed into their roles on the Board and in
their respective Committees before embarking on a formal evaluation.
Mr Chris Saul of Christopher Saul Associates was appointed to
facilitate an external evaluation process in July 2023, and the
processran throughout the first few months of FY24, as detailed
below. Chris Saul is highly respected in this area and has assisted
anumber of FTSE organisations to assess and improve Board
effectiveness. Chris Saul does not have any connection with the
Company or any individual Director.
Board evaluation process
Scoping
Chris Saul initially met with the Chair, Senior Independent Director
andthe General Counsel & Company Secretary upon appointment
todiscuss and agree the objectives of the review and any areas
ofspecific focus and a timetable was drafted based on the Board
calendar.
Document review
Chris was provided with a selection of relevant Board and Committee
agendas, papers and minutes for review.
Board and Committee observation
It was agreed that each Director should have been through at least
one Board and Committee cycle before they could meaningfully
contribute to evaluation discussions. As such, Chris attended the
scheduled Board and Committee meetings in early October 2023
toreview the practical arrangements and proceedings at meetings
and to assess the Board and Committee dynamics.
Interviews
Chris commenced one-to-one interviews with each Board member in
October 2023. Eight of the meetings were held in person and one was
via video conference. Chris also met with the Company Secretary,
theInterim CFO and other Senior Leaders who regularly participate
inparts of Board and Committee meetings.
Feedback
The Board were presented with Chris Saul’s Board evaluation report,
following conclusion of the assessment process via Board video
conference call arranged for that purpose in January 2024.
Overview of key findings
The review concluded that a positive, engaged, collaborative and open dynamic was emerging amongst the relatively new Board with an
impressive range of skills and depth in international operating experience. The Chair was found to have a good working relationship with
the CEO and is appreciated by Board members who value his leadership and approachable, yet professional, style.
The Board considered all of the recommendations contained in the evaluation report and developed and executed an action plan
as detailed below:
Recommendations Status
As Mai Fyfield decided not to seek re-election at the Annual General
Meeting for FY23, it was recommended that the Board source and
appoint a seasoned Remuneration Committee Chair with solid Plc
experience, who ideally has Audit Committee experience also.
Christine Cross, who has extensive Plc, Remuneration and Audit
Committee experience, was appointed as Independent Non-Executive
Director, Chair of the Remuneration Committee and member of the
Audit Committee on 16 April 2024.
It was suggested to narrow the number of agenda items to be
considered at Board meetings and instead do more deep dives into
strategic topics.
The Board agendas now include more deep dives into relevant financial
and operational areas, where appropriate around the Board calendar
cycle.
It was recommended that the Nomination Committee take additional
responsibilities for broader people issues such as employee
engagement, staff morale and culture in addition to matters such as
succession planning. It was suggested to change the name of the
committee to the “Nomination and People Committee”.
The Nomination Committee already provided oversight of certain
additional people related matters, including Diversity, Equity &
Inclusion. However, the formal remit of the Nomination Committee
was extended to include the suggested people related matters,
withchanges to the Nomination Committee’s Terms of Reference
approved by the Board in July 2024. However, it was felt that this
didnot warrant a change of the Committee’s name, therefore the
Nomination Committee remains.
Subject to timing and logistical constraints, the new Non-Executive
Directors were encouraged to spend more time in the business to get
more hands-on experience of operations.
All Non-executive Directors had additional exposure to business
operations in FY24 to varying degrees which benefitted them from
anoperational perspective, but also from an employee engagement
perspective as detailed on pages 24 and 88.
Review of the Chair
Natasja Laheij, who was appointed as Senior Independent Director following the conclusion of the Company’s Annual General Meeting on
7 February 2024, led an additional review of the Chair’s performance at the financial period end. One to one interviews were held with each Board
member and the Company Secretary, where open and constructive dialogue was encouraged to discuss the Chair’s performance. The review
concluded that there is unanimous support for the Chair, noting that the Chair performs his role to a high standard. A number of strengths were
identified as well as key areas for focus during the year ahead.
FY25 evaluation
As an external evaluation of the Board was conducted in FY24, it is the Board’s intention to conduct an internal Board and Committees
assessment in FY25.
1 The arrangement with Heartland, whilst referred to as a joint venture throughout this report, will be accounted for as an associate, as detailed in note 30
of the Financial Statements.
ASOS PLC
ANNUAL REPORT AND ACCOUNTS 2024
Engagement with ASOSers
Our ASOSers are the people behind our brand. Our purpose is to give
people the confidence to be whoever they want to be and we want to
empower our employees to do just that. The priorities of our ASOSers
are carefully considered as part of the Board’s decision-making.
The Board engages with our ASOSers and monitors culture in a variety
of ways:
During the period, Jørgen Lindemann continued to be our designated
Non-executive Director for employee engagement. However, it was
decided that more of our Non-executive Directors should have direct
interaction with our ASOSers. As such, our Meet the Board series
commenced in February 2024 where ASOSers are invited to hear
about our Non-Executive Directors’ experiences and listen to them
sharing their views on ASOS from a Board perspective. A significant
proportion of the time is dedicated to Q&A sessions to encourage
two-way dialogue, to also hear ASOSers’ perspectives. Two Meet the
Board sessions were held in the second half of FY24 with William Barker
and Jose Manuel Guit
érrez and it is the intention to run these sessions
quarterly on a rotational basis.
Our CEO engages directly with our ASOSers through regular townhall
meetings and hosts CEO Coffee Chats where our ASOSers can sign up
and meet with him to discuss any matters that they feel are important.
Our new CFO, Dave Murray, hosted a fireside chat with Natasja Laheij,
our Senior Independent Director and Audit Committee Chair, at a CFO
Townhall meeting. Natasja shared her insights of being a Senior Leader
in the Finance industry and ASOSers were invited to ask questions.
Several of our Directors conducted site visits outside of HQ in London,
as detailed on page 24. During site visits, our Directors receive a tour
and meet with our ASOSers to better understand the ways of working
and the culture at each location.
Through this direct engagement, our Board members are able to
witness first-hand how our values are lived and embedded throughout
the Group, to assist the Board in monitoring and assessing culture.
Updates are provided to the Board following all engagement activities
to ensure ASOSers’ views are kept at the centre of the Group’s
decision-making.
The Board also receives feedback from the results of the employee
engagement survey, ASOS Vibe, which provides key insights into people
data and trends and levels of engagement, together with the areas of
focus for the forthcoming year.
For more information on engagement with our ASOSers, see page 24.
Corporate Governance Report
continued
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88
ASOS PLC
ANNUAL REPORT AND ACCOUNTS 2024
89
Shareholder engagement
The Board is committed to creating value for its shareholders and
takes its responsibility to maintain effective dialogue with investors
very seriously. The Company has a single share class in issue and all
shareholders benefit from the same rights. The Board does not take
any decisions or actions, such as selectively disclosing confidential
information, that would unfairly advantage any one shareholder or
group of shareholders over our wider shareholder base. The CEO
andCFO of the Company meet all major shareholders after interim
and full-year results while the Investor Relations team is in regular
contact with investors throughout the year.
During FY24 we engaged with investors on a range of topics including
Company performance against its strategy, its approach to ESG
issues, governance and Board composition, and Directors’
remuneration including the introduction of a new Value Creation
Planas explained in detail on pages 102 to 103.
The Investor Relations function is represented at the most senior level
in the business by the Chief of Staff and Strategy, with a seat on the
Company’s Management Committee. Steps have been taken to ensure
that full-year and other public announcements are as meaningful,
understandable, transparent and comparable as possible, with this
information also made available on the Companys corporate website
asosplc.com.
Our Section 172 Companies Act Statement on page 22 details how
the views of our employees, shareholders and other stakeholders
have been considered and shared with the Board during the period.
Constructive use of the AGM
The AGM is the principal forum to meet, and engage in dialogue with,
allshareholders who wish to attend to enable the Board to hear their
views and enable shareholders to ask questions, although engagement
is possible at other times upon request. The most recent AGM was
heldon 7 February 2024 at our head office in London. The Chair
andallother Directors with the exception of Mai Fyfield (who did not
offer herself for re-election and stepped down from the Board at
theconclusion of the AGM) attended the AGM and were available
to answer shareholder questions. Shareholders were also given the
opportunity to ask questions to the Directors ahead of the meeting
viaemail. Shareholders voted on each resolution by way of a poll and
the results of voting were promptly published on our website asosplc.
com following the conclusion of the meeting.
Website and shareholder communications
Our website asosplc.com provides a range of corporate information on
our business, results and financial performance, including copies of our
Annual Report and Accounts, announcements and presentations.
ASOS PLC
ANNUAL REPORT AND ACCOUNTS 2024
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90
ASOS PLC
ANNUAL REPORT AND ACCOUNTS 2024
Nomination Committee Chair’s statement
I am pleased to present the Nomination Committee (“Committee”)
Report for the period ended 1 September 2024. This report should be
read in conjunction with the compliance report on page 80, which
shows how the Company has complied with the UK Corporate
Governance Code 2018 (the “Code”).
Board composition, expertise and succession planning
As reported in last year’s Annual Report and Accounts, we welcomed
William Barker to our Board as a Non-executive Director on
20 September 2023. William is not considered to be independent under
the Code due to his role as CEO and Founder of Camelot Capital
Partners LLC, a significant shareholder of the Company. Despite this
deemed non-independence, the Committee and the Board felt that
William’s entrepreneurial background and retail experience would
benefit our Board, noting that the Company would maintain a majority
of Independent Non-executive Directors on our Board in accordance
with the Code. The Committee noted that any potential conflict of
interest arising from William’s role as Director and significant
shareholder would be managed appropriately.
Mai Fyfield decided not to seek re-election as an Independent
Non-Executive Director at our Annual General Meeting (AGM) on
7 February 2024. On behalf of the Board, I would like to thank Mai for
her valuable contribution to the Company over her tenure and for her
support as Senior Independent Director, Chair of the Remuneration
Committee in the latter period of her role. We benefitted greatly from
Mai’s experience and wish her all the best for future endeavours.
Nomination
Committee Report
Committee responsibilities
The Committee’s principal responsibilities are to:
Monitor the structure, size and composition of the Board and its
Committees.
Identify the balance of skills, knowledge, diversity and experience on
the Board and recommend new Board and/or Committee members
to the Board as appropriate.
Review the time commitment and independence of the Non-
executive Directors, including potential conflicts of interest.
Oversee talent and succession plans for Senior Leaders.
Ensure that an appropriate and tailored induction is undertaken
byall new Board members.
Review the results of the Board evaluation process.
Review the Company’s policy on Diversity, Equity & Inclusion,
it’sobjectives and linkage to company strategy.
Review employee engagement survey results and monitor
management’s action plan in response to surveys.
Review the Company’s recruitment and talent management
andconsider how these drive the desired ASOS behaviours
andvalues.
Terms of Reference
The full Terms of Reference for the Nomination Committee are
available on our website, asosplc.com.
The Nomination Committee’s attendance at meetings is detailed
in the table on page 81.
Jørgen Lindemann Committee Chair
Members
William Barker
Wei Gao
Natasja Laheij
ASOS PLC
ANNUAL REPORT AND ACCOUNTS 2024
91
In preparation for Mai’s departure, the Committee evaluated the
balance of knowledge, skills and diversity on our Board, noting that
Maiwas Senior Independent Director, Chair of the Remuneration
Committee and a member of the Audit and Nomination Committees.
To support the succession planning process, a skills matrix is
maintained to ensure the Board has and maintains the requisite skills
and experience to support the delivery of the Company’s strategy
andobjectives.
Following a review of the Board’s skills matrix and the requirements
ofthe roles that Mai fulfilled, the Committee agreed that the role of
Senior Independent Director should be undertaken by an existing
Independent Non-executive Director who had knowledge of the
Company and the Board. The Committee recommended that Natasja
Laheij be appointed as Senior Independent Director, which was
approved by the Board and Natasja was appointed our Senior
Independent Director with effect from the conclusion of the AGM on
7 February 2024.
The Committee embarked on a search for a new Independent
Non-executive Director that had extensive Remuneration Committee
experience and who could Chair our Remuneration Committee.
TheCommittee assessed the key traits, experience and skillset that
candidates should have and True Search, an independent executive
search consultancy that has no connection with ASOS or any of its
Directors, was engaged during the period to assist us with our
recruitment.
Following a review of several diverse candidates from different
backgrounds, and a rigorous interview process with myself as Chair
and other Board members, I was delighted to welcome Christine Cross
to our Board as Independent Non-Executive Director, Remuneration
Committee Chair and member of the Audit Committee on 16 April
2024. Christine brings a wealth of public listed company and retail
experience to the Board and has served as Remuneration Committee
Chair on several public companies including Hilton Food Group plc and
Coca Cola Europacific Partners plc, and we are fortunate to have her
on our Board. The Committee deemed Christine as independent upon
appointment in accordance with the independence requirements cited
within the Code and confirmed that she has the requisite time to
dedicate to her role.
In the interim period following the conclusion of the Company’s AGM to
Christine’s appointment, Marie Gulin-Merle agreed to take on the role
of Interim Remuneration Committee Chair, having served as a member
of the Remuneration Committee for over one year. I would like to thank
Marie for stepping up and devoting additional time to her role during
this period from 7 February 2024 to 16 April 2024.
As part of the Board succession planning process, the Committee took
the opportunity to evaluate memberships of the Board Committees
toensure the size of each Committee is appropriate and that each
Committee has the relevant skills, knowledge and diversity. As such,
the Committee recommended that William Barker and Natasja Laheij
join the Nomination Committee, alongside myself as Chair and Wei
Gao. Furthermore, the Committee recommended that Jose Manuel
Martínez Gutiérrez should join the Remuneration Committee alongside
Natasja Laheij and Marie Gulin-Merle. These changes were approved
bythe Board and the new constructs of the Committees became
effective on 7 February 2024.
Following an extensive search for a permanent Chief Financial Officer
(CFO), Dave Murray was appointed as Executive Director and CFO with
effect from 29 April 2024. Dave has wide-ranging experience in the
retail sector, notably in senior finance positions in several major retail,
fashion and e-commerce businesses, which will make him a valuable
partner in the next phase of ASOS’ journey to becoming a faster, more
agile and more profitable business. On behalf of the Board, I would like
to extend my thanks to Sean Glithero, who was instrumental in driving
change across the Company during his tenure as Interim CFO.
The Committee ensured that Christine and Dave both received full,
formal and tailored inductions, which included the opportunity to meet
senior colleagues across the business and our advisors, in addition
toreceiving comprehensive induction packs.
Following the recruitment of Dave Murray and Christine Cross, the
Committee is satisfied that the Board has appropriate diversity, with
the right balance of skills and experience to lead the Company through
this period of transformation. However, as always, we will continue
tomonitor the needs of the Board and will maintain our orderly
succession planning process for Directors as we move forward
intoFY25 and beyond.
At its final meeting of the year, the Committee conducted a review
ofthe Non-Executive Directors’ time commitments, which took
accountof the number and nature of any external appointments.
TheCommittee was satisfied that all Non-executive Directors have the
requisite timeto carry out their role and fiduciary duties as Directors,
noting that any additional external appointments of Directors would
require approval by the Board.
The Committee was satisfied there were no conflicts of interest arising
from the Directors’ external commitments which could affect their
independence and judgement as Directors, aside from the known
potential conflict of interest arising from William Barker’s role as
founder and CEO of Camelot Capital Partners LLC, which would be
managed accordingly if and when any conflict may arise.
Senior Leaders’ succession planning and talent management
Below Board level, there was continued focus on Senior Leaders
succession throughout FY24. The Committee reviewed succession
plans for the Management Committee members and their direct
reports to ensure the Company has the talent and leadership
capability required to execute the Companys strategy going forward.
In parallel, the Committee reviewed the broader approach to talent
management, anchored in our Diversity, Equity & Inclusion principles.
Iam pleased to report that a new permanent Executive Vice President
of People Experience, Ras Vaghjiani, joined the Company in July 2024.
The Committee looks forward to working with Ras who will be
presenting plans for succession planning and talent management
tothe Committee in FY25.
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92
ASOS PLC
ANNUAL REPORT AND ACCOUNTS 2024
Board and Committees’ evaluation
As reported in more detail on page 87, in early FY24 we concluded
anexternal Board evaluation process, which included a review of the
Nomination, Audit and Remuneration Committees. Mai Fyfield, who
wasSenior Independent Director at the time, led the Board evaluation
process. The Board evaluation report was reviewed by the Nomination
Committee, together with the proposed actions, in the spirit of
continuous improvement.
In relation to the evaluation of the Committee itself, the findings
concluded that the activities of the Nomination Committee were
highlyrated. The external evaluator, Christopher Saul, suggested that
the Company should expand the remit of the Committee to include
review of broader people issues and to rename the Committee the
Nomination and People Committee. The Board agreed that the
Committee’s remit should be formally expanded to include review
ofemployee engagement surveys and talent management, and the
Committee’s Terms of Reference were updated to include these
additional matters. However, the Board felt that this could be
coveredby the Committee without changing the formal name
of the Committee.
Nomination Committee Report continued
Employee survey feedback
As part of the broadening of the Committee’s remit, the Committee
reviewed the results of the ASOS Vibe employee engagement survey.
The survey results provide focus areas for improvement which,
ifdelivered, will enable us to maintain a more engaged workforce
andwill ultimately improve retention rates.
The Committee was pleased to see higher response rates and
improved engagement scores vs the prior year, which is the Company’s
ambition each year.
The Committee was presented with management’s action plan as a
result of the feedback and will monitor progress against the action
plan over the forthcoming year. However, it was encouraging to see
that many actions from the plan had already been delivered and
communicated to ASOSers by the financial period end.
Ethnic background as at 1 September 2024
Number of Board
members
Percentage of the
Board
Number of senior
positions on the
Board (CEO, CFO,
SID and Chair)
Number of
Management
Committee
members
Percentage of
Management
Committee
White British or other White (including
minority-white groups)
 .% .%
Mixed/Multiple Ethnic Groups
Asian/Asian British .% .%
Black/African/Caribbean/Black British .%
Other ethnic group, including Arab
Not specified/prefer not to say %
1 Data includes both Emma Whyte, General Counsel and Company Secretary (maternity leave) and Rishi Sharma, Interim General Counsel & Company Secretary.
Gender identity as at 1 September 2024
Number of Board
members
Percentage of the
Board
Number of senior
positions on the
Board (CEO, CFO,
SID and Chair)
Number of
Management
Committee
members
Percentage of
Management
Committee
Men .% .%
Women .% .%
Other categories
Not specified/prefer not to say
Board and Management Committee diversity
Our gender identity and ethnic background data in accordance with Listing Rule 9.8.6(R)10 in the format set out in Listing Rule 9 Annex 2.1
is presented below. For this purpose, our Management Committee represents our Executive Management as defined by Listing Rule 9.
ASOS PLC
ANNUAL REPORT AND ACCOUNTS 2024
93
As at our financial period end of 1 September 2024, the gender and
ethnicity balance across our Senior Leaders’ roles was:
Senior Management
Senior Leadership Roles
82% 11%
7%
80% 12%
8%
MaleFemale
Senior Management
55% 45%
Senior Leadership Roles
41% 59%
Ethnically Diverse
White
Not specified
1 Defined as the Management Committee and their direct reports across 100
roles in accordance with the UK Corporate Governance Code 2018.
2 Defined as “Head of” and above positions across 226 roles.
Further information on our approach to DEI can be found on pages 20
to 21 and 33.
Jørgen Lindemann
Nomination Committee Chair
5 November 2024
Diversity, Equity & Inclusion (DEI)
We recognise the importance of diversity across our organisation and
see it as a key driver of business success. We are committed to
creating an inclusive culture where our ASOSers reflect the diversity
of the customers we serve. We are passionate about creating an
environment where every ASOSer is given the opportunity to
contribute and use their talents, skills and experiences to help make
ASOS the number one online destination for fashion-loving
20-somethings.
As a Board, we expect this culture of diversity and inclusion to be clear
through setting the tone from the top, with the Board and
Management Committee championing our DEI strategies in support of
ASOS’ commitments.
Board diversity policy
We believe that a diverse Board, with a broad range of skills,
backgrounds, knowledge and experience, is essential to maintaining
Board effectiveness and competitive advantage. When making new
appointments to the Board, suitably qualified applicants from a diverse
pool will be considered with no restrictions on protected
characteristics such as age, gender, sexual orientation, religion, ethnic
background or other personal attributes. All appointments are made
on merit, taking into account suitability for the role, together with the
composition and balance of the Board, to ensure that the Board and its
Committees have the right mix of skills, experience, independence and
knowledge to perform effectively.
The Board supports the recommendations set out by the FTSE Women
Leaders Review and the Financial Conduct Authority on gender
diversity and the Parker Review on ethnic diversity and endeavours to
maintain a diverse and balanced Board.
When considering memberships of the Board’s Committees,
consideration is given to the diversity within each Committee in
addition to assessing the balance of skills and experience to leverage
different insights and perspectives. This benefits decision-making
within the Committees and the Board as a whole and will, in turn,
benefit the Company’s shareholders and other stakeholders.
We are pleased to report that we continued to meet the external
targets set by the FTSE Women Leaders Review, the Financial Conduct
Authority and the Parker Review throughout the period and as at the
date of this report.
Our approach to Board diversity sets the tone for DEI throughout the
business. We are committed to treating everyone the same,
encouraging our differences and aim for our ASOSers to reflect our
diverse customer base.
Internally, we define our senior leaders as those with “Head of” roles
and above (“Senior Leaders”), but we are conscious that the Code
defines senior management as the first layer of management below
board level, in our case the Management Committee, and their direct
reports. Under the Code definition, which covers 100 roles, we have
55% female representation across senior management roles.
However, when using our broader internal Senior Leaders metric, which
covers our top 226 leaders, we have 41% female representation and
aspire to increase this. For transparency, we are reporting both
metrics. We are pleased that we have strong female leadership but
would like to see more females in our Senior Leader roles, to ensure we
have balanced gender diversity across broader definitions.
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94
ASOS PLC
ANNUAL REPORT AND ACCOUNTS 2024
Sustainability
Committee Report
Committee responsibilities
The Committee’s principal responsibilities are to:
Provide input and guidance to the Company’s FWI Strategy
including related targets and KPIs.
Provide oversight of the execution of the FWI Strategy and monitor
progress against its targets and KPIs, including risk management.
Provide oversight of the key policies and programmes required to
implement the FWI Strategy.
Provide advice and direction to the Company’s management on
implementation of the FWI Strategy, the opportunities and risks to
the Company’s operations and reputation.
Monitor how the Company’s FWI Strategy is communicated to all
stakeholders, and how it is received.
Monitor changes to the sustainability regulatory landscape and
oversee how the Company is preparing to meet the requirements.
Review the practices and initiatives of the Group relating to
sustainability matters to ensure they remain effective.
Have oversight of the Company’s Modern Slavery Statement.
Offer recommendations to the ASOS Plc Remuneration Committee
on sustainability-specific targets for executive remuneration
packages.
Monitor the internal and external performance of the ASOS
Foundation and its partnerships.
Terms of Reference
The full Terms of Reference for the Sustainability Committee are
available on our website, asosplc.com.
The Sustainability Committee’s attendance at meetings is
detailed in the table on page 81.
Sustainability Committee Chair’s statement
I am pleased to present the Sustainability Committee (“Committee”)
Report for the period ended 1 September 2024.
The Nomination Committee, and thereafter the Board, reviewed the
memberships of all the Board’s Committees in February 2024. As a
result, we welcomed Marie Gulin-Merle as a member of the Committee
with effect from 7 February 2024.
Following a review of the Committee’s Terms of Reference in
September 2024, the Committee agreed that it was more appropriate
for the Committee to be renamed the Sustainability Committee given
the remit we have in our Terms of Reference.
As a Committee, we recognise the importance of sustainability to
ASOS, both in addressing current risks and in preparing ASOS for the
future. We are pleased to continue our engagement with the business
on this vital topic.
Focus during the year
Fashion with Integrity (FWI) Strategy
Our key focus as a Committee throughout FY24 has been supporting
the review of the FWI strategy by providing constructive challenge and
guidance to the FWI team.
I am delighted to have published our updated FWI Strategy alongside
this Annual Report. A summary can be found in the FWI section on
pages 28 to 33 and the full FWI Strategy Update is available on our
website www.asosplc.com.
The review of the strategy, as outlined in last year’s Committee
Report, has been carried out to ensure that we are remaining true to
the principles behind FWI, while also reporting using the most relevant
metrics and aligning to upcoming regulatory and legislative
requirements.
As part of this work, the Committee also oversaw an update to our
materiality assessment. This clearly identified the most relevant topics
for ASOS which will be addressed through the FWI Strategy.
I would like to commend the FWI team on their innovative thinking, hard
work, and efforts to review and update the strategy. I feel that the
updated strategy reflects a step forward on the previous iteration and
highlights the increased maturity on this topic within ASOS.
Anna Maria Rugarli Committee Chair
Members
Wei Gao
Marie Gulin-Merle
Jose Manuel Martínez Gutiérrez
Nick Robertson
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ANNUAL REPORT AND ACCOUNTS 2024
95
Reporting
Alongside the new strategy, on pages 28 to 33 we have provided an
update on our performance against the new targets and commitments
we have set. In the future we will be reporting against our FWI Strategy
in each Annual Report, rather than alongside our interim results as we
have done in recent years.
The Committee also reviewed our Modern Slavery Statement
(“Statement”) and recommended to the Board that the Statement be
approved, as this is a matter reserved for the Board.
Horizon scanning
Key to updating the FWI Strategy was reviewing upcoming
sustainability legislation to ensure ASOS is well-prepared to meet any
future requirements.
As part of our horizon scanning process, the Committee received
updates around upcoming changes in legislation around sustainability
issues and what this means for ASOS. We will continue to monitor
progress in this area.
Competition and Markets Authority investigation
We were pleased that the Competition and Markets Authority (CMA)
investigation into ASOS and other fashion retailers regarding the use
of environmental claims about fashion products closed in March 2024.
ASOS co-operated fully and openly with the CMA throughout its
investigation, and the Committee received updates in relation to the
ongoing investigation and draft undertakings at each Committee
meeting leading up to the closure of the investigation.
Following the conclusion of the investigation, the Committee has, and
will continue to, monitor our compliance with the agreed undertakings
and will monitor developments in this area across the industry.
Community
The Committee received updates on the ASOS Foundation (“The
Foundation”) from Nick Robertson, Non-Executive Director and Chair
of The Foundation, regarding the community work that The
Foundation’s partners have delivered throughout the period. The
Committee was also provided with an overview of The Foundation’s
employee engagement strategy and received fundraising updates to
keep up to date with internal and external engagement performance.
ASOS Long-Term Incentive Scheme
The FY22 ASOS Long-Term Incentive Scheme awards, with a vesting
date of 31 October 2024, included a performance measure in relation
to progress against the FWI Strategy set in FY22, which accounted for
15% of the maximum vesting. Following the period end, the Committee
reviewed performance against the strategy set in FY22 and provided a
recommendation to the Remuneration Committee that 10% of a
maximum 15% vest, taking into account the considerable progress
achieved with regards to ASOS’ governance and overall approach to
ESG. See page 103 for more details.
Key focus for the year ahead
The Committee’s key focus for the year ahead will be assessing and
monitoring performance against the updated FWI Strategy, as well as
monitoring evolving legislation relating to sustainability to ensure we
are prepared for upcoming changes to laws and regulations in this
area. I look forward to reporting against our revised FWI Strategy in
next year’s Annual Report.
Anna Maria Rugarli
Sustainability Committee Chair
5 November 2024
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96
ASOS PLC
ANNUAL REPORT AND ACCOUNTS 2024
Audit Committee Report
Committee responsibilities
The Committee’s principal responsibilities are to:
Monitor the integrity of the Group’s financial statements in relation
to the Group’s financial performance.
Provide advice to the Board on whether the Annual Report is fair,
balanced and understandable.
Review the Group’s accounting policies and significant estimates and
judgements.
Review the effectiveness of the external audit processes, including
monitoring the External Auditors’ independence, and report
external audit findings to the Board.
Monitor and review the effectiveness of the Internal Audit function.
Review the effectiveness of the Group’s internal controls, including
the process for the evaluation, assessment and management of risk.
Oversee the Group’s whistleblowing, compliance, security and fraud
prevention procedures.
Terms of Reference
The full Terms of Reference for the Audit Committee are available
on our website, asosplc.com.
The Audit Committee’s attendance at meetings is detailed
in the table on page 81.
Audit Committee Chair’s statement
I am pleased to present the Audit Committee (“Committee”) Report
for the period ended 1 September 2024, which provides an overview of
the Committee’s role to support the Board with the oversight of the
financial integrity of the Company’s reporting, the external audit
process, Internal Audit and internal controls and risk management
systems. This report should be read in conjunction with the compliance
report on page 80, which shows how the Company has complied with
the UK Corporate Governance Code (the “Code”) 2018.
Following the publication of the revised 2024 Code in January 2024, we
conducted an initial assessment of the new and amended provisions of
the Code that were relevant to the Audit Committee in February 2024
and then undertook a more detailed assessment in July 2024. Further
information on what we have been doing both as a Committee and as a
Company to be ready to report against the new provisions is detailed
below.
Following Mai Fyfield’s decision to step down from the Board and as a
member of the Committee at the conclusion of the Annual General
Meeting on 7 February 2024, we welcomed Christine Cross as a
member of the Committee upon her appointment as Independent
Non-Executive Director on 16 April 2024. Christine has served on
several public listed company Audit Committees in the retail sector,
including Next plc and Kathmandu plc, and is a great addition to the
Committee. The Board is satisfied that I have the requisite recent and
relevant financial experience to Chair the Committee and believes that
all Committee members have competence relevant to the sector in
which the Company operates. The biographies of the Committee
members can be found on pages 72 to 74.
On behalf of the Committee, I would like to thank Sean Glithero who
served as Interim CFO throughout a large proportion of the period
whilst the search for a permanent CFO was ongoing. Dave Murray
joined as our new CFO on 29 April 2024, and we look forward to working
closely with Dave going forward.
Natasja Laheij
Audit Committee Chair
5 November 2024
Natasja Laheij Committee Chair
Members
Christine Cross
Wei Gao
Jose Manuel Martínez Gutiérrez
ASOS PLC
ANNUAL REPORT AND ACCOUNTS 2024
97
Committee activities
The Committee met four times during the period which is the usual
cadence of meetings. Attendance by Committee members can be seen
on page 81. Agendas are prepared in accordance with the annual
forward-looking agenda, which is prepared in conjunction with the CFO
and Company Secretarial team, to ensure the Committee’s duties are
fulfilled on a timely basis around the Group’s financial reporting cycle.
Following each meeting, the Committee Chair reports to the Board on
the main discussion points of the Committee.
Although not members of the Committee, the Board Chair, CEO, CFO,
General Counsel & Company Secretary and Head of Internal Audit &
Risk are also invited to attend Committee meetings unless they have a
conflict of interest. Other ASOSers may be invited to attend for a
specific agenda item or items where relevant. The Group’s External
Auditor, PwC, is also invited to attend Committee meetings. The
Committee Chair and members regularly meet with both the External
and Head of Internal Audit and Risk in private. As is needed, the
Committee also receives advice from advisors on any tax or legal
issues which may arise.
Corporate Reform
As part of the Group’s preparation for upcoming Corporate Reforms,
including the provisions of the 2024 Code, the Committee continues to
maintain oversight of the evolving controls framework to ensure the
business is well-positioned to meet future regulatory requirements.
The ASOS Controls Programme (ACP) has been established to design,
implement, and embed a comprehensive controls framework aimed at
enhancing the Group’s control environment. In alignment with the
updated control reporting requirements introduced by the 2024 Code,
the ACP plays a central role in ensuring compliance and continuous
improvement. The programme is under the sponsorship of the CFO,
with the Committee receiving regular updates on progress, key
milestones, and strategic approaches to the framework’s
implementation.
A central focus of the ACP has been the identification and definition of
material controls, ensuring that efforts are concentrated in the most
impactful areas. The Committee has reviewed and approved the
proposed framework, which is aligned with the Group’s existing Risk
Management approach (see pages 62 to 63). This integrated approach
supports the ongoing refinement of the controls framework, enabling
ASOS to enhance governance and risk management processes while
maintaining the agility required to support business growth and
operational efficiency.
Fair, balanced and understandable
A key responsibility of the Committee is to advise the Board on
whether the Annual Report and Financial Statements are fair, balanced
and understandable, and whether they provide shareholders with the
information necessary to assess the Company’s financial position,
performance, business model and strategy. In fulfilling this role, the
Committee ensures that disclosures are transparent and accurately
reflect the underlying data, while providing appropriate challenge to
management. Where necessary, updates are made to enhance clarity
and completeness. The External Auditor plays a vital role in this
process by conducting a statutory audit of the Group’s financial
records in accordance with applicable accounting standards, laws, and
regulations.
The Committee’s activities in this regard included:
Reviewing the processes and controls that support the preparation
of the Annual Report, with confirmation that the reporting team and
Senior Leaders fully understood their roles and responsibilities.
Receiving an advanced draft of the full Annual Report and providing
feedback, with amendments incorporated as required before final
approval.
Being presented with a summary of the key matters included in the
Annual Report, highlighting both positive and negative factors.
Reviewing and discussing the key factors considered in determining
whether the Annual Report is fair, balanced and understandable.
The Committee recommended to the Board that the FY24 Annual
Report is fair, balanced and understandable while providing the
necessary information to assess the Company’s position and
performance, business model and strategy.
External Auditor
PwC continued as the Company’s External Auditor for FY24 following
re-appointment at the Company’s Annual General Meeting on
7 February 2024.
The Committee has primary responsibility for recommending the
re-appointment of the External Auditor to the Board before the
resolution is put to shareholders at the Company’s Annual General
Meeting. The Committee believes that it is in the best interest of its
shareholders for PwC to remain as External Auditor and therefore
recommends that PwC be re-appointed as Company auditors for
FY25.
External Audit effectiveness
The Committee oversees the relationship with the External Auditor
and reviews audit effectiveness. The audit scope, approach,
materiality and areas of focus are agreed well in advance of the audit
to align on expectations and timeframes.
A feedback session is held following each audit to discuss what went
well and to identify areas for continuous improvement to feed into the
next audit planning process.
The Committee assesses audit effectiveness through review of the
quality of the audit reports and ancillary documents provided by the
auditors, consideration to the opinions of the CFO and his senior
finance team and through collective views of the audit partner and his
team.
The Committee holds private sessions with PwC without management
present to discuss feedback from the audit. The Committee ensures
that the External Auditor has challenged management and received
the access it required to conduct an effective audit, and in a timely
manner. If PwC has any concerns about access to information, or the
information received, it would be reported to the Committee in order
for the Committee to fulfil its responsibilities.
The Committee Chair also meets with the audit partner, Neil Grimes,
privately and he is authorised to contact the Committee Chair at any
time if he wishes to raise any matters of concern.
Based on this collective analysis, the Committee is satisfied that PwC
had applied appropriate and robust focus and challenge throughout
the audit.
External Auditor independence and objectivity
The Committee is responsible for recommending to the Board the
appointment, re-appointment, remuneration and removal of the
External Auditor. When considering whether to recommend the
re-appointment of the External Auditor, the Committee considers a
range of factors, including the effectiveness of the external audit, the
period since the last audit tender was conducted, and the ongoing
independence and objectivity of the External Auditor. Before
commissioning non-audit services, the Committee must ensure that
there is no issue as regards to independence and objectivity of the
External Auditor.
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98
ASOS PLC
ANNUAL REPORT AND ACCOUNTS 2024
Audit Committee Report continued
The Committee’s principal activities during the period included:
Financial reporting
Integrity of the financial statements and formal announcements
The Committee reviewed the Annual Report and Accounts, and supporting information, and concluded
that the Annual Report was fair, balanced and understandable as detailed above.
Reviewed the full and half-year results announcements.
Significant financial and reporting matters
Reviewed key accounting judgements and estimates applied in the preparation of the Group’s financial
results. These included inventory provisioning, management’s assessment of items to be excluded from
adjusted profit before tax, and the assumptions/judgements included within management’s going
concern, viability, impairment and deferred tax recoverability reviews. More information can be found in
Significant financial reporting matters and judgements on pages 99 to 100.
Assumptions in support of going concern and viability assessments
The Committee considered the viability and going concern statements and their underlying
assumptions.
The Committee evaluated going concern over an 18-month period, which included a review of financial
plans and assumptions, access to financing and the challenging economic environment and the
adaptability of financial plans.
The Committee also considered the appropriateness of a three-year viability assessment period after
modelling the impact of certain scenarios arising from the Group’s principal risks.
More information can be found in the Long-term viability statement on pages 70 to 71, the Going
Concern statement on page 135, and the Significant financial reporting matters and judgements on
pages 99 to 100.
External Audit
Reviewed and agreed the scope of the external audit process prior to commencement of the FY24 audit.
Considered the External Auditor’s reports on the full-year and half-year results.
Appraised the effectiveness and performance, independence, and objectivity of our External Auditor.
Considered the external audit fees and terms of engagement.
Reviewed the Non-Audit Services Policy and approved non-audit services provided by the External
Auditor.
Risk and internal controls
Reviewed and provided oversight of the Group’s risk management and internal controls processes, and
processes for identifying the Group’s principal and emerging risks, to ensure that effective controls,
processes, assessments and mitigations were maintained.
Monitored the Group’s Principal Risk Register and any movements, including those indicated through
bi-annual reviews of functional risk registers.
Reviewed the Group’s risk appetites including any proposed changes and recommended them for
approval to the Board.
Approved the Group’s new Enterprise Risk Management Policy to drive clarity of accountability and
responsibility for the oversight and management of risks between the Committee, Board and Senior
Leaders.
Established the ASOS Controls Programme to address the activities required to develop ASOS’ control
environment framework.
Received internal updates and assessed the additional requirements to ensure that ASOS can meet the
new provisions for internal controls.
Received updates enhancements to the Group’s financial controls.
Received an update on the Group’s controls over operational and technology resilience.
Received regular updates from the Cyber Security Leadership Team and EVP Technology on cyber
security controls, activities and incidents including reviewing security KPIs.
ASOS PLC
ANNUAL REPORT AND ACCOUNTS 2024
99
Internal Audit
Monitored and reviewed the effectiveness and independence of the Internal Audit function.
Reviewed Internal Audit reports and monitored the implementation of management’s remediation
actions.
Reviewed the Internal Audit team’s strategy and operating model.
Approved the Internal Audit team’s Charter including its defined purpose and authority within the
Group.
Reviewed and approved changes to the Internal Audit plan and broader strategy to ensure this remained
aligned to priorities under our Driving Change agenda, the Group’s risk profile and evolving business
activities.
Reviewed and approved the FY25 Internal Audit plan based on assessment of the Group’s key financial,
operational and compliance risks, and strategic aims.
Other matters
Considered matters relating to the Group’s refinancing activities during the period.
Received updates on current or threatened material litigation.
Received updates on tax matters and approved the Group’s Tax Strategy.
Reviewed and approved the Group’s Treasury Policy.
Received updates from the CFO on other finance matters.
Received internal updates regarding the requirements of the new 2024 Code and the Minimum Standard
for Audit Committees.
Reviewed the Group’s Whistleblowing Policy and escalation matrix and received updates on
whistleblowing matters.
Received updates on the implementation of the Group’s Gifts & Hospitality Policy.
Reviewed the Committee’s Terms of Reference and recommended updates to the Board for approval.
Significant financial reporting matters and judgements
Area of focus Actions taken
Going concern and viability
The Committee undertook a detailed review of the financial liquidity of the Group over an 18-month
period to support the going concern assessment, and a three-year period to support the viability
assessment. In doing so, the Committee challenged management’s assessment of forecast cash flows,
including sensitivity to trading and expenditure plans, and for the potential impact of certain scenarios,
including reductions to forecast revenues and margin, and working capital outflows. The Committee
also considered the Group’s financing facilities and compliance with the related liquidity covenant.
Based on this, the Committee confirmed that the application of the going concern basis for the
preparation of the financial statements continued to be appropriate, with no material uncertainties
noted. It was also concluded that the Group is able to meet its liabilities as they fall due over the viability
period of three years. For further information, see pages 70 to 71.
Inventory provisions
The Committee reviewed the inventory provisions for FY24, noting an increase compared to FY23. As of
1 September 2024, gross inventory totals £683.6m, against which an inventory provision of £163.3m has
been recognised, a significant rise from FY23 (£124.4m). This increase is primarily driven by additional
stock write-downs recognised during the year as the Group accelerated the transition to its new
commercial model, which commenced in the previous financial period.
Management provided the Committee with updates on the work performed to validate the
appropriateness of key estimates used in respect of inventory provisions. Particular consideration was
given to the overall level of provisioning and refinements to methodology as the Group transitions to its
new commercial model.
The Committee concluded that the methodology for calculating the net realisable values of inventories,
including management’s estimates on provisions, was appropriate.
Alternative performance
measures (APMs)
The Committee considers it important to take account of both the statutory measures and the APMs
when reviewing these financial statements. In particular, items excluded from adjusted profit before
tax were reviewed by the Committee. The adjusted loss before tax this period was £(126.0)m, with a
reported loss before tax of £(379.3)m (2023: £(70.3)m and £(296.7)m) – the excluded items are detailed
within Note 3 of the financial statements. The most significant items relate to additional inventory
write-downs as the Group accelerated the transition to its new commercial model, as well as
impairment and other costs associated with the mothballing of the Group’s distribution centre in
Lichfield.
The Committee is satisfied that the presentation of these items is clear, applied consistently across
years, in line with Group policy and that the level of disclosure is appropriate. In addition, the
Committee focused on ensuring that the Group’s APMs are not given undue prominence over figures
derived from the financial statements. The Committee ensured that clear, tailored explanations are
provided for the inclusion of each APM, and that all APMs are properly reconciled to the most directly
comparable line items in the financial statements.
STRATEGIC REPORT GOVERNANCE REPORT FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
100
ASOS PLC
ANNUAL REPORT AND ACCOUNTS 2024
Significant financial reporting matters and judgements continued
Area of focus Actions taken
Impairment of non-financial
assets
The Committee closely reviewed the impairment assessment related to the Lichfield fulfilment centre,
following the Board’s decision to either sell or mothball the site after the completion of the automation
project. The Committee reviewed management’s assumptions and methodologies used to determine
the site’s recoverable amount, which was based on its value-in-use. Given the decision to mothball the
facility, the recoverable amount for Lichfield was determined to be £nil, resulting in a specific
impairment and closure costs of £141.8m.
In addition to this review, the Committee assessed the broader impairment testing of tangible and
intangible assets, including goodwill, across the Group. This included challenging key assumptions, such
as projected cash flows and discount rates, and reviewing sensitivities within the value-in-use models.
No further impairments were required following the wider review, and the Committee was satisfied with
the robustness of the impairment assessments and that appropriate disclosures had been made.
Recognition of deferred tax
assets
The Committee reviewed management’s assessment of the recognition of deferred tax assets in line
with IAS 12 Income Taxes. In determining the amount of deferred tax assets to recognise, management
made significant estimates regarding the Group’s future profitability, considering factors such as
revenue growth, profit margins, and cost management strategies. The Committee was satisfied that
the estimates made were reasonable and aligned with the Group’s broader going concern and
impairment assessments. As at 1 September 2024, the Group has recognised net deferred tax assets
of £62.5m, while an additional £52.3m of deferred tax assets related to losses were not recognised.
Audit Committee Report continued
External Auditor independence and objectivity (continued)
PwC has acted as the Group’s statutory External Auditor since 2008. A
competitive tender process took place in FY22, whereby it was concluded
that PwC would remain as the Company’s External Auditor. We will
conduct our next tender process by FY26 for the FY27 audit at the latest.
When considering the appropriate time to conduct an audit tender, the
Committee takes into account the benefit of an incumbent firm with deep
knowledge of the Group’s operations enabling an efficient and high-quality
audit, the independence and objectivity of the appointed auditor and audit
partner and the results of the assessment of audit effectiveness.
Neil Grimes was appointed as audit partner for FY22, following the former
audit partner rotating off and is considered by the Committee to have a
good understanding of the Group and acts with integrity.
PwC has reported to the Committee that, in its professional judgement, it
is independent within the meaning of regulatory and professional
requirements and the objectivity of the audit engagement partner and
audit staff is not impaired.
The Committee has assessed the independence and objectivity of the
External Auditor by considering, amongst other things, the length of
tenure of the audit firm and the audit partner, the value of non-audit fees
provided by the External Auditor and the relationship with the auditor as a
whole. It also considers the External Auditor’s own assessment of its
independence. The Committee is satisfied that PwC meets the required
standard of independence to safeguard the objectivity and integrity of
the audit.
The Committee confirms that the Company is in compliance with the
requirements of the Statutory Audit Services for Large Companies
Market Investigation (Mandatory Use of Competitive Tender Processes
and Audit Responsibilities) Order 2014 for FY24.
Non-audit services provided by the External Auditor
Any non-audit services provided must be in accordance with the Group’s
Non-Audit Services Policy, which states that:
the CFO has pre-approved authority to commission the External
Auditor to undertake non-audit work for a specific project expected
to be less than £50,000;
non-audit services expected to be between £50,000 and £250,000
must be approved by the Committee Chair; and
non-audit services expected to be over £250,000 must be approved by
the Committee Chair and one other Committee member before being
carried out.
Before commissioning non-audit services, the Committee must ensure
that there is no issue as regards to independence and objectivity and
other potential providers are adequately considered. PwC may only
provide such services if the service does not conflict with their statutory
responsibilities and ethical guidance. When reviewing requests for
permitted non-audit services, consideration is given to whether the skills
and experience make the External Auditor the most suitable supplier of
the non-audit service, taking into account independence or objectivity,
and the fee to be incurred for non-audit services, both for individual
non-audit services and in aggregate, relative to the Group audit fee.
The fees paid to PwC for the financial period to 1 September 2024 were
£2.6m (2023: £1.6m). This included £1.6m for External Audit services. The
Committee reviewed and discussed the fee proposal and was engaged in
agreeing the audit scope.
In FY24, PwC provided non-audit services of £0.2m for its work on the
half-year review of our interim results and £0.8m for its work on the sale of
the Topshop and Topman brands (further details can be found on pages 16,
86 and 179). The total fees for non-audit services represented 38% of the
Group audit fee payable to PwC during the period.
The Committee agreed that the non-audit services provided during the
financial period should be provided by PwC due to their in-depth
knowledge of the business and is therefore an efcient means of receiving
non-audit services. We note the required cap on permitted non-audit fees
in any given year relative to the average statutory audit fee from the
previous three years under the FRC Revised Ethical Standards (2019)
(“Ethical Standards”). As the requirement does not apply until the fourth
year of achieving Public Interest Entity status, it is not applicable for ASOS
until FY25, however we report against this each year for prudence. We will
continue to keep the level of non-audit fees relative to audit fees under
review to ensure we meet the requirements of the Ethical Standards.
Employment of former External Auditors
Any employment of former employees of External Auditors would be
considered on a case-by-case basis and would take into account the
Auditing Practices Board’s Ethical Standards on such appointments. Any
such appointments would require approval from the CFO, the Committee
or the Board depending on the seniority of the appointment.
ASOS PLC
ANNUAL REPORT AND ACCOUNTS 2024
101
Internal Audit
The Internal Audit team supports the Board and Committee by providing
independent assurance over the adequacy and effectiveness of the
Group’s risk management and internal control framework. The Committee
reviews and approves Internal Audit Plan of work for each financial period
and monitors progress against it in each meeting. The plan is based on
Internal Audit’s assessment of the Group’s key financial, operational,
compliance and technological risks to delivering its strategy. During the
period, the Committee reviewed and approved changes to the plan to
ensure this remained aligned to the Group’s strategic priorities, changes
in the Group’s risk profile and evolving business activities.
The internal audits completed for FY24 were: a) Key Return & Refund
Controls; b) Barnsley Warehouse Management System – General IT
Controls; c) Payroll Phase 2 – International Payrolls and UK Payroll Controls
Operating Effectiveness; d) Treasury Key Controls; e) Third-Party Risk
Management: Key On-going Monitoring Controls; f) Data Privacy &
Security: Data Access, Consent & Apps; and g) FWI Strategy & Reporting.
Reports outlining findings on risk management systems and controls in
these areas and agreed remediation actions needed to address gaps
were shared with the relevant Management Committee member following
each internal audit. Management Committee members and other Senior
Leaders retain accountability for timely action completion. Full reports
were also shared with the Committee Chair and key members of the
Management Committee including the CEO, CFO and General Counsel
and Company Secretary. Summaries of the latest reports published and
the results of monitoring action closure are shared with all Committee
members in quarterly meetings.
During the period the Committee reviewed the effectiveness of the
Internal Audit team with reference to a self-assessment, actions from
ongoing continual improvement processes, and feedback provided by
Senior Leaders and Committee members. The Committee considers that
the Internal Audit team remains effective and has appropriate levels of
quality, experience and expertise needed.
Risk management and internal controls
The Committee is responsible for the ongoing review of the Group’s risk
management and internal controls framework, including for matters
relating to financial reporting, such as for the:
Identification, assessment, management and mitigation of the Group’s
principal and emerging risks;
Oversight of the preparation of the Group’s accounts;
Monitoring of the implementation of key Group policies; and
Oversight of the investigation of whistleblowing matters.
The Committee regularly reviews and assesses business risks, reviews
assurance over related internal controls and considers how these risks
may affect the achievement of strategy and the Group’s external
reporting.
Management Committee members and other Senior Leaders are
responsible for the day-to-day implementation of internal controls for
managing risks and for ensuring sufficient assurance is obtained over the
effectiveness of controls. The Group’s risk management process is
sponsored by the CFO and co-ordinated with support of the Head of
Internal Audit & Risk, to maintain the right level of control throughout the
Group aligned to risk appetite. Further details on the Group’s risk
management approach are provided on pages 62 to 63.
Key elements of the Group’s internal controls framework in relation to risk
management and financial reporting include:
Established organisational structures and reporting lines to provide
clarity of accountability and responsibility for decision-making,
facilitate effective governance and enable effective decision-making.
Further details on governance structures are provided on pages 35 to
36 and 82 to 83.
Key policies, procedures and guidelines that underpin the Group’s
financial, operational and compliance activities such as for Delegation
of Authority, Whistleblowing, Anti-Bribery and Corruption, Anti-
Facilitation of Tax Evasion, and Anti-Fraud. The Committee also reviews
a quarterly summary of whistleblowing reports and outcomes.
Standards, processes, controls and frameworks to embed and ensure
compliance with requirements, and to manage key risks.
Compliance monitoring activities such as those through central
functions including Finance, Risk Management, Legal, Compliance,
People Experience, Technology, Data Privacy, Tax, Treasury, Company
Secretarial, Health and Safety and Security.
Ongoing Committee review of the scope and results of the Internal
Audit team’s work across the Group and monitoring of management’s
implementation of related remedial actions.
Regular discussion of the Groups principal and emerging risks, including
changes to risk exposures during the period, and changes to mitigating
controls and actions.
Robust budgeting and forecasting processes including board discussion
and approval of strategy, objectives, annual planning processes and
budgets.
Regular monitoring of developments and changes in accounting
standards, other requirements including best practices in financial
reporting and reflecting these in the Group’s financial statements
where appropriate. These include recommendations from the External
Auditor and the Financial Reporting Council.
The Committee and the Board review the draft Annual Report and
Accounts and receive reports from management and the External
Auditor on significant accounting judgements and estimates, changes in
accounting policies and any other significant matters relating to
Groups financial reporting.
Based on their activities, the Committee recommended to the Board that
they confirm the Group’s internal controls and risk management systems
have been effective in the period and up to the date on which these
financial statements were approved. The Board has confirmed this within
the Statement of directors’ responsibilities in respect of the financial
statements on page 120.
Our business Risk Registers are formally reviewed every six months to
ensure that all existing risks are captured and their potential likelihood and
impact are understood. The process also identifies mitigating factors,
controls and any further actions needed to manage the risks and
considers emerging risks that require monitoring. Progress with mitigation
and key themes identified are reported to responsible Management
Committee members. The reviews also feed into a robust assessment of
the Group’s principal and emerging risks by the Management Committee,
the Audit Committee and the Board.
Whistleblowing
The Whistleblowing Policy, which was reviewed and re-approved by the
Committee during the period, outlines how concerns about suspected
wrongdoing (financial or otherwise) can be reported. The Company uses
an external independent, confidential anonymous whistleblowing tool
(Spot) as one route to collect reports. Employees can raise their concerns
or issues they suspect via the portal or by directly contacting one of the
six nominated Whistleblowing Officers. Any matters reported are
investigated by a Whistleblowing Officer and escalated to the Committee
as appropriate and guided by the Whistleblowing Policy. Reporting on the
nature and, where appropriate, content of reports received during the
quarter are provided to the Committee at each meeting alongside
updates on related group training and communications.
Cyber security
The Committee receives quarterly updates from the Cyber Security
Leadership Team on emerging cyber threats, risk and security incidents
and progress against the security strategy, including management KPIs.
Anti-bribery and corruption
The Group has a zero-tolerance approach to bribery and corruption and is
committed to conducting business in an ethical and honest manner. All
ASOSers are expected to act professionally, fairly and with integrity in all
business dealings and relationships in all parts of the world. Anti-bribery
and corruption training is provided to new starters and refreshed
annually. This ensures all ASOSers are aware of their responsibilities and
forms part of the wider systems and controls we have implemented and
enforce to prevent bribery.
STRATEGIC REPORT GOVERNANCE REPORT FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
102
ASOS PLC
ANNUAL REPORT AND ACCOUNTS 2024
Directors
Remuneration Report
Remuneration
Committee
Chairs statement
Committee’s responsibilities
The Committee’s principal responsibilities are to:
Determine and recommend to the Board the Group’s overall
Remuneration Policy and monitor the ongoing effectiveness
of that Policy.
Determine and recommend to the Board the remuneration of
Executive Directors, the Chair and the other members of the
Management Committee.
Monitor, review and approve the levels and structure of
remuneration for other Senior Leaders and employees.
Determine the headline targets for any performance-related bonus
or pay schemes.
Determine specific targets and objectives for any performance-
related bonus or pay schemes for the Executive Directors and the
other members of the Management Committee.
Review and approve any material termination payment.
Review how employee incentives support the Company’s culture,
values and desired behaviours.
Ensure effective engagement with the Company’s stakeholders
inrelation to remuneration policies and practices.
Review the Company’s retirement benefit schemes.
Terms of Reference
The full Terms of Reference for the Remuneration Committee
areavailable on our website, asosplc.com.
The Remuneration Committee’s attendance at meetings
isdetailed in the table on page 81.
Dear shareholder
On behalf of the Board, I am pleased to present the Remuneration
Committee’s report for the period to 1 September 2024. This report should
be read in conjunction with the compliance report on page 80, which shows
how the Company has complied with the UK Corporate Governance Code
(the “Code”) 2018.
I took over as Chair of the Committee upon my appointment to the
Boardon 16 April 2024. I would like to thank Mai Fyfield for her valuable
contribution as Committee Chair since the beginning of 2023 until she
stepped down from the Board on 7 February 2024. Marie Gulin-Merle
heldthe role of Interim Committee Chair from 7 February 2024 until my
appointment, therefore Iwould also like to extend my thanks to Marie for
her support during the transition.
Given that ASOS is in a period of transformation, following my
appointment to the Committee, we believed it to be appropriate to review
the Policy to ensure it aligns to our Back to Fashion strategy. Therefore,
inthe latter half of FY24 we appointed new advisors, FIT Remuneration
Consultants LLP, and together carried out a full review of the
remuneration framework, including consultation with management and
anumber of our largest shareholders together with the principal proxy
advisory firms.
Directors’ Remuneration Policy
In reviewing the Directors’ Remuneration Policy (the “Policy”), we
considered a range of approaches and concluded that, for FY25, our
ASOS Long Term Incentive Scheme (ALTIS) should be replaced with a
rather more geared incentive to further align Executive Directors and
Senior Leaders with the Company’s ambitious growth plans. The
introduction of a Value Creation Plan (VCP) was proposed to incentivise
our Senior Leaders to deliver exceptional value for shareholders through
substantial growth in the Company’s share price. The Committee firmly
believes that an incentive structure linked to share price growth and
long-term value creation is right for us at this time. We were delighted
that the new VCP was approved by shareholders at a General Meeting of
the Company held on 20 August 2024 with 91.82% of those who voted
being in favour.
To enable the VCP to operate as intended, the dilution limits under ALTIS,
ASOS Plc Deferred Bonus Plan and ASOS Plc Sharesave Plan schemes were
updated to set a new 10% in 10-year dilution limit. Further information on
the VCP and associated updates to the Policy and our share scheme rules
can be found in the Notice of General Meeting dated 2 August 2024, which
is available to download on asosplc.com/investors.
Christine Cross Committee Chair
Members
Marie Gulin-Merle
Natasja Laheij
Jose Manuel Martínez Gutiérrez
ASOS PLC
ANNUAL REPORT AND ACCOUNTS 2024
103
Our Annual Report on Remuneration sets out the updated Policy which has
been put into practice since its approval.
Activities during the period and up to the date of this report
Considered the alignment of executive remuneration with the strategy
of ASOS and the effectiveness of the Policy, including a review of
alternative structures.
Consulted with our largest shareholders regarding the proposed
introduction of the VCP and associated adoption of a new Policy.
Reviewed and confirmed the outcomes of the FY24 annual bonus and
the FY22 three-year ASOS Long Term Incentive Scheme (ALTIS) awards
for Executive Directors and senior management.
Reviewed and approved Executive Director and other Senior Leader
pay and benefits during FY24, in the context of their performance,
Company performance, stakeholder and shareholder experiences.
Set performance measures for the FY25 annual bonus for the Chief
Executive Ofcer (CEO) and senior management, in line with our Policy.
Considered the treatment of the impact of corporate activity and
financing activity on reward schemes.
Reviewed and approved changes to the structure of incentives below
Board.
Considered the relationship between executive pay and wider
workforce pay, and reviewed gender and ethnicity pay gap data.
Considered corporate governance developments and market practice
relating to executive and wider workforce pay.
Engaged with employee representatives on executive pay and pay
across the wider workforce.
Board Changes
In addition to the Board changes set out in the introduction paragraph of
this report, William Barker was appointed as Non-Executive Director on
20 September 2023 and Dave Murray was appointed as Executive Director
and Chief Financial Officer (CFO) of the Company on 29 April 2024.
Executive Directors’ remuneration is in line with the Policy. Current
Non-executive Director fee levels are shown on page 108.
Remuneration outcomes for the period ended 1 September 2024
Below sets out the performance outcomes of our FY24 annual bonus and
FY22 ALTIS.
FY24 annual bonus
The measures for the annual bonus for FY24 were based on 75% Financial,
adjusted earnings before interest, tax, depreciation, amortisation
(AEBITDA less capex) and 25% Strategic (closing stock, adjusted gross
margin and cost to serve - each with an equal 33% weighting) measures.
Regarding Financial measures, the achievement was between Threshold
and Target. On the Strategic measure, adjusted gross margin was below
threshold, stock was at or above maximum and cost to serve was between
Target and Maximum. This resulted in 50.47% of base salary (33.64% of
potential) earnings in bonus for our Executive Directors. José Antonio
Ramos Calamontes bonus was calculated using his salary from
4 September 2023 to 30 November 2023 and then his uplifted salary from
1 December 2023 to period end. Dave Murray‘s bonus was calculated using
his salary from his start date.
FY22 ALTIS
The FY22 ALTIS was based on Revenue Growth (30%), EPS Growth (30%),
Relative TSR (25%) and ESG (15%) over the three-year period to
1 September 2024. The Sustainability Committee assessed the level of
progress towards ESG targets set in FY22 in line with the FY22 ALTIS ESG
performance measure. The Sustainability Committee agreed that, as there
has been a significant shift in the operating context and new sustainability
regulations since setting the targets in FY22, it was deemed appropriate to
exercise some discretion on the overall vesting level for the FY22 ALTIS
relating to ESG. The Sustainability Committee therefore recommended
that 10% of a maximum 15% vest, taking into account the considerable
progress achieved with regards to ASOS’ governance and overall approach
to ESG, which was approved by the Remuneration Committee. There was nil
vesting for Revenue Growth, EPS Growth and Relative TSR. Overall vesting
level for the FY22 ALTIS was 10%.
Remuneration in FY25
Salary
When determining the salary increase for our CEO and CFO, we
considered the below factors:
Market benchmark data
General experience and skills/expertise of position holder
Time in role
Performance in role
Company budget for salary review
Company affordability
Based on the above factors, we decided to align the increase in salary of
our CEO to the wider workforce, effective 1 December 2024. The salary
for our CFO will remain unchanged.
Annual bonus
The maximum opportunity remains at 150% of base salary under the
Policy. The Committee reviewed the performance measures and
determined that for FY25 the bonus would include a single financial
measure (weighting 75%): Adjusted earnings before interest, tax,
depreciation, amortisation (AEBITDA) less FY25 bonus payments, capital
expenditure (Capex) and leases. This measure of performance has been
chosen because it is a good proxy for operational cash, and is what
management will be focused on delivering for the year ahead. The
remaining 25% will be measured against targets for adjusted gross
margin, cost to serve and average stock cover (each with an equal 33%
weighting). These strategic measures were carefully chosen to ensure
that they are aligned to our most critical business priorities for FY25 which
are in turn pivotal to continue to turnaround the business .
Financial and strategic performance measures alone comprise the annual
bonus measures for our CEO and CFO. In cascading performance
management measures throughout the wider workforce, including our
Senior Leaders, personal objectives will be added. Our focus on
sustainability is paramount, where our FWI Strategy shares our long-term
commitment across the areas of Planet, Product, and People. While these
targets have longer-term timelines for achievement, there is a short-term
focus in delivering change through employee objectives via our performance
management process which ties directly to individual bonus payout for
eligible ASOSers. Therefore, the Remuneration Committee agreed that,
where relevant to the role, FY25 employee objectives will include an element
of ESG metrics based on our FWI strategy.
VCP
Consistent with the new Policy approved by shareholders, awards will be
made to participants, including Executive Directors, in Q1 of FY25.
The VCP is a highly geared one-off incentive arrangement over the period
comprising FY25 to FY30. Recipients under the VCP will not receive further
ALTIS performance share awards for the life of the Policy with the next
grant of ALTIS (if any) to Senior Leaders anticipated to be in 2027 (i.e. after
three years). The VCP is designed to reward these Senior Leaders for their
contribution to the growth in value of the Company. The plan is designed to
have no value unless management deliver significant outperformance and
value for stakeholders. José Antonio Ramos Calamonte is to be awarded a
15% allocation of the pool equal to 5.5% of the growth in share price value
over £6.70, while Dave Murray is assigned an 8% allocation.
During the period, the Committee reviewed the remuneration framework
for the population below Board. The Committee therefore reviewed the
ALTIS participation across its eligible population and made adjustments
to continue to cascade the importance of shareholder value creation and
share price growth. Below Executive Director level and down to Director
level, VCP awards will be granted with participants assigned varying
Remuneration Committee-approved allocation percentages. For further
information on the VCP, see page 106.
Wider workforce remuneration
Whilst not formally accredited, ASOS is formally committed to being
a Real Living Wage employer and the Committee receives updates from
management to ensure we continue to honour this commitment. During
the period, our Chair, Jørgen Lindemann, held a dedicated session with our
employee engagement network, the ASOS Voices Network. The session
covered both executive remuneration and wider employee remuneration
matters, including outlining the structure and different elements of an
Executive Director’s remuneration package including the Remuneration
Policy for Executive Directors. ASOSers were given the opportunity to ask
questions directly to our Chair and engaged in two-way dialogue.
Shareholder engagement
During FY24 we engaged with major shareholders on Directors’
remuneration including the introduction of the VCP. On behalf of the
Committee, I would like to thank shareholders for their consideration,
andapproval of, the VCP. The Committee looks forward to engaging with
investors over the year ahead as we consider our future remuneration
approach, designed to motivate and align the interests of shareholders
and management.
Christine Cross
Remuneration Committee Chair
5 November 2024
STRATEGIC REPORT GOVERNANCE REPORT FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
104
ASOS PLC
ANNUAL REPORT AND ACCOUNTS 2024
Annual Report
onRemuneration
Summary of FY24 implementation of Remuneration Policy
ASOS Plc listed on the Main Market of the London Stock Exchange in February 2022 and submitted a Remuneration Policy (the “Policy”) for binding
shareholder approval for the first time at the 2023 AGM. The Policy was subsequently amended in August 2024 to accommodate the introduction
of a new Value Creation Plan and to make minor updates to the malus and clawback provisions. In line with the regulations, the approved Policy
forASOS’ Executive and Non-executive Directors will operate for up to the three years.
The purpose of the Policy is to attract, retain and motivate high-calibre, high-performing, engaged employees with the necessary skills to
implement and execute the Group’s strategy in order to create long-term value for shareholders. The Policy must reward people for their
contributions to the success of ASOS in a fair and responsible manner, over both the short and the long term.
The full Policy is available on the website at asosplc.com. The main elements of the Policy are also included below.
Main elements of the Directors’ Remuneration Policy table
Base salary
Purpose and
link to strategy
Operation Maximum
Reflects an
individual’s
responsibilities,
experience and
performance in
their role.
Salaries are reviewed annually, with changes being
effective from 1 December. When determining salary levels,
the Committee takes into account factors including:
Responsibilities, abilities, experience and performance of
an individual.
The performance of the individual in the period since the
last review.
The Group’s salary and pay structures and general
workforce salary increases.
Periodically the Committee reviews market data for
FTSE-listed and other retail and internet/technology-
based companies to ensure salaries remain appropriate in
this context.
There is no defined maximum base salary. Executive
Directors’ salary increases will normally be in line with the
typical level of increase awarded to other employees.
Increases may be above this level in certain circumstances,
including:
Where a new Executive Director has been appointed to
the Board at a lower than typical market salary to allow
for growth in the role.
Where an Executive Director has been promoted or has
had a change in responsibilities.
Where there has been a significant change in market
practice.
Other exceptional circumstances.
Pension
Purpose and
link to strategy
Operation Maximum
To contribute
financially post
retirement.
Defined contribution arrangement or salary supplement.
Only base salary is pensionable. ASOS’ contribution
depends on the employee’s seniority and may be matched
to the level of contributions the employee chooses to make.
Contribution aligned to the wider workforce, which is
currently 5% of base salary.
ASOS PLC
ANNUAL REPORT AND ACCOUNTS 2024
105
Other benefits
Purpose and
link to strategy
Operation Maximum
To support the
personal health
and wellbeing of
employees. To
reflect and
support ASOS
culture.
A package of taxable benefits offered through our flexible
benefits scheme, ASOS Extras, which offers all employees a
fixed value depending upon their seniority, and can be used
either to buy a variety of benefits or be taken in cash.
Other benefits include private medical insurance and life
assurance. Executive Directors currently receive a flexible
benefits allowance of £12,500 per annum (though this may
be increased as part of any review of the employee benefits
policy).
Reasonably incurred expenses will be reimbursed.
Where necessary any benefits or expenses may be grossed
up for taxes.
The Committee may introduce other benefits to Executive
Directors if this is considered appropriate taking into
account the individual’s circumstances, the nature of the
role and practice for the wider workforce.
Where an Executive Director is required to relocate to
perform their role, appropriate one-off or ongoing benefits
may be provided (such as housing, schooling etc.).
There is no maximum level of benefits.
Annual Bonus
Purpose and
link to strategy
Operation Maximum Measures
Provides a link
between
remuneration
and both
short-term
Group and
individual
performance.
Annual bonus
deferral
encourages the
delivery of
sustainable,
longer-term
performance
and strengthens
the alignment of
Executive
Directors with
shareholders’
interests.
The annual bonus is earned based on performance
against targets set by the Committee. Targets
are reviewed annually. Bonus payments are not
pensionable. The Committee will retain the
discretion to adjust bonus payouts if it considers
that the outcome does not reflect the underlying
performance of the business or participants
during the year, including the Company’s
performance against set metrics, or that the
payout is not appropriate in the context of
circumstances that were unexpected or
unforeseen when the targets were set.
Any annual bonus earned up to a value of 50% of
salary will be paid in cash. Any further bonus
earned above this value will normally be delivered
50% in cash and 50% in shares to be deferred for
three years.
Malus provisions apply to the unvested deferred
bonus shares. Clawback applies to vested deferred
bonus shares for a period of three years from the
date of award.
The Committee may decide to pay the entire
bonus in cash where the amount to be deferred
into shares would, in the opinion of the Committee,
be so small it is administratively burdensome to
apply deferral.
Maximum annual
bonus
opportunity of
150% of base
salary.
The annual bonus is normally measured over a
financial year (“FY”) period and may be based
on a mix of financial, operational, strategic and
individual performance measures.
Normally at least 50% of the bonus will be based
on financial measures. The Committee
determines the exact metrics each year
depending on the key goals for the forthcoming
year. Up to 25% of the bonus is paid for achieving
a threshold level of performance and the full
bonus is paid for delivering stretching levels of
performance. Below threshold performance,
nopayment is made. The Committee sets
bonustargets each year to ensure they
areappropriately stretching in the context
of the strategy.
STRATEGIC REPORT GOVERNANCE REPORT FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
106
ASOS PLC
ANNUAL REPORT AND ACCOUNTS 2024
Value Creation Plan (VCP)
Purpose and
link to strategy
Operation Maximum Measures
Supports the
strategy and
business plan by
incentivising and
retaining the
ASOS senior
management
team in a way
that is aligned
with both ASOS’
long-term
financial
performance
and the interests
of shareholders.
Under the VCP, Executive Directors have the
opportunity to share in a pool (to be shared
amongst VCP participants) with a total aggregate
value equal to 5.5% of the growth in the value of
the Company above a reference threshold value of
£6.70 per share, being approximately two times
the ASOS share price when the Committee initially
considered the design for the VCP.
Awards to Executive Directors will vest in two equal
tranches (each in respect of 50% of the relevant
individual’s allocation) on each of the 4th and 5th
anniversary of the date of the 2024 EGM.
Awards will be granted in the form of a nil-cost
option, where a participant can decide on
quarterly exercise dates to exercise their VCP
award and receive ordinary shares in the Company
using the prior average 90-day closing share price
at or shortly prior to such exercise. Once the
results for the financial year ending 31 August
2029 (“FY29”) become available, there will also be
a share price underpin if certain Group free cash
flow (“FCF”) targets are met:
The maximum
allocation that a
participant may
receive will be
limited to 15% of
the total value of
the VCP pool.
There is no
maximum level on
the value of the
pool.
VCP awards may vest based on value created in
terms by reference to increase in the ASOS share
price above the threshold value.
An underpin will also apply such that the pool will
be calculated using the higher of the share price
and the price derived by reference to the FCF for
FY29. See the table below.
FCF for FY29* Implied share price for purpose of
calculating value of the VCP pool*
£135m £13.00
£180m £15.00
£215m £18.00
* Straight-line interpolation will apply between these points. For the avoidance of doubt, there are no additional points for FCF below £135m
andabove £215m. Malus and clawback provisions apply to VCP awards.
Share ownership guidelines
Purpose and
link to strategy
Operation Maximum
Increases
alignment
between the
Board and
shareholders.
Shows a clear
commitment by
all Executive
Directors to
creating value
for
shareholders in
the long term.
The shareholding guideline for Executive Directors is200%
of salary.
Under the guidelines Executive Directors are expected to
hold 50% of any shares acquired on vesting of the VCP,
ALTIS or the Deferred Bonus Plan, and any subsequent
share awards thereafter (net of tax), untilthe expected
shareholdings are achieved.
A post-employment shareholding guideline applies whereby
Executive Directors are expected to hold 100% of their
in-employment shareholding guideline for one year following
stepping down from the Board, reducing to 50% of their
in-employment shareholding guideline for the second year
following stepping down from theBoard.
Where an Executive Director’s shareholding at the time of
their departure is below these limits, they will normally be
expected to hold their actual shareholding for the time
period above. This guideline only applies to incentive awards
granted from FY23 onwards.
Not applicable.
Annual Report on Remuneration continued
ASOS PLC
ANNUAL REPORT AND ACCOUNTS 2024
107
Implementation of the Policy for FY25:
The Policy is being implemented in FY25 as follows:
Base salary: The CEO’s salary will increase in line with the average salary increase of the wider workforce, effective 1 December 2024. The
CFO’s salary will remain unchanged.
Annual bonus: The annual bonus opportunity remains at 150% of salary with the opportunity linked to a single financial measure (weighting 75%):
AEBITDA less FY25 bonus payments, capital expenditure (Capex) and leases. The remaining 25% will be measured against strategic targets - adjusted
gross margin, cost to serve and average stock cover (each with an equal 33% weighting). The targets themselves are considered commercially
sensitive and will be included in next year’s report.
Pension and benefits: No material changes are envisaged.
VCP: the awards as approved by shareholders at the meeting on 20 August 2024 are expected to be granted shortly following the
announcement of results for FY24.
Voting at General Meetings
The table below sets out the voting outcome on the Directors’ Remuneration Report at the FY23 AGM held on 7 February 2024:
Votes for Votes against Votes withheld (abstentions)
Directors’ Remuneration Report 87,741,181
99.80%
179,055
0.20%
52,481
The table below sets out the voting outcome on the Directors’ Remuneration Policy at the Company’s General Meeting held on 20 August 2024:
Votes for Votes against Votes withheld (abstentions)
Directors’ Remuneration Policy 62,589,667
91.81%
5,581,166
8.19%
12,558
Provision 40 disclosures
In developing our approach to remuneration, the Committee was mindful of Provision 40 of the UK Corporate Governance Code 2018.
The Committee considers that the Company’s executive remuneration framework addresses the following factors:
Clarity
The Committee has provided clear disclosures regarding our Policy, its alignment to our purpose and strategy,
andthe necessary performance requirements. The changes we made to the Policy in FY24 and our approach to
implementation for FY25 support the delivery of our strategy. We consulted with our shareholders on the proposed
VCP, which was subsequently approved, and provided clarity on the relationship between the successful
implementation of our strategy and executive remuneration.
Simplicity
Our remuneration structures, including their rationale and operation, are simple to understand and familiar
tostakeholders.
Predictability
Our Policy contains details of the range of opportunity levels available for each component of pay, including the
maximum opportunity level. Actual incentive outcomes vary depending on the level of performance achieved against
specific measures.
Proportionality
The link between the annual bonus, ASOS’ VCP and the achievement of ASOS’ strategy and the long-term
performance of the Group is clearly defined. In particular, the VCP provides a clear and direct alignment with the
interests of our shareholders through the rewarding of absolute shareholder returns. The Committee retains
suitable discretion to ensure that outcomes do not reward poor performance.
Risk
The Committee has satisfied itself that the remuneration arrangements do not encourage risk taking or other
behavioural risks. The Committee has the discretion to apply malus and clawback in certain circumstances,
including in the event of any behavioural risks.
Alignment to
culture
The Committee ensures that the performance measures for the annual bonus and the long term incentive schemes’
design support the Group’s purpose, strategy and culture.
Implementation of the Policy for FY24
Details of how the Policy has been applied in the financial period to 1 September 2024 are set out on pages 108 to 115 below. The Committee
considers that the applicable Policy operated as intended in the period. Certain information within this section has been audited and is highlighted
as such.
STRATEGIC REPORT GOVERNANCE REPORT FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
108
ASOS PLC
ANNUAL REPORT AND ACCOUNTS 2024
Annual Report on Remuneration continued
Directors’ remuneration table (audited)
The remuneration of the Directors for the financial period to 1 September 2024 and the financial period to 3 September 2023 is set out in the
tables below.
Executive Director
Base salary
£
Benefits
1
£
Pensions
2
£
Totalxed
£
Bonus
3
£
LTIP
4
£
Total variable
£
Total
remuneration
£
José Antonio Ramos
Calamonte
2024
£716,436 £43,636 £35,822 £795,894
£361,585 £15,216 £376,801 £1,172,695
2023
£705,753 £73,817 £35,288 £814,858
£814,858
Dave Murray
5
2024
£163,233 £5,334 £8,162 £176,729
£82,384 £0 £82,384 £259,113
2023
Total 2024
£879,669 £48,970 £43,984 £972,623
£443,969 £15,216 £459,185 £1,431,808
2023
£705,753 £73,817 £35,288 £814,858
£814,858
Non-executive
Director
Base fee
£
Additional
fee
£
Total
expenses
6
£
Total
remuneration
£ Basis for additional fee
Jørgen Lindemann 2024
£347,680 £0 £5,514 £353,194
2023
£352,876 £0 £64,410 £417,286
Christine Cross
7
2024
£21,240 £4,722 £2,893 £28,855
Remuneration Committee Chair and member of the
Audit Committee with effect from 16 April 2024.
2023
Wei Gao
8
2024
£55,857 £168,495 £31,100 £255,452
Member of Audit, Nomination and Sustainability
Committees.
2023
£33,263 £3,005 £35,714 £71,982
Member of Audit, Nomination and Sustainability
Committees.
Marie Gulin-Merle
9
2024
£55,857 £5,381 £52,060 £113,298
Member of Remuneration Committee including Interim
Chair from 7 February 2024 to 16 April 2024. Member of
Sustainability Committee from 7 February 2024.
2023
£33,263 £1,479 £13,922 £48,664
Member of Remuneration Committee.
Natasja Laheij 2024
£55,857 £19,545 £75,402
Audit Committee Chair and Member of Remuneration
Committee. SID and member of Nomination
Committee from 7 February 2024.
2023
£22,486 £4,999 £27,485
Audit Committee Chair and Member of Remuneration
Committee.
Jose Manuel Martínez
Gutiérrez
2024
£55,857 £6,392 £22,808 £85,057
Member of Audit and Sustainability Committees.
Member of Remuneration Committee with effect
from 7 February 2024.
2023
£22,486 £1,484 £7,997 £31,967
Member of Audit and Sustainability Committees.
Nicholas Robertson
10
2024
£55,857 £2,484 £58,341
Member of Sustainability Committee.
2023
£56,692 £2,521 £59,213
Member of Sustainability Committee.
Anna Maria Rugarli 2024
£55,857 £9,934 £12,759 £78,550
Sustainability Committee Chair.
2023
£10,899 £1,938 £12,837
Sustainability Committee Chair.
William Barker
11
2024
Member of Nomination Committee from 7 February
2024.
2023
-
Mai Fyfield
12
2024
£24,018 £11,723 £35,741
SID, Remuneration Committee Chair and Member of Audit
and Nomination Committees until 7 February 2024.
2023
£56,692 £17,346 £74,038
SID, Remuneration Committee Chair and Member of
Audit and Nomination Committees.
Total 2024
£728,080 £228,676 £127,134 £1,083,890
2023
£588,657 £32,772 £122,043 £743,472
1 José Antonio Ramos Calamonte was entitled to a relocation allocation allowance of £40,000 per year until 4 January 2024, related to his relocation from Portugal to the UK to take up his
previous role as Chief Commercial Officer. His 2023 benefits figure has been restated to reflect qualifying amounts for 2023 and any expenses not captured in time for the prior year’s
report. Executive Directors receive a flexible benefits allowance of £12,500 per annum, which can be used either to buy a variety of benefits or be taken in cash through our flexible benefits
scheme, ASOS Extras. Other benefits include private medical insurance, group income protection and life assurance.
2 José Antonio Ramos Calamonte and Dave Murray received a pension cash allowance contribution of 5% of their salary, which is in line with the wider workforce.
3 The FY24 bonus payout calculation resulted in 50.47% of base salary earnings in bonus for our Executive Directors. José Antonio Ramos Calamonte’s bonus was calculated using his salary
from 4 September 2023 to 30 November 2023 and then his uplifted salary from 1 December 2023 to period end. Dave Murray‘s bonus was calculated using his salary from his start date.
Consistent with the Policy, the first 50% of bonus is delivered in cash with any bonus in excess of 50% of salary paid 50% in cash and 50% in shares to be deferred for three years. This
results in a small deferred share award due to be made to the two Executive Directors to the value of £1,684 for José Antonio Ramos Calamonte and £384 for Dave Murray subject to
continued employment under the terms of the Deferred Bonus Plan 2022 rules.
4 For 2024, this includes the FY22 ALTIS award as detailed on page 110, where José Antonio Ramos Calamonte received two award grants; one for his role as Chief Commercial Officer and
the other when appointed Chief Executive Officer. The ESG performance target was partially met, resulting in a 10% programme vest. The calculation is based on a share price of £3.6191,
being the average share price for the last quarter of the financial year, from 03 June to 01 September 2024. The share price depreciated during the vesting period and therefore no portion
of the award relates to share price gain. FY21 ALTIS did not vest, resulting in nil figures for 2023.
5 Dave Murray joined the Board on 29 April 2024 and has a base salary of £475,000 with £12,500 flex allowance and 5% pension
6 The taxable expenses include travel and other expenses related to their role and have been grossed up for tax, where applicable to those Directors who reside outside of the UK.
7 Christine Cross was appointed on 16 April 2024.
8 Wei Gao received additional fees of £160,000 in addition to her Committee fees for additional services provided to the Company under her Non-Executive Director Letter of Appointment.
The Board confirmed that the additional services provided did not impair Wei’s independence under the UK Corporate Governance Code.
9 Marie Gulin-Merle’s additional fees reflect interim responsibilities as Remuneration Committee Chair. Her 2023 benefits figure was restated to reflect qualifying amounts for 2023 and any
expenses not captured in time for the prior year’s Annual Report.
10 Nick Robertson donated all of his base service fee and his additional fee to the ASOS Foundation.
11 William Barker was appointed on 20 September 2023 and waives his fees in full.
12 Mai Fyfield stepped down from the Board on 7 February 2024.
ASOS PLC
ANNUAL REPORT AND ACCOUNTS 2024
109
Annual bonus for the period ended 1 September 2024 (audited)
The annual bonus plan for the period ended 1 September 2024 was based on the following performance measures:
Weighting
Threshold
(15%) Target (60%)
Maximum
(100%) Performance achieved Outcome
Financial measure
75%
AEBITDA, less capex 
43.9m) 13.9m) £16.1m (£36.3m) 26.45%
Strategic measures
Closing stock
4
£642m £584m £526m £520.3m 100%
Adjusted gross margin
44.6% 45.1% 45.6% 43.4%
Cost to serve
46.6% 46.3% 45.8% 46.2% 65.66%
Total of strategic measures
55.22%
Combined outcome
33.64%
1 Capex excludes the £17.1m of spend relating to the mothballing of the Lichfield fulfilment centre which was subsequently impaired in H1. This was previously
expected to be recognised outside of adjusted Operating Expenses when the targets were set.
2 The cost to serve measure includes the impact of depreciation and amortisation, refer to page 59 for detail.
3 Equally weighted across the three measures.
4 The Remuneration Committee considered the combined effort that had been made in relation to the reduction in stock across the period and determined
that the stock element of the strategic measures should be based on the reported stock balance at the end of the financial period.
The measures for the annual bonus for FY24 were based on 75% Financial (AEBITDA less capex) and 25% Strategic (closing stock, adjusted gross
margin and cost to serve - each with an equal 33% weighting) measures. Regarding the Financial measure, the achievement was between
Threshold and Target. On the Strategic measure, adjusted gross margin was below Threshold, stock was at or above Maximum and cost to serve
was between Target and Maximum. This resulted in an annual bonus of 50.47% of base salary earnings for our Executive Directors.
Consistent with the Policy, the first 50% of salary is delivered in cash with the excess split half in cash and half in deferred shares. This results
in a small deferred share award due to be made to the two Executive Directors.
FY22 ALTIS awards vesting for performance to 1 September 2024 (audited)
The ALTIS awards with a performance period ending on 1 September 2024 are due to vest on 31 October 2024. These awards were based on
Revenue Growth (30%), EPS Growth (30%), Relative TSR (25%) and ESG (15%) over the three-year period to 1 September 2024. The performance
targets and level of achievement against those targets were as follows:
Measures Weighting Targets Percentage vesting Actual achievement Vesting
Revenue growth 30% Below 15%
15%
Between 15% and 20%
20% or above
0%
25%
Between 25% and 100%
1
100%
(9.50)% 0%
EPS Growth 30% Below 174.3p
174.3p
Between 174.3p and 196.5p
196.5p or above
0%
25%
Between 25% and 100%
1
100%
(86.8)p
2
0%
Relative TSR 25% Below median
At median
Between median and upper quartile
At or above upper quartile
0%
25%
Between 25% and 100%
1
100%
Below median 0%
ESG 15% No Progress
Limited Progress
Progress
All targets achieved
0%
25%
Between 25% and 100%
100%
Considerable Progress 10%
3
Total 10%
1 Straight-line interpolation between points in the range.
2 Consistent with the approach taken in previous years, actual performance for the diluted EPS condition has been assessed using an adjusted profit before tax of
£(126.0)m, an adjusted tax rate, and with the convertible bond treated as dilutive. Reconciliations between statutory measures and their associated Alternative
Performance Measures can be found in pages 188 to 193.
3 The Sustainability Committee assessed the level of progress towards ESG targets set in FY22 in line with the FY22 ALTIS ESG performance measure.
The Sustainability Committee agreed that, as there has been a significant shift in the operating context and new sustainability regulations since setting the
targets in FY22, it was deemed appropriate to exercise some discretion on the overall vesting level for the FY22 ALTIS relating to ESG. The Sustainability
Committee therefore recommended that 10% of a maximum 15% vest, taking into account the considerable progress achieved with regards to ASOS
governance and overall approach to ESG. This was approved by the Remuneration Committee.
STRATEGIC REPORT GOVERNANCE REPORT FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
110
ASOS PLC
ANNUAL REPORT AND ACCOUNTS 2024
ALTIS awards granted in the year (audited)
In the period under review, an ALTIS award was granted to the CEO, José Antonio Ramos Calamonte, on 31 January 2024 and to the CFO, Dave
Murray on 29 April 2024. Details of the award are as follows:
Details of vesting:
Executive
Director
Basis of award Type of award Number of
shares granted
Face value of
award
1
% vesting for
threshold
performance
Performance
period
José Antonio
Ramos Calamonte
250% of base
salary
Conditional share
award at nil cost
481,150 £1,819,998 15% 04.09.23
– 30.08.26
Dave Murray 250% of base
salary
Conditional share
award at nil cost
245,515 £928,685 15% 04.09.23
– 30.08.26
1 Based on the five-day average share price of 3.7826 prior to the grant date of 31 January 2024.
The performance conditions for these awards are in the table below, with performance measured over the three-year period from 4 September
2023 to 30 August 2026 and vesting on 31 October 2026:
Measures
1
Weighting Threshold performance
(15% vesting)
Maximum performance
(100% vesting)
Adjusted EBIT
2
100% £60m £165m
1 ESG performance is incorporated into the FY24 ALTIS by way of a modifier. The modifier provides the Remuneration Committee with discretion to reduce the level
of performance share awards vesting by up to 15% if, following a qualitative assessment of performance over the three-year period by the Sustainability
Committee (which will provide a recommendation to the Remuneration Committee), it is determined that appropriate progress has not been achieved.
2 Adjusted EBIT targets are for the final year of the performance period.
Payments to past Directors (audited)
During the year to 1 September 2024, no payments were made to any past Directors.
Payments for loss of office
During the year to 1 September 2024, no payments were made for loss of ofce.
Directors’ interests in share plans (audited)
Director
Share option
scheme Date of grant
3 September
2023 (no. of
shares)
Granted during
the period to
1 September
2024 (no. of
shares)
Lapsed during
the period to
1 September
2024 (no. of
shares)
Vested during the
period to
1 September
2024 (no. of
shares)
As at
1 September
2024
(no. of shares)
Vest date/
period
José Antonio
Ramos
Calamonte
ALTIS 16.02.21 12,511 12,511 02.11.23
ALTIS 23.11.21 21,433 21,433 31.10.24
ALTIS 23.06.22 20,612 20,612 31.10.24
ALTIS
28.11.22 271,739 271,739 31.10.25
ALTIS
31.01.24 481,150 481,150 31.10.26
Dave Murray ALTIS
1
29.04.24 245,515 245,51531.10.26
1 Conditional award of shares under the rules of the ASOS Long Term Incentive Scheme. Performance conditions for those awards are set out in the relevant
Directors’ Remuneration Report for the year of grant.
2 Dave Murray received a FY24 ALTIS grant part-way through the performance period, pro-rata to his start date.
Annual Report on Remuneration continued
ASOS PLC
ANNUAL REPORT AND ACCOUNTS 2024
111
Directors’ shareholdings (audited)
The Directors who held office on 1 September 2024 had the following interests, including “Person Closely Associated” interests, in the shares
ofASOS Plc. A shareholding guideline is in place for the Executive Directors; this is 200% of salary. A post-employment shareholding guideline
isalso in place, whereby normally the full in-employment guideline must be held for one year following stepping down from the Board, and half
thein-employment guideline for the second year following stepping down from the Board.
Director
Beneficially owned as at
3 September 2023
(no. of shares)
Beneficially owned as at
1 September 2024
(no. of shares)
Outstanding shares (ALTIS)
(no. of shares)
Shareholding
guideline met
José Antonio Ramos Calamonte 24,322 24,322 794,934 No
Dave Murray N/A N/A 245,515 No
Jørgen Lindemann 130,052 130,052 N/A
Christine Cross N/A N/A N/A
Wei Gao N/A N/A N/A
Marie Gulin-Merle N/A N/A N/A
Natasja Laheij N/A N/A N/A
Jose Manuel Martínez Gutiérrez N/A N/A N/A
Nicholas Robertson 2,636,025 2,636,025 N/A
Anna Maria Rugarli N/A N/A N/A
William Barker 16,722,381 (20 Sept 2023) 17,613,381 N/A
Former Director
Beneficially owned as at
3 September 2023
(no. of shares)
Beneficially owned as
at 7 February 2024
(no. of shares)
Mai Fyfield 2,000 2,000
1 During the period, William Barker was appointed as Non-executive Director on 20 September 2023. William is the founder and CEO of Camelot Capital Partners
LLC (“Camelot Partners”) which, as at the date of this report, held 17,613,381 shares in the Company.
2 Mai Fyfield stepped down from the Board on 7 February 2024.
There were no other changes to the Directors’ share interests between 3 September 2023 and 1 September 2024.
Pay gap reporting
Diversity continues to be a key area of focus for ASOS, and we published our most recent Gender and Ethnicity Pay Gap report in April 2024.
OurUK gender pay gap is not a symptom of unequal pay for equal work amongst men and women, but reflects the fact that there are more men
than women in senior roles and more women than men in junior roles. We acknowledge that we are still on a journey to achieve at least 50%
female representation and over 15% ethnically diverse representation across our leadership teams.
All our FWI reports and policies, including our Gender and Ethnicity Pay Gap report, can be found at asosplc.com/fashion-with-integrity/
reports-and-policies/.
STRATEGIC REPORT GOVERNANCE REPORT FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
112
ASOS PLC
ANNUAL REPORT AND ACCOUNTS 2024
Performance and CEO remuneration comparison
This graph shows the value, by 1 September 2024, of £100 invested in ASOS Plc on 31 August 2013 compared with that of £100 invested in the FTSE
250 and the FTSE All Share Retailers Indices. These indices are relevant to the Company in terms of size and sector respectively, and between
them they show the Company’s performance against both the broader market and the retail sector. The other points plotted are the values at
the intervening financial period ends.
Annual Report on Remuneration continued
250
200
(Rebased £)
150
100
50
0
ASOS Plc FTSE 250
Year to
31 August
2014
Year to
31 August
2015
Year to
31 August
2016
Year to
31 August
2017
Year to
31 August
2018
Year to
31 August
2019
Year to
31 August
2020
Year to
31 August
2021
Year to
31 August
2022
Period to
1 September
2024
Period to
3 September
2023
FTSE All Share Retailers
CEO remuneration history
The table below sets out the remuneration data for Directors undertaking the role of CEO during each of the past ten financial years.
Year to
31 August
2015
Year to
31 August
2016
Year to
31 August 2017
Year to
31 August
2018
Year to
31 August
2019
Year to
31 August
2020
Year to
31 August
2021
Year to
31 August
2022
Period to 3
September
2023
4
Period to
1 September
2024
Total
remuneration (£)
81,280 1,199,520 3,072,259 2,904,614 848,487 1,730,323 1,726,859 252,782 814,858
1,172,695
Annual
bonus %
5
70.0% 65.0% 93.7% 89.9% 0% 0% 33.6%
Long-term
incentive %
6
99.1%100%27.0%31.2%38.1%11%0%10%
1 During the year to 31 August 2015, Nick Robertson opted to waive receipt of £442,580 of his base salary, and any entitlement to bonus.
2 Nick Robertson stepped down as CEO and was succeeded by Nick Beighton on 1 September 2015.
3 During the year to 31 August 2022, Nick Beighton stepped down as CEO on 11 October 2021 and José Antonio Ramos Calamonte was appointed CEO on 16 June
2022, therefore this column shows the remuneration Nick Beighton received between 1 September 2021 and 11 October 2021 (£97,080) and the remuneration
JoséAntonio Ramos Calamonte received between 16 June 2022 and 31 August 2022 (£155,702). José Antonio Ramos Calamonte had not joined the Company
whenthe FY20 ALTIS was awarded. No bonus was paid in FY22.
4 José Antonio Ramos Calamonte’s 2023 benefits figure has been restated to reflect qualifying amounts for 2023 and any expenses not captured in time for the
prior years Annual Report.
5 Annual bonus percentage figure shows the percentage of the individual’s maximum bonus percentage related to the bonus scheme for that financial year.
6 Long-term incentive percentages show the percentage of the award that vested where the performance period ends in that financial year.
ASOS PLC
ANNUAL REPORT AND ACCOUNTS 2024
113
Percentage change in Directors’ remuneration
The table below shows the percentage change in the Directors’ salary/fees, benefits and annual bonus over the last three years, compared with all
employees of ASOS. This is a voluntary disclosure as no employees are directly employed by ASOS Plc.
FY24 FY23 FY22 FY21 FY20
% change
Salary/
Fees
1
Benefits Bonus
Salary/
Fees Benefits
2
Bonus
Salary/
Fees Benefits
2
Bonus
Salary/
Fees Benefits
2
Bonus
Salary/
Fees Benefits
7
Bonus
All employees
0% 3% 100%
3
9% 8% 0% 13% -5% -100% 16% 38% 8% 7% 13% 100%
Executive Directors
José Antonio Ramos
Calamonte
2% -41% 100% 457% 217%
Dave Murray
Non-executive
Directors
1
Jørgen Lindemann
-1% -91%
370% 81%
Christine Cross
4
Wei Gao
519% -13%
0%
Marie Gulin-Merle
76% 274%
0%
Natasja Laheij
174% 0%
0%
Jose Manuel Martínez
Gutiérrez
160% 185%
0%
Nick Robertson
-1% 0%
3% 0%
4% -100%
-97%
Anna Maria Rugarli
413% 100%
0%
William Barker
5
Former Directors
Mai Fyfield
6
-52% 0%
21% 0%
11% -100%
300%
1 No changes were made to the base fee for Non-executive Directors. The slight decrease in Salary/Fees is due to FY24 having four fewer days compared to FY23.
Thecalculation is derived from the total salary of ASOS employees (excluding bonuses) divided by the average number of employees for FY23 and FY24. There has
been negligible movement in salaries, as both total salaries and headcount have decreased proportionately from FY23 to FY24.
2 Once COVID-19 social and travel restrictions started to lift, Board and Committee meetings were held in person leading to an increase in Director travel and other
expenses in FY21, FY22 andFY23.
3 Payments were made under the Group annual bonus in FY24 which equates to the 100% increase due to no bonus being received in FY23. Some employees received
payments under other bonus schemes, however as this was only a small population of the wider Group, this payment has been excluded from this calculation to allow
for meaningful comparison year-on-year.
4 Christine Cross was appointed on 16 April 2024.
5 William Barker was appointed on 20 September 2023.
6 Mai Fyfield stepped down from the Board on 7 February 2024.
7 Reduction in benefits in FY20 was due to a reduction in expenses claimed during that year.
STRATEGIC REPORT GOVERNANCE REPORT FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
114
ASOS PLC
ANNUAL REPORT AND ACCOUNTS 2024
Annual Report on Remuneration continued
CEO pay ratio
The table below shows the ratio of the total remuneration paid to the CEO for 2023/24 against the upper quartile, median and lower quartile full-time
equivalent remuneration of ASOS UK employees. This is the fifth year of reporting a pay ratio and data from the last four financial year periods is shown
for comparison.
Method P25 P50 P75
2
2023/24 Option C 34:1 20:1 15:1
2022/23 Option C 26:1 16:1 11:1
2021/22
1
Option C 9:1 5:1 4:1
Full-year equivalent 2021/22
1
Option C 29:1 17:1 11:1
2020/21 Option C 68:1 35:1 25:1
2019/20 Option C 73:1 38:1 24:1
1 The first calculation for 2021/22 uses the total remuneration paid to Nick Beighton between 1 September 2021 and 11 October 2021 and the total remuneration
paid to José Antonio Ramos Calamonte between 16 June 2022 and 31 August 2022. The ratio has been recalculated this year to reflect the actual value of Nick’s
FY20 ALTIS on the vesting date and the restatement ofJo’s 2022 benefits figure. This has reduced the ratio from 6:1 to 5:1. There was a period during the
financial year, between 12 October 2021 and 15 June 2022, that the Company did not have a CEO, therefore the second calculation (full-year equivalent 2021/22)
provides the ratios if José had been CEO for the full financial year.
2 P75th employee is part-time at 80% FTE and where applicable, the base salary and other elements of their package that form their total reumuneration was
uplifed to 100% FTE.
The Company has chosen Option C as it enabled the use of readily available data that was current to ASOS’ year end. The employees at P25,
P50 and P75 were identified based on salaries at 1 September 2024 where their total remuneration was calculated to include salary, benefits,
flex allowance and pension as at that date, plus 2023/24 bonus outturns (all three employees are outside the ALTIS population). No omissions, estimates
or adjustments were included in the calculation.
The total remuneration of these individuals and a small number of others positioned around each quartile were compared to determine whether the
employees at P25, P50 and P75 were most representative of pay levels at these quartiles. Based on that review of similarly ranked roles, the
remuneration of all three individuals was deemed to be representative of the relevant quartile.
The base salary and total remuneration for the employees used in the above calculations are as follows:
P25 P50 P75
Base salary £30,874 £51,547 £70,711
Total remuneration £34,785 £57,467 £80,840
The Committee is satisfied that the median pay ratio for 2023/2024 is consistent with the Group’s wider policies on employee pay, reward and
progression. Executive Directors receive a greater proportion of their remuneration in elements tied to performance, including participation in the
ALTIS, which operates at the most senior levels. This means that the pay ratio will largely vary due to incentive outcomes each year. The pay ratio has
increased year on year due to the lack of bonus pay outs from the past two years and the absence of the FY21 ALTIS vest last performance period.
Thepay ratio is still lower compared to a payout near the maximum in 2020/21.
Relative importance of spend on pay
The following table shows ASOS’ actual spend on pay (for all employees) relative to loss before tax. This has been used as a comparison as this is a key
metric that the Board considers when assessing the Company and Group’s performance. To date, no dividend has been paid by ASOS Plc and there is
nointention to pay a dividend at this stage as all monies are being retained in the business for future investment.
2024
2023
2 See consolidated income statement for more information.
(379.3)
(296.7)
-27.84%
Loss before tax (£million)
-2.93%
2024
2023
Staff costs (£million)
1 The above includes capitalised staff costs and excludes share-based payments charge.
215.4
221.9
ASOS PLC
ANNUAL REPORT AND ACCOUNTS 2024
115
Directors’ dates of appointment
Both of the Executive Directors have a rolling service contract with an indefinite term, but a fixed period of notice of termination. The services of any
Executive Director may be terminated on a maximum of 12 months’ notice by the Company or the individual. Our usual approach to remuneration when
an Executive Director leaves is explained in our Policy.
Name Date of appointment Notice period Total length of service as at 1 September 2024
José Antonio Ramos Calamonte 16 June 2022 12 months 2 years 2 months
Dave Murray 29 April 2024 12 months 4 months
All Non-executive Directors have letters of appointment in place with remaining terms as follows, subject to re-appointment at the Company’s Annual
General Meeting:
Name Date of appointment Notice period
Appointment end date
inaccordance with letter
ofappointment
Total length of service
as at 1 September 2024
rgen Lindemann 1 November 2021 3 months 31 July 2025 2 years 10 months
Christine Cross 16 April 2024 3 months 15 April 2027 0 years 4 months
Wei Gao 1 February 2023 3 months 31 January 2026 1 years 7 months
Marie Gulin-Merle 1 February 2023 3 months 31 January 2026 1 years 7 months
Natasja Laheij 11 April 2023 3 months 10 April 2026 1 years 4 months
Jose Manuel Martínez Gutiérrez 11 April 2023 3 months 10 April 2026 1 years 4 months
Nicholas Robertson 6 June 2000 3 months 31 August 2027 24 years 2 months
Anna Maria Rugarli 26 June 2023 3 months 25 June 2026 1 years 2 months
William Barker 20 September 2023 3 months 19 September 2026 0 years 11 months
1 All Non-executive Directors’ appointments are subject to their re-election at the AGM each year.
2 Nick Robertson is the Founder and former CEO of ASOS. He stepped down from the role of CEO and assumed the role of Non-executive Director on 1 September 2015.
All Directors’ contracts/letters of appointment are available to view at the Company’s registered office.
Overview of Remuneration Committee
Composition of the Remuneration Committee
The Remuneration Committee currently comprises four independent Non-executive Directors: Christine Cross (Chair), Marie Gulin-Merle, Natasja
Laheij and Jose Manuel Martínez Gutiérrez. Mai Fyfield served as Chair of the Committee until she stepped down on 7 February 2024. Marie Gulin-
Merle acted as Interim Committee Chair from 7 February 2024 until 16 April 2024 when Christine Cross was appointed.
Members of the management team, as well as the Committee’s advisors, are invited to attend meetings as appropriate, unless there is a potential
conflict of interest. The remuneration of Executive Directors and Non-executive Directors other than the Chair, is determined by the Chair of the
Board.
Committee composition and effectiveness
Details of the Committee’s experience can be found on pages 72 to 75.
Advisors to the Remuneration Committee
The Committee has engaged the external advisors listed below to help meet its responsibilities.
Committee advisor
Deloitte was the independent advisor to the Committee since 2019 and services were terminated in May 2024. With a new Remuneration Chair, a
new independent advisor was appointed, FIT Remuneration Consultants LLP in April 2024. The Committee selected FIT Remuneration Consultants
LLP as the advisors were deemed to have the best recent and relevant experience across similar public listed company and shareholder constructs,
including substantive experience in VCP design and implementation. FIT Remuneration Consultants LLP are signatories to the Remuneration
Consultants’ Code of Conduct, and the Committee is satisfied that the advice that it receives is objective and independent. Total Remuneration
Consultant fees for advice provided to the Committee were £128,814 (£30,335 for Deloitte advice and £98,479 for FIT Remuneration Consultants
LLP advice) in the period to 1 September 2024 on a time and materials basis. The FIT Remuneration Consultants LLP engagement partner and
advisory team that provide remuneration advice to the Committee do not have any connections with the Group or individual Directors that may
impair their independence.
Separately, during the year other parts of Deloitte also advised the Group in relation to financial advisory, consulting, taxation, accounting services
and financial modelling support as part of business planning and analysis.
When required, ASOS also received advice relating to remuneration matters from Slaughter and May on reward and legal matters respectively. As
a matter of course, the Committee also received advice and assistance as needed from our Executive Vice President People Experience, Reward
and DE&I Director, General Counsel & Company Secretary (or Interim thereof) and Executive Directors.
Key areas of focus for the year ahead
Engaging with shareholders in relation to our approach to remuneration for FY25.
Review and approve any salary increases for Management Committee members.
Determine FY25 annual bonus outcome and FY23 ALTIS awards vesting.
Approve any bonus, ALTIS or other awards intended to operate during FY26.
Continue to monitor regulatory and legislative developments.
Review the Company’s retirement benefit schemes.
STRATEGIC REPORT GOVERNANCE REPORT FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
116
ASOS PLC
ANNUAL REPORT AND ACCOUNTS 2024
Directors Report
The Directors present their report, together with the audited financial
statements for the 52 weeks ended 1 September 2024.
Results and dividends
The Group’s results for the period ended 1 September 2024 are set out
on pages 122 to 179.
The Directors do not recommend the payment of a dividend (2023: £nil).
Strategic Report
This is set out on pages 4 to 71 of the Annual Report and includes an
indication of likely future developments.
Corporate Governance
Our Corporate Governance Statement setting out how the Company
has complied with the UK Corporate Governance Code 2018 (the
“Code”) can be found on page 80. A description of the composition and
activities of the Board and its Committees, including our approach to
diversity, is set out on pages 79 and 93. A full version of the Code is
available from the Financial Reporting Council website at frc.org.uk.
Risk management and principal risks
A description of the main features of our internal control and risk
management arrangements in relation to the financial reporting
process can be found on pages 62 to 63 and 101. A description of the
principal risks facing the business, and the Group’s approach to
managing those risks, is on pages 64 to 69. Information on the Group’s
foreign currency risks is set out in Note 23 to the Financial Statements.
Significant events since the end of the financial period
Information on post-balance sheet events can be found in Note 30 to
the Financial Statements on page 179.
Share capital
The issued share capital of the Company as at 31 October 2024, being
the last practicable date prior to this report, was 119,334,341 ordinary
shares of 3.5 pence each. Details of the authorised and issued share
capital, together with the details of shares issued during the period to
1 September 2024, are shown in Note 22 to the Financial Statements.
As far as the Company is aware, there are no restrictions on the voting
rights attaching to the Company’s ordinary shares and the Company is
not aware of any agreements which may result in restrictions in the
transfer of securities or voting rights.
No securities carry any special rights.
Powers for the acquisition of the Company’s own shares
The Company was also authorised by shareholders at the Annual
General Meeting (“AGM”) on 7 February 2024 to replace the existing
authority (as granted by shareholders at the AGM held on 11 January
2023) to purchase its own shares in the market up to a maximum of
10% of the issued share capital of the Company (excluding treasury
shares). No shares were bought back under this authority during the
financial period to 1 September 2024. This is a standard authority
which is renewable annually and the Directors will be seeking to renew
this authority at the next AGM.
Directors and their interests
The following Directors have held office since 4 September 2023 and
up to the date of this report:
Name Date of appointment
Jørgen Lindemann 1 November 2021
William Barker 20 September 2023
José Antonio Ramos Calamonte 16 June 2022
Christine Cross 16 April 2024
Wei Gao 1 February 2023
Marie Gulin-Merle 1 February 2023
Jose Manuel Martínez Gutiérrez 11 April 2023
Natasja Laheij 11 April 2023
Dave Murray 29 April 2024
Nick Robertson 6 June 2000
Anna Maria Rugarli 26 June 2023
Mai Fyfield, who was appointed on 1 November 2019, stepped down
from the Board on 7 February 2024.
Biographies of the Directors as at the date of this report are set out on
pages 72 to 74.
The general powers of the Directors are contained within UK legislation
and the Company’s Articles of Association (the “Articles”). The
Directors are entitled to exercise all powers of the Company, subject
to any limitations imposed by the Articles or applicable legislation.
The appointment and retirement of Directors is governed by the
Company’s Articles of Association, the UK Corporate Governance
Code 2018, the Companies Act 2006 and other related legislation.
The interests of the Directors, and their persons closely associated, in
the share capital of the Company as at 1 September 2024, along with
details of Directors’ share awards, are contained in the Directors’
Remuneration Report on page 111. At no time during the period did any
of the Directors have a material interest in any significant contract
with ASOS or any of its subsidiaries.
We maintain Directors’ and Officers’ liability insurance which gives
appropriate cover for any legal action brought against its Directors.
This was in place throughout the period and up to the date of approval
of the financial statements. The Group has also provided an indemnity
for its Directors, which is a qualifying third-party indemnity provision,
for the purposes of Section 234 of the Companies Act 2006.
Articles of Association
Our Articles of Association can only be amended by special resolution
of the shareholders and are available for inspection on our website at
asosplc.com.
Branches
The Group has a branch of ASOS.com Limited registered in the
Netherlands. Further details are provided on pages 186 to 187,
together with a full list of Group subsidiaries.
ASOS PLC
ANNUAL REPORT AND ACCOUNTS 2024
117
Employee Benefit Trust
We use an Employee Benefit Trust to facilitate the acquisition of
ordinary shares in the Company for the purpose of satisfying awards
and options granted under ASOS share schemes. During the financial
period, we used both the Employee Benefit Trust (EBT) to satisfy
awards granted under our Save As You Earn scheme and our ASOS
Long Term Incentive Scheme (ALTIS).
The EBT is a discretionary trust, the sole beneficiaries being employees
(including Executive Directors) and former employees of the Group who
have received awards under the Save As You Earn and ALTIS schemes
(or their close relations in the event of their death). The trustee of the
EBT is Apex Financial Services (Trust Company) Limited, an
independent professional trustee company based in Jersey. Under the
terms of the Trust Deed, we fund the EBT to purchase on the EBT’s own
account ordinary shares in the Company on the open market in return
for the EBT agreeing to use the ordinary shares in the Company that it
holds to satisfy certain outstanding awards and options made under
the Company’s share schemes.
As at 30 September 2024, the EBT held 159,242 shares in the Company.
Link Trust
The Link Trust (LT) holds ASOS shares awarded under the Share
Incentive Plan (SIP) in 2012 and 2013 solely for the benefit of current
employees who participate in it. The trustee of the SIP is Link Market
Services Trustees Limited, an independent professional trustee
company based in the United Kingdom. Under the terms of the Trust
Deed, we funded the LT to buy the shares on the open market and
retain those shares on behalf of the underlying beneficiaries.
As at 30 September 2024, the LT held 13,479 shares in the Company,
of which 2,338 shares are held on behalf of underlying beneficiaries.
The Group’s accounting policies are detailed within Note 22 to the
Financial Statements and movements are detailed in the Consolidated
Statement of Changes in Equity on page 133.
Substantial shareholders
As at 30 September 2024, the Company was aware of the following
interests in 3% or more of its ordinary share capital:
Major shareholder Holding
As a % of
issued
shares
Aktieselskabet at 5.5.2010 33,404,686 27.99%
Frasers Group Plc 25,204,422 21.12%
Camelot Partners LLC 17,613,381 14.76%
Schroders Plc 3,917,692 3.28%
Additionally, the Company was notified that, as at 3 October 2024,
SIHPartners, LLLP held 0.90% voting rights in the Company attached
to shares, with an additional 6.09% voting rights through financial
instruments, as announced by the Company on 4 October 2024.
Employees with disabilities
We are an inclusive employer and continue to belong to the Disability
Confident scheme. We are committed to taking the right steps in
ensuring our recruitment, training and development processes and
culture remain accessible for people with disabilities.
We operate with a diverse sourcing approach, fully embedded into our
Talent Acquisition team’s recruitment process, offering guaranteed
interviews to any candidates with disabilities or neurodiverse
conditions, who meet the minimum eligibility criteria for the role. Along
with creating more inclusive job advertisement templates, we’ve
launched hiring manager training to support those making recruitment
decisions in understanding inclusive best practice, including around
biases, within a candidate’s interview process.
See pages 20 to 21 and 33 for more information.
Research and development
The Group undertakes research and development activities in relation
to software development. The deferred tax impact on research and
development tax relief claimed on qualifying spend is disclosed in Note
9 to the Financial Statements on page 147.
Political donations
No political donations have been made during this financial period
(2023: £nil).
Annual General Meeting
A separate circular providing the Notice of Annual General Meeting
and details of the resolutions to be put to the meeting will be sent to
shareholders in due course and will be available to view on asosplc.com.
Statement on disclosure of information to auditors
The Directors confirm that, so far as each is aware, there is no relevant
audit information of which the Group’s auditors are unaware. Each of
the Directors has taken all the steps he or she should have taken as
aDirector, to make himself or herself aware of any relevant audit
information and to establish that the Group’s auditors are aware
ofthat information.
STRATEGIC REPORT GOVERNANCE REPORT FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
118
ASOS PLC
ANNUAL REPORT AND ACCOUNTS 2024
Independent auditors
The auditors, PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP, have indicated their
willingness to continue in office and a resolution that they be re-
appointed will be proposed at the next AGM.
Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) disclosures
Details of our ESG commitments are on pages 28 to 53.
Additional disclosures
Information that is relevant to this report, and which is also
incorporated by reference, including information required in
accordance with the UK Companies Act 2006 and Listing Rule 9.8.4R,
can be found as follows:
Annual Report
pagereference
Post balance sheet events (if applicable)
179
Likely future developments in the business
61
Financial instruments and financial risk
management
165 to 168
Risk management and principal risks
62 to 69, 101
Corporate Governance Report
78 to 89
Employee engagement
24, 88
Stakeholder engagement and S.
statement
22 to 27
Viability Statement & Going Concern
70 to 71
Details of long-term incentive schemes
174 to 176
Statement of capitalised interest
151
Related party transactions
176
Greenhouse gas emissions, energy
consumption and energy efficiency action
28 to 53
Climate-related disclosures consistent with TCFD
34 to 45
The Company has chosen, in accordance with Section 414C(11) of the
Companies Act 2006, and as noted in this Directors’ Report, to include
certain matters in its Strategic Report that would otherwise be
required to be disclosed in this Directors’ Report. The Strategic Report
can be found on pages 4 to 71. Other information requirements set out
in LR 9.8.4R are not applicable to the Company.
Disclaimer
The purpose of this Annual Report is to provide information to the
members of the Company and it has been prepared for, and only for,
the members of the Company as a body, and no other persons.
The Company, its Directors and employees, agents and advisors do
notaccept or assume responsibility to any other person to whom this
document is shown or into whose hands it may come and any such
responsibility or liability is expressly disclaimed.
A cautionary statement in respect of forward-looking statements
contained in this Annual Report appears on the inside back cover
ofthisdocument.
By order of the Board
Rishi Sharma
Interim General Counsel and Company Secretary
5 November 2024
Directors’ Report continued
ASOS PLC
ANNUAL REPORT AND ACCOUNTS 2024
119
Non-nancial and sustainability
information statement
The table below constitutes the Company’s non-financial and sustainability information statement as required by Sections 414CA and 414CB
of the Companies Act 2006 (as amended by The Companies (Strategic Report) (Climate-related Financial Disclosure) Regulations 2022) with
the table disclosed below and other disclosures throughout the Strategic Report. The climate-related financial disclosures of the Company are
contained within the Task Force on Climate-related Financial Disclosures (TCFD) section, on pages 34 to 45 of this Annual Report. Many of our
policies can be viewed on our website asosplc.com which also contains a wide range of non-financial and sustainability information.
Reporting requirement
Relevant policies and documents
whichgovern our approach Annual Report section Page
Climate change and
sustainability
Fashion with Integrity (FWI) Strategy FWI
Task Force on Climate-related
Financial Disclosures (TCFD)
28 to 53
34 to 45
Environmental and social
matters
FWI Strategy
Chemical Strategy
Responsible sourcing policies including
Cotton Sourcing Policy, Animal Derived
Materials Policy and Restricted Substances
List
Policy on Gender Equality in the Supply Chain
Group Tax Strategy
TCFD
Streamlined Energy & Carbon Reporting
Sustainability Committee Report
FWI
Principal risks and opportunities
Stakeholder engagement
34 to 45
46 to 47
94 to 95
28 to 53
64 to 69
22 to 27
ASOSers
Code of Conduct
Health & Safety Policy
Whistleblowing Policy
FWI Strategy
Our People
Stakeholder engagement -
OurASOSers
Governance Report – Engagement
with ASOSers
FWI
Directors’ Report – Employees
with disabilities
18 to 21
24
88
28 to 53
117
Human rights
Modern Slavery Statement
Anti-Slavery & Human Trafficking Policy
Child Labour Remediation & Young
Worker Policy
Freedom of Association and Collective
Bargaining Policy
Migrant Workers Policy
Global framework agreement with
IndustriALL
Whistleblowing Policy
FWI
Stakeholder engagement – Our
Suppliers
Principal risks and opportunities
28 to 53
25
64 to 69
Anti-bribery & corruption
Code of Conduct
Anti-Bribery & Corruption Policy
Gifts & Hospitality Policy
Audit Committee Report
Directors’ Report
96 to 101
116 to 118
Risk management
Risk Management Standard
ASOS Risk Taxonomy
Risk management
Principal risks and opportunities
TCFD – climate-related risks
62 to 63, 101
64 to 69
34 to 45
Business model Business model 12 to 13
Non-financial KPIs KPIs
FWI
54 to 55
28 to 53
STRATEGIC REPORT GOVERNANCE REPORT FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
120
ASOS PLC
ANNUAL REPORT AND ACCOUNTS 2024
Statement of Directors
responsibilities
The Directors are responsible for preparing the Annual Report and the
financial statements in accordance with applicable law and regulation.
Company law requires the Directors to prepare financial statements
for each financial year. Under that law the Directors have prepared
the Group financial statements in accordance with UK-adopted
international accounting standards and the Company financial
statements in accordance with United Kingdom Generally Accepted
Accounting Practice (United Kingdom Accounting Standards,
comprising FRS 101 “Reduced Disclosure Framework”, and applicable
law).
Under applicable Company law, the Directors must not approve the
financial statements unless they are satisfied that they give a true and
fair view of the state of affairs of the Group and Company and of the
profit or loss of the Group for that period. In preparing the financial
statements, the Directors are required to:
select suitable accounting policies and then apply them consistently;
state whether applicable UK-adopted international accounting
standards have been followed for the Group financial statements,
and United Kingdom Accounting Standards, comprising FRS 101,
have been followed for the Company financial statements,
subject to any material departures disclosed and explained in
the financial statements;
make judgements and accounting estimates that are reasonable
and prudent; and
prepare the financial statements on the going concern basis
unless it is inappropriate to presume that the Group and Company
will continue in business.
The Directors are responsible for safeguarding the assets of the
Group and Company and hence for taking reasonable steps for
the prevention and detection of fraud and other irregularities.
The Directors are also responsible for keeping adequate accounting
records that are sufcient to show and explain the Group’s and
Company’s transactions and disclose with reasonable accuracy at
any time the financial position of the Group and Company and enable
them to ensure that the financial statements and the Directors’
Remuneration Report comply with the Companies Act 2006.
The Directors are responsible for the maintenance and integrity
of the Company’s website. Legislation in the United Kingdom governing
the preparation and dissemination of financial statements may
differ from legislation in other jurisdictions.
Directors’ confirmations
The Directors consider that the Annual Report and Accounts, taken
as a whole, is fair, balanced and understandable and provides the
information necessary for shareholders to assess the Group’s and
Company’s position and performance, business model and strategy.
Each of the Directors, whose names and functions are listed in the
Governance Report confirm that, to the best of their knowledge:
the Group financial statements, which have been prepared in
accordance with UK-adopted international accounting standards,
give a true and fair view of the assets, liabilities, financial position
and loss of the Group;
the Company financial statements, which have been prepared in
accordance with United Kingdom Accounting Standards,
comprising FRS 101, give a true and fair view of the assets, liabilities
and financial position of the Company; and
the Strategic Report includes a fair review of the development
and performance of the business and the position of the Group
and Company, together with a description of the principal risks
and uncertainties that it faces.
In the case of each Director in office at the date the Directors’ Report
is approved:
so far as the Director is aware, there is no relevant audit
information of which the Group’s and Company’s auditors are
unaware; and
they have taken all the steps that they ought to have taken as a
Director in order to make themselves aware of any relevant audit
information and to establish that the Group’s and Company’s
auditors are aware of that information.
Rishi Sharma
Interim General Counsel and Company Secretary
5 November 2024
ASOS PLC
ANNUAL REPORT AND ACCOUNTS 2024
121
122 Independent Auditors’ Report to the Members of ASOS Plc
Consolidated financial statements
 Consolidated Income Statement
Consolidated Statement of Comprehensive Income
Consolidated Balance Sheet
 Consolidated Statement of Changes in Equity
 Consolidated Cash Flow Statement
 Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements
Company financial statements
 Company Balance Sheet
Company Statement of Changes in Equity
 Notes to the Company Financial Statements
 Related Undertakings of the ASOS Group
 Alternative Performance Measures (APMs)
 Company Information
 Shareholder Information
Financial Statements
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122
ASOS PLC
ANNUAL REPORT AND ACCOUNTS 2024
Independent auditors’ report to the members
of ASOS Plc
Report on the audit of the financial statements
Opinion
In our opinion:
ASOS Plc’s group financial statements and company financial statements (the “financial statements”) give a true and fair view of the state
of the group’s and of the company’s affairs as at 1 September 2024 and of the group’s loss and the group’s cash flows for the 52 week period
then ended;
the group financial statements have been properly prepared in accordance with UK-adopted international accounting standards as applied in
accordance with the provisions of the Companies Act 2006;
the company financial statements have been properly prepared in accordance with United Kingdom Generally Accepted Accounting Practice
(United Kingdom Accounting Standards, including FRS 101 “Reduced Disclosure Framework, and applicable law); and
the financial statements have been prepared in accordance with the requirements of the Companies Act 2006.
We have audited the financial statements, included within the Annual Report and Accounts 2024 (the “Annual Report”), which comprise: the
Consolidated Balance Sheet and the Company Balance Sheet as at 1 September 2024; the Consolidated Income Statement, the Consolidated
Statement of Comprehensive Income, the Consolidated Cash Flow Statement, the Consolidated Statement of Changes in Equity and the
Company Statement of Changes in Equity for the period then ended; and the notes to the financial statements, comprising material accounting
policy information and other explanatory information.
Our opinion is consistent with our reporting to the Audit Committee.
Basis for opinion
We conducted our audit in accordance with International Standards on Auditing (UK) (“ISAs (UK)”) and applicable law. Our responsibilities under
ISAs (UK) are further described in the Auditors’ responsibilities for the audit of the financial statements section of our report. We believe that
theaudit evidence we have obtained is sufficient and appropriate to provide a basis for our opinion.
Independence
We remained independent of the group in accordance with the ethical requirements that are relevant to our audit of the financial statements
in the UK, which includes the FRC’s Ethical Standard, as applicable to listed public interest entities, and we have fulfilled our other ethical
responsibilities in accordance with these requirements.
To the best of our knowledge and belief, we declare that non-audit services prohibited by the FRC’s Ethical Standard were not provided.
Other than those disclosed in note 6 to the financial statements, we have provided no non-audit services to the company or its controlled
undertakings in the period under audit.
Our audit approach
Overview
Audit scope
We performed full scope audit procedures over the following two components: ASOS Plc, the parent entity that holds investments throughout
the group, and ASOS.com Limited, the trading entity that generates more than 98% of the group’s revenue.
Additionally, we performed a financial statement line item audit over the convertible debt and related interest balances in Cornwall (Jersey)
Limited, and over the acquired brand and customer relationship intangible assets and related amortisation balances in ASOS Holdings Limited.
Taken together, the entities over which full scope audit work was performed accounted for 98% of the group’s revenue and 93% of the group’s
loss before tax.
Key audit matters
Capitalisation of internal staff costs (group)
Valuation of inventory (group)
Going concern assessment in response to economic uncertainties (group)
Classification of adjusting items (group)
Carrying value of assets (group and parent)
Recoverability of deferred tax assets (group)
Materiality
Overall group materiality: £14,500,000 (2023: £10,600,000) based on 0.5% of revenue.
Overall company materiality: £9,200,000 (2023: 9,000,000) based on 1% of total assets.
Performance materiality: £10,875,000 (2023: £7,950,000) (group) and £6,900,000 (2023: £6,750,000) (company).
ASOS PLC
ANNUAL REPORT AND ACCOUNTS 2024
123
The scope of our audit
As part of designing our audit, we determined materiality and assessed the risks of material misstatement in the financial statements.
Key audit matters
Key audit matters are those matters that, in the auditors’ professional judgement, were of most significance in the audit of the financial
statements of the current period and include the most significant assessed risks of material misstatement (whether or not due to fraud)
identified by the auditors, including those which had the greatest effect on: the overall audit strategy; the allocation of resources in the audit;
and directing the efforts of the engagement team. These matters, and any comments we make on the results of our procedures thereon,
were addressed in the context of our audit of the financial statements as a whole, and in forming our opinion thereon, and we do not provide
a separate opinion on these matters.
This is not a complete list of all risks identified by our audit.
Recoverability of deferred tax assets is a new key audit matter this year. Otherwise, the key audit matters below are consistent with last year.
Key audit matter How our audit addressed the key audit matter
Capitalisation of internal staff costs (group)
Refer to Notes 7 and 11 in the financial statements.
The group continued to invest in its operational infrastructure having
spent £98.5m (2023: £126.5m) on intangible assets. Within capital
additions are £64.6m (2023: £58.3m) of internal staff costs, which
primarily relate to intangible assets.
This was an area of focus due to the magnitude of the costs
capitalised and the judgement involved in assessing whether the
criteria set out in IAS 38 for the capitalisation of elements of these
costs had been met. We focused on the capitalisation of internal staff
costs to confirm that costs capitalised were an accurate reflection of
actual costs incurred and the associated time was spent on projects
which met the criteria to be capitalised. We further assessed whether
the costs were appropriately moved out of assets under construction
and appropriately amortised/depreciated from the point at which
they came into operational use.
We gained an understanding through walkthroughs and enquiries
performed with management of the process in place for evaluating
approval for staff time capitalised to capital projects. We performed
substantive testing over new projects in the year to assess whether
they met capitalisation criteria, including inquiring with management,
and inspecting evidence of criteria assessments, such as in capex
funding forms. We also obtained an understanding of the various
selected capitalised projects, inspected timesheet data to
corroborate time charged on projects, and reviewed management’s
assessment to determine whether sufcient economic benefits were
likely to flow from the projects to support the values capitalised.
For a number of projects, we assessed whether they had been
appropriately included within assets under construction at year end.
We further confirmed that amortisation/depreciation commenced at
rates consistent with the group’s accounting policies once the
respective projects became operational.
Based on the procedures performed, we noted no material issues
arising from our work.
Valuation of inventory (group)
Refer to Note 15 in the financial statements.
As at 1 September 2024, the group held gross inventories of
£683.6m (2023: £892.4m), against which a provision of £163.3m
(2023: £124.4m) had been recorded.
The nature of the group’s business model is to service demand in a
dynamic and fast moving fashion market which means there is a risk of
inventory falling out of fashion and proving difcult to sell above cost.
The group’s provisioning policy is based on the estimated future net
realisable value of inventories. The group’s methodology to calculate
inventory provisions includes consideration of inventory which is
expected to be sold via offsite clearance routes as well as through the
website. Provisions are calculated using estimates of loss rates and
website sell through rates, both of which are calculated based on
historical sales data.
The provisions held at 1 September 2024 also include a provision
for the specific write down of inventory identified to be sold via
off-site channels to facilitate the group’s transition to its new
commercial model.
The quantum of the total inventory balance and the level of judgement
involved to ensure that inventories are stated at the lower of cost and
net realisable value made this an area of focus.
We reviewed management’s provisioning policy and the resulting
provisions applied, which include significant elements relating to:
- Forecast loss rates for inventory expected to be sold via the website;
- Forecast sell through rates for inventory expected to be sold
via offsite channels; and
- A specific write down of inventory, identified to be sold via
off-site channels to facilitate the group’s transition to its new
commercial model.
We tested the mathematical integrity of management’s provision
calculations. We validated the inputs into the models including
verifying the inventory quantity and values for various elements
making up the overall inventory provision and confirmed the accuracy
of the data used. We tested the net margin realised used to determine
the historical loss experience for a sample of transactions in the
year and obtained corroborating evidence to validate their selling
price and cost. We also assessed management’s assessment
of estimated income per unit for inventory to be cleared offsite
based on historic experience.
Based on the procedures performed, we noted no material issues
arising from our work.
STRATEGIC REPORT GOVERNANCE REPORT FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
124
ASOS PLC
ANNUAL REPORT AND ACCOUNTS 2024
Going concern assessment in response to economic
uncertainties (group)
Refer to note 2.2 in the financial statements.
In order to conclude whether it is appropriate for the financial
statements to be prepared on a going concern basis, management
prepared a base case forecast for a period of 18 months from the
balance sheet date. In addition they modelled a severe but plausible
downside case which included cost reductions that could be achieved
from mitigating actions within the group’s control.
We focused on this area given the importance of the going concern
judgement in the context of the basis of preparation of the financial
statements and recognising the degree of judgement inherent in
management’s forecasts.
We evaluated management’s going concern assessment and we
performed testing procedures as detailed in the “Conclusions relating
to going concern” section below.
Classification of adjusting items (group)
Refer to Note 3 in the financial statements
The group discloses an adjusted measure of profit to provide
shareholders with additional insight into the year-on-year
performance of the business. Adjusted loss before tax of £126.0m
(2023: £70.3m) is presented which compares to an IFRS measure of
loss before tax of £379.3m (2023: £296.7m).
The £253.3m (2023: £226.4m) of adjusted items before tax are those
which are significant either by virtue of their size and/or nature, the
inclusion of which could, in management’s view, distort comparability
between periods to either reported performance or individual
financial statement line items.
The quantum of adjusting items and the level of judgement involved to
ensure that performance of the business is not distorted made this an
area of focus.
We have performed audit procedures to test the magnitude of the
charge on a sample basis across all elements of the adjusting items. As
part of this sample testing we also understood the nature of the items
and management’s rationale for classification as an adjusting item.
We have considered whether the disclosure as adjusting items is
appropriate taking account of the size and nature of the items and
management’s disclosed accounting policy.
Based on the procedures performed, we noted no material issues
arising from our work.
Carrying value of assets (group and parent)
Refer to Note 14 in the group financial statements and Note C4 in the
company financial statements.
As at 1 September 2024, the group had balances relating to Goodwill,
Intangibles, Property, Plant and Equipment and Right of use assets
totalling £1,051.2m (2023: £1,358.3m). Due to the group’s trading
performance in the period and market capitalisation, there is an
indicator that these balances might be impaired.
At 1 September 2024, the company had amounts due from subsidiary
undertakings of £847.2m (2023: £837.9m), of which £1.6m (2023:
£1.4m) was classed as current and £845.6m (2023: £836.5m)
non-current.
There is a risk that the financial condition and performance of the
subsidiary undertakings are not sufficient to support the
recoverability of the amounts due and the assets may be impaired.
Management has assessed the carrying value of these assets using
a value in use model and concluded that no impairment is required. In
addition, management performed an expected credit loss assessment
under IFRS 9 in respect of the intercompany receivables. Due to these
assessments including assumptions about future performance which
are judgemental in nature, we determined this to be a key area of
focus.
We have obtained management’s impairment assessment which uses a
value in use model to support the recoverability of the goodwill and
other intangibles, property plant and equipment and right of use assets
in the group accounts and the intercompany receivable in the company
accounts and undertook the following procedures:
- We ensured the calculations included within the model were
mathematically accurate and obtained supporting evidence
for the assumptions used ensuring consistency with IAS 36.
- We compared the forecasts used with the latest Board-approved
plans and challenged the key assumptions used within the model to
which the value was most sensitive, including the discount rate, future
revenue growth and improvement in gross profit margin. In assessing
management’s plans, we considered the group’s historical forecasting
accuracy.
- We used our valuation specialists to assist us in our audit of the
discount rate and long term growth rate used.
- We considered other sources of information to assess whether
management’s conclusion that there was no impairment was
reasonable. This included a consideration of third party industry
reports and other market based valuations.
- We considered the adequacy of management’s disclosure in respect
of the impairment assessment, and the key sensitivities in their
estimates.
In relation to the company assessment, in addition to the above
procedures we evaluated management’s expected credit loss
assessment under IFRS 9 in respect of the intercompany receivables.
Based on the procedures performed, we noted no material issues
arising from our work.
Independent Auditors’ Report to the Members
of ASOS Plc continued
ASOS PLC
ANNUAL REPORT AND ACCOUNTS 2024
125
Recoverability of deferred tax assets (group)
Refer to Note 9 in the group financial statements.
As at 1 September 2024, the group had a net deferred tax asset of
£62.5m (2023: £17.8m). Due to the trading performance and losses
made in the last three years management applied judgement in the
amount of deferred tax assets that were recoverable which resulted
in unrecognised deferred tax assets of £52.3m.
Management assesses the recoverability of the deferred tax asset by
using the same forecasts applied in the value in use impairment model
to evaluate whether sufcient taxable profits are projected. A risk
weighting is applied to address the uncertainty related to future
profits with the risk weighting increasing with the time horizon. Based
on this assessment, management considers a net deferred tax asset
of £62.5 million to be recoverable.
Due to this assessment including assumptions about future
performance which are judgemental in nature, we determined
this to be a key area of focus.
We obtained management’s recoverability assessment for the
deferred tax asset and checked the mathematical accuracy of the
model and reconciled the taxable profits forecast to the latest
Board-approved plans.
We assessed management’s risk weightings applied and the period
over which the assets are forecasts to be recovered.
We considered the adequacy of management’s disclosure in respect
of the deferred tax recoverability assessment, and the key
sensitivities in their estimates. Based on the procedures performed,
we noted no material issues arising from our work.
How we tailored the audit scope
We tailored the scope of our audit to ensure that we performed enough work to be able to give an opinion on the financial statements as a whole,
taking into account the structure of the group and the company, the accounting processes and controls, and the industry in which they operate.
Based on our risk and materiality assessments, we determined which components required an audit of their complete financial information having
consideration to the relative significance of each component to the group, and the overall coverage obtained over each material line item in the
consolidated financial statements.
Due to its relative contribution to the group’s revenues and loss before tax, we identified one financially significant component which, in our
view,required an audit of its complete financial information. This was ASOS.com Limited which generated more than 98% of the group revenue
through sales via the worldwide ASOS websites and wholesale network. In addition, a full scope audit was performed over ASOS Plc being the
parent entity which holds investments throughout the group. We performed audit procedures over the convertible debt and related interest
balances in the Cornwall (Jersey) Limited entity, and over the acquired brand intangible assets and related amortisation balances in ASOS
Holdings Limited, in order to achieve appropriate audit coverage over these material financial statement line items. All work over these
components was performed by the group engagement team. Further central procedures were performed over tax, treasury, legal claims,
leaseliability and associated right-of-use asset balances, property, plant and equipment and other intangible assets, goodwill, going concern,
the group’s consolidation and the financial statement disclosures. This provided the evidence we needed for our opinion on the consolidated
financial statements taken as a whole.
Taken together, the components where we performed our audit work accounted for 98% of the group’s revenue and 93% of the group’s
lossbefore tax. This was before considering the contribution to our audit evidence from performing audit work at the group level, including
disaggregated analytical review procedures, which covered certain of the group’s smaller and lower risk components that were not directly
included in our group audit scope.
Our audit of the company financial statements included substantive procedures over all material balances and transactions.
The impact of climate risk on our audit
As part of our audit procedures, we have considered the potential impact of climate change on the group’s business and its financial statements.
The group continues to develop its assessment of the potential impacts of climate change as explained throughout the Strategic Report and
in more detail on pages 34 to 45.
As part of our audit, we have obtained management’s climate-related risk assessment and held discussions with management, together with our
own climate change experts, to understand the process of identifying climate related risks, the determination of mitigating actions and the
impact on the group’s financial statements.
Management has assessed that the most likely impacted financial statement line items and estimates are those associated with future cash
flows since the impact of climate change is expected to become more notable in the medium to long term.
While auditing these forecast cash flows, we have considered the impact of climate change and any climate change related commitments on the
potentially impacted financial statement line items.
We have not identified any matters as part of this work which are inconsistent with the disclosures in the Annual Report or would lead to any
material adjustments to the financial statements.
STRATEGIC REPORT GOVERNANCE REPORT FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
126
ASOS PLC
ANNUAL REPORT AND ACCOUNTS 2024
Materiality
The scope of our audit was influenced by our application of materiality. We set certain quantitative thresholds for materiality. These, together
with qualitative considerations, helped us to determine the scope of our audit and the nature, timing and extent of our audit procedures on the
individual financial statement line items and disclosures and in evaluating the effect of misstatements, both individually and in aggregate on the
financial statements as a whole.
Based on our professional judgement, we determined materiality for the financial statements as a whole as follows:
Financial statements – group Financial statements – company
Overall materiality
£14,500,000 (2023: £10,600,000). £9,200,000 (2023: 9,000,000).
How we determined it
0.5% of revenue 1% of total assets
Rationale for benchmark applied
In determining materiality, we considered both
loss before tax and revenue as the acceptable
benchmarks. We considered loss before tax
tobe an appropriate benchmark due to the
groups focus on delivering an acceptable
short-term return. We considered total
revenue to be appropriate given the focus
ofinvestors on revenues and top line growth.
This provided a wide range of acceptable
materiality levels. In our judgement, the group
is currently experiencing volatile profits or
losses with significant one off costs, and are
experiencing declining revenues however their
operations remain largely consistent each
period. Wetherefore consider revenue to
remain anappropriate benchmark to use.
The materiality of £14.5m is approximately
0.5% of revenue.
ASOS Plc is the ultimate parent entity which
holds the group’s investments. Therefore,
theentity is not in itself profit-oriented. We
consider total assets to be an appropriate
benchmark as it reflects the nature of the
company, which primarily acts as a holding
company for the group’s investments.
For each component in the scope of our group audit, we allocated a materiality that is less than our overall group materiality. The range of
materiality allocated across components was between £4,400,000 and £13,775,000. Certain components were audited to a local statutory
audit materiality that was also less than our overall group materiality.
We use performance materiality to reduce to an appropriately low level the probability that the aggregate of uncorrected and undetected
misstatements exceeds overall materiality. Specifically, we use performance materiality in determining the scope of our audit and the nature
andextent of our testing of account balances, classes of transactions and disclosures, for example in determining sample sizes. Our performance
materiality was 75% (2023: 75%) of overall materiality, amounting to £10,875,000 (2023: £7,950,000) for the group financial statements and
£6,900,000 (2023: £6,750,000) for the company financial statements.
In determining the performance materiality, we considered a number of factors - the history of misstatements, risk assessment and aggregation
risk and the effectiveness of controls - and concluded that an amount at the upper end of our normal range was appropriate.
We agreed with the Audit Committee that we would report to them misstatements identified during our audit above £725,000 (group audit)
(2023: £530,000) and £460,000 (Company audit) (2023: £450,000) as well as misstatements below those amounts that, in our view, warranted
reporting for qualitative reasons.
Conclusions relating to going concern
Our evaluation of the directors’ assessment of the groups and the company’s ability to continue to adopt the going concern basis
of accounting included:
Assessing management’s going concern model, including the base case and the severe but plausible downside case;
Testing the reasonableness of key assumptions including sales growth and estimated gross margins based on historical performance
andexternal market data;
Considering the magnitude and feasibility of the mitigations available in the downside case and whether these are in the control
ofmanagement;
Considering various aspects of the business model that could impact the group’s liquidity;
Considering the severity of the downside scenario based on historic experience;
Reperforming a number of reverse stress tests to determine the magnitude of changes needed to key assumptions to result in there being
noliquidity headroom;
Independent Auditors’ Report to the Members
of ASOS Plc continued
ASOS PLC
ANNUAL REPORT AND ACCOUNTS 2024
127
Assessing the historical reliability of management’s forecasting by comparing budgeted results to actual performance;
Validating that the cash flow forecasts used to support management’s impairment, going concern and viability assessments were consistent;
Reviewing the terms of the facility agreement and convertible bond agreements ensuring that management’s calculations of headroom
against the minimum liquidity covenant were accurate;
Considering the impact of the post year end disposal of the Topshop and Topman brands on the future cash flows; and
Reviewing the related disclosures in the Annual Report and Accounts.
Based on the work we have performed, we have not identified any material uncertainties relating to events or conditions that, individually or
collectively, may cast significant doubt on the group’s and the company’s ability to continue as a going concern for a period of at least twelve
months from when the financial statements are authorised for issue.
In auditing the financial statements, we have concluded that the directors’ use of the going concern basis of accounting in the preparation
of the financial statements is appropriate.
However, because not all future events or conditions can be predicted, this conclusion is not a guarantee as to the group’s and the company’s
ability to continue as a going concern.
In relation to the directors’ reporting on how they have applied the UK Corporate Governance Code, we have nothing material to add or draw
attention to in relation to the directors’ statement in the financial statements about whether the directors considered it appropriate to adopt
the going concern basis of accounting.
Our responsibilities and the responsibilities of the directors with respect to going concern are described in the relevant sections of this report.
Reporting on other information
The other information comprises all of the information in the Annual Report other than the financial statements and our auditors’ report thereon.
The directors are responsible for the other information. Our opinion on the financial statements does not cover the other information and,
accordingly, we do not express an audit opinion or, except to the extent otherwise explicitly stated in this report, any form of assurance thereon.
In connection with our audit of the financial statements, our responsibility is to read the other information and, in doing so, consider whether the
other information is materially inconsistent with the financial statements or our knowledge obtained in the audit, or otherwise appears to be
materially misstated. If we identify an apparent material inconsistency or material misstatement, we are required to perform procedures to
conclude whether there is a material misstatement of the financial statements or a material misstatement of the other information. If, based on
the work we have performed, we conclude that there is a material misstatement of this other information, we are required to report that fact.
We have nothing to report based on these responsibilities.
With respect to the Strategic report and Directors’ Report, we also considered whether the disclosures required by the UK Companies Act 2006
have been included.
Based on our work undertaken in the course of the audit, the Companies Act 2006 requires us also to report certain opinions and matters as
described below.
Strategic report and Directors’ Report
In our opinion, based on the work undertaken in the course of the audit, the information given in the Strategic report and Directors’ Report
for the period ended 1 September 2024 is consistent with the financial statements and has been prepared in accordance with applicable legal
requirements.
In light of the knowledge and understanding of the group and company and their environment obtained in the course of the audit, we did not
identify any material misstatements in the Strategic report and Directors’ Report.
Directors’ Remuneration
In our opinion, the part of the Directors’ Remuneration Report to be audited has been properly prepared in accordance with the Companies
Act2006.
Corporate governance statement
The Listing Rules require us to review the directors’ statements in relation to going concern, longer-term viability and that part of the corporate
governance statement relating to the company’s compliance with the provisions of the UK Corporate Governance Code specified for our review.
Our additional responsibilities with respect to the corporate governance statement as other information are described in the Reporting on other
information section of this report
STRATEGIC REPORT GOVERNANCE REPORT FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
128
ASOS PLC
ANNUAL REPORT AND ACCOUNTS 2024
Independent Auditors’ Report to the Members
of ASOS Plc continued
Based on the work undertaken as part of our audit, we have concluded that each of the following elements of the corporate governance
statement is materially consistent with the financial statements and our knowledge obtained during the audit, and we have nothing material to
add or draw attention to in relation to:
The directors’ confirmation that they have carried out a robust assessment of the emerging and principal risks;
The disclosures in the Annual Report that describe those principal risks, what procedures are in place to identify emerging risks and an
explanation of how these are being managed or mitigated;
The directors’ statement in the financial statements about whether they considered it appropriate to adopt the going concern basis of
accounting in preparing them, and their identification of any material uncertainties to the group’s and company’s ability to continue to do so
over a period of at least twelve months from the date of approval of the financial statements;
The directors’ explanation as to their assessment of the group’s and company’s prospects, the period this assessment covers and why the
period is appropriate; and
The directors’ statement as to whether they have a reasonable expectation that the company will be able to continue in operation and meet its
liabilities as they fall due over the period of its assessment, including any related disclosures drawing attention to any necessary qualifications
or assumptions.
Our review of the directors’ statement regarding the longer-term viability of the group and company was substantially less in scope than an audit
and only consisted of making inquiries and considering the directors’ process supporting their statement; checking that the statement is
inalignment with the relevant provisions of the UK Corporate Governance Code; and considering whether the statement is consistent with the
financial statements and our knowledge and understanding of the group and company and their environment obtained in the course of the audit.
In addition, based on the work undertaken as part of our audit, we have concluded that each of the following elements of the corporate
governance statement is materially consistent with the financial statements and our knowledge obtained during the audit:
The directors’ statement that they consider the Annual Report, taken as a whole, is fair, balanced and understandable, and provides the
information necessary for the members to assess the groups and company’s position, performance, business model and strategy;
The section of the Annual Report that describes the review of effectiveness of risk management and internal control systems; and
The section of the Annual Report describing the work of the Audit Committee.
We have nothing to report in respect of our responsibility to report when the directors’ statement relating to the company’s compliance with the
Code does not properly disclose a departure from a relevant provision of the Code specified under the Listing Rules for review by the auditors.
Responsibilities for the financial statements and the audit
Responsibilities of the directors for the financial statements
As explained more fully in the Statement of Directors’ Responsibilities, the directors are responsible for the preparation of the financial
statements in accordance with the applicable framework and for being satisfied that they give a true and fair view. The directors are also
responsible for such internal control as they determine is necessary to enable the preparation of financial statements that are free from
material misstatement, whether due to fraud or error.
In preparing the financial statements, the directors are responsible for assessing the group’s and the company’s ability to continue as a going
concern, disclosing, as applicable, matters related to going concern and using the going concern basis of accounting unless the directors either
intend to liquidate the group or the company or to cease operations, or have no realistic alternative but to do so.
Auditors’ responsibilities for the audit of the financial statements
Our objectives are to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements as a whole are free from material misstatement,
whether due to fraud or error, and to issue an auditors’ report that includes our opinion. Reasonable assurance is a high level of assurance,
but is not a guarantee that an audit conducted in accordance with ISAs (UK) will always detect a material misstatement when it exists.
Misstatements can arise from fraud or error and are considered material if, individually or in the aggregate, they could reasonably be
expected to influence the economic decisions of users taken on the basis of these financial statements.
Irregularities, including fraud, are instances of non-compliance with laws and regulations. We design procedures in line with our responsibilities,
outlined above, to detect material misstatements in respect of irregularities, including fraud. The extent to which our procedures are capable
ofdetecting irregularities, including fraud, is detailed below.
Based on our understanding of the group and industry, we identified that the principal risks of non-compliance with laws and regulations related
to UK and overseas tax legislation and the Companies Act 2006, and we considered the extent to which non-compliance might have a material
effect on the financial statements. We evaluated management’s incentives and opportunities for fraudulent manipulation of the financial
statements (including the risk of override of controls), and determined that the principal risks were related to posting inappropriate journal
entries to manipulate the financial performance of the group and management bias in accounting estimates and judgements. Audit procedures
performed by the engagement team included:
Enquiry of management, Internal Audit and the group’s legal counsel around known and suspected fraud and non-compliance with laws and
regulations;
Assessment of matters reported on the group’s whistleblowing helpline and results of management’s investigation of such matters;
ASOS PLC
ANNUAL REPORT AND ACCOUNTS 2024
129
Identifying and testing higher risk journal entries, in particular certain journal entries posted with unusual account combinations and journals
posted by senior management (none were identified)
Incorporating elements of unpredictability to the nature or extent of audit procedures performed by us;
Challenging assumptions made by management in its significant and other key accounting estimates in particular in relation to inventory
provisions; and
Reviewing financial statement disclosures and testing to supporting documentation.
There are inherent limitations in the audit procedures described above. We are less likely to become aware of instances of non-compliance with
laws and regulations that are not closely related to events and transactions reflected in the financial statements. Also, the risk of not detecting a
material misstatement due to fraud is higher than the risk of not detecting one resulting from error, as fraud may involve deliberate concealment
by, for example, forgery or intentional misrepresentations, or through collusion.
Our audit testing might include testing complete populations of certain transactions and balances, possibly using data auditing techniques.
However, it typically involves selecting a limited number of items for testing, rather than testing complete populations. We will often seek
totarget particular items for testing based on their size or risk characteristics. In other cases, we will use audit sampling to enable us to
draw a conclusion about the population from which the sample is selected.
A further description of our responsibilities for the audit of the financial statements is located on the FRC’s website at: www.frc.org.uk/
auditorsresponsibilities. This description forms part of our auditors’ report.
Use of this report
This report, including the opinions, has been prepared for and only for the company’s members as a body in accordance with Chapter 3 of Part 16
of the Companies Act 2006 and for no other purpose. We do not, in giving these opinions, accept or assume responsibility for any other purpose
or to any other person to whom this report is shown or into whose hands it may come save where expressly agreed by our prior consent in writing.
Other required reporting
Companies Act 2006 exception reporting
Under the Companies Act 2006 we are required to report to you if, in our opinion:
we have not obtained all the information and explanations we require for our audit; or
adequate accounting records have not been kept by the company, or returns adequate for our audit have not been received from branches
not visited by us; or
certain disclosures of directors’ remuneration specified by law are not made; or
the company financial statements and the part of the Directors’ Remuneration Report to be audited are not in agreement with the accounting
records and returns.
We have no exceptions to report arising from this responsibility.
Appointment
Following the recommendation of the Audit Committee, we were appointed by the members to audit the financial statements for the year
ended31 March 2008 and subsequent financial periods. The period of total uninterrupted engagement is 17 years, covering the years ended
31 March 2008 to 1 September 2024.
Other matter
The company is required by the Financial Conduct Authority Disclosure Guidance and Transparency Rules to include these financial statements
inan annual financial report prepared under the structured digital format required by DTR 4.1.15R - 4.1.18R and filed on the National Storage
Mechanism of the Financial Conduct Authority. This auditors’ report provides no assurance over whether the structured digital format annual
financial report has been prepared in accordance with those requirements.
Neil Grimes (Senior Statutory Auditor)
for and on behalf of PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP
Chartered Accountants and Statutory Auditors
London
5 November 2024
STRATEGIC REPORT GOVERNANCE REPORT FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
130
ASOS PLC
ANNUAL REPORT AND ACCOUNTS 2024
52 weeks to 1 September 2024 1 September 2022 to 3 September 2023
Adjusting items Adjusting items
Adjusted (Note 3) Total Adjusted (Note 3) Total
Note £m£m£m£m£m£m
Revenue
4
9 .8
2,905 .8
3,538.0
1 1 .5
3,54 9.5
Cost of sales
(1, 6 3 8 . 7)
(10 4.6)
(1, 74 3 . 3)
(1, 974 .6)
(115 . 9)
(2 , 0 9 0 . 5)
Gross profit
1,257 .3
(94.8)
1, 1 62.5
1, 5 6 3 . 4
(10 4 . 4)
1, 4 5 9. 0
Distribution expenses
(32 6 . 1)
(32 6 . 1)
(42 9.7)
(42 9.7)
Administrative expenses
(1, 0 1 4 .7)
(1 5 5 . 6)
(1,17 0 . 3)
(1,164.7)
(1 1 5. 1)
(1 ,2 7 9. 8)
Other income
2.0
2. 0
2.0
2.0
Operating loss
6
(81. 5)
(25 0. 4)
(3 31. 9)
(2 9.0)
(219.5)
(24 8. 5)
Finance income
8
12 . 0
12 . 0
5.0
5.0
Finance expenses
8
(5 6.5)
(2.9)
(5 9.4)
(4 6 .3)
(6 .9)
(5 3 . 2)
Loss before tax
(1 26.0)
(253.3)
(3 79.3)
(70.3)
(226.4)
(296. 7)
Income tax credit
9
2.6
38. 0
40.6
17.4
5 6 . 2
7 3 . 6
Loss for the financial period
(1 23.4)
(2 1 5.3)
(338. 7)
(52.9)
(1 70.2)
(223. 1)
Loss per share
pence per share
pence per share
Basic per share
10
(28 4. 4)
(213.0)
Diluted per share
10
(28 4. 4)
(213.0)
All activities in the current and prior period are continuing.
The notes on pages 135 to 179 form an integral part of these financial statements.
Consolidated Income Statement
ASOS PLC
ANNUAL REPORT AND ACCOUNTS 2024
131
1 September
52 weeks to 2022 to
1 September 3 September
20242023
Note£m£m
Loss for the financial period
(3 3 8 .7)
(223. 1)
Items that will not be reclassified to Group income statement
Net fair value losses on cash flow hedges
25
(5. 2)
(6 0 .1)
Tax on items that will not be reclassified
9
0.3
9.7
(4 . 9)
(5 0. 4)
Items that may be subsequently reclassified to Group income statement
Net translation movements
(0 .3)
Net fair value gains on cash flow hedges
25
6 .7
30.5
Fair value movements reclassified from cash flow hedge reserve to Group income statement
25
(13 . 9)
1.7
Tax on items that may be reclassified
9
3 .7
(7. 7 )
(3 . 5)
24. 2
Other comprehensive loss for the period
(8 .4)
(26 .2)
Total comprehensive loss for the period attributable to owners of the parent company
(3 47.1)
(24 9.3)
The notes on pages 135 to 179 form an integral part of these financial statements.
Consolidated Statement
of Comprehensive Income
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132
ASOS PLC
ANNUAL REPORT AND ACCOUNTS 2024
1 September 3 September
20242023
Note£m£m
Non-current assets
Goodwill and other intangible assets
11
5 14 . 0
70 0.5
Property, plant and equipment
12
283.2
362. 6
Right-of-use assets
13
254 .0
29 5.2
Investment properties
13
7 .1
10 .9
Other receivables
17
3 .7
Derivative financial assets
25
0. 3
4 .1
Deferred tax assets
9
6 2.5
1 7. 8
1, 124.8
1 , 3 9 1 .1
Current assets
Inventories
15
52 0.3
76 8. 0
Assets held for sale
16
16 5. 5
Trade and other receivables
17
53.4
81. 4
Derivative financial assets
25
9.5
22 .4
Cash and cash equivalents
18
3 9 1.0
3 53.3
Current tax assets
6 .7
9.4
1,1 4 6 . 4
1, 2 3 4 . 5
Current liabilities
Trade and other payables
19
(6 7 1.7)
(6 8 0. 4)
Borrowings
20
(1. 6)
(1 .5)
Lease liabilities
13
(2 7. 2)
(25 . 3)
Derivative financial liabilities
25
(6 .6)
(6.0)
Provisions
21
(2 .7)
(2.0)
Current tax liability
(4 . 2)
(714. 0)
(7 15 . 2)
Net current assets
432 .4
51 9. 3
Non-current liabilities
Borrowings
20
(6 8 6 .5)
(6 7 1. 3)
Lease liabilities
13
(26 2 . 4)
(3 0 3 .7)
Derivative financial liabilities
25
(0.5)
(0.5)
Provisions
21
(8 6 .5)
(6 8. 2)
(1,035.9)
(1,043.7)
Net assets
52 1.3
8 6 6 .7
Equity attributable to owners of the parent
Called up share capital
22
4.2
4.2
Share premium
22
322 .6
32 2.6
Other reserves
22
6 1. 9
7 3 .1
Retained earnings
13 2 . 6
4 66.8
Total equity
52 1.3
8 6 6 .7
The notes on pages 135 to 179 form an integral part of these financial statements.
The consolidated financial statements of ASOS Plc, registered number 4006623, on pages 121 to 179, were approved by the Board of Directors
and authorised for issue on 5 November 2024 and were signed on its behalf by:
JoAntonio Ramos Calamonte Dave Murray
Chief Executive Officer Chief Financial Officer
Consolidated Balance Sheet
ASOS PLC
ANNUAL REPORT AND ACCOUNTS 2024
133
Other
Called up Share reservesRetained Total
share capital premium (Note 22) earnings equity
Note£m£m£m£m£m
As at 4 September 2023
4.2
322 .6
7 3 .1
46 6.8
8 6 6 .7
Loss for the period
(3 3 8 .7)
(3 3 8 .7)
Other comprehensive loss for the period
(8 . 4)
(8 . 4)
Total comprehensive loss for the period
(8 . 4)
(3 3 8 .7)
(3 4 7 .1)
Cash flow hedges gains and losses transferred to
non-financial assets
25
(2 . 8)
(2 . 8)
Share-based payments charge
26
4 .6
4.6
Tax relating to share option scheme
9
(0 .1)
(0 .1)
Balance as at 1 September 2024
4.2
322 .6
6 1. 9
13 2 . 6
52 1.3
As at 1 September 2022
3.5
24 5 .7
82.4
6 83.3
1, 0 14 . 9
Loss for the period
(223. 1)
(223. 1)
Other comprehensive loss for the period
(26. 2)
(26 .2)
Total comprehensive loss for the period
(2 6. 2)
(223. 1)
(24 9 .3)
Cash flow hedges gains and losses transferred to
non-financial assets
25
16 . 9
16 .9
Share issue
22
0 .7
76 .9
7 7. 6
Share-based payments charge
26
6.4
6.4
Tax relating to share option scheme
9
0. 2
0.2
Balance as at 3 September 2023
4.2
32 2.6
7 3 .1
4 66 .8
8 6 6.7
Retained earnings includes the share-based payments reserve, and employee benefit trust reserve.
Consolidated Statement of Changes in Equity
STRATEGIC REPORT GOVERNANCE REPORT FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
134
ASOS PLC
ANNUAL REPORT AND ACCOUNTS 2024
1 September
52 weeks to 2022 to
1 September 3 September
20242023
£m£m
Cash flows from operating activities
Operating loss
(3 31. 9)
(248.5)
Adjusted for:
Depreciation of property, plant and equipment, right-of-use assets and investment property
55.0
6 7. 8
Amortisation of other intangible assets
11 7. 3
1 0 4 .7
Impairment charges on non-financial assets
11 9 . 9
3 2 .1
Share-based payments charge (net of amounts capitalised)
3.4
5.2
Other non-cash items
(0 .8)
1. 8
Decrease in inventories
2 47. 7
310. 4
Decrease in trade and other receivables
22. 9
12 . 7
Decrease in trade and other payables
(18 . 2)
(3 0 4 . 9)
Increase in provisions
2.4
16 . 8
Cash generated from/(used in) operating activities
2 1 7. 7
(1. 9)
Net income tax received
10. 3
1 8.3
Net cash generated from operating activities
228.0
16.4
Cash flows from investing activities
Purchase of other intangible assets
(9 7 .1)
(13 6 . 2)
Purchase of property, plant and equipment
(3 6 . 4)
(41 . 7)
Interest received
11 . 3
4.5
Net cash used in investing activities
(122 . 2)
(17 3 . 4)
Cash flows from financing activities
Proceeds from issue of ordinary shares
7 7. 6
Proceeds from borrowings
2 0 0.0
Drawdown of revolving credit facility
25 0.0
Repayment of borrowings
(0.5)
(2 51.7)
Refinancing amendment fees paid
(30.8)
Repayment of principal portion of lease liabilities
(25 . 5)
(22 . 4)
Interest paid
(4 2 . 6)
(3 3 .6)
Net cash (used in)/generated from financing activities
(6 8. 6)
1 8 9 .1
Net increase in cash and cash equivalents
3 7. 2
3 2 .1
Opening cash and cash equivalents
353.3
323.0
Effect of exchange rates on cash and cash equivalents
0.5
(1. 8)
Closing cash and cash equivalents
39 1.0
3 53.3
Consolidated Cash Flow Statement
ASOS PLC
ANNUAL REPORT AND ACCOUNTS 2024
135
1 GENERAL INFORMATION
ASOS Plc (“the Company”) and its subsidiaries (together, “the Group”) is a global fashion retailer. The Company is a public limited company whose
shares are publicly traded on the London Stock Exchange. The Company is incorporated and domiciled in the UK and the address of its registered
office is Greater London House, Hampstead Road, London NW1 7FB.
The financial period represents the 52 weeks to 1 September 2024 (prior financial period: 1 September 2022 to 3 September 2023). The financial
information comprises the results of the Company and its subsidiaries.
Within these consolidated financial statements, “2024” refers to the 52 weeks to 1 September 2024, or as at 1 September 2024; and “2023”
refers to the financial period 1 September 2022 to 3 September 2023, or as at 3 September 2023.
2 MATERIAL ACCOUNTING POLICIES, JUDGEMENTS AND ESTIMATES
2.1 Basis of preparation
The consolidated financial statements have been prepared in accordance with UK-adopted International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS)
and with the requirements of the Companies Act 2006 and the Listing Rules as applicable to companies reporting under those standards.
The financial statements have been prepared under the historical cost basis of accounting, excluding derivative financial instruments which are
held at fair value. The financial statements are presented in sterling and all values are rounded to the nearest million pounds except where
otherwise indicated.
Material accounting policies have been included in the relevant notes to which the policies relate, and those relating to the financial statements as
a whole can be read further below. Unless otherwise stated, significant accounting policies have been applied consistently to all periods
presented in the financial statements.
2.2 Going concern
The Directors are satisfied that the Group has sufficient resources to continue in operation for a period of at least 12 months from the date of
approval of the financial statements, and therefore continue to adopt the going concern basis in preparing the financial statements. To support
this assessment, detailed cash flow forecasts were prepared for the 18-month period to February 2026.
In assessing the Group’s going concern position, the Directors have considered the Group’s detailed budgeting and forecasting process which
reflects the Group’s financial performance, position, and cash flows over the going concern period (the base case). These cash flow forecasts
represent the Directors’ best estimate of trading performance and cost implications in the market based on current agreements, market
experience and consumer demand expectations. In conjunction with this, the Directors considered the Group’s business activities and principal
risks, reviewing the Group’s cash flows, liquidity positions and borrowing facilities for the going concern period.
At 1 September 2024, the Group was fully drawn on the £200m term loan with Bantry Bay, and had an undrawn Revolving Credit Facility (“RCF”) of
£17m, with a maturity of April 2026, along with £500m convertible bonds with a maturity of April 2026. The review included the continued
availability of borrowings following the post balance sheet repurchase, amendment and extension of both the convertible bond and Bantry Bay
debt facilities, details of which can be found in Note 30. Following the partial term loan repayment and changes to the Bantry Bay agreement, the
assessment included an opening balance of drawn Bantry Bay debt facility of £150m (with equivalent undrawn RCF of £29m) and £327m of
convertible bonds (of which £74m held a maturity date of April 2026) within the liquidity forecast.
The Group has previously been subject to a minimum liquidity threshold of £90m, which has been removed as part of the new agreement and
therefore the only covenant applicable, and primary test in the assessment, is that the Group must remain in a positive liquidity position.
Key assumptions – forecasting business cash flows
The assessment of the Group’s going concern position required significant management judgement, including in determining the key assumptions
that have the greatest impact on forecasts of future business performance and the range of reasonably possible outcomes of those
assumptions. The economic environment has remained challenging throughout FY24 with cost of living pressures continuing to impact customer
spending and sentiment, however there have been improvements experienced in both the macro environment and ASOS share performance in Q4
of FY24. The future impact that the economic environment will have on ASOS performance however is uncertain, so for the purposes of the
Group’s going concern assessment, the Directors have therefore made assumptions on the likely future cash flows in the uncertain macro
environment.
The assumptions considered include the full transition to the Group’s new commercial model, as well as a sustained marginal recovery in the
macro trading environment, with the online fashion market assumed to experience low single digit % growth on an aggregated basis across the
Group’s key territories. The base case assumes a less aggressive share loss in FY25 than experienced in FY24 owed to recent performance and
the success of the adoption of the new commercial model, with assumed ASOS sales growth rates of -5% to -10%, returning to double digit YoY
growth by the end of the assessment period. Improvements in adjusted gross margin of at least 300bps vs FY24 are assumed during FY25 with
further YoY growth in H1 FY26 of c.200bps. These forecasted cash flows include the ongoing impact of the disposal of the Topshop and Topman
brands from the Group.
Aligned to the Group’s principal risks, the Directors have also considered various severe but plausible downside scenarios against the base case,
comprising of the following assumptions:
Sales growth reduction;
Gross margin reduction;
Potential working capital cash impacts.
Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements
STRATEGIC REPORT GOVERNANCE REPORT FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
136
ASOS PLC
ANNUAL REPORT AND ACCOUNTS 2024
Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements continued
The downside scenarios are considered across both FY25 and H1 FY26, with the greater degree of assumption-based improvements and
subsequent volatility in the outer periods commanding more severe downside sensitivities. Sensitivities mapped against the base case within the
downside case are highlighted below:
Downside vs base case
FY25
H1 FY26
Sales
(8)%
(20)%
Gross Margin
(320)bps
(400)bps
Working Capital impact (average)
£(88)m
£(77)m
Should the Group see such significant events unfold it has several mitigating actions it can implement to manage its liquidity risk, such as deferring
capital investment spend, deferring or reducing stock intake to match the sales reduction, and implementing further cost management to
maintain a sufficient level of liquidity headroom during the going concern period. The combined impact of the above downside scenarios and
mitigations does not trigger a liquidity breach at any point in the going concern period.
Reverse stress tests have also been performed on both the Group’s revenue and gross margin. The tests under consideration hold all metrics in
line with the downside case highlighted above, analysing how far the stress metric would need to decline against the base case to cause a liquidity
event. Such results would have to see over a 22% decline in sales over the base case or an aggregate decline in gross margin rate from the base
case of over 550bps across the entire assessment period. Both are considered remote based on results of previous significant economic events
and recent trading performance, particularly on the basis that the Group is annualising the challenging market conditions in FY24.
In assessing the group’s ability to continue as a going concern the directors have considered climate change risks as disclosed within Task Force
on Climate-related Financial Disclosures (TCFD) report on pages 34 to 45. Specifically the disclosed impacts represent unmitigated scenarios
that do not reflect the Group’s proactive risk management or strategic initiatives. Any potential impacts within the going concern period are not
considered material and are significantly lower than the disclosed reasonable worst case that takes into account all matters of which the Group
is currently aware, including potential climate-related impacts, and are within the reverse stress test tolerances. As a result, climate risks are
effectively encompassed within the scenarios already modelled and it is not considered that climate-related risks affect the Group’s ability to
continue as a going concern.
The Directors have also considered the £74m convertible bonds that mature in April 2026 (outside of the assessment window) and concluded that
they can be repaid within both a base case and downside scenario. The Group is also subject to a springing maturity clause in the term loan facility
in April 2026, conditional upon forward projection of base case cash flows, which was also considered as part of the assessment and is not
expected to be triggered.
Based on the above, the Directors have concluded that, on the basis of there being liquidity headroom under both the base case and downside
scenarios, and the consideration that the reverse stress test scenario is remote, it is appropriate to adopt the going concern basis of accounting
in the preparation of the Group’s annual financial statements, with no material uncertainty to disclose.
2.3 Climate change within the financial statements
In preparing the Group’s financial statements, consideration has been given to the impact of both physical and transition climate change risks, as
described within the Task Force on Climate-Related Financial Disclosures (TCFD) section on pages 34 to 45, and how these may impact the
financial statements. The scenarios and time horizons included within the Group’s TCFD disclosures are useful for assessing the Group’s potential
climate-related risks and opportunities, but are based on unmitigated assumptions. This means that they explore the potential impacts of climate
on the business without assuming the implementation of any additional mitigation efforts by either the Group or its stakeholders (e.g.
governments or industries) to reduce the likelihood of these risks being realised. These scenarios are exploratory in nature and are not
predictions or forecasts. They rely on assumptions based on the current understanding of climate trends, with the recognition that actual
outcomes may vary as policies, technologies, and market responses continue to develop. While it is not believed that these climate change risks
have a material impact on the financial statements, further narrative disclosure has been provided in the following notes:
Going Concern – Note 2.2
Significant accounting judgements and estimates – Note 2.7
The recognition of deferred tax assets - Note 9
Property, plant and equipment – Note 12
Impairment of non-financial assets – Note 14
Provisions – Note 21
It is recognised that the uncertainty and complexity of these issues may make it challenging to fully capture their potential impact. The ongoing
assessment of these risks will be refined in future financial statements as they become clearer, taking into account the requirements of UK-
adopted international accounting standards.
2 MATERIAL ACCOUNTING POLICIES, JUDGEMENTS AND ESTIMATES – CONTINUED
ASOS PLC
ANNUAL REPORT AND ACCOUNTS 2024
137
2 MATERIAL ACCOUNTING POLICIES, JUDGEMENTS AND ESTIMATES – CONTINUED
2.4 Basis of consolidation
a) Subsidiaries
Subsidiary undertakings are all entities over which the Group has control. The Group controls an entity where the Group is exposed to, or has
rights to, variable returns from its involvement with the entity and has the ability to affect those returns through its power to direct the activities
of the entity. The results of subsidiaries are included in the income statement from the date of acquisition or, in the case of disposals, up to the
effective date of disposal. Intercompany transactions and balances between Group companies are eliminated upon consolidation.
A list of all the subsidiaries of the Group is included on page 186. All apply accounting policies which are consistent with those of the rest of the
Group.
The Employee Benefit Trust and Link Market Trust Services Limited (“The Trusts”) are separately administered discretionary trusts, the assets of
which mainly comprise shares in the Company. The assets, liabilities, income and costs of the Trusts are consolidated by the Group.
b) Foreign currencies
Foreign currency transactions
The consolidated financial statements are presented in pound sterling, which is the ultimate parent company’s functional currency. Transactions
in foreign currencies are translated into pound sterling at the exchange rate on the date of the transaction. Monetary assets and liabilities
denominated in foreign currencies at the balance sheet date are translated at the exchange rate ruling at that date. Foreign exchange
differences arising on translation are recognised in the income statement.
Foreign operations
On consolidation, the assets and liabilities of the Group’s foreign operations are translated into pound sterling at exchange rates prevailing at the
year-end date. Profits and losses are translated at average exchange rates for the relevant accounting periods. Exchange differences arising
are recognised in the Group statement of comprehensive income/(loss) and are included in the Group’s translation reserve.
2.5 New accounting standards
The Group adopted the following accounting standards and amendments during the year with no material impact:
IFRS 17 Insurance Contracts
Disclosure of Accounting Policies – Amendments to IAS 1 and IFRS Practice Statement 2
Definition of Accounting Estimates – Amendments to IAS 8
Deferred Tax related to Assets and Liabilities arising from a Single Transaction – Amendments to IAS 12
International Tax Reform – Pillar Two Model Rules – Amendments to IAS 12
The application of these new interpretations and amendments did not have a material impact on the financial statements.
The Group is assessing the impact of the following standards, interpretations and amendments that are not yet effective:
Amendments to the IFRS for SMEs Accounting Standard – International Tax Reform – Pillar Two Model Rules
Lease Liability in a Sale and Leaseback – Amendments to IFRS 16 Leases
Classification of liabilities as Current or Non-current and Non-current Liabilities with Covenants – Amendments to IAS 1 Presentation of
Financial Statements
Amendments to IAS 7 Statement of Cash Flows and IFRS 7 Financial Instruments: Disclosures – Supplier Finance Arrangements
IFRS S1 General Requirements for Disclosure of Sustainability-related Financial Information
IFRS S2 Climate-related Disclosures
Lack of Exchangeability – Amendments to IAS 21 The Effects of Changes in Foreign Exchange Rates
Amendments to the Classification and Measurement of Financial Instruments – Amendments to IFRS 9 Financial Instruments and IFRS 7
Financial Instruments: Disclosures
IFRS 18 Presentation and Disclosure in Financial Statements
IFRS 19 Subsidiaries without Public Accountability: Disclosures
Sale or Contribution of Assets between an Investor and its Associate or Joint Venture – Amendments to IFRS 10 Consolidated Financial
Statements and IAS 28 Investments in Associates and Joint Ventures
The Group has considered the impact of the remaining above standards and revisions and has concluded that they will not have material impact
on the Group’s financial statements, with the exception of IFRS 18 which is under review.
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138
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Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements continued
2.6 Alternative Performance Measures (APMs)
In the reporting of financial information, the Directors use various APMs. These APMs should be considered in addition to, and are not intended to
be a substitute for, IFRS measurements. As they are not defined by International Financial Reporting Standards, they may not be directly
comparable with other companies’ APMs.
The Directors believe that these APMs provide additional useful information for understanding the financial performance and health of the
Group. They are also used to enhance the comparability of information between reporting periods (such as adjusted profit) by adjusting for
non-recurring or uncontrollable factors which affect IFRS measures, to aid users in understanding the Group’s performance. Consequently,
APMs are used by the Directors and management for performance analysis, planning, reporting and incentive setting purposes.
The income statement shows the items excluded from adjusted profit with a more detailed analysis of the adjustments set out in Note 3. Other
APMs that the Group has focused on in the period are defined and reconciled on pages 188 to 193. All of the APMs relate to the current period’s
results and comparative periods.
2.7 Significant accounting judgements and estimates
The preparation of the Group’s financial statements requires the use of judgements, estimates and assumptions in applying the Group’s
accounting policies to determine the reported amounts of assets, liabilities, income and expenses.
Estimates and judgements are continually reviewed and are based on historical experience and other factors, including expectations of future
events that are believed to be reasonable under the current circumstances. Actual results may differ from these estimates. Any revisions to
accounting estimates are applied prospectively. The Audit Committee considers estimates and judgements made by management, as detailed in
the Audit Committee Report on pages 96 to 101.
Key sources of estimation uncertainty
The key sources of estimation uncertainty at the reporting period end that may have a significant risk of causing a material adjustment to the
carrying amount of assets and liabilities within the next financial period are as below:
Impairment of non-financial assets – refer to Note 14
Inventory valuation – refer to Note 15
Recognition of deferred tax assets – refer to Note 9
The recognition of deferred tax assets has been added as a key source of estimation uncertainty this year.
Critical accounting judgements
Critical judgements, apart from those involving estimations, that are applied in the preparation of the consolidated Group financial statements
are discussed below:
Going concern – refer to Note 2.2
Identification of adjusting items – refer to Note 3
Lease term – refer to Note 13
Impact of climate change on the Group’s judgements and estimates
In assessing the Group’s judgements and sources of estimation uncertainty, consideration has been given to the impact of climate change risk on
these. It is not considered that climate change risks have any material impacts on the Group’s judgements or sources of estimation uncertainty
for the following reasons:
Estimate/judgement
Explanation
Impairment of non-financial assets
Refer to Note 14
Inventory valuation
Inventory is a current asset, and therefore by definition expected to be sold within one year. The
Group has considered the FY25 impacts of the considered climate risks, and concluded that there is
not a material risk to inventory valuation.
Recognition of deferred tax assets
Refer to Note 9
Going concern
Refer to Note 2.2
Identification of adjusting items
Relates to in-year activity therefore not impacted by climate change.
Identification of lease terms
Judgement related to the Group’s lease portfolio, for which the risk from climate change is not
considered material. The warehouses and head office sites are located in areas which the Group
would not expect to be physically impacted by climate change.
2 MATERIAL ACCOUNTING POLICIES, JUDGEMENTS AND ESTIMATES – CONTINUED
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139
3 ADJUSTED PROFIT BEFORE TAX
Critical accounting judgement – identification of adjusted items
In order to provide shareholders with additional insight into the year-on-year performance of the business, an adjusted measure of profit is
provided to supplement the reported IFRS numbers, and reflects how the business measures performance internally. Adjusted items are those
which are significant either by virtue of their size and/or nature, the inclusion of which could distort comparability between periods. The
assessment is made both on an individual basis and, if of a similar type, in aggregate.
The assessment of whether to adjust certain items requires judgement, and covers the nature of the item, the cause of its occurrence and the
scale of impact of that item on reported performance and individual financial statement line items, as well as consistency with prior periods. The
same assessment is applied consistently to any reversals of prior adjusting items. Adjusted profit before tax is not an IFRS measure and therefore
not directly comparable to other companies.
Income statement
2024
Administrative Finance
Revenue Cost of sales expenses expenses Total before tax Tax Total
£m £m £m £m £m £m £m
Commercial operating
9.8
(104.6)
(94.8)
23.6
(71.2)
model change
Property-related costs
(141.5)
(2.9)
(144.4)
3 6.1
(108.3)
Other strategic initiatives
(3.4)
(3.4)
0.9
(2.5)
Amortisation of acquisition
(10.7)
(10.7)
2.7
(8.0)
intangibles
Unrecognised deferred tax
(25.3)
(25.3)
assets
9.8
(104.6)
(155.6)
(2.9)
(253.3)
38.0
(215.3)
2023 Administrative
Revenue Cost of sales expenses Finance expenses Total before tax Tax Total
£m £m £m £m £m £m £m
Commercial operating
11.5
(130.0)
(14.7)
(133.2)
33.2
(100.0)
model change
Property-related costs
(60.2)
(0.5)
(60.7)
15.2
(45.5)
Other strategic initiatives
(24.6)
(6.4)
(31.0)
7.4
(23.6)
Amortisation of acquisition
(10.7)
(10.7)
2.7
(8.0)
intangibles
Other items
14.1
(4.9)
9.2
(2.3)
6.9
11.5
(115.9)
(115.1)
(6.9)
(226.4)
56.2
(170.2)
Cash flow statement
The total cash flow impact of adjusting items is as follows:
2024 2023
£m £m
Commercial operating model change
0.2
3.5
Other strategic initiatives
(20.4)
(56.9)
Total adjusting items within operating cash flow
(20.2)
(53.4)
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Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements continued
Commercial operating model change
During the prior period, the Board approved the introduction of a new commercial operating model. The new model involves a more disciplined
approach to intake, increased speed to market and clearing product more quickly to reduce the Group’s inventory requirement, increase full
price sales and hence gross margin, and improve customer engagement. To unlock these benefits, the Group has had to clear old stock acquired
under its previous ways of working via clearance routes, resulting in additional costs recognised in the prior period of £133.2m.
The Group has been transitioning to the new model throughout the period, utilising increased discounting during the first half to accelerate the
clearance of aged stock. In the second half of the period, the Group tested the suppression of remaining older stock to increase the full-price
sales mix in line with the new operating model principles. The increases in gross margin were in line with those anticipated as part of the new
operating model. As a result, a decision was taken to recognise a provision against this inventory with a view to fully removing from the website
and selling via clearance routes, allowing the Group to operate fully on the new model from the beginning of the next financial year.
Additional net costs were recognised in the current period totalling £93.0m. The remaining net cost of £1.8m relates to the sell through of
inventory written down in the prior period. Net expenditure incurred to date in relation to the commercial model change totals £228.0m, across
2023 and 2024.
Property-related costs
Adjusted property-related costs comprise the following, of which £141.8m relates to the closure of the Lichfield fulfilment centre, announced
during the current period:
2024 2023
£m £m
Impairment of property, plant and equipment (a)
(97.7)
(5.6)
Impairment of intangible assets (a)
(2.2)
(1.7)
Impairment of right-of-use assets (a)
(15.8)
(20.0)
Impairment of investment property (a)
(4.2)
(1.3)
Non-capitalised asset spend (b)
(16.5)
Onerous occupancy costs (c)
(5.3)
(18.3)
Accelerated depreciation (d)
(7.6)
Recognition of net investment in lease receivable (e)
4.4
Other closure costs (f)
(7.1)
(6.2)
(144.4)
(60.7)
a) Impairment of assets following activity to vacate sites the Group operates from, which for the current period predominantly relates to the
Group’s Lichfield fulfilment centre. During the current period, the Board approved the commencement of a process to mothball the Lichfield
fulfilment centre, following completion of the automation project in this period. The site is not yet being actively marketed, however during the
period the Group commenced and completed activities to vacate and mothball the site. The recoverable amount for the Lichfield fulfilment
centre was based on its value-in-use, and determined to be £nil on the basis that the site would be mothballed. Investment property amounts
relate to impairments on vacant office space.
b) Following activity to commence vacating the Lichfield fulfilment centre at the end of January 2024, the Group considered whether subsequent
committed spend to complete the automation could be capitalised and concluded not, on the basis that it was no longer probable that the
spend would result in future economic benefits. The spend has therefore been recognised in the income statement during the period, outside of
adjusted profit. Prior to this date, the spend incurred was considered capital.
c) Onerous contract costs that the Group is contractually committed to due to being party to a lease on a site agreed to be exited. Upon initial
recognition of such provisions, management uses its best estimates of the relevant costs to be incurred as well as expected closure dates. This
excludes business rates on leased property which are recognised in the period they are incurred.
d) Where sites are to be vacated in a later period, the remaining useful economic lives of corresponding sites are reassessed to align with closure
dates, resulting in an acceleration in depreciation of these assets. The accelerated depreciation (over and above the charge absent the
closure decision) is recognised within adjusting items.
e) During the period, the Group sublet its distribution centre in Austell, which had been vacated and therefore impaired in the prior period. The
sublet constitutes the remaining term of the lease and therefore constitutes a finance lease under IFRS 16 “Leases”. A lease receivable (within
other receivables on the balance sheet) has therefore been recognised, with a net income statement gain of £4.4m.
f) Includes costs associated with vacating sites, such as severance and stock transfers, as well as business rates and interest costs on
vacant sites.
3 ADJUSTED PROFIT BEFORE TAX – CONTINUED
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ANNUAL REPORT AND ACCOUNTS 2024
141
Other strategic initiatives
After the period end date, on 5 September 2024, the Group announced that it had entered into a binding agreement with a subsidiary of
Heartland A/S to sell the Topshop and Topman brand names from ASOS. Costs of £3.4m have therefore been recognised, relating to consultancy
and other professional costs. The transaction subsequently completed on 9 October 2024. Refer to Note 30 for more information.
Amortisation of acquired intangible assets
Amortisation of acquired intangible assets is adjusted for as acquisitions are outside business-as-usual operations for ASOS. These assets would
not normally be recognised outside of a business combination, therefore the associated amortisation is adjusted.
Unrecognised deferred tax assets
Deferred tax assets of £52.3m were not recognised in the period and were instead recognised in the income statement. Of the amounts
unrecognised, £25.3m was attributed to losses excluded from adjusted profit. Further information is included in Note 9.
4 REVENUE
Accounting policy
Revenue arises from the sale of goods and services in the ordinary course of the Group’s activities, net of returns, related discounts and value
added taxes. Revenue is recognised when performance obligations are satisfied, at the transaction price allocated to that obligation. Further
information is included below.
Retail sales
Retail sales represent the majority of the Group’s revenue, and consist of internet sales. Revenues for goods are recognised on dispatch to the
customer instead of delivery to the customer for practical reasons. The impact of this is assessed at each reporting period and is immaterial to
Group revenue and profits. Where consideration has been received in advance of the performance obligation being satisfied (such as gift card
sales or unshipped sales), a contract liability is recognised.
Returns are provided for as a reduction to revenue when sales are recorded, based on managements best estimate of the amount required,
taking into account historical trends and past experience. A refund liability is recognised within trade and other payables, and a separate right of
return asset is recognised and included within inventory which represents the right to recover product from the customer.
Revenue from other services
Revenue from other services relates to premier subscription revenue, marketing revenue earned from the website, commission revenue, delivery
receipt payments and revenue recognised in relation to wholesale sales and jobber sales.
Revenue relating to the Group’s ASOS Premier subscription (which span a year) is recognised on a straight-line basis throughout the year’s
subscription. Revenue from marketing services is recognised as performance obligations are completed in line with the terms and conditions of
each contract.
Commission revenue relates to the sale of third-party products where it has been determined that the Group is acting as an agent. Sales
commission from third parties is recognised when the related goods or services are sold.
In line with retail sales, delivery receipts and wholesale revenue are recognised on dispatch to the customer instead of at delivery. The impact is
not material to the Group’s results.
2024 2023
£m £m
Retail sales
2,760.5
3,388.2
Premier subscription revenue
21.1
24.7
Marketing and other services
1
31.7
20.7
Delivery receipts
62.6
72.7
Wholesale revenue
29.9
43.2
2,905.8
3,549.5
1 Marketing and other services includes commission income.
3 ADJUSTED PROFIT BEFORE TAX – CONTINUED
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142
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ANNUAL REPORT AND ACCOUNTS 2024
Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements continued
5 SEGMENTAL ANALYSIS
IFRS 8 “Operating Segments” requires operating segments to be identified on the basis of internal reporting on components of the Group that
are regularly reviewed by the Chief Operating Decision-Maker to allocate resources to the segments and to assess their performance.
The Chief Operating Decision Maker has been determined to be the Management Committee. It is the Management Committee that reviews the
Group’s internal reporting in order to assess performance and allocate resources across the business. In doing so, the Management Committee
reviews performance across the Group via a number of sources, comprising regular monthly management accounts, and ad hoc analysis that
provides deep dives into different areas, including territory, brands and revenue streams.
In determining the Group’s operating segments, management has considered the level of information which is regularly reviewed by the
Management Committee. Information regularly reviewed by the Management Committee is at a consolidated Group level only, with some
disaggregated revenue information and associated metrics provided for the geographical territories of the UK, the US, Europe and the Rest of
the World. However, decisions on resource allocation are not made based on this information. Such decisions are made on ad hoc analysis,
separately provided to the Management Committee, and does not constitute information that is either regularly provided to, nor reviewed by,
the Management Committee. As a result, it has been concluded that the Group has only one operating segment (the Group level).
The following sets out the Group’s revenue in the key geographic markets in which customers are located:
2024
UK EU US Rest of World Total
£m £m £m £m £m
Retail sales
1,270.4
977.8
298.2
214.1
2,760.5
Income from other services
63.2
30.6
40.6
10.9
145.3
Total revenue
1,333.6
1,008.4
338.8
225.0
2,905.8
Cost of sales
(1,743.3)
Gross profit
1,162.5
Distribution expenses
(326.1)
Administrative expenses
(1,170.3)
Other income
2.0
Operating loss
(331.9)
Finance income
12.0
Finance expenses
(59.4)
Loss before tax
(379.3)
Non-current assets
1
668.6
175.0
183.2
1,026.8
2023
UK EU US Rest of World Total
£m £m £m £m £m
Retail sales
1,494.6
1,127.3
443.6
322.7
3,388.2
Income from other services
59.8
29.4
57.5
14.6
161.3
Total revenue
1,554.4
1,156.7
5 01.1
337.3
3,549.5
Cost of sales
(2,090.5)
Gross profit
1,459.0
Distribution expenses
(429.7)
Administrative expenses
(1,279.8)
Other Income
2.0
Operating loss
(248.5)
Finance income
5.0
Finance expenses
(53.2)
Loss before tax
(296.7)
Non-current assets
1
994.1
177.9
162.0
1,334.0
1 Non-current assets above exclude goodwill, derivative financial assets and deferred tax assets.
Due to the nature of its activities, the Group is not reliant on any individual major customers.
ASOS PLC
ANNUAL REPORT AND ACCOUNTS 2024
143
6 OPERATING LOSS
Operating loss is stated after charging/(crediting):
2024 2023
£m £m
Depreciation and amortisation:
Property, plant and equipment
28.9
31.4
Right-of-use assets
25.1
35.9
Investment properties
1.0
0.5
Other intangible assets
117.3
104.7
Impairment of non-financial assets:
Property, plant and equipment
97.7
5.6
Right-of-use assets
15.8
20.0
Investment properties
4.2
1.3
Other intangible assets
2.2
5.2
Onerous contract charges
5.3
18.3
Net foreign exchange gains
2.1
Expense relating to short-term leases
1.0
2.3
Expense relating to leases of low value assets that are not shown above as short-term leases
0.3
0.4
Sub-let income relating to leases under IFRS 16
(1.5)
(1.4)
Gain on recognition of net investment in lease receivable
(4.4)
2024 2023
£m £m
Auditors' remuneration:
Audit and audit-related services:
Statutory audit of parent company and consolidated financial statements
1.4
1.1
Statutory audit of the Companys subsidiaries pursuant to legislation
0.2
0.2
1.6
1.3
Costs relating to the audit of the parent company are borne by ASOS.com Limited. The policy for the approval of non-audit fees is set out in the
Audit Committee Report on pages 96 to 101. Costs related to non-audit services provided by the Group’s auditors were £1.0m (2023: £0.3m), the
majority of which are in relation to work associated with the sale of the Topshop and Topman brands, see Note 30 for further detail.
7 EMPLOYEE COSTS
7.1. Employee benefit expenses
2024 2023
£m £m
Wages and salaries including bonus and termination benefits
186.1
192 .1
Social security costs
21.6
21.5
Pension costs
7.7
8.3
Share-based payment charges
4.6
6.4
Gross total
220.0
228.3
Less: staff costs capitalised in relation to capitalised projects
(64.6)
(58.3)
155.4
170.0
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ANNUAL REPORT AND ACCOUNTS 2024
Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements continued
7.2. Average employee numbers (including Directors)
2024
2023
By activity:
Fashion
921
1,120
Operations
1,168
1,249
Technology
938
983
3,027
3,352
Details of key management compensation can be found in Note 27 and within the Directors’ Remuneration Report on pages 102 to 115.
8 FINANCE INCOME AND EXPENSES
Accounting policy
Finance income and expenses are recognised in the consolidated income statement for financial instruments measured at amortised cost, using
the effective interest rate method.
Finance expenses directly attributable to the acquisition or construction of qualifying assets are capitalised. Qualifying assets are those that
necessarily take a substantial period of time to prepare for their intended use, and for the Group relate to the automation projects within its
fulfilment centres.
2024 2023
£m £m
Finance income
Interest on deposits
12.0
5.0
Finance expenses
Interest on borrowings
(58.5)
(50.8)
IFRS 16 lease interest
(5.5)
(5.6)
Provisions – unwind of discount
(3.1)
(1.6)
Interest capitalised
7.7
4.8
Total finance expenses
(59.4)
(53.2)
Net finance expenses
(47.4)
(48.2)
9 TAXATION
Accounting policy
Current tax
Current tax is accounted for on the basis of tax laws enacted or substantively enacted at the balance sheet date. Current tax is charged
or credited to the income statement, except when it relates to items charged to equity or other comprehensive income.
Deferred tax
Deferred tax is provided using the balance sheet liability method, providing for temporary differences between the carrying amounts of assets
and liabilities for financial reporting purposes and the amounts used for taxation purposes.
Deferred tax is calculated at the tax rates that are expected to apply in the period when the liability is settled or the asset realised based on the
tax rates that have been enacted or substantively enacted by the balance sheet date. Deferred tax is charged or credited to the income
statement, except when it relates to items charged or credited directly to equity or other comprehensive income.
Deferred tax liabilities are generally recognised for all taxable temporary differences, and deferred tax assets are recognised to the extent
that it is probable that taxable profits will be available against which deductible temporary differences can be utilised. Such assets and liabilities
are not recognised if the temporary difference arises from goodwill or from the initial recognition (other than in a business combination) of other
assets and liabilities in a transaction that affects neither the tax profit nor the accounting profit.
The carrying amount of deferred tax assets is reviewed at each reporting date and reduced to the extent that it is no longer probable that
sufficient taxable profits will be available to allow all or part of the asset to be recovered.
7 EMPLOYEE COSTS – CONTINUED
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145
Current and deferred tax assets and liabilities are offset where there is a legally enforceable right to offset current tax assets against current
tax liabilities and when the deferred tax assets and liabilities relate to income taxes levied by the same taxation authority, on either the taxable
entity or different taxable entities, and where there is an intention to settle the balances on a net basis.
Significant source of estimation uncertainty – Recognition of deferred tax assets
In accordance with IAS 12 “Income Taxes”, the Company recognises deferred tax assets to the extent that it is probable that future taxable profit
will be available, against which the deductible temporary differences and the carry-forward of unused tax losses can be utilised. In line therefore
with the judgements and estimates disclosed with going concern (refer Note 2) and impairment (refer Note 14), the recognition of deferred tax
assets requires the Group to make significant estimates about the future profitability of its operations.
In determining the amount of deferred tax assets recognised, management makes estimates of future taxable profits and the likelihood of their
being recovered within a reasonably foreseeable timeframe, being a minimum of five years, aligned to the Group’s strategic planning process.
In making these estimates, management considers the current and projected financial performance of the Group, including profit margins,
revenue growth, and cost management strategies, which are derived from management forecasts and consistent with those used as part
of the Group’s going concern and impairment assessments. Risk adjustments are then applied, with a greater adjustment applied to periods
where there is less evidence of profits, in particular, those further in the future. The Group also considers the timing and amount of deductible
temporary differences. As at 1 September 2024, the Group has net deferred tax assets of £114.8m of which £62.5m have been recognised.
A further £52.3m of deferred tax assets in relation to losses have not been recognised.
The deferred tax assets have no expiry date and the Group believes that it is probable that future taxable profits, together with the reversal of
existing temporary differences, will be sufficient to utilise the recognised deferred tax assets, however actual outcomes could differ from these
estimates due to changes in the factors mentioned above. A movement of +/-10% in the forecast taxable profits would increase/decrease the
amount of deferred tax asset recognised by £7.8m, and is considered a reasonable possible change.
The deferred tax assets unrecognised relate to losses on a mix of adjusted and non-adjusted items. Therefore the charge relating to the
unrecognised deferred tax asset has been apportioned between adjusted and unadjusted profit in proportion to the total tax losses arising
within each category, with £25.3m recognised outside adjusted profit, and £27.0m within adjusted profit.
9.1 Income statement
2024 2023
£m £m
Current period UK tax
Current period overseas tax
3.6
3.4
Adjustment in respect of prior period corporation tax
(4.4)
(4.1)
Total current tax credit
(0.8)
(0.7)
Origination and reversal of temporary differences
(42.4)
(73.2)
Adjustment from changes in tax rates
(0.1)
Adjustment in respect of prior periods
2.6
0.4
Total deferred tax credit
(39.8)
(72.9)
Total income tax credit in income statement
(40.6)
(73.6)
Analysed as:
Tax on adjusted loss
(2.6)
(17.4)
Tax on items excluded from adjusted loss
(38.0)
(56.2)
Total income tax credit in income statement
(40.6)
(73.6)
Effective tax rate
10.7%
24.8%
9 TAXATION – CONTINUED
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Reconciliation of tax credit
The effective tax rate of 10.7% (2023: 24.8%) is lower than (2023: higher than) the rate of corporation tax in the UK of 25.0%
(2023: 21.5%). The differences are explained below:
2024 2023
£m £m
Loss before tax
(379.3)
(296.7)
Tax on loss at standard rate of UK corporation tax of 25% (2023: 21.5%)
(94.8)
(63.8)
Effects of:
Expenses not deductible for taxation purposes
2.0
3.9
Tax incentives
(1.1)
Rate differences: overseas tax
0.2
0.5
UK tax rate differential
(10.0)
Tax adjustments on share-based payments
1.3
0.6
Adjustment in respect of prior years
(1.6)
(3.7)
Unrecognised losses
52.3
Total tax credit in the income statement
(40.6)
(73.6)
On 11 July 2023, the government of the UK, where the parent company is incorporated, enacted the Pillar Two income taxes legislation effective
from 1 January 2024. Under the legislation, the parent company will be required to pay, in the UK, top-up tax on profits of its subsidiaries and any
UK profits that are taxed at an effective tax rate of less than 15%. The introduction of this legislation is not anticipated to have a material impact
on the financial position of the Group since the countries in which the Group has operations, including the UK, all pay taxes above 15% and
forecasts support the expectation that, after considering relevant adjustments, this will continue to be the case. Had the rules applied to the
period ended 1 September 2024, the transitional safe harbours would have applied such that no top-up taxes arose. The Group continues to
assess the impact of the Pillar Two income taxes legislation on its future financial performance. The Group has applied the exception under IAS 12
‘Income Taxes’ to recognising and disclosing information about deferred tax assets and liabilities related to Pillar Two income taxes.
9.2 Tax recognised in other comprehensive income
2024 2023
£m £m
Deferred tax credit on movement of derivative financial instruments
(4.0)
(2.0)
9.3 Tax recognised in the statement of changes in equity
2024 2023
£m £m
Deferred tax charge/(credit) on movement in tax base of share options
0.1
(0.2)
9 TAXATION – CONTINUED
Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements continued
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9 TAXATION – CONTINUED
9.4 Deferred tax analysis
The movements in deferred tax assets and liabilities during the financial period, prior to the offsetting of the balances within the same tax
jurisdiction, are shown below:
Research
and
Accelerated Derivatives Corporate development
capital Share-based and foreign Interest expenditure
allowances payments exchange Losses Restriction credit Other Total
£m £m £m £m £m £m £m £m
As at 1 September 2022
(26.9)
(1.0)
(7.7)
(18.2)
(4.4)
(58.2)
(Charge)/credit to income statement
(7.4)
0.6
84.9
(2.6)
(2.6)
72.9
Credit to other comprehensive
income
2.0
2.0
Credit to equity
0.2
0.2
Balance sheet credit for withheld tax
0.9
0.9
As at 3 September 2023
(34.3)
(0.2)
(5.7)
84.9
(19.9)
(7.0)
17.8
(Charge)/credit to income statement
10.6
(0.6)
3.9
23.7
2.1
0.1
39.8
Credit to other comprehensive
income
4.0
4.0
Charge to equity
(0.1)
(0.1)
Balance sheet credit for withheld tax
1.0
1.0
As at 1 September 2024
(23.7)
(0.9)
(1.7)
88.8
23.7
(16.8)
(6.9)
62.5
The other deferred tax liability comprises:
2024 2023
£m £m
Unpaid pension expenses
0.4
0.4
Capitalised borrowing costs
(5.8)
(5.4)
Temporary differences arising on acquired customer relationships
(3.4)
(4.1)
Temporary deductions arising on the amortisation of acquired brands
(1.1)
(0.8)
Temporary differences arising as a result of IFRS 16
3.0
2.9
(6.9)
(7.0)
Deferred tax assets and liabilities have been offset where they are due to reverse in the same jurisdiction. The following is the analysis of the
deferred tax balances (after offset):
2024 2023
£m £m
Deferred tax – US
3.2
2.9
Deferred tax – UK
59.3
14.9
62.5
17.8
9.5 Climate change
The Group has considered the potential impacts of climate risks as disclosed within the Task Force on Climate-related Financial Disclosures
(TCFD) section (pages 34 to 45). While estimated impacts to either revenue or costs (and therefore profit) are noted, they are significantly lower
than the existing risk adjustments already applied, which are used to factor in a range of uncertainties and financial sensitivities, including
potential climate-related impacts. As a result climate risks are effectively encompassed within the broader risk adjustments already applied, and
it is not considered that climate change-related risks result in any changes to the recognition of deferred tax assets.
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Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements continued
10 EARNINGS PER SHARE
Basic earnings per share is calculated by dividing the profit attributable to the owners of the parent company ASOS Plc by the weighted average
number of ordinary shares in issue during the period. Own shares held by the Employee Benefit Trust and Link Trust are excluded from the
weighted average number of ordinary shares.
Diluted earnings per share is calculated on the same basis as basic earnings per share, but where the weighted average share numbers have also
been adjusted for the weighted average effects of potentially dilutive shares. These represent share options granted by the Group, including
performance-based options, where the scheme to date performance is deemed to have been earned. It also includes the number of shares that
would be issued if all convertible bonds are assumed to be converted unless the convertible instrument is out-of-the-money.
2024
2023
Weighted average share capital
Weighted average shares in issue for basic earnings per share (no. of shares)
119,085,260
104,729,376
Weighted average effect of dilutive options (no. of shares)
1
Weighted average effect of convertible bond (no. of shares)
2
Weighted average shares in issue for diluted earnings per share (no. of shares)
119,085,260
104,729,376
Losses
Loss attributable to owners of the parent company for basic earnings per share (£m)
(338.7)
(223.1)
Interest expense on convertible bonds (£m)
1,2
Diluted loss attributable to owners of the parent company for diluted loss per share (£m)
(338.7)
(223.1)
Basic loss per share (pence per share)
(284.4)
(213.0)
Diluted loss per share (pence per share)
(284.4)
(213.0)
1 Dilutive shares and interest not included where their effect is anti-dilutive.
2 The impact of convertible bonds has been excluded as it is assumed they will not be exercised.
11 GOODWILL AND OTHER INTANGIBLE ASSETS
Accounting policy
Goodwill
Goodwill represents the excess of the fair value of the consideration of an acquisition over the fair value of the Group’s share of the net
identifiable assets of the acquired subsidiary at the date of acquisition. Goodwill is considered to have an indefinite useful life. Goodwill is tested
for impairment annually and again whenever indicators of impairment are detected and is carried at cost less any provision for impairment.
Brands and customer relationships
Acquired brands and customer relationships are initially recognised at fair value as part of a business combination. These are subsequently
amortised based on their expected useful lives on a straight-line basis. Amortisation is included within administrative expenses in the consolidated
income statement. These assets are assessed for impairment if there is a triggering event. Any impairment in value is charged to the
consolidated income statement in the period in which it occurs. Acquired brands and customer relationships relate to brand names and wholesale
customer relationships acquired from the Arcadia Group and are amortised over their expected useful lives of between 8 and 30 years.
Software
Capitalised software development costs are stated at historic cost less accumulated amortisation and impairment. Amortisation is calculated
on a straight-line basis over the assets’ expected economic lives of between 5 to 15 years and recognised within administrative expenses in the
consolidated income statement.
The cost of acquiring and developing software that is not integral to the related hardware is capitalised separately as an intangible asset. This
does not include internal website development and maintenance costs, which are expensed as incurred unless representing a technological
advance leading to future economic benefit. Capitalised software costs include external direct costs of material and services and the payroll and
payroll-related costs for employees who are directly associated with the project.
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149
11 GOODWILL AND OTHER INTANGIBLE ASSETS – CONTINUED
For Software as a Service (SaaS) arrangements configuration and customisation costs are capitalised in the following instances as intangible
assets within software:
The Group has both a contractual right to take possession of the software at any time without significant penalty, and the ability to run the
software independently of the host vendor.
The costs incurred meet the definition of and recognition criteria for an intangible asset. This includes for example the development of
software code that enhances or modifies, or creates additional capability to, existing systems controlled by the Group.
Where these conditions are not met, costs incurred to configure or customise, and the ongoing fees to obtain access to the cloud provider’s
application software, are recognised as operating expenses when the services are received.
Assets under construction
Software under development is held at cost less any recognised impairment loss.
Brands and Customer Assets under
Goodwill domain names relationships Software construction Total
£m £m £m £m £m £m
Cost
As at 4 September 2023
35.5
219.6
24.4
863.5
19.0
1,162.0
Additions
90.6
7.9
98.5
Transfers to assets held for sale
(187.9)
(187.9)
Transfers
12.1
(12.1)
As at 1 September 2024
35.5
31.7
24.4
966.2
14.8
1,072.6
Accumulated amortisation and
impairment
As at 4 September 2023
0.3
19.8
7.8
431.5
2.1
461.5
Amortisation expense
7.7
3.0
106.6
117.3
Transfer to assets held for sale
(22.4)
(22.4)
Impairment charge for the period
1.8
0.4
2.2
As at 1 September 2024
0.3
5.1
10.8
539.9
2.5
558.6
Net book value at 1 September 2024
35.2
26.6
13.6
426.3
12.3
514.0
Cost
As at 1 September 2022
35.5
219.6
24.4
752.4
3.6
1,035.5
Additions
109.4
17.1
126.5
Transfers
1.7
(1.7)
As at 3 September 2023
35.5
219.6
24.4
863.5
19.0
1,162.0
Accumulated amortisation and impairment
As at 1 September 2022
0.3
12.0
4.7
334.6
351.6
Amortisation expense
7.8
3.1
93.8
104.7
Impairment charge for the period
3.1
2 .1
5.2
As at 3 September 2023
0.3
19.8
7.8
431.5
2.1
461.5
Net book value at 3 September 2023
35.2
199.8
16.6
432.0
16.9
700.5
Intangible assets under construction relates to spend on software-based projects, including the enhancement of the Group’s mobile apps/
website, and other software. No individual projects are material in value. Refer to Note 16 for details of transfers to assets held for sale.
STRATEGIC REPORT GOVERNANCE REPORT FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
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Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements continued
12 PROPERTY, PLANT AND EQUIPMENT
Accounting policy
Property, plant and equipment is stated at historical cost less accumulated depreciation and any recognised provision for impairment. Capital
work in progress is held at cost less any recognised provision for impairment. Cost includes the original purchase price of the asset and the costs
attributable to bringing the asset to its working condition for intended use.
Property, plant and equipment is depreciated on a straight-line basis to its residual value over its anticipated economic useful life of:
Fixtures, fittings, plant and machinery: 5 to 15 years
Computer hardware: 3 to 5 years
Fixtures,
fittings, plant Computer Assets under
and machinery hardware construction Total
£m £m £m £m
Cost
As at 4 September 2023
410.7
43.0
109.2
562.9
Additions
1.2
4.0
42.0
47.2
Disposals
(1.8)
(1.8)
Transfers
0.2
0.1
(0.3)
As at 1 September 2024
412.1
45.3
150.9
608.3
Accumulated depreciation and impairment
As at 4 September 2023
165.4
32.1
2.8
200.3
Charge for the year
22.5
6.4
28.9
Disposals
(1.8)
(1.8)
Impairment charge for the year
31.0
1.2
65.5
97.7
As at 1 September 2024
218.9
37.9
68.3
325.1
Net book value at 1 September 2024
193.2
7.4
82.6
283.2
Cost
As at 1 September 2022
408.5
41.1
65.4
515.0
Additions
1.1
0.6
46.2
47.9
Transfers
1.1
1.3
(2.4)
As at 3 September 2023
410.7
43.0
109.2
562.9
Accumulated depreciation and impairment
As at 1 September 2022
134.8
26.0
2.5
163.3
Charge for the period
25.4
6.0
31.4
Impairment charge for the period
5.2
0.1
0.3
5.6
As at 3 September 2023
165.4
32.1
2.8
200.3
Net book value at 3 September 2023
245.3
10.9
106.4
362.6
Significant assets under construction as at 1 September 2024 consists primarily of amounts spent to automate the Atlanta fulfilment centre
totalling £79.8m (2023: £58.0m). Refer to Note 3 for details of impairments.
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ANNUAL REPORT AND ACCOUNTS 2024
151
12.1 Interest capitalised
2024 2023
£m £m
Included within additions
7.7
4.8
Accumulated capitalised interest (net of disposals) included within cost
14.7
7.0
Accumulated capitalised interest (net of disposals) held within net book value
9.3
7.0
Capitalisation rate
7.9%
5.3%
12.2 Climate change
The assets’ residual values and useful lives are reviewed, and adjusted if appropriate, at the end of each reporting period. This includes
consideration over climate change related risks which may impact the useful lives of the Group’s assets, such as the impact of acute weather
events on fulfilment centres. During the year, no changes were made to the remaining useful lives of the Group’s assets as a result of climate
change risks.
13 LEASES
13.1 Group as lessee
The Group currently holds leases for its fulfilment centres and office space. Leases typically run for terms of between 7 and 25 years and may
include break clauses or options to renew beyond the non-cancellable period. The majority of the Group’s leases are subject to market review,
usually every 5-6 years. The Group presents additions to right-of-use assets in line with the disclosure requirements of IFRS 16 “Leases”. In doing
so, modifications include the impact of lease terminations, modifications, reassessments, and changes to dilapidation estimates.
Accounting policy
Right-of-use assets
Right-of-use assets are recognised at the commencement date of the lease, when the underlying asset is available for use. The cost of right-of-
use assets comprises the amount of lease liabilities recognised, any initial direct costs incurred, lease payments made at or before the
commencement date and less any lease incentives received. Right-of-use assets are subsequently measured at cost, less any accumulated
depreciation and impairment losses, and adjusted for any subsequent remeasurement of lease liabilities and dilapidation provisions.
The recognised right-of-use assets are depreciated on a straight-line basis over the shorter of the estimated useful life and the lease term.
Lease liabilities
Lease liabilities are recognised at the commencement date of the lease and are measured at the present value of lease payments to be made
over the lease term, discounted using an incremental borrowing rate (IBR) at the lease commencement date.
The lease payments include fixed payments and variable lease payments that depend on an index or a rate (using the relevant rate at the
commencement date of the lease), less any lease incentives receivable. Any variable lease payments that do not depend on an index or a rate are
recognised as an expense in the period in which the event or condition that triggers the payment occurs, however the Group currently has no
such variable lease payments. Contracts may contain both lease and non-lease components, in which case the Group allocates the consideration
in the contract to the different components based on their relative stand-alone prices.
The Group determines the lease term as the non-cancellable term of the lease, together with any periods covered by an option to extend the
lease if it is reasonably certain to be exercised, or any periods covered by an option to terminate the lease (a break clause), if it is reasonably
certain not to be exercised.
After the commencement date of the lease, the lease liability is subsequently measured by increasing the carrying amount to reflect interest on
the lease liability (using the effective interest method) and by reducing the carrying amount to reflect the lease payments made. The carrying
amount of lease liabilities is remeasured when there is a change in the future lease payments due to a change in the lease term such as a
recognition of an extension or break option, a change in the fixed lease payments or a change in the assessment to purchase the underlying asset.
Short-term leases and low value assets
Payments associated with short-term leases and leases of a low value are recognised on a straight-line basis as an expense in the profit or loss, in
line with the practical expedient of IFRS 16. Short-term leases are leases with a term of 12 months or less. Low-value leases mainly comprise IT
equipment. The amounts recognised in the financial period are shown in note 6.
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Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements continued
13 LEASES – CONTINUED
a) Right-of-use assets
2024 2023
£m £m
At the beginning of the period
295.2
380.3
Modifications/reassessments
2.6
(9.6)
Impairment charge
(15.8)
(20.0)
Depreciation charge
(25.1)
(35.9)
Transfers to investment property
(12.8)
Foreign exchange differences
(2.9)
(6.8)
At the end of the period
254.0
295.2
Right-of-use assets comprise entirely leases for land and buildings.
b) Lease liabilities
2024 2023
£m £m
At the beginning of the period
329.0
38 0.1
Modifications/reassessments
(9.9)
(21.1)
Payments
(31.0)
(28.0)
Interest expense
5.5
5.6
Foreign exchange differences
(4.0)
(7.6)
At the end of the period
289.6
329.0
Current
27.2
25.3
Non-current
262.4
303.7
289.6
329.0
c) Maturity analysis for lease liabilities
2024 2023
£m £m
Contractual undiscounted cash flows
Within one year
32.7
30.5
Within two to five years
121.8
126.2
Within five to ten years
114.1
133.5
Within ten to fifteen years
37.4
52.0
In more than fifteen years
13.8
18.5
319.8
360.7
Future finance charge on lease liabilities
(30.2)
(31.7)
Present value of future leases
289.6
329.0
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153
13 LEASES – CONTINUED
Critical accounting judgement – lease terms
The inclusion of a lease extension period or lease break period in the lease term is a key judgement for the Group and considers all relevant
factors that create an economic incentive for it to exercise them. For leased properties, this includes the current and expected profitability
of the respective site, as well as the length of time until the option can be exercised. Any changes to the Group’s judgement over lease terms
will impact both the right-of-use asset and lease liability.
Set out below are the undiscounted future rental payments not currently included within the reported lease liability for where lease extensions
have not been included, or for where break options have been assumed:
2024 2023
£m £m
Extension options expected not to be exercised
127.7
129.2
Break clauses expected to be exercised
12.6
13.2 Group as lessor
Lessor accounting policy
The Group sub-lets leased properties relating to unused office capacity. Where the Group subleases assets, the sublease classification
(as a finance lease or operating lease) is assessed with reference to the head lease right-of-use asset. This assessment considers, among
other factors, whether the sublease represents the majority of the remaining life of the head lease. For any subleases that have been assessed
to be operating leases, the related right-of-use assets have been reclassified to investment properties.
Investment property assets are carried at cost less accumulated depreciation and any recognised impairment in value. The depreciation policies
for investment property are consistent with those described for right-of-use assets. Operating lease income is recognised as earned on a
straight-line basis over the lease term.
For sub-leased assets assessed to be finance leases, the right-of-use asset is derecognised, and a receivable recognised at an amount equal to
the net investment in the lease. This is initially calculated and recognised using the IBR prevalent in the underlying headlease at the recognition
date. Any difference between the derecognised right-of-use asset and the newly recognised amounts due for leases under finance leases is
immediately recognised in the income statement.
Investment Property
An analysis of investment properties is included below:
2024 2023
£m £m
Net book value
Opening balance
10.9
Transfers to investment property
12.8
Modifications/reassessments
1.4
(0.1)
Impairment charge
(4.2)
(1.3)
Depreciation charge
(1.0)
(0.5)
Closing balance
7.1
10.9
The direct operating expenses arising from investment property in the period was immaterial. There are additionally no restrictions or relevant
contractual obligations involved in the sublet of these properties.
The estimated fair value of the Group’s investment property is £7.1m (2023: £12.5m). This fair value has been determined by applying an
appropriate rental yield to the rentals earned by the investment property. A valuation has not been performed by an independent valuer.
Rental income is receivable as follows:
2024 2023
£m £m
Minimum lease payments receivable on leases of investment properties are as follows:
Within one year
1.9
1.2
Within two to five years
4.7
4.5
Within five to ten years
4.2
6.1
In more than ten years
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ANNUAL REPORT AND ACCOUNTS 2024
Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements continued
13 LEASES – CONTINUED
Net investment in lease
During the period, the Group sublet its distribution centre in Austell, for which the sublease was for the remainder of the lease term.
The net investment in the lease is presented in the consolidated balance sheet within receivables as follows:
2024 2023
£m £m
Current
1.2
Non-current
3.7
Total
4.9
Rental income is receivable as follows:
2024 2023
£m £m
Less than 1 year
1.2
Within one to two years
1.9
Within two to three years
1.9
In more than three years
Total undiscounted lease receipts
5.0
Unearned finance income
(0.1)
Net investment in leases
4.9
14 IMPAIRMENT OF NON-FINANCIAL ASSETS
Accounting policy
Goodwill
Goodwill is not amortised but is reviewed for impairment at least annually (or more frequently where there is an indication that the asset may
be impaired) by assessing the recoverable amount of each cash-generating unit (“CGU”), or group of CGUs, to which the goodwill relates.
Impairment is assessed by measuring the recoverable amount of the CGU, calculated as the higher of fair value less cost to dispose and
value-in-use. Where the carrying value of the CGU exceeds the recoverable amount, an impairment loss is recognised in the income statement.
The impairment charge is allocated first against goodwill and then pro-rata over other assets within the CGU by reference to the carrying
amount of each remaining asset in the unit. Impairment losses recognised for goodwill are not subsequently reversed.
Goodwill at ASOS predominantly relates to that recognised as part of the acquisition of Arcadia, and is monitored on an entity wide basis at the
reporting segment level as a singular CGU, the ASOS Group CGU.
Other non-financial assets
Property, plant and equipment (PPE), right-of-use assets, and finite-lived intangible assets are assessed on an ongoing basis to determine whether
there is an indication that the net book value is no longer supportable. If any such indication exists, the recoverable amount of the asset, being the
higher of its fair value less costs to dispose and its value-in-use, is estimated in order to determine the extent of the impairment loss. Where the
asset does not generate cash flows that are independent from other assets, the Group estimates the recoverable amount of the CGU to which
the asset belongs.
If the recoverable amount of an asset or CGU is estimated to be less than its carrying amount, the carrying amount of the asset or CGU is
reduced to its recoverable amount and an impairment loss is recognised immediately in the income statement.
Where an impairment loss on other non-financial assets subsequently reverses, the carrying amount of the asset (or CGU) is increased to the
revised estimate of the recoverable amount, but so that the increased carrying amount does not exceed the carrying amount that would have
been determined if no impairment loss had been recognised for the asset (or CGU) in prior years. A reversal of an impairment loss is recognised
immediately as a credit to the Group income statement.
14.1 Inputs and assumptions
Cash-generating units
CGUs are deemed the smallest group of assets that independently generate cash inflows and are independent of the cash flows generated
by other assets. It was determined that the Group only has one CGU (the Group level), on the basis that the majority of assets within the Group
are shared (i.e. software assets that support the entire Group), therefore unable to be allocated on a reasonable or consistent basis in any
other way.
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155
14 IMPAIRMENT OF NON-FINANCIAL ASSETS – CONTINUED
Composition of CGU
For impairment testing purposes, the CGU comprises the following:
2024 2023
£m £m
Goodwill and other intangible assets
514.0
700.5
Property, plant and equipment
283.2
362.6
Right-of-use assets
254.0
295.2
1,051.2
1,358.3
Assets relating to the Lichfield fulfilment centre were tested separately and excluded from the above due to the decision during the period
to vacate the site, as were assets held for sale which have been assessed separately (see Note 16).
Identification of impairment indicator
Given the reported loss recognised during the period, combined with the volatility within the macroeconomic environment and the market
capitalisation of the Group being below the Group’s net assets, an indicator of impairment was deemed to exist during the financial period.
Approach and assumptions
The recoverable amount for the CGU has been determined using a value-in-use calculation which is based upon the cash flows expected to be
generated, derived from the latest budget and forecast data which are reviewed by the Board, and consistent with those used for the Group’s
going concern and viability assessments. Budget and forecast data reflects both past experience and future expectations of market conditions.
The forecasted cash flows include the ongoing impact of the disposal of the Topshop and Topman brands from the Group.
The key assumptions in measuring the value-in-use are as follows:
Assumption
Details
Cash flow years/assumptions
Derived from medium-term forecasts reviewed and approved by the Board which cover a period of five
years. Growth rates are then reduced to 2% (the long-term growth rate) over four years, with cash flows
subsequently extrapolated to perpetuity with a growth rate of 2% (2023: 2%).
Whilst the value-in-use excludes lease rentals (a financing cash flow under IFRS 16 “Leases”), an
estimated cash outflow for future lease renewals is assumed from the current lease end dates.
Discount rate
A post-tax discount rate representing the Group’s weighted average cost of capital (WACC),
subsequently grossed up to a pre-tax rate using an iterative calculation that yields the same value-in-use
when tax cash flows are excluded.
The post-tax WACC has been calculated using the capital asset pricing model, the inputs of which include
a UK risk-free rate based on government bond rates, a UK equity risk premium and levered debt premium
benchmarked to externally available data, and an average beta derived from a comparator group.
The resulting discount rates are:
2024
2023
Post-tax rate
Pre-tax rate
Post-tax rate
Pre-tax rate
12.7%
15.5%
13.0%
15.6%
14.2 Outputs
Outside of specific impairments recognised during the period in relation to sites identified for exit as disclosed in Note 3, no further impairments
were identified as a result of the impairment review described above, with c.£600m of headroom noted.
Key source of estimation uncertainty – assumptions in relation to impairment assessment
Of the above assumptions, the value-in-use calculations are most sensitive to changes in the discount rate, the long-term growth rate and
forecast cash flows (comprising revenue, gross margin and fixed overheads). As noted above, cash flows are derived from forecasts reviewed by
the Board, and in line with those used for the going concern and viability assessments which assume sales growth rates of (5)% to (10)% for the
first year, with subsequent periods thereafter returning to +5% to +15% year-on-year growth. Improvements in adjusted gross margin of at least
300bps vs FY24 are assumed during FY25 with up to a further c.200bps growth over the remaining years.
A sensitivity analysis for a reasonable possible change in assumptions was conducted on the impairment tests, where management assessed a
scenario in which the revenue growth rates within the five-year forecasted cash flows (being the most sensitive assumption) were reduced by
half. To reflect this adjustment, a corresponding reduction in variable costs and cost of sales was modeled to maintain the gross margin
percentage in line with original forecasts. Under this sensitivity scenario, an impairment of approximately £75 million would be recognised.
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Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements continued
The following table shows the amount by which the assumptions would have to change to make the recoverable amount equal to the carrying
value to show the headroom sensitivity. It is not considered that a reasonable possible change in the discount rate, fixed overheads nor the long
term growth rate would cause an impairment, therefore they are not included below.
Sensitivity
2024
2023
A reduction in forecast annual growth rates of:
1
(2.7)%
(1.8)%
A reduction in forecast revenue vs base case of:
2
(11.4)%
(6.9)%
A reduction in forecast gross margin in each year of:
2
(2.4)%
(1.2)%
1 Applied to Group five-year plan period
2 Applied to all years within the assessment period
14.3 Climate change
The Group’s scenario analysis performed as part of the Task Force on Climate-related Financial Disclosures (TCFD) report (pages 34 to 45)
identifies a number of physical and transitional climate related risks that could impact both revenue and costs for the Group, and cover scenarios
including no policies (>4oC by 2100); stated policies (2.5oC by 2100); and the Paris Agreement Ambition (1.5oC by 2050).
The most material of these relate to the Paris Agreement Ambition. The combined impacts of all risks within this scenario have therefore been
modelled, by adjusting revenue and costs within the Group’s impairment model and determining the impact on headroom. As noted, the potential
impacts represent unmitigated scenarios that do not reflect the Group’s proactive risk management or strategic initiatives. The scenarios
have therefore been used as a sensitivity to assess the resilience of the Group’s assets to long-term climate-related risks. A reduction in the
value-in-use of circa £250m was noted, however headroom still remained. As such, climate change-related risks modelled in isolation to any
other impairment sensitivities do not have a material impact on the Group’s impairment considerations.
15 INVENTORIES
Accounting policy
Inventories comprise goods held for resale and are valued at the lower of cost and net realisable value using the weighted average cost basis.
Cost comprises the purchase price and any other directly attributable costs incurred in bringing the inventories to the present location and
condition, less trade discounts and rebates. Net realisable value is the estimated selling price in the ordinary course of business less variable
selling expenses.
2024 2023
£m £m
Gross finished goods
683.6
892.4
Inventory provision
(163.3)
(124.4)
Net inventory recognised on consolidated balance sheet
520.3
768.0
The carrying value of inventory shown on the balance sheet includes a £49.2m (2023: £52.1m) right to recover asset in relation to the inventory
expected to be received back from customers as returns. The amount of inventories recognised as an expense and charged to cost of sales for
the period was £1,743.3m (2023: £2,104.6m).
Key source of estimation uncertainty – inventory provisions
As disclosed in Note 3, additional inventory provisions were recognised in the period to write down inventory that has been identified to be sold via
offsite clearance to accelerate the Group’s transition to its commercial model. The provisions write inventory down to its net realisable value,
being expected income less any related selling costs.
In addition to these specific provisions, the Group’s approach to inventory provisioning is to hold a net realisable value provision for inventory
sold via the Group’s website and is based on forecast expected loss rates. In addition, provisions are recognised for inventory that will ultimately
be sold off-site via clearance routes at the end of its lifecycle in line with the new commercial model. Both provisions consider historical trends,
as well as consideration of current and forecast economic conditions.
The provisions are calculated using estimates of loss rates and website sell through rates, both of which are calculated based on historical data
from the prior 12 months’ sales when categorising the stock by age banding. Provisions recognised are net of any expected proceeds to be
received. The provisions are therefore most sensitive to the following assumptions:
Forecast loss rates
Forecast sell through rates
Offsite sales price assumptions
14 IMPAIRMENT OF NON-FINANCIAL ASSETS – CONTINUED
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ANNUAL REPORT AND ACCOUNTS 2024
157
The movements in the Groups provisions based on reasonable possible changes to the above assumptions are as follows:
2024
2023
Decrease in Increase in Decrease in Increase in
provision provision provision provision
£m £m £m £m
Using loss rates from FY23/FY22
4.0
(6.6)
A change in the anticipated sell through rates of +/-0.5% (2023: +/-5%)
1
(7.1)
7.1
(5.4)
7.1
A change in the anticipated offsite sales price of +/-10%
(2.2)
2.2
(0.7)
0.7
1 2023 provision considered sell through on closing inventory. This was refined in the period to consider sell through on inventory intake.
With the exception of provisions excluded from adjusted profit, inventory provisions are adjusted at each reporting period rather than
throughout the period to ensure inventory is not carried at an amount greater than net realisable value. Write-downs and write-backs of
inventory balances are therefore represented by net movements in the inventory provision. Provisions/write-downs recognised during the
financial period as part of the transition to the new commercial model (recognised outside adjusted profit) totalled £93.0m (2023: £122.7m)
– and are part of the £94.8m (2023: £133.2m) commercial operating model costs highlighted in Note 3. There have been no reversals of the
commercial model transition provisions during the period. Excluding inventory provisions recognised as part of the commercial model transition,
the net provisions/write-down movements totalled a cost of £0.9m this period (2023: £19.3m cost).
16 ASSETS HELD FOR SALE
On 5 September 2024, the Group entered into a binding agreement to sell the intellectual property relating to the Topshop and Topman brands
to a subsidiary of Heartland A/S, for a consideration as follows:
Cash of £135m
25% of the issued ordinary shares in the entity that will hold the brands, valued at £45m
The transaction subsequently completed on 9 October 2024. Although the agreement occurred shortly after the year-end date, as at the
year-end, the deal was significantly progressed, with management committed to a sale, key terms mostly agreed, and it being highly probable
that the sale would complete within a year. It was therefore concluded that the assets meet the definition of being held for sale at the period
end as follows:
£m
Assets to be disposed
Carrying value of brands
165.5
Total assets to be disposed
165.5
Sales proceeds
Cash
135.0
Shares
45.0
Remaining disposal costs
(0.7)
Total fair value less costs to sell
179.3
Assets held for sale
165.5
The asset held for sale has been recognised at £165.5m, being the lower of the carrying value and fair value less costs to sell. There were no
assets held for sale at the prior year balance sheet date.
Other costs already incurred in relation to the sale totalled £3.4m during the year (see Note 3).
15 INVENTORIES – CONTINUED
STRATEGIC REPORT GOVERNANCE REPORT FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
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ANNUAL REPORT AND ACCOUNTS 2024
Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements continued
17 TRADE AND OTHER RECEIVABLES
Accounting policy
Trade receivables are non-interest bearing and are stated at invoice value less an allowance for expected credit losses, using the simplified
approach under IFRS 9, with adjustments for factors specific to each receivable.
17.1 Analysis of trade and other receivables
2024
2023
Non-current Current Total Current
£m £m £m £m
Trade receivables
19.9
19.9
28.4
Other receivables
14.0
14.0
27.7
Allowance for expected credit losses
(1.0)
(1.0)
(0.4)
Trade and other receivables net of provision for doubtful debts
32.9
32.9
55.7
Net investment in lease receivable
3.7
1.2
4.9
Prepayments
8.6
8.6
12.9
Accrued income
10.7
10.7
12.8
3.7
53.4
57.1
81.4
Included within accrued income and other receivables are amounts relating to supplier rebates on inventory purchases totalling £2.0m (2023:
£4.1m). Remaining accrued income predominantly comprises unbilled services for which the Group has satisfied the performance obligation within
the contract.
17.2 Expected credit losses
The Group’s exposure to credit risk is minimal given that the customer base is large and unrelated and that the overwhelming majority of
customer transactions are settled through cash or secure electronic means. New parties wishing to obtain credit terms with the Group
are credit checked prior to invoices being raised and credit limits are determined on an individual basis.
2024 0 – 30 days 30 – 60 days 60 – 90 days 90 – 180 days Over 180 days
£m
Not due
past due past due past due past due
past due
Total
Trade receivables
11.1
4.1
2.6
0.8
0.2
1.1
19.9
Other receivables
14.0
14.0
Gross carrying amount
25.1
4.1
2.6
0.8
0.2
1.1
33.9
Allowance for expected
(1.0)
(1.0)
credit losses
Net carrying amount
25.1
4.1
2.6
0.8
0.2
0.1
32.9
2023 0 – 30 days 30 – 60 days 60 – 90 days 90 – 180 days Over 180 days
£m
Not due
past due past due past due past due
past due
Total
Trade receivables
6.2
3.6
9.9
3.1
4.2
1.4
28.4
Other receivables
5.0
7.4
2.8
6.9
1.0
4.6
27.7
Gross carrying amount
11.2
11.0
12.7
10.0
5.2
6.0
56.1
Allowance for expected
(0.1)
(0.3)
(0.4)
credit losses
Net carrying amount
11.2
11.0
12.7
10.0
5.1
5.7
55.7
17.3 Major counterparties
The Group has nil (2023: nil) major counterparties with receivables totalling £nil (2023: £nil).
ASOS PLC
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159
18 CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS
Accounting policies
The Group presents its cash flow statement using the indirect method, whereby profit is reconciled to net cash from operating activities by
adjusting profit and loss for non-cash items. The Group has chosen to present interest received as cash flows from investing activities because
they are returns on the Group’s investments.
Interest paid on borrowings and leases is presented within cash flows from financing activities as they are held for cash management purposes,
as are cash payments for the principal element of lease liabilities.
2024 2023
£m £m
Cash in hand and bank balances
83.1
85.6
Money market fund investments
270.2
142.7
Short-term deposits
37.7
125.0
Closing cash and cash equivalents
391.0
353.3
Cash and cash equivalents includes uncleared payment provider receipts of £68.8m, which are typically received within three business days
(2023: £63.3m).
Included within cash and cash equivalents is £8.1m (2023: £4.1m) of cash collected on behalf of partners of the Direct-to-Consumer fulfilment
proposition “Partner Fulfils”. ASOS Payments UK Limited and the Group are entitled to interest amounts earned on the deposits and amounts
are held in a segregated bank account that is settled on a monthly basis.
19 TRADE AND OTHER PAYABLES
Accounting policy
Trade and other payables are non-interest bearing and are recognised initially at fair value and subsequently measured at amortised cost using
the effective interest rate method.
19.1 Analysis of trade and other payables
2024 2023
£m £m
Trade payables
10 8.1
71.3
Other payables
165.9
174.7
Accruals
242.3
238.7
Returns provision
99.2
108.2
Deferred revenue
41.6
52.1
Taxation and social security
14.6
35.4
671.7
680.4
Trade payables comprise amounts owed in relation to inventory purchases. Other payables comprise amounts owed in relation to all
other purchases.
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Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements continued
19 TRADE AND OTHER PAYABLES – CONTINUED
19.2 Deferred revenue
Contract liabilities represent consideration received for performance obligations not yet satisfied, and relate to gift card liabilities where the
majority of the liability is expected to be settled within a year, and customer orders not yet shipped.
2024 2023
Gift cards and vouchers £m £m
At the beginning of the period
21.3
25.1
Purchases
99.4
130.5
Revenue recognised which has previously been deferred
(106.3)
(134.3)
At the end of the period
14.4
21.3
Orders awaiting shipment and premier subscriptions
27.2
30.8
Total deferred revenue
41.6
52 .1
20 BORROWINGS
Accounting policies
Convertible debt
Convertible bonds are classified as compound instruments, consisting of a liability and an equity component. At the date of issue, the fair value of
the liability component is estimated using the prevailing market interest rate for similar non-convertible debt, and is subsequently recorded at
amortised cost using the effective interest method until extinguished on conversion or maturity of the bonds, and is recognised within borrowings.
The difference between the proceeds of issue of the convertible bond and the fair value assigned to the liability component, representing the
embedded option to convert the liability into equity of the Group, is included in equity as a separate category.
Issue costs are apportioned between the liability and equity components of the convertible bonds where appropriate based on their relative
carrying values at the date of issue. The portion relating to the equity component is charged directly against equity.
Other loans/borrowings
Interest-bearing bank loans and overdrafts are initially recorded at fair value, net of attributable transaction costs, and subsequently recorded
at amortised cost using the effective interest method until extinguished.
Arrangement costs for loan facilities such as the Group’s revolving credit facility (RCF) are capitalised and amortised over the life of the facility
at a constant rate.
2024 2023
£m £m
Convertible bond
478.1
464.4
Term Loan
190.2
184.8
Nordstrom Loan
19.8
20.4
Put option liability
1
3.2
688.1
672.8
Current
1.6
1.5
Non-current
686.5
671.3
688.1
672.8
1 The put option liability has been reclassed to other payables during the year.
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ANNUAL REPORT AND ACCOUNTS 2024
161
20 BORROWINGS – CONTINUED
Convertible bonds due 2026
On 16 April 2021 the Group issued £500m of convertible bonds. The unsecured instruments pay a coupon of 0.75% until April 2026, or the
conversion date, if earlier. The initial conversion price was set at £79.65 per share. The fair value of the debt component was determined using the
market interest rate for an equivalent non-convertible bond, deemed to be 3.4%. As a result, £440.1m was recognised as a liability on the balance
sheet on issue and the remainder of the proceeds, £59.9m, which represents the equity component, was credited to reserves. Issue costs of
£9.0m were allocated between equity (£1.0m) and debt (£8.0m).
After the period-end, in September 2024, the Group launched a refinancing exercise of the Convertible Bonds due 2026 as follows:
£253.0m was exchanged into new Convertible Bonds due 2028,
£173.4m of the Convertible Bonds due 2026 was accepted for repurchase at a discount to par of 15%, and
As a result, £73.6m remains in the Convertible Bonds due 2026.
Further information is included in Note 30.
Term loan
In May 2023, the Group entered into a £200m senior term loan and a £75m super senior RCF (together the “Facilities”) with specialist lender
Bantry Bay Capital Limited through to April 2026, with the optionality to further extend to May 2028 subject to meeting lender requirements.
Both the senior term loan and RCF (when drawn) bear interest at a margin above SONIA. The amount available in relation to the RCF is determined
by reference to a calculated borrowing base (derived from inventory and intellectual property, both with certain adjustments applied) less the
amount drawn under the term loan. At the period end this was £17.2m. The RCF incurs commitment fees at a market rate and is currently
undrawn.
The Facilities carry a fixed and floating charge over all assets of the following chargors in the Group – ASOS Plc, ASOS.com Limited, ASOS
Intermediate Holdings Limited, Mornington & Co (No. 1) Limited and Mornington & Co (No. 2) Limited.
After the period-end, ASOS announced an amendment and extension of its existing facilities agreement with Bantry Bay Capital to May 2027
with an option for a 12-month extension. Further information is included in Note 30.
Nordstrom loan
On 12 July 2021 the Group announced a strategic partnership with Nordstrom, a U.S.-based multi-channel retailer, to drive growth in North
America. As part of this venture, Nordstrom purchased a minority interest in ASOS Holdings Limited which holds the Topshop, Topman,
Miss Selfridge and HIIT brands in exchange for £10 as well as providing a £21.9m loan, subsequently partially repaid. The loan attracts interest
at a market rate of 6.5% per annum. After the period-end date, c.£13m was repaid.
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162
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ANNUAL REPORT AND ACCOUNTS 2024
Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements continued
21 PROVISIONS
Accounting policy
Provisions are measured at the present value of the expenditures expected to be required to settle the obligation using a pre-tax discount rate
that reflects current market assessments of the time value of money and the risks specific to the obligation. The increase in the provision due to
passage of time is recognised as interest expense. Provisions for onerous contracts are recognised when the Group believes that the unavoidable
costs of meeting or exiting the contract exceed the economic benefits expected to be received under the contract.
Onerous
Dilapidations occupancy Total
£m £m £m
As at 4 September 2023
53.4
16.8
70.2
Recognised
13.7
5.3
19.0
Utilised
(2.4)
(2.4)
Unwinding of discount
2.3
0.8
3.1
Exchange differences
(0.7)
(0.7)
As at 1 September 2024
68.7
20.5
89.2
Current
2.7
2.7
Non-current
68.7
17.8
86.5
As at 1 September 2024
68.7
20.5
89.2
As at 1 September 2022
41.9
41.9
Recognised
11.2
18.3
29.5
Utilised
(1.8)
(1.8)
Unwinding of discount
1.3
0.3
1.6
Exchange differences
(1.0)
(1.0)
As at 3 September 2023
53.4
16.8
70.2
Current
2.0
2.0
Non-current
53.4
14.8
68.2
As at 3 September 2023
53.4
16.8
70.2
Dilapidation provisions
Dilapidations are recognised where there is a present obligation to repair and restore leased properties to their preoccupancy state at the end
of the lease term. They are measured at the present value of the expenditures expected to be required to settle the obligation, calculated using
a nominal pre-tax annual discount rate, based on government bond yields of an appropriate tenure within the country that the lease is held. No
adjustments are made to the discount rate for inflation as inflationary increases are already included in the undiscounted cash flows. Similarly,
risk is also considered when determining the cash flows, therefore no adjustments are made to the discount rate for risk. The discount rates used
range from 2.5% to 4.3% (2023: 2.7% to 4.7%). The increase in dilapidation provisions in the period relates to movements in discount rates,
combined with increases in dilapidation estimates as automation work continued on the Lichfield and Atlanta fulfilment centres.
The timing of forecast cash outflows is linked to the underlying lease expiry dates, with the next most significant outflow anticipated to occur
in 2028. Whilst there is inherent uncertainty in terms of the quantum of cash outflows expected, they represent management’s best estimates
for individual properties, with reference to previous experience and size of leased property. It is not considered that there is a significant risk
of material adjustment to the carrying amounts of dilapidation provisions due to such estimates, and therefore they are not disclosed as a
significant source of estimation uncertainty to the Group.
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163
Onerous occupancy provisions
Where the Group no longer operates from a leased property, onerous property contract provisions are recognised for the least net cost of
exiting from the contract. The amounts provided are based on the Group’s best estimates of the likely committed outflows and site closure dates.
These provisions do not include rent in accordance with IFRS 16, nor business rates, however do include unavoidable costs related to the lease
such as service charges and insurance.
Cash flows are discounted to present value using a nominal pre-tax annual discount rate, based on government bond yields of an appropriate
tenure within the country that the lease is held. No adjustments are made to the discount rate for inflation as inflationary increases are already
included in the undiscounted cash flows. As the cash flows are known due to being contractual, the discount rate is not adjusted for risk.
The discount rates for onerous occupancy provisions are 4.0% (2023: 4.3% to 4.4%).
Where the Group is able to exit lease contracts before the expiry date or agree sublets, this results in the release of any associated property
provisions. Such events are subject to the agreement of landlords, therefore the Group makes no assumptions on the ability to either exit or
sublet a property until a position is agreed. Utilisation of the above amounts is expected to be incurred in conjunction with the profile of the leases
to which they relate. Refer to Note 3 for more detail on the amount recognised in the period.
Whilst all provisions are sensitive to the discount rate used, given they are derived from government bond yields, it is not considered that there
is a significant risk of a reasonable possible change resulting in a material movement in the provisions.
Climate change
The Group remains committed to its stated climate goals and takes into consideration the potential impact of climate change on its legal and
constructive obligations, including compliance with carbon emissions regulations and environmental liabilities. Following a thorough review of its
provisions, the Group has determined that no adjustments are necessary for climate-related risks, and no new provisions need to be recognized
for climate-related matters at this time.
22 SHARE CAPITAL, SHARE PREMIUM AND OTHER RESERVES
22.1 Share capital and share premium
Accounting policy
Ordinary shares are classified as equity instruments. Incremental costs directly attributable to the issue of new ordinary shares are shown
in equity as a deduction, net of tax, from the proceeds.
2024 2023 2024 2023
Number of Number of
ordinary shares ordinary shares £m £m
Called up share capital
Allotted, issued and fully paid ordinary shares of 3.5p
119,334,341
119,236,85
0
4.2
4.2
Share premium account
Share premium
322.6
322.6
The movements in the called up share capital and share premium are as follows:
Number of Share capital Share premium
ordinary shares £m £m
As at 4 September 2023
119,236,850
4.2
322.6
Allotted in respect of share option schemes
97,491
As at 1 September 2024
119,334,341
4.2
322.6
Number of Share capital Share premium
ordinary shares £m £m
As at 1 September 2022
99,940,235
3.5
245.7
Allotted in respect of share option schemes
202,814
New shares issues
19,093,801
0.7
76.9
As at 3 September 2023
119,23
6,85
0
4.2
322.6
21 PROVISIONS – CONTINUED
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164
ASOS PLC
ANNUAL REPORT AND ACCOUNTS 2024
Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements continued
22.2 Other reserves
The table below sets out the movements in other reserves:
Currency
Cash flow translation Convertible Other
hedge reserve reserve bond reserve reserves
£m £m £m £m
As at 4 September 2023
17.2
(3.0)
58.9
73.1
Net translation movements
Net fair value gains on cash flow hedges
1.5
1.5
Fair value movements reclassified from cash flow hedge reserve to
consolidated income statement
(13.9)
(13.9)
Cash flow hedges gains and losses transferred to non-financial assets
(2.8)
(2.8)
Tax on above items
4.0
4.0
Balance as at 1 September 2024
6.0
(3.0)
58.9
61.9
As at 1 September 2022
26.2
(2.7)
58.9
82.4
Net translation movements
(0.3)
(0.3)
Net fair value losses on cash flow hedges
(29.6)
(29.6)
Fair value movements reclassified from cash flow hedge reserve to
consolidated income statement
1.7
1.7
Cash flow hedges gains and losses transferred to non-financial assets
16.9
16.9
Tax on above items
2.0
2.0
Balance as at 3 September 2023
17.2
(3.0)
58.9
73.1
Cash flow hedge reserve
The cash flow hedge reserve represents the effective portion of gains or losses on derivatives designated as, and that qualify as, cash flow
hedges. Amounts are transferred to the balance sheet and included within the initial cost of the asset which is being hedged, or to the income
statement, as appropriate.
Currency translation reserve
The currency translation reserve accumulates foreign exchange differences arising on the translation of net assets in foreign operations which
are recognised in Other Comprehensive Income. The cumulative amount is reclassified to retained earnings when the related investment is
disposed.
Convertible bond reserve
The convertible bond reserve represents the equity component of the £500m convertible bond issued in April 2021.
22.3 Employee Benefit Trust
The provision of shares to satisfy some of the Group’s share incentive plans is facilitated by the Group’s Employee Benefit Trust and Link Market
Services Trustees Limited (the “Trusts”). Investment in own shares are recorded at cost, net of directly attributable costs for the purchase of
issued, or issuance of new shares, and recognised within equity (within retained earnings). The costs of operating the Trusts are borne by the
Group and are not material.
2024
2023
Market value Nominal value Number of Market value Nominal value Number of
£m £m ordinary shares £m £m ordinary shares
Investment in own shares
0.6
172,721
1.0
228,814
22 SHARE CAPITAL, SHARE PREMIUM AND OTHER RESERVES – CONTINUED
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165
The Group’s Treasury function seeks to reduce exposures to capital risk, liquidity risk, credit risk, interest rate risk and foreign currency risk, to
ensure liquidity is available to meet foreseeable needs and to invest cash assets safely and profitably. The Group does not engage in speculative
trading in financial instruments and transacts only in relation to underlying business requirements. The Group’s treasury policies and procedures
are reviewed annually with material changes approved by the Audit Committee.
23.1 Capital risk
The Group’s objectives when managing capital are to safeguard the Group’s ability to continue as a going concern in order to provide returns for
shareholders and benefits for other stakeholders through an appropriate balance of debt and equity funding, while maintaining a strong credit
rating and sufficient headroom. There have been no changes to capital risk management policies during the period. Refer to Note 28 for the value
of the Group’s net debt, and the consolidated statement of changes in equity for the value of the Group’s equity.
The Board can manage the Group’s capital structure by diversifying the debt portfolio, issuing new shares or repurchasing shares in the open
market and flexing capital expenditure. From time-to-time, the Employee Benefit Trust may purchase shares in the Company from the open
market for the purpose of satisfying awards under the Group’s employee share plans, however the Group does not currently operate a defined
share buy-back plan.
The Group’s Term Loan and RCF have previously been subject to a minimum liquidity threshold of £90m, which has been removed as part
of the new agreement and replaced with a condition to maintain positive liquidity. Further information is included within Note 30.
23.2 Liquidity risk
Liquidity risk is the risk that the Group may be unable to meet its financial obligations as they fall due.
The Group manages its exposure to liquidity risk by continuously monitoring short and long-term forecasts and actual cash flows, ensuring it has
the necessary banking and reserve borrowing facilities available to meet the requirements of the business. At 1 September 2024, the Group was
fully drawn on the £200m term loan with Bantry Bay, and had an undrawn revolving credit facility (“RCF”) of £17m, both with a maturity of April
2026. Borrowings under the RCF and term loan bear interest at a rate linked to SONIA. Commitment fees are payable on the daily undrawn
balance of the RCF. On 5 September 2024, the facilities were subject to a 12-month extension – refer to Note 30.
In April 2021 the Group issued convertible bonds to fund future growth totalling £500m. The unsecured instruments pay a coupon of 0.75%
until April 2026, or the conversion date, if earlier. Refer to Note 30 for details of post-period end changes.
Surplus cash is invested with relationship banks and money market funds to optimise returns on cash balances, while also considering
counterparty risk and business liquidity requirements.
23 FINANCIAL RISK MANAGEMENT
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Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements continued
The table below analyses the Group’s financial liabilities into relevant maturity groupings based on the remaining period to the contractual
maturity date. The amounts disclosed in the tables are the contractual undiscounted cash flows or an estimate of cash flows in respect of
floating interest rate liabilities.
Less than 1 year 1 to 2 years 2 to 5 years Over 5 years
2024 £m £m £m £m
Term loan
30.2
217.6
Convertible bond
3.8
503.8
Nordstrom loan
1.3
1.3
3.9
19.8
Trade and other payables
1
601.3
Derivatives – gross settled
Cash inflows
812.5
51.3
Cash outflows
(807.9)
(51.0)
Less than 1 year 1 to 2 years 2 to 5 years Over 5 years
2023 £m £m £m £m
Term loan
31.1
31.1
218.1
Convertible bond
3.8
3.8
503.8
Nordstrom loan
1.3
1.3
4.0
20.3
Obligation to repurchase own shares
4.9
Trade and other payables
1
578.5
Derivatives – gross settled
Cash inflows
1,023.1
107.8
Cash outflows
(1,008.7)
(102.5)
1 Excludes deferred revenue and any amounts in relation to taxation.
The maturities of lease liabilities are disclosed separately in Note 13.
23.3 Credit risk
Credit risk is the risk that a counterparty may default on its obligation to the Group in relation to lending, hedging, settlement and other financial
activities. The Group’s principal financial assets are trade and other receivables, financial derivatives, and cash and cash equivalents. The
Group’s credit risk is primarily attributable to its trade and other receivables and financial counterparties. The amounts included in the
consolidated balance sheet are net of allowances for doubtful receivables.
The Group has a low retail credit risk due to transactions being principally of high volume, low value and short maturity. The Group’s trade
receivables are primarily with companies with which the Group has long-standing relationships, and wholesale suppliers, and therefore the risk
of default and write-offs due to bad debts is considered to be low.
The Group has no significant concentration of credit risk, as exposure is spread over a large number of counterparties and customers. The credit
risk on liquid funds is considered to be low, as the Group Treasury Policy limits the total value that can be placed with each approved counterparty
to minimise the risk of loss.
The Group considers its maximum exposure to credit risk to be as follows:
2024 2023
£m £m
Trade and other receivables
48.3
68.5
Cash and cash equivalents
391.0
353.3
Derivative financial assets
9.8
26.5
Total
449.1
448.3
Trade and other receivables above exclude prepayments and VAT receivables.
23 FINANCIAL RISK MANAGEMENT – CONTINUED
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167
23 FINANCIAL RISK MANAGEMENT – CONTINUED
23.4 Interest rate risk
Interest rate risk is the risk of increased costs arising from unexpected movements in interest rates impacting the Group’s borrowing portfolio.
Interest on financial instruments is classified as fixed rate if interest resets on the instruments are less frequent than once every 12 months.
Interest on financial instruments is classified as floating rate if interest resets on the instruments occur every 12 months or more frequently.
The Group is exposed to cash flow interest rate risk on its RCF to the extent that this is utilised, and £200m term loan, which both incur interest
linked to SONIA. The Group’s remaining borrowings pay fixed coupons.
The mix of the Group’s financial assets and liabilities at the balance sheet date was as follows:
2024
2023
Fixed Floating Total Fixed Floating Total
£m £m £m £m £m £m
Cash and cash equivalents
391.0
391.0
353.3
353.3
Borrowings
(497.9)
(190.2)
(6 88.1)
(488.0)
(184.8)
(672.8)
Total
(497.9)
200.8
(297.1)
(488.0)
168.5
(319.5)
The Group considers that a 100bps movement in interest rates is a reasonable measure of volatility. The sensitivity analysis has been prepared
on the basis that the amount of net debt and the ratio of fixed to floating interest rates of the debt portfolio are all constant as at 1 September
2024. The sensitivity of floating rate balances to a change of 100bps in the interest rate (or such lesser amount as would result in a zero rate of
interest) at the balance sheet date is shown below:
2024 2023
Impact on Impact on
pre-tax profit pre-tax profit
£m £m
Change in floating rate +/-100bps
1.9/(1.9)
0.6/(0.6)
23.5 Foreign currency risk
The Group operates internationally and is therefore exposed to foreign currency transaction risk, primarily on sales denominated in Euros and US
dollars as well as on US dollar denominated purchases. The Group’s presentational currency is pound sterling, therefore the Group is also exposed
to foreign currency translation risks due to movements in foreign exchange rates on the translation of non-sterling assets and liabilities.
The primary use of forward exchange and option contracts for sales and inventory purchases per the Group’s hedging policy is to hedge material
currency exposures with layered hedges over a 18-month period, with up to 100% coverage of the net unmatched exposure for the first six
months preceding the forecast cash flows, and coverage decreasing between months 7 and 18. These forward foreign exchange contracts are
classified as Level 2 derivative financial instruments under IFRS 13, “Fair Value Measurement”.
The following table illustrates the hypothetical sensitivity of the Group’s reported profit before tax and other comprehensive income to a 10%
increase and decrease in the value of each of these currencies relative to pound sterling at the reporting date, assuming all other variables
remain unchanged. The sensitivity rate of 10% is deemed to represent a reasonably possible change based on historic exchange rate volatility.
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Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements continued
23 FINANCIAL RISK MANAGEMENT – CONTINUED
The following assumptions were made in calculating the sensitivity analysis:
Exchange rate fluctuations on currency derivatives that form part of an effective cash flow hedge relationship affect the fair value reserve
in equity and the fair value of the hedging derivatives, with no impact on the Income Statement.
All hedge relationships are fully effective.
The sensitivities are calculated with reference to a single moment in time and are subject to change due to a number of factors including
fluctuating trade payable, cash balances and changes in the currency mix. In addition, each of the sensitivities is calculated in isolation while,
in reality, foreign currencies do not move independently. Positive figures represent an increase in profit before tax or in other comprehensive
income. . The sensitivity calculation has been refined during the year with prior year sensitivities updated as appropriate.
Profit before tax
Other comprehensive income
2024 2023 2024 2023
£m £m £m £m
Sterling strengthens by 10% against:
US dollar
(0.1)
(1.4)
(6.3)
(13.9)
Euro
(5.6)
2.2
20.6
16.7
Sterling weakens by 10% against:
US dollar
0.1
1.7
7.7
17.0
Euro
6.9
(2.7)
(25.2)
(20.5)
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169
24 FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS
Accounting policies
See accounting policies as follows:
Trade and other receivables – Note 17
Cash and cash equivalents – Note 18
Trade and other payables – Note 19
Leases – Note 13
Borrowings – Note 20
Derivative financial instruments – Note 25
24.1 Financial instruments by category
The carrying amount of the Group’s financial assets, financial liabilities and derivative financial instruments as at the balance sheet date
are as follows:
Fair value
through profit
Amortised cost or loss Total
2024 £m £m £m
Derivative financial assets
9.8
9.8
Cash and cash equivalents
391.0
391.0
Trade and other receivables
1
48.3
48.3
Derivative financial liabilities
(7.1)
(7.1)
Lease liabilities
(289.6)
(289.6)
Trade and other payables
2
(601.3)
(601.3)
Borrowings
(6 88.1)
(688.1)
(1,139.7)
2.7
(1,137.0)
Fair value
through profit
Amortised cost or loss Total
2023 £m £m £m
Derivative financial assets
26.5
26.5
Cash and cash equivalents
353.3
353.3
Trade and other receivables
1
68.5
68.5
Derivative financial liabilities
(6.5)
(6.5)
Lease liabilities
(329.0)
(329.0)
Trade and other payables
2
(578.5)
(578.5)
Borrowings
(672.8)
(672.8)
(1,158.5)
20.0
(1,138.5)
1 Trade and other receivables excludes prepayments and VAT receivables.
2 Trade and other payables excludes deferred revenue and any amounts in relation to taxation.
Derivative financial instruments are currently held at fair value on the balance sheet – all are within level 2 of the fair value hierarchy.
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ANNUAL REPORT AND ACCOUNTS 2024
24.2 Carrying amount versus fair value
Set out below is a comparison of the carrying amount and the fair value of financial instruments that are carried in the financial statements at a
value other than fair value. The fair value of financial assets and liabilities are based on prices available from the market on which the instruments
are traded. Where market values are not available, the fair values of financial assets and liabilities have been calculated by discounting expected
future cash flows at prevailing interest rates. The fair values of cash and cash equivalents, trade receivables, and trade payables are assumed to
approximate to their book values.
Carrying
Fair value amount Fair value
2024 hierarchy £m £m
Convertible bond
1
(478.1)
(358.3)
Nordstrom loan
2
(19.8)
(9.6)
Term loan
2
(190.2)
(200.8)
Total
(6 88.1)
(568.7)
Carrying
1 Fair value amount Fair value
2023 hierarchy £m £m
Convertible bond
1
(464.4)
(344.9)
Nordstrom loan
2
(20.4)
(9.8)
Term loan
2
(184.8)
(200.3)
Total
(669.6)
(555.0)
1 The methodology to calculate the fair value of the Term Loan and Nordstrom Loan has been refined during the period. Prior period comparatives have been
restated.
Fair value hierarchy is defined as:
Level 1 fair value measurements are derived from quoted market prices (unadjusted) in active markets for identical assets or liabilities at the
balance sheet date. This level includes listed equity securities and debt instruments on public exchanges.
Level 2 fair value measurements are derived from inputs other than quoted prices included within Level 1 that are observable for the asset or
liability, either directly (i.e. as prices) or indirectly (i.e. derived from prices). The fair value of financial instruments is determined by discounting
expected cash flows at prevailing interest rates.
Level 3 fair value measurements are derived from valuation techniques that include inputs for the asset or liability that are not based on
observable market data (unobservable inputs).
24.3 Offsetting financial instruments
There are no financial assets and financial liabilities that are offset in the balance sheet.
24 FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS – CONTINUED
Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements continued
ASOS PLC
ANNUAL REPORT AND ACCOUNTS 2024
171
25 DERIVATIVE FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS
Accounting policy
The Group uses derivative financial instruments to hedge its exposure to foreign exchange risks. These derivative financial instruments are
designated as cash flow hedges, and are initially measured at fair value on the contract date and then measured at fair value at subsequent
reporting dates. To qualify for hedge accounting, the Group documents, at the inception of the hedge, the hedging risk management strategy,
the relationship between the hedging instrument and the hedged item or transaction, the nature of the risks being hedged and an assessment
of the effectiveness of the hedging relationship, to ensure it is highly effective on an ongoing basis.
Changes in the fair value of derivative financial instruments that are designated and effective as hedges of future cash flows are recognised
directly in other comprehensive income, and the ineffective portion is recognised immediately in the income statement. Where the hedged item
subsequently results in the recognition of a non-financial asset such as inventory or property, plant and equipment, the amounts accumulated
in other comprehensive income are included in the initial cost of the asset. For all other cash flow hedges, the amounts accumulated in other
comprehensive income are recognised in the consolidated income statement when the hedged item or transaction affects the income statement.
Where derivatives do not qualify for hedge accounting, any changes in the fair value of the derivative financial instrument are recognised in the
income statement as they arise.
25.1 The effects of hedge accounting on the Group’s financial position and performance
The table below provides a breakdown of the Group’s cash flow hedges as well as derivatives not in a formal hedge accounting relationship:
2024
2023
Fair value Fair value
Notional Asset Liability Notional Asset Liability
£m £m £m £m £m £m
Foreign currency derivatives
Inventory hedges
122.1
1.4
(4.7)
191.4
7.2
(1.2)
Capex hedges
13.2
(0.7)
24.3
0.5
(0.9)
Sales hedges
292.3
8.4
(0.8)
395.8
18.6
(3.8)
Derivatives not in a formal hedging relationship
Foreign currency derivatives
238.7
(0.9)
239.7
0.2
(0.6)
Total
666.3
9.8
(7.1)
851.2
26.5
(6.5)
There is an economic relationship between the hedged items and the hedging instruments as the terms of the foreign exchange contracts
match the terms of the expected highly probable forecast transactions (i.e. notional amount and expected payment date). The Group has
established a hedge ratio of 1:1 for the hedging relationships as the underlying risk of the foreign exchange contracts are identical to the hedged
risk components. Hedge effectiveness is determined at inception of the hedge relationship and through periodic prospective effectiveness
assessments to ensure that an economic relationship exists between the hedged item and hedging instrument. To test the hedge effectiveness,
the Group uses the hypothetical derivative method and compares the changes in the fair value of the hedging instruments against the changes
in fair value of the hedged items attributable to the hedged risks. Hedge ineffectiveness can arise from:
Differences in the timing of the cash flows of the hedged items and the hedging instruments.
The counterparties’ credit risk differently impacting the fair value movements of the hedging instrument compared to the hedged items.
Changes to the forecasted cash flows of hedged item.
The derivatives have been fair valued at 1 September 2024 with reference to forward exchange rates and option pricing models that are quoted
in an active market, with the resulting value discounted back to present value.
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Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements continued
25 DERIVATIVE FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS – CONTINUED
25.2 Maturity profile of hedging instruments
The table below analyses the Group’s derivative financial instruments into relevant maturity groupings based on the remaining period at the
balance sheet date to the contractual maturity date. The amounts disclosed in the table are the contractual undiscounted cash flows.
Maturity More than
2024
1 to 6 months
6 to 12 months one year
US dollars (highly probable forecast purchases)
Notional amount (in £m)
82.9
37.7
14.7
Average GBP:USD contract rate
1.28
1.27
1.27
Euro (highly probable forecast sales)
Notional amount (in £m)
113.3
88.2
23.9
Average GBP:EUR contract rate
1.15
1.16
1.15
Other (highly probable forecast sales)
Notional amount (in £m)
38.3
24.8
3.8
Average GBP: Other contract rate
Various currencies
Maturity More than
2023
1 to 6 months
6 to 12 months one year
US dollars (highly probable forecast purchases)
Notional amount (in £m)
66.6
109.3
39.8
Average GBP:USD contract rate
1.31
1.28
1.30
Euro (highly probable forecast sales)
Notional amount (in £m)
86.6
97.0
25.6
Average GBP:EUR contract rate
1.14
1.15
1.14
Other (highly probable forecast sales)
Notional amount (in £m)
74.3
73.8
38.5
Average GBP: Other contract rate
Various currencies
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ANNUAL REPORT AND ACCOUNTS 2024
173
25 DERIVATIVE FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS – CONTINUED
25.3 Impact of change in value of hedged items on cash flow hedge reserve
Change in value
Change in value of hedging
of hedged item instrument for Cumulative
for calculating calculating impact on cash
hedge hedge flow hedge
ineffectiveness ineffectiveness reserve
2024 £m £m £m
Hedges of foreign currency sales
(6.7)
6.7
7.6
Hedges of foreign currency inventory purchases
4.6
(4.6)
(2.3)
Hedges of foreign currency purchases of property, plant and equipment
0.6
(0.6)
0.9
Change in value Change in value
of hedged item of hedging Cumulative
for calculating instrument for impact on cash
hedge calculating hedge flow hedge
ineffectiveness ineffectiveness reserve
2023 £m £m £m
Hedges of foreign currency sales
(30.5)
30.5
14.8
Hedges of foreign currency inventory purchases
53.8
(53.8)
4.5
Hedges of foreign currency purchases of property, plant and equipment
6.3
(6.3)
2.1
25.4 Analysis of fair value movements in cash flow hedge reserve by risk category
Fair value
movements
recognised in
other
comprehensive Amounts
Opening income reclassified Closing
2024 £m £m £m
£m
Reclassification recognised in
Hedges of foreign currency sales
14.8
6.7
(13.9)
7.6
Revenue
Hedges of foreign currency
4.5
(4.6)
(2.2)
(2.3)
Inventory
inventory purchases
Hedges of foreign currency
2.1
(0.6)
(0.6)
0.9
Property, plant and
purchases of property, plant equipment
and equipment
Tax
(4.2)
4.0
(0.2)
17.2
5.5
(16.7)
6.0
Fair value
movements
recognised in
other
comprehensive Amounts
Opening income reclassified Closing
2023 £m £m £m
£m
Reclassification recognised in
Hedges of foreign currency sales
(17.4)
30.5
1.7
14.8
Revenue
Hedges of foreign currency
43.6
(53.8)
14.7
4.5
Inventory
inventory purchases
Hedges of foreign currency purchases
6.2
(6.3)
2.2
2 .1
Property, plant and
of property, plant and equipment equipment
Tax
(6.2)
2.0
(4.2)
26.2
(27.6)
18.6
17.2
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ANNUAL REPORT AND ACCOUNTS 2024
Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements continued
26 SHARE-BASED PAYMENTS
Accounting policies
The Group issues equity-settled share-based payments to certain employees, whereby employees render services in exchange for shares
or rights over shares of the parent company.
The fair value of the employee services rendered is determined by reference to the fair value of the shares awarded or options granted, excluding
the impact of any non-market vesting conditions. All share options are valued using an option-pricing model. This fair value is charged to the
income statement over the vesting period of the share-based payment scheme with a corresponding increase in equity.
The value of the charge is adjusted in the income statement over the remainder of the vesting period to reflect expected and actual levels
of options vesting, with the corresponding adjustments made in equity.
The Group incurred a cost of £3.4m (2023: £5.2m) net of capitalised costs totalling £1.2m (2023: £1.2m) in relation to share-based payments
during the year.
26.1 Save As You Earn (SAYE) scheme
Under the terms of the current SAYE scheme, the Board grants options to purchase ordinary shares in the Company to employees who enter into
an HMRC-approved SAYE scheme for a term of three years. Options are granted at up to a 20% discount to the market price of the shares on
the day preceding the date of offer and are normally exercisable for a period of six months after completion of the SAYE contract. These option
grants are settled on exercise either through the issue of new ordinary shares or through a transfer of shares from the Employee Benefit Trust.
2024
2023
Weighted Weighted
Number average Number average
of options exercise price of options exercise price
(no. of shares) (pence) (no. of shares) (pence)
Outstanding at beginning of period
1,345,993
350
287,037
1,933
Granted
1,663,748
312
1,
497,39
0
298
Lapsed
(1,032,956)
560
(438,434)
1,209
Exercised
(1,282)
225
Outstanding at end of period
1,975,503
374
1,345,993
350
Exercisable at end of period
169
532
4,323
914
The weighted average share price for options exercised over the period was 351 pence. The weighted average remaining contractual life of
options outstanding at 1 September 2024 was 2.6 years (2023: 2.3 years).
The fair value of SAYE options granted during the current and prior periods was calculated using the Black-Scholes model, assuming the following
inputs:
2024
2023
Grant 1
Grant 2
Share price (pence)
400
344
665
Exercise price (pence)
312
317
532
Expected volatility (%)
64
63
63
Expected life (years)
3.6
3.5
2 .1
Risk-free rate (%)
4.0
4.1
3.3
Dividend yield
Weighted average fair value of options (pence)
225
174
298
Volatility has been estimated by taking the historical volatility in the Company’s share price over a three-year period.
26.2 ASOS Long-Term Incentive Scheme (ALTIS)
Under the terms of the ALTIS, certain Executive Directors and Senior Leaders may be granted conditional awards, the base value of which
is calculated as a fixed multiple of salary, and will only vest to the extent the related performance targets, as detailed in the Directors’
Remuneration Report on page 102, are met. These awards are settled on exercise either through the issue of new ordinary shares or
through a transfer of shares from the Employee Benefit Trust.
ASOS PLC
ANNUAL REPORT AND ACCOUNTS 2024
175
Awards granted under the ALTIS are shown below:
2024
2023
Outstanding at beginning of period
1,820,720
790,724
Granted
1,797,919
1,564,478
Lapsed
(54 0,136)
(510,069)
Exercised
(148,352)
(24,413)
Outstanding at end of period
2 ,930,151
1,820,720
The weighted average share price for awards exercised over the period was 381 pence. The weighted average remaining contractual life of share
awards outstanding at 1 September 2024 was 1.8 years (2023: 1.8 years). Details of shares conditionally allocated at 1 September 2024 are set
out below:
Date of grant
2024
2023
ALTIS '20
160,375
ALTIS '21
236,104
29
0,16
0
ALTIS '22
1,098,176
1,370,185
ALTIS '23
1,595,871
Total
2,930,151
1,820,720
The fair value of awards granted during the current and prior periods under sales, EPS and ESG performance conditions were calculated using
the Black-Scholes model, and the fair value of awards granted under the ALTIS TSR (Total Shareholder Return) performance conditions were
calculated using the Monte Carlo model. Both sets of inputs are shown below:
2024
2023
Grant 1
Grant 2
Grant 3
Grant 4
Grant 5
Grant 1
Grant 2
Share price (pence)
365
377
348
344
377
642
406
Exercise price (pence)
Expected volatility (%)
74.2
66.1
67.1
66.7
66.1
72.4
69.8
Expected life (years)
2.1
2.5
2.8
2.8
2.5
2.9
2.4
Risk-free rate (%)
4.5
4.0
4.3
4.0
4.0
3.2
4.6
Dividend yield
Weighted average fair value of options for
EPS performance condition (pence)
365
377
348
344
377
642
406
Weighted average fair value of options for
TSR performance condition (pence)
1
270
171
1 Inputs to the Monte Carlo model for all grants from 2023 were as follows: share price of 642 pence, exercise price of nil, expected volatility of 57.0%, expected life
of 2.8 years, risk-free rate of 3.2% and dividend yield of nil.
Volatility has been estimated by taking the historical volatility in the Company’s share price over a three-year period.
26.3 Restricted Stock Unit (RSU)
Certain Executive Directors and Senior Leaders may be granted conditional awards, the base value of which is calculated as a fixed multiple of
salary, and will only vest to the extent the members remain in employment to the end of the vesting period. These RSUs are granted under the
ALTIS rules and will be share-settled.
Awards granted are shown below:
2024
2023
Outstanding at beginning of period
229,866
114,294
Granted
1,296,199
323,208
Lapsed
(58,031)
(29,235)
Exercised
(151,739)
(178,401)
Outstanding end of period
1,316,295
229,866
26 SHARE-BASED PAYMENTS – CONTINUED
STRATEGIC REPORT GOVERNANCE REPORT FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
176
ASOS PLC
ANNUAL REPORT AND ACCOUNTS 2024
Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements continued
The weighted average share price for awards exercised over the period was 360 pence. The weighted average remaining contractual life of share
awards outstanding at 1 September 2024 was 2.2 years (2023: 0.4 years).
No performance conditions were included in the fair value calculations. The fair value per award granted during the period and the assumptions
used in the calculation as well as details of shares conditionally allocated are as follows:
Fair value of
options
Date of grant
(pence)
2024
2023
30.08.22
727
4,814
19.01.23
761
104,996
31.05.23
354
70,622
120,056
31.01.24
378
810,421
25.04.24
378
435,252
1,316,295
229,866
26.4 Share Incentive Plan (SIP)
Under the terms of the SIP, in 2012 and 2013 the Board awarded free shares to every employee under an HMRC-approved SIP. Shares must be
held in trust for a period of at least three years after grant date and became transferable to SIP-recipients three years after date of grant. The
trustee of the SIP is Link Market Services Trustees Limited. Only 2,338 shares remain allocated to SIP-recipients at the period end (2023: 2,901).
27 RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS
27.1 Key management personnel
The aggregate compensation to key management personnel, being the Directors of ASOS Plc (Executive and Non-Executive) and the members of
the Management Committee was as follows:
2024 2023
£m £m
Short-term employee benefits
5.7
5.1
Post-employment benefits
0.3
0.3
Share-based payments charge
0.8
0.9
Joining costs and loss of office costs
0.2
0.5
7.0
6.8
Components of the highest-paid Director’s remuneration are detailed in the Directors’ remuneration table on page 108.
27.2 Transactions with other related parties
During the period, the Group made purchases of inventory, net of VAT, totalling £59.7m (2023: £65.9m) from Aktieselskabet af 5.5.2010, a
company which has a significant shareholding in the Group. At 1 September 2024, the amount due to Aktieselskabet af 5.5.2010 was £11.2m
(2023: £6.8m).
Frasers Group is now a related party since 15 March 2024, becoming one of the Group’s major shareholders during the period. During the period,
the Group made purchases of inventory, net of VAT, totalling £0.6m (2023: not applicable) from entities under the control of Frasers Group.
At 1 September 2024, the amount due to Frasers Group entities was £0.1m (2023: not applicable).
26 SHARE-BASED PAYMENTS – CONTINUED
ASOS PLC
ANNUAL REPORT AND ACCOUNTS 2024
177
28 NET DEBT RECONCILIATION
Group net debt comprises cash and cash equivalents less any borrowings drawn down at period-end (including accrued interest), but excluding
outstanding lease liabilities.
2024 2023
£m £m
Borrowings
(688.1)
(672.8)
Leases
(289.6)
(329.0)
Liabilities from financing activities
(977.7)
(1,001.8)
Cash and cash equivalents
391.0
353.3
Net debt
(586.7)
(648.5)
Net debt APM (ex-leases)
(297.1)
(319.5)
The table below sets out the movements in liabilities arising from financing activities:
Liabilities from
financing
Lease liabilities Borrowings activities
£m £m £m
As at 4 September 2023
(329.0)
(672.8)
(1,001.8)
Cash flows from financing activities
Repayments of principal
25.5
0.5
26.0
Interest paid
5.5
37.1
42.6
Non-cash movements
Movement in lease liabilities
9.9
9.9
Foreign exchange impacts
4.0
4.0
Accrued interest
(5.5)
(52.9)
(58.4)
As at 1 September 2024
(289.6)
(688.1)
(977.7)
Liabilities from
financing
Lease liabilities Borrowings activities
£m £m £m
As at 1 September 2022
(380.1)
(475.9)
(856.0)
Cash flows from financing activities
Repayments of principal/(drawdown of borrowings)
22.4
(198.3)
(175.9)
Interest paid
5.6
28.0
33.6
Financing fees paid
15.8
15.8
Non-cash movements
Movement in lease liabilities
21.1
21.1
Foreign exchange impacts
7.6
7.6
Accrued interest
(5.6)
(42.4)
(48.0)
As at 3 September 2023
(329.0)
(672.8)
(1,001.8)
STRATEGIC REPORT GOVERNANCE REPORT FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
178
ASOS PLC
ANNUAL REPORT AND ACCOUNTS 2024
Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements continued
29 COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES
29.1 Capital commitments
Capital expenditure committed at the reporting date but not yet incurred is as follows:
2024 2023
£m £m
Fixtures and fittings
15.9
71.3
Intangible assets
54.9
76.2
70.8
147.5
29.2 Subsidiary audit exemptions
The following UK subsidiary undertakings are exempt from the requirements of the Companies Act 2006 (the “Act”) relating to the audit of
individual accounts by virtue of Section 479A of the Act.
Name
Company number
Name
Company number
ASOS Global Limited
07817472
Covetique Limited
07491491
ASOS Marketplace Limited
07289272
Crooked Tongues Limited
06579850
ASOS Payments Holdings Limited
13332420
Eight Paws Projects Limited
07990751
ASOS Projects Limited
08218702
Mornington & Co (No.1) Limited
08506761
ASOS Transaction Services Limited
08207408
Mornington & Co (No.2) Limited
08506877
ASOS Ventures Limited
09356546
ASOS Payments UK Limited
13337408
29.3 Contingent liabilities
From time to time, the Group is subject to various legal proceedings and claims that arise in the ordinary course of business, which due to the
fast-growing nature of the Group and its e-commerce base, may concern the Group’s brand and trading name or its product designs. All such
cases brought against the Group are robustly defended and a liability is recorded only when it is probable that the case will result in a future
economic outflow which can be reliably measured.
As previously reported, ASOS is currently party to legal proceedings in overseas territories which the Group is robustly defending. The claim
considers the laws applicable to the sale of goods in the relevant territory, under which the claimants are seeking a financial remedy for alleged
breaches by ASOS of local laws. The claim remains in its early stages, and will be heard in two phases. Completion of such a claim can be a lengthy
process, with a final court decision of the first phase potentially taking up to two years after the initial hearing. The claim and its defence are
relatively complex, there are multiple factual and legal defences to the claims and the Group intends to defend them vigorously. The Group
therefore cannot make an assessment of the likely outcome of the litigation, or the potential quantum of any liability were it to arise or the
potential impact on the Group at this stage. Furthermore, management are of the opinion that, given the early stages of the claim, disclosure
of any potential quantification could be prejudicial to the Group at this time.
As disclosed in the prior year annual accounts, the Group has made a voluntary disclosure to an overseas tax authority in relation to potentially
overclaimed VAT. As explained, whether or not the VAT was overclaimed was ultimately dependent on the relevant tax authority’s view. The
overseas tax authority has now concluded that the VAT was correctly charged to ASOS, hence ASOS was correct in recovering the VAT and
no repayment or multi-party non-cash agreement is necessary. This issue is therefore considered successfully resolved without the liability
crystallising. The Group notes that there are a small number of suppliers who should likely have historically charged VAT on services but have not.
The Group has notified the relevant suppliers of this and any amount payable will not be material and will be able to be reclaimed by ASOS from
the overseas tax authority in the normal course of business .
ASOS PLC
ANNUAL REPORT AND ACCOUNTS 2024
179
30 POST BALANCE SHEET EVENTS
Disposal of Topshop and Topman brands
On 5 September 2024, the Group entered into a binding agreement to sell the intellectual property relating to the Topshop and Topman (TSTM)
brands to a subsidiary of Heartland A/S (a related party of the Group), for a consideration as follows:
Cash of £135m.
25% of the issued ordinary shares in the entity that will hold the brands, valued at £45m.
As disclosed in Note 16, assets of £165.5m have been classified as held for sale as at the year-end. The transaction has subsequently completed,
resulting in the derecognition of the assets held for sale, the recognition of an investment in an associate of £45m, and a profit on disposal of
c.£14m.
ASOS has the right, at its sole discretion, to sell a 5% interest in the associate to Heartland A/S for £9m.
As part of the arrangement, the purchasing entity has granted a licence to ASOS.com of 10 years (extendable up to 25 years at ASOS
discretion), pursuant to which ASOS.com has the exclusive right to continue to design TSTM products (subject to de minimis rights to design local
products) for global distribution and to sell Topshop and Topman products through the ASOS.com website in consideration for a royalty fee.
ASOS also has the right to operate Topshop.com and Topman.com globally, and has been granted exclusive wholesale distribution rights in the UK
and North America, while the purchasing entity retains the rights to open branded stores globally and distribute through wholesale partners
outside of the UK and North America.
Refinancing
After the period end, in September 2024, the Group launched a refinancing exercise of the Convertible Bonds due 2026 as follows:
£253m was exchanged into new Convertible Bonds due 2028;
£173.4m of the Convertible Bonds due 2026 was accepted for repurchase at a discount of par 15%, and
As a result, £73.6m remains in the Convertible Bonds due 2026.
The new Convertible Bonds were issued at par and carry a fixed annual coupon of 11%, payable semi-annually in arrears. The initial conversion
price has been set at £79.65, in line with the Convertible Bond due 2026. The Bonds will be redeemed on 19 September 2028, unless previously
converted, exchanged, redeemed or purchased and cancelled in accordance with the terms and conditions of the Bonds, at a redemption price
of 120% of the principal amount.
In addition, ASOS announced an amendment and extension of its existing facilities agreement with Bantry Bay Capital to May 2027 with an option
for a 12-month extension. As part of this, £50m of the term loan has been repaid, with a corresponding increase in the available accordion facility.
The Group’s previous minimum liquidity covenant has been removed, and maintaining positive liquidity is the only condition now required to avoid
an event of default. In addition, the Group is also subject to a springing maturity clause in the term loan facility in April 2026, conditional upon
forward projection of base case cash flows.
Following the disposal of the brands and the refinancing exercise, the Group recognised a reduction in net debt of approximately £130m.
STRATEGIC REPORT GOVERNANCE REPORT FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
180
ASOS PLC
ANNUAL REPORT AND ACCOUNTS 2024
Note
1 September
2024
£m
3 September
2023
£m
Non-current assets
Investments in subsidiaries C3 70.5 65.9
Amounts due from subsidiary undertakings C4 845.6 836.5
916.1 902.4
Current assets
Amounts due from subsidiary undertakings C4 1.6 1.4
Current liabilities
Amounts due to subsidiary undertakings C5 (1.6) (1.4)
Non-current liabilities
Amounts due to subsidiary undertakings C5 (476.4) (4 67.3)
Net assets 439.7 4 3 5.1
Equity
Called up share capital C6 4.2 4.2
Share premium C6 322.6 322.6
Convertible bond reserve 58.9 58.9
Retained earnings C7 54.0 49.4
Total equity 439.7 4 35.1
The profit after tax for the financial period was £nil (2023: loss of £0.1m). Notes 1 to 7 are an integral part of the financial statements.
The financial statements of ASOS Plc, registered number 4006623, on pages 180 to 185, were approved by the Board of Directors and authorised
for issue on 5 November 2024 and were signed on its behalf by:
JoAntonio Ramos Calamonte Dave Murray
Chief Executive Officer Chief Financial Officer
Company Balance Sheet
ASOS PLC
ANNUAL REPORT AND ACCOUNTS 2024
181
Called up share
capital
£m
Share premium
£m
Convertible
Bond reserve
£m
Retained
earnings
£m
Total
£m
As at 4 September 2023 4.2 322.6 58.9 49.4 4 3 5.1
Share-based payments contribution 4.6 4.6
As at 1 September 2024 4.2 322.6 58.9 54.0 439.7
Called up share
capital
£m
Share premium
£m
Convertible
Bond reserve
£m
Retained
earnings
£m
Total
£m
As at 1 September 2022 3.5 245.7 58.8 4 3.1 351.1
Loss for the period and total comprehensive loss (0.1) (0.1)
Share issue 0.7 76.9 77.6
Share-based payments contribution 6.4 6.4
Adjustment 0.1 0.1
As at 3 September 2023 4.2 322.6 58.9 49.4 4 3 5.1
Retained earnings includes the share-based payments reserve.
Company Statement ofChanges in Equity
STRATEGIC REPORT GOVERNANCE REPORT FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
182
ASOS PLC
ANNUAL REPORT AND ACCOUNTS 2024
C1 BASIS OF PREPARATION
The parent company’s financial statements are prepared in accordance with United Kingdom Generally Accepted Accounting Practice (United
Kingdom Accounting Standards and applicable law), including Financial Reporting Standard 101 Reduced Disclosure Framework (FRS 101) and the
Companies Act 2006 as applicable to companies using FRS 101. The financial period represents the 52 weeks to 1 September 2024 (prior financial
period 1 September 2022 to 3 September 2023). Within these financial statements, “2024” refers to the 52 weeks to 1 September 2024, or as at
1 September 2024; and “2023” refers to the financial period 1 September 2022 to 3 September 2023, or as at 3 September 2023.
The disclosure exemptions adopted by the Company in accordance with FRS 101 are as follows:
The requirements of IAS 7 to present a cash flow statement
The requirements of paragraph 17 of IAS 24 “Related Party Transactions”, to disclose information related to key management personnel, and
the requirements of IAS 24 to disclose related party transactions between two or more members of a group for wholly owned subsidiaries
The requirements of paragraphs 30 and 31 of IAS 8 to disclose information assessing the possible impact of new standards issued but which
are not yet effective
The requirements of IFRS 7 and IFRS 13 for disclosure of financial instruments and fair values
The requirements of IFRS 2, to disclose information related to share-based payment arrangements
The requirements of IAS 1 to present comparative information in respect of certain assets and the disclosure information related to capital
management
The financial statements are presented in pound sterling, rounded to the nearest £0.1m unless otherwise stated. They have been prepared on the
going concern basis under the historical cost convention.
The Directors have taken advantage of the exemption available under Section 408 of the Companies Act 2006 and not presented an income
statement nor a statement of comprehensive income for the Company alone.
Amendments to published standards
The Company adopted the following accounting standards and amendments during the year with no material impact:
IFRS 17 Insurance Contracts
Disclosure of Accounting Policies – Amendments to IAS 1 and IFRS Practice Statement 2
Definition of Accounting Estimates – Amendments to IAS 8
Deferred Tax related to Assets and Liabilities arising from a Single Transaction – Amendments to IAS 12
International Tax Reform – Pillar Two Model Rules – Amendments to IAS 12
The Company is assessing the impact of the following standards, interpretations and amendments that are not yet effective.
Amendments to the IFRS for SMEs Accounting Standard – International Tax Reform – Pillar Two Model Rules
Lease Liability in a Sale and Leaseback – Amendments to IFRS 16 Leases
Classification of liabilities as Current or Non-Current and Non-current Liabilities with Covenants – Amendments to IAS 1 Presentation
ofFinancial Statements
Amendments to IAS 7 Statement of Cash Flows and IFRS 7 Financial Instruments: Disclosures – Supplier Finance Arrangements
IFRS S1 General Requirements for Disclosure of Sustainability-related Financial Information
IFRS S2 Climate-related Disclosures
Lack of Exchangeability – Amendments to IAS 21 The Effects of Changes in Foreign Exchange Rates
Amendments to the Classification and Measurement of Financial Instruments – Amendments to IFRS 9 Financial Instruments
and IFRS 7 Financial Instruments: Disclosures
IFRS 18 Presentation and Disclosure in Financial Statements
IFRS 19 Subsidiaries without Public Accountability: Disclosures
Sale or Contribution of Assets between an Investor and its Associate or Joint Venture – Amendments to IFRS 10 Consolidated Financial
Statements and IAS 28 Investments in Associates and Joint Ventures
The Company has considered the impact of the remaining above standards and revisions and have concluded that they will not have material
impact on the Companys financial statements.
C2 SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING JUDGEMENTS AND ESTIMATES
The preparation of the Company’s financial statements requires the use of judgements, estimates and assumptions in applying the Company’s
accounting policies to determine the reported amounts of assets, liabilities, income and expenses.
Estimates and judgements are continually reviewed and are based on historical experience and other factors, including expectations of future
events that are believed to be reasonable under the current circumstances. Actual results may differ from these estimates. Any revisions to
accounting estimates are applied prospectively. None of the estimates and judgements used in preparation of the Company financial statements
are considered significant.
Notes to the Company Financial Statements
ASOS PLC
ANNUAL REPORT AND ACCOUNTS 2024
183
C3 INVESTMENTS IN SUBSIDIARIES
Accounting policy
Investments in subsidiaries are carried at cost less any impairment loss in the financial statements of the Company. At each reporting period, the
Company assesses the carrying amounts of its investments to determine whether there is any indication of impairment. Where such an indication
exists, the Company makes an estimate of the recoverable amount. If the recoverable amount of the investment is less than its carrying amount,
the investment is written down to its recoverable amount. Any impairment loss is immediately recognised in the income statement.
In accordance with IFRS 2, ASOS.com Limited (a subsidiary of the Company) is required to recognise share-based payment arrangements
involving equity instruments where ASOS.com Limited has remunerated those providing services to the entity in this way. ASOS Plc makes
contributions to ASOS.com Limited equal to the charge for the share-based payment arrangement which is reflected as an increase in ASOS Plc’s
capital contribution to ASOS.com Limited. For the period from 4 September 2023 to 1 September 2024, ASOS.com Limited recognised a charge
of £4.6m (2023: £6.4m) in respect of share-based payment arrangements. Accordingly, this is included within investment additions within the
table below.
2024
£m
2023
£m
At the beginning of the period 65.9 59.5
Additions 4.6 6.4
At the end of the period 70.5 65.9
An impairment test over the investment in subsidiaries was performed at the period-end, with no impairments identified. Where value-in-use
calculations have been used to estimate the recoverable amounts of the investments, sensitivity analysis has been performed. The analysis
indicates that there is sufficient headroom such that a reasonably possible change to key assumptions would not result in any impairment
in any of the Company’s investments in subsidiaries.
C4 AMOUNTS DUE FROM SUBSIDIARY UNDERTAKINGS
Accounting policy
Amounts due from subsidiary undertakings are initially recognised at fair value and are subsequently measured at amortised cost using the
effective interest rate method less any provision for impairment.
2024
£m
2023
£m
Current 1.6 1.4
Non-current 845.6 836.5
847.2 837.9
Included within non-current receivables are interest-bearing amounts of £478.1m (2023: £493.8m). The remainder is non-interest bearing.
All amounts are repayable on demand.
Receivable balances with Group companies are reviewed for potential impairment based on the ability of the counterparty to meet its
obligations. No impairment losses were recognised in the financial period.
STRATEGIC REPORT GOVERNANCE REPORT FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
184
ASOS PLC
ANNUAL REPORT AND ACCOUNTS 2024
Notes to the Company Financial Statements continued
C5 AMOUNTS DUE TO SUBSIDIARY UNDERTAKINGS
Accounting policy
Amounts due to subsidiary undertakings are recognised initially at fair value, and subsequently at amortised cost using the effective interest
rate method.
2024
£m
2023
£m
Current 1.6 1.4
Non-current 476.4 4 67.3
478.0 468.7
Non-current amounts due to subsidiary undertakings relate to a term loan with Cornwall (Jersey) Limited relating to the convertible bond
due in 2026. The terms of the loan mirror those of the Convertible Bond which are described in Note 20 of the Group financial statements.
C6 CALLED UP SHARE CAPITAL AND SHARE PREMIUM
Accounting policy
Ordinary shares are classified as equity instruments. Incremental costs directly attributable to the issue of new ordinary shares or options are
shown in equity as a deduction, net of tax, from the proceeds.
2024
Number of
ordinary shares
2023
Number of
ordinary shares
2024
£m
2023
£m
Called up share capital
Allotted, issued and fully paid ordinary shares of 3.5p 119,334,341 119,236,85 0 4.2 4.2
Share premium account
Share premium 322.6 322.6
The movements in the called up share capital and share premium are as follows:
Number of
ordinary shares
Share capital
£m
Share premium
£m
As at 4 September 2023 119,236,850 4.2 322.6
Allotted in respect of share option schemes 97,491
As at 1 September 2024 119,334,341 4.2 322.6
Number of
ordinary shares
Share capital
£m
Share premium
£m
As at 1 September 2022 99,940,235 3.5 245.7
Allotted in respect of share option schemes 202,814
New shares issues 19,093,801 0.7 76.9
As at 3 September 2023 119,236,85 0 4.2 322.6
ASOS PLC
ANNUAL REPORT AND ACCOUNTS 2024
185
C7 RETAINED EARNINGS
2024
£m
2023
£m
As at 4 September 2023 and 1 September 2022 49.4 4 3.1
Loss for the financial period and total comprehensive loss (0.1)
Share-based payments contribution 4.6 6.4
As at 1 September 2024 and 3 September 2023 54.0 49.4
C8 CONTINGENT LIABILITIES AND GUARANTEES
Contingent liabilities
Refer to Note 29 of the Group financial statements.
Guarantees
Via the statutory audit exemptions as disclosed on page 178, ASOS Plc will guarantee all outstanding liabilities that the relevant subsidiaries are
subject to as at the financial period ended 1 September 2024 in accordance with Section 479C of the Act, as amended by the Companies and
Limited Liability Partnerships (Accounts and Audit Exemptions and Change of Accounting Framework) Regulations 2012. In addition, ASOS Plc
willguarantee any contingent and prospective liabilities that these subsidiaries are subject to.
STRATEGIC REPORT GOVERNANCE REPORT FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
186
ASOS PLC
ANNUAL REPORT AND ACCOUNTS 2024
In accordance with Section 409 of the Companies Act 2006 and Schedule 4 of The Large and Medium-sized Companies and Groups (Accounts
and Reports) Regulations 2008, a full list of related undertakings, registered office address and the percentage of share class owned as at
1 September 2024 are disclosed below. All shares held are ordinary shares unless otherwise stated.
Name of company
Country of
incorporation
Proportion of
ordinary shares
held Holding Nature of business
ASOS Intermediate Holdings Limited UK 100% Direct Holding company
Mornington & Co (No. 1) Limited UK 100% Direct Vehicle for implementation of ALTIP
Mornington & Co (No. 2) Limited UK 100% Direct Vehicle for implementation of ALTIP
ASOS.com Limited
1,2
UK 100% Indirect Internet retailer
Crooked Tongues Limited UK 95% Indirect Internet retailer
Covetique Limited UK 100% Indirect Discontinued internet marketplace
ASOS Marketplace Limited UK 100% Indirect Internet marketplace
ASOS Global Limited UK 100% Indirect Holding company
Eight Paw Projects Limited UK 100% Indirect Brand management company
ASOS US, Inc US 100% Indirect Employer of marketing staff based
in the US
ASOS Germany GmbH Germany 100% Indirect Employer of supply chain staff
based in Germany
ASOS France SAS France 100% Indirect Non-trading company
ASOS Transaction Services France SAS France 100% Indirect Payment processing company
ASOS Australia Pty Limited Australia 100% Indirect Non-trading company
ASOS Canada Services Limited Canada 100% Indirect Non-trading company
ASOS Transaction Services Limited UK 100% Indirect Holding company
ASOS Transaction Services Australia Pty Limited Australia 100% Indirect Payment processing company
ASOS US Sales, LLC US 100% Indirect Payment processing company
ASOS Projects Limited
3
UK 100% Indirect Holding company
ASOS Ventures Limited UK 100% Indirect Non-trading company
ASOS (Shanghai) Commerce Co. Limited China 100% Indirect Discontinued internet retailer
ASOS Payments UK Limited UK 100% Indirect Payment processing company
ASOS Payments Europe B.V. Netherlands 100% Indirect Payment processing company
ASOS Payments Holdings Limited UK 100% Indirect Holding company
Cornwall (Jersey) Limited Jersey 100% Indirect Vehicle for issue of convertible bond
ASOS Holdings Limited UK 90% Indirect Brand management company
1 ASOS.com Limited has a 7.2% interest in Needle and Thread Design Holdings Limited.
2 ASOS.com Limited additionally has a branch registered in the Netherlands.
3 ASOS Projects Limited has a 2.9% interest in Action Artificial Intelligence Limited.
Related Undertakings of the ASOS Group
ASOS PLC
ANNUAL REPORT AND ACCOUNTS 2024
187
All UK incorporated entities share the same registered office as ASOS Plc and non-UK entities’ registered offices are detailed below:
Entity Registered office
ASOS US Inc 300 Creek View Road, Suite 209, Newark, DE 19711
ASOS Germany GmbH An der Anhalter Bahn 6, 14979 Grossbeeren, Germany
ASOS France SAS TMF France SAS, 3-5 Rue Saint Georges, 75009 Paris, France
ASOS Transaction Services France SAS TMF France SAS, 3-5 Rue Saint Georges, 75009 Paris, France
ASOS Australia Pty Limited Company Matters Pty Limited, Level 12, 680 George Street, Sydney NSW 2000,
Australia
ASOS Canada Services Limited 777 Dunsmuir Street, Suite 1700, Vancouver, BC V7Y 1K4, Canada
ASOS Transaction Services Australia Pty Limited c/o Company Matters Pty Limited, Tower 4, 727 Collins Street, Docklands, VIC
3008, Australia
ASOS US Sales LLC 300 Creek View Road, Suite 209, Newark, DE 19711
ASOS (Shanghai) Commerce Co. Limited Unit 506A Level 5, No. 2911 Zhongshan North Road, Putuo District, Shanghai, China
ASOS Payments Europe B.V. Suites 2.02 and 2.03, Prinsengracht 769, 1017 JZ Amsterdam, The Netherlands
STRATEGIC REPORT GOVERNANCE REPORT FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
188
ASOS PLC
ANNUAL REPORT AND ACCOUNTS 2024
The Group uses the below non-IFRS performance measures to allow shareholders to better understand underlying financial performance and
position. These should not be seen as substitutes for IFRS measures of performance and may not allow a direct comparison to other companies.
Performance
measure
Closest IFRS
measure Definition How ASOS uses this measure
Like-for-like
revenue
growth
None Like-for-like revenue growth
reflects constant currency
revenue, which includes retail sales
and income from other services,
adjusted for the impact of foreign
exchange translation. The current
period also adjusts for the impact
of four less trading days in FY24.
This measure is presented as a means of eliminating the effects of
exchange rate fluctuations on the period-on-period reported results.
2024
£m
2023
£m
Growth
%
Group revenue 2,905.8 3,549.5 (18%)
Adjusted for:
Adjusted items (9.8) (11.5)
LFL financial periods 49.7
Impact of foreign
exchange translation
11.0
Like-for-like revenue
growth
2,956.7 3,538.0 (16%)
2023
£m
2022
£m
Growth
%
Group revenue 3,549.5 3,936.5 (10%)
Adjusted for:
Impact of foreign
exchange translation,
adjusted items, and
LFL financial periods
(101.5)
Excluding Russia
(76.8)
Like-for-like revenue
growth
3,448.0 3,859.7 (11%)
Retail sales Revenue
Internet sales recorded net of an
appropriate deduction for actual
and expected returns, relevant
vouchers, discounts and sales
taxes.
Retail sales exclude income from
delivery receipt payments,
marketing services, commission on
partner-fulfilled sales and revenue
from wholesale sales.
A measure of the Group’s trading performance focusing on the sale of
products to end customers. Used by management to monitor overall
performance across markets, and the basis of key internal KPIs such
as ABV.
A reconciliation of this measure is included in Note 4.
Alternative Performance Measures (APMs)
ASOS PLC
ANNUAL REPORT AND ACCOUNTS 2024
189
Performance
measure
Closest IFRS
measure Definition How ASOS uses this measure
Adjusted
revenue
Revenue Revenue excluding the impact
of adjusting items.
A measure of the Group’s revenue and gross profitability, excluding
the impact of any adjusting items.
Reconciliation is shown below:
2024
£m
2023
£m
Revenue 2,905.8 3,549.5
Adjusting items (9.8) (11.5)
Adjusted revenue 2,896.0 3,538.0
Gross profit 1,162.5 1,459.0
Adjusting items 94.8 104.4
Adjusted gross profit 1,257.3 1,563.4
Gross margin % 40.0% 41.1%
Adjusted gross margin % 43.4% 44.2%
Adjusted
gross margin
None Gross profit divided by revenue
andexcluding the impact of
adjusting items.
Adjusted EBIT Operating
(loss)/profit
Profit before tax, interest, and any
adjusting items excluded from
adjusted profit before tax (see
below).
A measure of the Group’s underlying profitability for the period, excluding
the impact of any transactions outside of the ordinary course of business
and not considered to be part of ASOS’ usual cost base. Used by
management to monitor the performance of the business each month.
Adjusted
(loss)/profit
before tax
(Loss)/profit
before tax
Adjusted (loss)/profit before tax
excludes items recognised in
reported profit or loss before tax
which, if included, could distort
comparability between periods.
In determining which items to
exclude, the Group considers items
which are significant either by
virtue of their size and/or nature,
or that are non-recurring.
2024
£m
2023
£m
Operating loss (331.9) (248.5)
Adjusting items excluding finance
costs (Note 3)
250.4 219.5
Adjusted EBIT (81.5) (29.0)
Net finance costs (Note 8) (47.4) (48.2)
Add back adjusting finance costs
(Note 3)
2.9 6.9
Adjusted loss before tax (126.0) (70.3)
Details of adjusting items are included within Note 3.
STRATEGIC REPORT GOVERNANCE REPORT FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
190
ASOS PLC
ANNUAL REPORT AND ACCOUNTS 2024
Performance
measure
Closest IFRS
measure Definition How ASOS uses this measure
Adjusted
EBITDA
Adjusted
EBITDA
margin
Operating
(loss)/profit
Adjusted EBIT above, adjusted
fordepreciation, amortisation
andimpairments.
Adjusted EBITDA divided by
adjusted revenue
Adjusted EBITDA is used to review the Group’s profit generation and
the sustainability of ongoing capital reinvestments and finance costs.
2024
£m
2023
£m
Adjusted EBIT (above) (81.5) (29.0)
Add back depreciation and
amortisation (per cash flow)
172.3 172.5
Add back impairment (per cash flow) 119.9 32.1
Less depreciation and amortisation
excluded from adjusted profit
1
(10.7) (19.6)
Less impairment excluded from
adjusted profit
(119.9) (31.5)
Adjusted EBITDA 80.1 124.5
Group revenue 2,905.8 3,549.5
Adjusting items (9.8) (11.5)
Adjusted Group revenue 2,896.0 3,538.0
Adjusted EBITDA margin 2.8% 3.5%
1 The prior year comparative comprises £18.3m within property initiatives,
and£1.3m within the commercial operating model change.
Net cash/
(debt)
No direct
equivalent
Cash and cash equivalents less
thecarrying value of borrowings
(including accrued interest) drawn
down at period-end, but excluding
outstanding lease liabilities.
A measure of the Groups liquidity.
Information is included in Note 28. A reconciliation is included below:
2024
£m
2023
£m
Cash and cash equivalents 391.0 353.3
Borrowings (6 88.1) (672.8)
Lease liabilities (289.6) (329.0)
Net borrowings (586.7) (648.5)
Add back lease liabilities 289.6 329.0
Group net debt (297.1) (319.5)
Alternative Performance Measures (APMs) continued
ASOS PLC
ANNUAL REPORT AND ACCOUNTS 2024
191
Performance
measure
Closest IFRS
measure Definition How ASOS uses this measure
Free cash
flow
Operating
cash flow
Free cash flow is net cash
generated from operating
activities, less payments to acquire
intangible and tangible assets,
payment of the principal portion
of lease liabilities and net finance
expenses.
A measure of the cash generated by the Group outside cash flows
relating to M&A and financing transactions, which allows management
to better assess the cash being generated by the business.
A reconciliation to the Group cash flow is shown below:
2024
£m
2023
£m
Cash generated from operations (per
cash flow)
228.0 16.4
Purchase of tangible and intangible
assets
(133.5) (177.9)
Repayment of principal portion of
lease liabilities
(25.5) (22.4)
Net interest paid (31.3) (2 9.1)
Free cash flow 37.7 (213.0)
Other
working
capital
movements
(per Financial
Review)
No direct
equivalent
Removes working capital and
cash movements relating to
adjusted items.
To provide a reconciliation of the working capital movement in the
financial statements to the other working capital movement in the
Financial Review.
2024
£m
2023
£m
Decrease/(increase) in other working
capital (per Financial Review)
12.1 (260.4)
Comprises:
Working capital per cash flow
(excluding inventory)
7.1 (275.4)
Working capital relating to adjusted
items (see below)
5.0 15.0
12.1 (260.4)
Working capital relating to
adjusting items:
Adjusted items (Note 3) (253.3) (226.4)
Add back adjusted impairment (Note 3) 119.9 31.5
Add back adjusted depreciation (Note 3)
1
10.7 19.6
Add back commercial model change
(Cost of sales) (Note 3)
104.6 130.0
Add back adjusted finance costs (Note 3) 2.9 6.9
Adjusted working capital before cash
impacts
(15.2) (38.4)
Cash impact of adjusted items 20.2 53.4
Working capital relating to adjusted
items
5.0 15.0
1 The prior year comparative comprises £18.3m within property initiatives, and
£1.3m within the commercial operating model change
STRATEGIC REPORT GOVERNANCE REPORT FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
192
ASOS PLC
ANNUAL REPORT AND ACCOUNTS 2024
Performance
measure
Closest IFRS
measure Definition How ASOS uses this measure
Cost to serve No direct
equivalent
Operating expenses (excluding
depreciation and amortisation
and excluding adjusting items) as
a percentage of adjusted revenue.
Cost to serve reflects the underlying profitability of the business
and demonstrates discipline on cost structure.
2024
£m
2023
£m
Operating expenses 1,496.4 1,709.5
Less depreciation and amortisation (172.3) (172.5)
Less adjusting items (155.6) (115.1)
Add back adjusted depreciation and
amortisation
1
10.7 19.6
1,179.2 1,441.5
Adjusted revenue 2,896.0 3,538.0
Costs to serve 40.7% 40.8%
1 The prior year comparative comprises £18.3m within property initiatives, and
£1.3m within the commercial operating model change
Alternative Performance Measures (APMs) continued
ASOS PLC
ANNUAL REPORT AND ACCOUNTS 2024
193
Performance
measure
Closest IFRS
measure Definition How ASOS uses this measure
Adjusted
diluted EPS
Diluted EPS Diluted EPS measure used for ALTIS
awards, assessed using adjusted
(loss)/profit after tax, and with the
Convertible Bond treated as dilutive.
A measure of the Group’s diluted EPS and is used as the basis for
assessing the outrun of the Group’s ALTIS scheme targets.
A reconciliation of the Group diluted EPS is shown below:
2024 2023
Adjusted loss after tax (£m) (123.4) (52.9)
Add back P&L impact of convertible
bond (net of tax) (£m)
14.6 10.4
Adjusted loss after tax for diluted
EPS calculation (£m)
(108.8) (42.5)
Shares (k) 119,085 104,729
Convertible bond shares (k) 6,277 6,277
Shares for diluted EPS calculation
(k)
125,362 111,006
Adjusted diluted EPS (86.8)p (38.3)p
The Group has added costs to serve as an APM this year to show year-on-year movements in the Group’s cost structure. In addition, a
reconciliation of working capital movements per the Financial Review to the statutory cash flow is included to aid readers of the financial
statements.
Adjusted free cash flow has been removed as an APM this year as it is no longer a performance measure for the Group’s bonus.
STRATEGIC REPORT GOVERNANCE REPORT FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
194
ASOS PLC
ANNUAL REPORT AND ACCOUNTS 2024
Registered office
Greater London House
Hampstead Road
London
NW1 7FB
Registered in England
Company Number 4006623
Independent auditors
PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP
Chartered Accountants and Statutory Auditors
1 Embankment Place
London
WC2N 6RH
Registrars
Link Group
10th Floor
Central Square
29 Wellington Street
Leeds
LS1 4DL
Lawyers
Slaughter and May
1 Bunhill Row
London
EC1Y 8YY
Joint brokers
J.P. Morgan Cazenove
25 Bank Street
London
E14 5JP
Deutsche Numis Securities Limited
45 Gresham Street
London
EC2V 7BF
Berenberg
60 Threadneedle Street
London
EC2R 8HP
Financial PR
Teneo
The Carter Building
11 Pilgrim Street
London
EC4V 6RN
Company Information
ASOS PLC
ANNUAL REPORT AND ACCOUNTS 2024
195
Share dealing enquiries
Link Group – Share Dealing
Central Square
29 Wellington Street
Leeds
LS1 4DL
0371 664 0445 (Calls are charged at the standard geographic rate
and will vary by provider)
Outside UK +44 (0) 371 664 0445 (Calls outside the United Kingdom
are charged at the applicable international rate)
Lines are open Monday –Friday 8am –4:30pm
Email: info@linksharedeal.com
Donate your shares to charity
If you have only a small number of shares which are uneconomical
to sell you may wish to donate them to charity free of charge
through ShareGift (Registered Charity 10528686).
Find out more at www.sharegift.org.uk or by telephoning
020 7930 3737.
Share fraud warning
Share fraud includes scams where investors are called out of the blue
and offered shares that often turn out to be worthless or non-existent,
or an inflated price for shares they own. These calls come from
fraudsters operating in “boiler rooms” that are mostly based abroad.
While high profits are promised, those who buy or sell shares in this
way usually lose their money.
The Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) has found most share fraud
victims are experienced investors who lose an average of £20,000,
with around £200m lost in the UK each year.
Protect yourself
If you are offered unsolicited investment advice, discounted shares,
a premium price for shares you own, or free company or research
reports, you should take these steps before handing over any money:
Get the name of the person and organisation contacting you.
Check the Financial Services Register at http://www.fca.org.uk
to ensure they are authorised.
Use the details on the FCA Register to contact the firm.
Call the FCA Consumer Helpline on 0800 111 6768 if there are no
contact details on the Register or you are told they are out of date.
Search our list of unauthorised firms and individuals to avoid doing
business with.
Remember: if it sounds too good to be true, it probably is!
If you use an unauthorised firm to buy or sell shares or other investments,
you will not have access to the Financial Ombudsman Service or
Financial Services Compensation Scheme (FSCS) if things go wrong.
Report a scam
If you are approached about a share scam you should tell the FCA
using the share fraud reporting form at http://www.fca.org.uk/scams,
where you can find out about the latest investment scams. You can
also call the Consumer Helpline on 0800 111 6768.
If you have already paid money to share fraudsters you should contact
Action Fraud on 0300 123 2040.
Shareholder Information
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ASOS Plc
Greater London House
Hampstead Road
London
NW1 7FB
United Kingdom
Tel: +44 (0)20 7756 1000
Company information
Registered in England 4006623
VAT number: 788 6225 77