1. Appendix
Debenhams plc 2014

2. Issues Text has stressed importance of: Any report must respect these
ratios as a means to an end
interpretation informed by as wide a frame of reference as possible
accounting as an aid to decision-making
Any report must respect these
Importance of being sensitive to:
likely users
decision-making context
Appendix
© Philip O’Regan 2016

3. Typical report Reports contain some or all of the following:
Background
SWOT analysis
Financial analysis
management efficiency (activity + liquidity)
financing
profitability
Governance
Strategic objectives
Other relevant issues
Conclusion – e.g. buy/sell/hold
Supporting appendices
Appendix
© Philip O’Regan 2016

4. Debenhams plc 2014 Executive Summary Major retailer:
Revenue: £2.312b
Pre-tax Profits: £105.8m
Strong UK and growing European presence
Increasing activity in online sales
Coherent and flexible strategy
Strong management team
Excellent CSR record
Footfall challenges shared with other retailers
Growing international revenue
Appendix
© Philip O’Regan 2016

5. Debenhams plc 2014 ratios
Appendix
© Philip O’Regan 2016

6. Other perspectives
Environmentalists (or community groups) might be more interested in the following:
Government’s cheap clothing policy problematic
Excellent record on “sustainability”, supply chain
Good record on health and safety issues
Property portfolio needs to be developed
Appendix
© Philip O’Regan 2016

7. Summary Nature / content of report depends on users
Investors and environmentalists have different perspectives and agendas
Most reports will have standard sections
Important that report be:
focused
relevant to users
contextual
aid to decision-making function
Appendix
© Philip O’Regan 2016